Top 10 Rap Tours of All Time

Hip-hop has evolved from block parties in the Bronx to dominating the global music industry, and nowhere is this transformation more evident than in the world of touring. What began as intimate club shows has grown into massive stadium productions that rival—and often surpass—the biggest tours in pop and rock music. These tours have not only broken box office records but have also shaped the cultural landscape, proving that rap music can command the same respect and commercial success as any other genre.

From groundbreaking co-headlining tours that brought together music's biggest power couples to solo artists selling out arenas worldwide, these tours represent the pinnacle of hip-hop's commercial and artistic achievements. They've broken barriers, set new standards for production value, and created unforgettable experiences for millions of fans across the globe.

Methodology

In compiling this list of the top 10 rap tours of all time, we considered several key factors:

• Commercial Success: Total gross revenue, attendance numbers, and sold-out shows
• Cultural Impact: Influence on the music industry and hip-hop culture
• Production Value: Stage design, visual effects, and overall show quality
• Historical Significance: First-of-their-kind achievements and barrier-breaking moments
• Critical Reception: Reviews from fans and music critics
• Longevity and Legacy: Tours that continue to be remembered and referenced years later

Each tour was evaluated based on these criteria, with particular weight given to tours that combined commercial success with cultural significance and artistic innovation.

List of Rap Tours

10. The Notorious B.I.G. - Ready to Die Tour (1994-1995)

Before his tragic death, The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Ready to Die Tour" showcased one of hip-hop's greatest talents at the peak of his powers. Supporting his groundbreaking debut album, Biggie brought his smooth flow and vivid storytelling to stages across America. The tour helped establish East Coast rap's dominance in the mid-1990s and introduced audiences to the raw, cinematic narratives that would define his legacy. While the tour was cut short, it remains a crucial moment in hip-hop history, capturing an artist who would become one of the genre's most influential figures.

The tour's intimate venues allowed Biggie to connect directly with fans, creating an atmosphere that would be impossible to replicate in today's stadium shows. His performances of tracks like "Juicy" and "Big Poppa" demonstrated his ability to balance commercial appeal with street credibility, setting a template that countless rappers would follow.

9. Outkast - Speakerboxxx/The Love Below Tour (2003-2004)

Outkast's tour supporting their double album "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" was a celebration of artistic ambition and creative freedom. Andre 3000 and Big Boi brought their unique blend of Southern hip-hop, funk, and experimental sounds to arenas worldwide, creating one of the most visually and musically innovative tours in rap history. The tour grossed over $20 million and solidified Outkast's status as one of hip-hop's most creative and commercially successful acts.

The production featured elaborate stage designs that reflected the album's dual nature, with each artist bringing their distinct personality to the stage. Hits like "Hey Ya!" and "The Way You Move" became massive sing-along moments, while deeper cuts showcased the duo's musical versatility. The tour proved that hip-hop could be both commercially successful and artistically adventurous.

8. Beastie Boys - Licensed to Ill Tour (1986-1987)

The Beastie Boys' "Licensed to Ill Tour" was a chaotic, groundbreaking spectacle that brought rap-rock fusion to mainstream audiences. Supporting the first rap album to top the Billboard 200, the tour was a wild ride of party anthems, stage antics, and cultural collision. The trio's high-energy performances of tracks like "Fight for Your Right" and "No Sleep till Brooklyn" helped break down barriers between rock and rap audiences.

The tour's success proved that hip-hop could appeal to diverse audiences beyond traditional rap fans, opening doors for future crossover artists. The Beastie Boys' irreverent style and rock-influenced sound created a template for alternative hip-hop that would influence countless artists in the decades to come. Despite—or perhaps because of—its chaotic nature, the tour became legendary and helped establish the Beastie Boys as one of hip-hop's most unique acts.

7. Run-DMC - Raising Hell Tour (1986)

Run-DMC's "Raising Hell Tour" was a watershed moment in hip-hop history, marking the genre's transition from underground phenomenon to mainstream entertainment. Supporting their landmark album "Raising Hell," the tour saw the trio playing larger venues than any rap act before them, including historic shows at Madison Square Garden. The tour helped establish hip-hop as a viable commercial force and proved that rap artists could fill major concert halls.

The group's stripped-down, high-energy performances emphasized their raw talent and stage presence, setting a standard for live rap performance. Their collaboration with Aerosmith on "Walk This Way" became a defining moment of the tour, bridging the gap between rock and rap audiences. The "Raising Hell Tour" demonstrated that hip-hop could command respect in the mainstream music industry and paved the way for future generations of rap artists.

6. Travis Scott - Astroworld: Wish You Were Here Tour (2018-2019)

Travis Scott's "Astroworld: Wish You Were Here Tour" was a visual and auditory spectacle that redefined what a rap concert could be. The tour featured elaborate stage designs inspired by amusement parks, complete with roller coaster elements, massive inflatable figures, and immersive visual effects. Grossing over $65 million, the tour showcased Scott's ability to create a complete experience that went far beyond traditional concert performances.

The tour's production values were unprecedented for a hip-hop show, with Scott's high-energy performances complemented by stunning visuals and pyrotechnics. His ability to create a sense of community and shared experience among fans, combined with hits like "Sicko Mode" and "Butterfly Effect," made each show feel like a cultural event. The tour demonstrated that modern rap artists could deliver productions on par with the biggest pop and rock tours.

5. Kendrick Lamar - The Big Steppers Tour (2022)

Kendrick Lamar's "The Big Steppers Tour" was a masterclass in artistic integrity and commercial success. Supporting his critically acclaimed album "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers," the tour grossed over $110 million and showcased Lamar's evolution as both a rapper and a performer. The tour featured minimalist but powerful staging that put the focus on Lamar's intricate lyricism and dynamic performances.

The tour's success was particularly notable for its ability to fill arenas worldwide while maintaining the artistic credibility that has defined Lamar's career. His performances of tracks like "N95" and "Humble" demonstrated his ability to balance complex, thought-provoking content with crowd-pleasing moments. The tour proved that hip-hop could achieve massive commercial success without compromising artistic vision, setting a new standard for what rap tours could accomplish.

4. Eminem - The Monster Tour (2014)

Eminem's "The Monster Tour" with Rihanna was a blockbuster co-headlining event that grossed over $96 million from just 10 shows. The tour brought together two of music's biggest stars for stadium performances that combined Eminem's rapid-fire lyricism with Rihanna's pop appeal. The tour's success demonstrated the commercial power of strategic collaborations in hip-hop and proved that rap artists could consistently fill the largest venues.

The tour featured elaborate production with massive video screens, pyrotechnics, and stage effects that matched the scale of the venues. Eminem's performances of classics like "Lose Yourself" and "Stan" showcased his enduring appeal, while collaborations with Rihanna on tracks like "Love the Way You Lie" created unforgettable moments. The tour's efficiency—achieving massive grosses with a limited number of shows—demonstrated the premium value that top-tier rap artists could command.

3. Kanye West - The Yeezus Tour (2013-2014)

Kanye West's "The Yeezus Tour" was an ambitious, controversial, and ultimately groundbreaking production that pushed the boundaries of what a rap concert could be. The tour featured a minimalist stage design with a massive mountain set piece, elaborate lighting, and West's signature theatrical performances. Despite its artistic ambitions, the tour was also a commercial success, grossing over $25 million and selling out arenas worldwide.

The tour was notable for its artistic integrity and West's willingness to challenge audience expectations, performing in unconventional ways and creating moments of both spectacle and intimacy. The production's visual elements, combined with West's dynamic performances of tracks from "Yeezus," created an experience that was as much art installation as concert. The tour demonstrated that rap artists could create ambitious, artistically challenging shows while still achieving commercial success.

2. Jay-Z and Beyoncé - On the Run Tour (2014)

Jay-Z and Beyoncé's "On the Run Tour" was a historic co-headlining event that brought together two of music's biggest stars for a stadium tour that grossed over $100 million. The tour was groundbreaking not just for its commercial success, but for proving that hip-hop could command the same respect and venues as the biggest pop and rock tours. The couple's chemistry on stage, combined with their individual star power, created an unforgettable experience.

The tour featured elaborate production with cinematic visuals, multiple stage setups, and seamless transitions between the two artists' sets. Jay-Z's performances of classics like "99 Problems" and "Empire State of Mind" showcased his status as one of rap's greatest performers, while Beyoncé's segments demonstrated why she's considered one of the best live performers in any genre. The tour's success helped establish a new template for co-headlining tours and proved that hip-hop had fully arrived as a mainstream commercial force.

1. Drake - It's All a Blur Tour (2023-2024)

Drake's "It's All a Blur Tour" stands as one of the most successful rap tours in history, grossing over $100 million and breaking numerous attendance records. The tour, which included co-headlining dates with 21 Savage, showcased Drake's evolution from hitmaker to arena-filling superstar. The production featured state-of-the-art visuals, elaborate stage designs, and Drake's ability to create intimate moments even in massive venues.

The tour's success was built on Drake's extensive catalog of hits, from early classics like "Started from the Bottom" to recent chart-toppers, creating a setlist that appealed to fans across generations. His performances demonstrated his growth as a live performer, with improved stage presence and vocal delivery. The tour's ability to consistently sell out arenas and stadiums worldwide, combined with its massive grosses, established Drake as one of the most commercially successful touring artists in hip-hop history. The tour's various legs, including the "Big as the What?" extension with J. Cole, continued to break records and prove that rap music could achieve the same level of touring success as any other genre.

Summary of the Top 10 Rap Tours

Conclusion

These ten tours represent the evolution of hip-hop from underground movement to global commercial force. From Run-DMC's barrier-breaking shows in the 1980s to Drake's record-breaking stadium tours today, each tour on this list has contributed to hip-hop's journey to mainstream acceptance and commercial dominance.

What makes these tours remarkable is not just their commercial success, but their ability to push boundaries, break barriers, and create cultural moments that extend far beyond the concert venue. They've proven that rap music can command the same respect, venues, and production values as any other genre, while maintaining the authenticity and artistic integrity that defines hip-hop culture.

As hip-hop continues to evolve, future tours will undoubtedly build on these foundations, creating even more ambitious productions and breaking new records. But these ten tours will always be remembered as the moments when rap music proved it belonged on the biggest stages in the world, creating experiences that millions of fans will never forget.