Throughout its many transformations, West Coast hip-hop has kept its hold on the rap game. In the '80s, N.W.A. set the bar by broaching serious topics in an unflinching fashion; the late 2Pac dominated the ‘90s with his nuanced take on harsh realities. That level of storytelling permeated later acts, including the NB Ridaz, who reflected the amorous focus of the aughts. In the 2010s, Kendrick Lamar and the late Nipsey Hussle combined the impact of their predecessors with the immediacy of their own challenges. Across decades, West Coast rap artists have created a pivotal listening experience, contributing to an enduring cultural dominance.