Rappers are a pivotal force in the music industry, contributing to staggering profits of $16 billion, according to Ask Wonder. Yet, a looming question lingers: what happens to their legacy after they pass away? The phenomenon of posthumous recognition in hip-hop is both profound and revealing, showcasing how artists can achieve even greater status after death. From emotional tributes to soaring album sales, the music world often honors these lost talents in ways that highlight their lasting impact.

A prime example is Pop Smoke, who got murdered in Los Angeles at the young age of 20. Despite his fame before he died in 2021, his fame rose after death. Posthumously, his mother accepted a Billboard Music Award award on his behalf. According to the Billboard 200 charts, his Album Equivalent Units rose by 180 posthumously.

SoundCloud rapper Juice WRLD, rose to fame before his tragic passing due to an overdose of pharmaceutical pills. After his death, he received many awards, and his Album Equivalent Units increased by 400, the highest of the rappers mentioned in the charts according to Billboard.

XXXTentacion, a controversial artist and prominent figure in hip-hop, is known for helping to create a wave of lo-fi rap. He got murdered at just 20 years old. A few months after his death, he won a posthumous award at the American Music Awards. Charts indicate that his Album Equivalent Units also rose after his death, increasing by 50 units alongside the other rappers. While it is unfortunate that many rappers often gain fame after their deaths, this phenomenon highlights the profound impact their music continues to have. Their contributions to hip-hop ensure they remain influential figures, inspiring new generations and solidifying their legacies long after they are gone.