The 33 Best Rap Duos to Grace the Mic, Ranked

L’Trimm, the Miami-based female duo, broke down barriers with their infectious beats and sassy lyrics. Their 1988 hit "Cars That Go Boom" captured the spirit of Miami Bass and became a cult classic.

The Beatnuts' fusion of Latin and hip-hop music resulted in some of the most funky, soulful tracks of the '90s. They always kept their lyrics fun and their beats infectious, making them a standout in East Coast hip-hop.

From out the cut came Homixide Gang, delivering tales of street life with an unfiltered approach. They displayed raw talent that has made them a notable name in the underground scene.

Hailing from Brooklyn, Smif-N-Wessun were one of the most influential duos in the '90s East Coast scene. Their debut album "Dah Shinin" remains a hallmark of boom-bap hip hop.

Everyone knows Will Smith, but alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff, the duo were pivotal in making hip-hop mainstream in the late '80s. Their fun, lighthearted lyrics and playful beats are unforgettable.

Best known for their tongue-twisting, complex lyrics and funky, soulful beats, Blackalicious has been a beacon of creativity in the hip-hop world since the late '90s.

Part of the Brooklyn-based hip-hop supergroup Boot Camp Clik, Heltah Skeltah's combination of grimy lyrics and hard-hitting beats solidified their legacy as underground hip hop legends.

Emerging from the golden age of West Coast hip-hop, Tha Dogg Pound's smooth, funky tracks and gangsta-rap lyrics became iconic.

Known for their jazzy production and conscious lyrics, Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth are respected figures in the hip-hop world. Their 1992 hit "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" is an undeniable classic.

Dead Prez stood out with their politically charged lyrics, taking on social and racial issues with a militant fervor that made them a distinctive voice in hip-hop.

8Ball & MJG were pioneers of the Southern hip-hop sound. Their lyrics about street life, paired with their unique beats, left a lasting impact.

Known for their smooth, jazzy beats and intricate lyricism, Camp Lo's distinctive sound set them apart from their contemporaries in the late '90s.

Reflection Eternal, the soulful pairing of Talib Kweli's enlightened lyricism and Hi-Tek's masterful production, offered a refreshing approach to hip-hop in the late '90s and early 2000s. Their debut album, Train of Thought, is revered as a classic, blending conscious lyrics with smooth beats.

Their gritty, hard-hitting bars combined with the boom-bap production style brought the raw energy of the streets to the mic. You can see it all on display on their collab album from this year, Pain Provided Profit - and from other collaborations as well. Skeese is currently signed to Conway's Drumwork Music Group, and is showing a ton of promise for the future.

AWGE signees ThotTwat broke through with their distinctive style, blending energetic performances with raw, unfiltered lyrics, easily earning them a place among the best rap duos.

Kids See Ghosts is a testament to the power of collaboration, blending Kanye's production genius with Kid Cudi's emotive melodies to create something entirely unique. Though we don't anticipate another collaboration between the two, there's plenty left to enjoy on their debut album together.

M.O.P. is known for their high-energy delivery and aggressive lyrics, making them one of the most respected groups in the East Coast hardcore hip-hop scene.

The acronyms stood for "Erick and Parrish Making Dollars", and with their sample-heavy beats and laid-back rhymes, they became one of the most influential groups in hip-hop history.

City Girls have brought their Miami-infused beats and unapologetic lyrics to the forefront of the hip-hop scene, making them one of the most exciting female rap duos today.

Unc and Phew delivered their rhymes with passion and authenticity, serving up honest lyrics about their lives and experiences. RIP to Takeoff - this duo was just a glimpse at just how drastic his growth had become over the years as a member of the Migos.

As one of the first all-female rap groups, Salt-N-Pepa's empowering lyrics and catchy beats blazed trails for future female artists in the industry.

Their vivid narratives of street life combined with their unique chemistry made Capone-N-Noreaga one of the most revered duos in the hardcore hip-hop scene.

GangStarr's combination of DJ Premier's boom-bap beats and Guru's thoughtful, social commentary lyrics have left a lasting impact on hip-hop.

Run The Jewels’ combination of Killer Mike's southern flow and El-P's futuristic beats has earned them a dedicated following, making them one of the best rap duos.

Both supremely gifted lyricists, Eminem and Royce da 5'9" have an undeniable chemistry that makes Bad Meets Evil one of the most dynamic duos in hip-hop.

With their uncompromising lyrics about drug trafficking and life on the streets, Clipse brought a unique perspective from two brothers to hip-hop that still resonates today.

Black Star's conscious and thought-provoking lyricism combined with their natural chemistry solidified them as one of the most respected duos in hip-hop.

Two of the biggest names in hip-hop joined forces to create the monumental album Watch the Throne. Their collaboration solidified their status as one of the best rap duos.

UGK's influence on the Southern rap scene is undeniable. Their gritty tales of Southern life paired with soulful production made them legends.

Mobb Deep's dark, thought-inducing beats and vivid narratives of Queensbridge life have solidified their legacy as one of the best rap duos.

As members of Wu-Tang Clan and Def Squad respectively, Method Man and Redman created a perfect blend of humor, wit, and lyrical prowess that made them one of hip hop's most beloved duos.

Eric B. and Rakim's complex lyricism and innovative beats played a crucial role in the evolution of East Coast hip-hop and established them as one of the best rap duos.

Outkast's unique blend of southern rap, funk, and psychedelia, combined with their lyrical creativity, made them arguably the most innovative rap duo in hip-hop history.