Famous 20th Century Rappers

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 1 
Tupac Shakur
( 100 Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone)
Tupac Shakur
281
Birthdate: June 16, 1971
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Died: September 13, 1996

Tupac Amaru Shakur, popularly known as 2Pac or Makaveli, is considered as one of the greatest American rappers of all time. Talent and trouble went hand in hand in Shakur’s journey to fame; the higher Shakur rose in his iconic status, the deeper he became entangled in gang violence and an infamous rivalry, which sadly led to his untimely demise.

 2 
Dr. Dre
(Rapper, Record Producer & Entrepreneur)
Dr. Dre
166
Birthdate: February 18, 1965
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Compton, California, United States

Rapper, record producer, and audio engineer, Dr. Dre, is the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics. He is credited with the popularization of  West Coast G-funk, a sub-genre of hip hop. After establishing himself in the music industry, he promoted the careers of many other rappers, including 2Pac and Snoop Dogg.

 3 
Ice Cube
(Rapper - Contributed Significantly to the Development of 'Gangsta Rap')
Ice Cube
133
Birthdate: June 15, 1969
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Crenshaw, California, United States

Ice Cube played an important role in contributing to gangsta rap's popularity. His lyrics for N.W.A's album Straight Outta Compton redrew boundaries and shaped West Coast rap's identity. Because of his lyrics, that explain black nationalism and black struggle, Ice Cube went on to influence a host of rappers and is considered one of the greatest rappers ever.

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 4 
Eazy-E
(Rapper Known as the 'Godfather of Gangsta Rap')
Eazy-E
134
Birthdate: September 7, 1964
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Compton, California, United States
Died: March 26, 1995

Widely regarded as the godfather of gangsta rap, Eazy-E was a rapper and record producer. He played a major role in popularizing gangsta rap and West Coast rap by forming N.W.A, which is considered one of the most influential and greatest hip hop groups of all time. Eazy-E died at the age of 30 after being diagnosed with AIDS.

 5 
The Notorious B.I.G.
(One of the Greatest Rappers of All Time)
The Notorious B.I.G.
157
Birthdate: May 21, 1972
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: March 9, 1997

The Notorious B.I.G. was a rapper and songwriter and is considered one of the best ever. His debut album Ready to Die in 1994 was critically acclaimed. He was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in September 1996. His album Life After Death was released two weeks after his death. 

 6 
50 Cent
(Rapper)
50 Cent
112
Birthdate: July 6, 1975
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: South Jamaica, New York, United States

From selling drugs and getting arrested in his teens to becoming one of the world’s best-selling rappers, Curtis James Jackson III’s journey has been an interesting one. Better known by his stage name 50 Cent, his albums have sold in millions. However, despite being one of the richest celebrities, he filed for bankruptcy protection in 2015 due to financial troubles.

 7 
Jay-Z
(One of the Most Influential Hip-Hop Artists in History)
Jay-Z
114
Birthdate: December 4, 1969
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Jay-Z is an American rapper and songwriter and is one of the world's best-selling music artists. His debut album Reasonable Doubt was hugely successful in 1996 and since then he has gone on to release many more acclaimed and successful albums. He has been charged with assaulting a record executive and was given a three-year probation sentence in January 2000.

 8 
DMX
(Rapper)
DMX
105
Birthdate: December 18, 1970
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Mount Vernon, New York, United States
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 9 
Nas
(One of the Most Influential and Greatest Rappers of All Time)
Nas
112
Birthdate: September 14, 1973
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Crown Heights, New York, United States

Widely considered one of the greatest rappers ever, Nas has seven platinum and multi-platinum albums under his belt in the US. In 2006, he was ranked fifth on MTV's The Greatest MCs of All Time list. In 2012, he was ranked second on the Top 50 Lyricists of All Time list published by The Source. He is also an entrepreneur.

 10 
Ludacris
(Rapper & Actor Known for His Album ‘Incognegro’ and His Role in 'Fast & Furious' Series)
Ludacris
75
Birthdate: September 11, 1977
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Champaign, Illinois, United States
Three-time Grammy-winning rapper Ludacris soared to fame with his second album, Back for the First Time. Fans also loved him as Tej Parker in The Fast and the Furious franchise. He owns a label, a line of headphones, and a restaurant. His Ludacris Foundation is associated with many youth initiatives. 
 11 
Method Man
(Rapper And Member Of Hip Hop Collective 'Wu-Tang Clan')
Method Man
56
Birthdate: March 2, 1971
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Hempstead, New York, United States

Method Man is part of the hip-hop duo Method Man & Redman and Wu-Tang Clan. His collaborative single with Mary J. Blige, I'll Be There for You, won a Grammy. He has also appeared on the show Method & Red, in HBO series such as Oz, and in several films.

 12 
Rick Ross
(Rapper, Songwriter)
Rick Ross
92
Birthdate: January 28, 1976
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Coahoma County, Mississippi
Named the "Hottest MC in the Game" in 2012 by MTV, Rick Ross soared to fame with his first single, Hustlin. He launched the label Maybach Music Group and once owned several Wingstop restaurant outlets. He is also known for his feuds and legal issues with other artists.
 13 
Lauryn Hill
(One of the Greatest Rappers Of All Time)
Lauryn Hill
79
Birthdate: May 26, 1975
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States

Famous rapper and singer, Lauryn Hill, is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time and a pioneer in the Neo soul genre. The artist whose album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill won five Grammy Awards, is an inspiration for numerous singers and rappers. Earlier, she gained recognition as member of Fugees, an award-winning hip hop group.

 14 
Ice-T
(Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Band “Body Count”)
Ice-T
90
Birthdate: February 16, 1958
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States

Rapper, singer, songwriter, musician, and actor, Ice-T is known for his fusion music that combines elements of rock and hip hop. Beginning his career as an underground rapper in the 1980s, he went on to release many albums that were commercially and critically successful. He is also an actor and voice actor.

 15 
Busta Rhymes
(Rapper)
Busta Rhymes
106
Birthdate: May 20, 1972
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: East Flatbush, New York, United States
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 16 
LL Cool J
(Known for His Album ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’ One of the Best Albums of All Time)
LL Cool J
80
Birthdate: January 14, 1968
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bay Shore, New York, United States

LL Cool J is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and record producer. Such is his popularity that LL Cool J was named on VH1's list of 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time in 2010. In 2017, he became the first rapper to be awarded the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. Over the years, Cool J has had a profound influence on hip-hop.

 17 
Jack Harlow
(Rapper)
Jack Harlow
131
Birthdate: March 13, 1998
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
 18 
Pharrell Williams
(Lead Vocalist of the of the Hip Hop Band ‘N.E.R.D’)
Pharrell Williams
74
Birthdate: April 5, 1973
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
Rapper-singer Pharrell Williams began his career with The Neptunes, the record-production duo he had formed with Chad Hugo. He was also part of the band N.E.R.D., as its lead vocalist. He is known for his Academy Award-nominated song Happy from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack and his 13 Grammy wins.
 19 
Queen Latifah
(Best Known as 'Queen of Rap')
Queen Latifah
106
Birthdate: March 18, 1970
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States

Queen Latifah is an American musician and actress whose song U.N.I.T.Y. played a major role in raising awareness about women's rights worldwide. Dubbed Queen of Jazz-Rap, Latifah has influenced several soul, R&B, and hip-hop artists like Remy Ma, Lil' Kim, Ivy Queen, Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, and Eve among other artists. As an actress, Latifah has won several prestigious awards.

 20 
Mos Def
(Rapper, Actor)
Mos Def
37
Birthdate: December 11, 1973
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 21 
Fetty Wap
(Rapper, Singer)
Fetty Wap
64
Birthdate: June 7, 1991
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
Rapper Willie Junior Maxwell II, better known as Fetty Wap, rose to fame with his Billboard-charting and two-time Grammy-nominated debut track Trap Queen. He often wears the Haitian flag. He has often found himself in the midst of lawsuits for offenses ranging from copyright infringement to assault.
 22 
Nelly
(Rapper and Singer Known for His Hits: ‘Country Grammar’, ‘Hot in Herre’ and ‘Dilemma’)
Nelly
83
Birthdate: November 2, 1974
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Austin, Texas, United States

Grammy-winning hip-hop/rap artist Nelly began his career with St. Lunatics. He became a household name after the release of his debut solo album, Country Grammar, in 2000. He ranked third on Billboard’s list of the Top Artist of the Decade and has sold 21 million albums in the U.S.

 23 
Sean Combs
(Rapper and Record Producer Known for His Albums: ‘No Way Out’ , ‘Forever’ and ‘Press Play’)
Sean Combs
99
Birthdate: November 4, 1969
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Harlem, New York, United States
Three-time Grammy-winning hip-hop legend Sean Combs, known to fans as Puffy, Puff Daddy, or Diddy, started off as a talent director with Uptown and then launched his own record label. His debut album, No Way Out, was certified 7Xplatinum, and his song I'll Be Missing You topped the Billboard charts. 
 24 
The Kid Laroi
(Australian Rapper, Singer and Songwriter)
The Kid Laroi
74
Birthdate: August 16, 2003
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Waterloo, Australia
Australian rapper and hip-hop artist The Kid Laroi was mentored by the late rapper Juice Wrld. He shot to fame with the tracks Let Her Go, Diva, the Billboard-charting Go, and Addison Rae. He is immensely popular on Instagram and YouTube, where he has millions of followers.
 25 
Mary J. Blige
(Rapper, and Actress Known as "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul")
Mary J. Blige
40
Birthdate: January 11, 1971
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bronx, New York, United States

Mary J. Blige is a popular singer-songwriter and actress. Having sold 80 million records worldwide, she is one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Referred to as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary is credited with influencing the fusion of R&B and hip hop. She often gets featured in lists like The 100 Greatest Women in Music.

 26 
Lisa Lopes
(Rapper, Singer and Member of the R&B Girl Group 'TLC')
Lisa Lopes
75
Birthdate: May 27, 1971
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: April 25, 2002

Lisa Lopes, popularly known as “Left Eye,” was a member of the Grammy-winning hip-hop/R&B girl band TLC. Apart from rapping and singing, she also co-wrote songs and managed the band’s outfits, album titles, and artworks. Lopes died in a car accident in Honduras, leaving behind her incomplete second solo album.

 27 
Missy Elliott
(Rapper Known for Singles "Get Ur Freak On," "The Rain," and "Lose Control.")
Missy Elliott
74
Birthdate: July 1, 1971
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Portsmouth, Virginia, United States
Four-time Grammy-winning rapper Missy Elliott, known for her chartbusting tracks such as Get Ur Freak On, was ranked fifth on Billboard’s 100 Greatest Music Video Artists of All Time list. She was initially part of the R&B group Sista and then collaborated with Timbaland in the collective Swing Mob
 28 
Pusha T
(Rapper)
Pusha T
52
Birthdate: May 13, 1977
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 29 
Common
(Rapper)
Common
56
Birthdate: March 13, 1972
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: South Side, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 30 
Soulja Boy
(Rapper)
Soulja Boy
58
Birthdate: July 28, 1990
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Chicago
Soulja Boy is best known for his Billboard Hot 100-topping track Crank That. Named to the 2010 Forbes list of Hip-Hop Cash Kings, he revolutionized the art of promoting music through social media, especially through YouTube. He is part of a deal with the World Poker Fund.
 31 
Coolio
(Rapper Best Known for His Singles ‘Gangsta's Paradise’ and ‘My Soul’)
Coolio
11
Birthdate: August 1, 1963
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Compton, California, U.S.
Died: September 8, 2022
Rapper Coolio soared to fame with his Grammy-winning single Gangsta's Paradise. He continued winning accolades with hits such as C U When U Get There. He later released a cookbook and hosted the culinary show Cookin' with Coolio. He was also part of WC and the Maad Circle.
 32 
2 Chainz
(Rapper Best Known for His Single ‘Duffle Bag Boy’)
2 Chainz
74
Birthdate: September 12, 1977
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: College Park, Georgia, United States

2 Chainz is an American rapper, media personality, songwriter, and basketball player. One-half of the now-defunct hip hop duo Playaz Circle, 2 Chainz is credited with founding The Real University, his own independent record label. Also an entrepreneur, 2 Chainz owns Dabbing Sweaters, his own line of sweaters, and CEO Millionaires, a line of hoodies.

 33 
RZA
(Rapper)
RZA
39
Birthdate: July 5, 1969
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Brownsville, New York, United States
Rapper RZA leads the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan and previously performed with Gravediggaz, under the name “The RZArector.” He is also known for his directorial debut, The Man with the Iron Fists; his appearance in films such as American Gangster; and his BAFTA-nominated music in Kill Bill: Volume 1.
 34 
Nate Dogg
(Rapper Best Known for His Song ‘Regulate')
Nate Dogg
39
Birthdate: August 19, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Long Beach, California, United States
Died: March 15, 2011

Nicknamed King of Hooks, American singer and rapper Nate Dogg is best known for his collaborations with other celebrated rappers like Snoop Dogg, Warren G and Dr. Dre.  Equally successful as a solo artist, he had recorded three solo albums as well as a string of singles, concurrently charting 16 times on the Billboard Hot 100 as a featured artist.

 35 
Q-Tip
(Rapper, Record producer)
Q-Tip
24
Birthdate: April 10, 1970
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Harlem, New York, United States
 36 
Jadakiss
(Musician, Songwriter, Rapper, Singer)
Jadakiss
28
Birthdate: May 27, 1975
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Yonkers
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 37 
Sean Paul
(Jamaican Singer and Rapper)
Sean Paul
22
Birthdate: January 9, 1973
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Kingston, Jamaica

Sean Paul is a Jamaican recording artist and producer, widely considered one of dancehall's most prolific artists. He is best known for his singles, Temperature and Get Busy. Most of his albums have received Grammy nominations under the Best Reggae Album category.

 38 
Ghostface Killah
(Musician, Rapper, Singer)
Ghostface Killah
54
Birthdate: May 9, 1970
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: New York City
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 39 
will.i.am
(American Rapper, Singer-Songwriter, Founding and Lead Member of the Musical Group ‘Black Eyed Peas’)
will.i.am
55
Birthdate: March 15, 1975
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Eastside Los Angeles, California, United States
Rapper and music producer William James Adams Jr., better known as “will.i.am,” is a founding member of the Black Eyed Peas. He went solo later and released tracks such as the NBA Live theme Go! The seven-time Grammy-winning artist also wrote Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign theme Yes We Can.
 40 
Eve
(Rapper)
Eve
78
Birthdate: November 10, 1978
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
 41 
Mike Shinoda
(Co-Founder Of Rock Band Linkin Park)
Mike Shinoda
22
Birthdate: February 11, 1977
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Mike Shinoda, founding member, vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter of the rock band Linkin Park, was also part of the hip-hop project Fort Minor. A graphic designer too, he has displayed his artwork and designed his band’s album covers. He released an EP expressing his emotions after Chester Bennington's death.
 42 
Master P
(Rapper)
Master P
44
Birthdate: April 29, 1970
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 43 
Alesha Dixon
(English Singer, Rapper and Television Personality)
Alesha Dixon
14
Birthdate: October 7, 1978
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom

Alesha Dixon is an English singer-songwriter, rapper, and TV personality. She initially wanted to become a teacher, but destiny had other plans for her, and she ended up entering the music world. She rose to fame as a singer in the 2000s as a member of the girl group Mis-Teeq. She later pursued a successful solo career as well. 

 44 
Fat Joe
(Rapper Best Known for His Songs: 'Lean Back' and 'What's Luv?')
Fat Joe
31
Birthdate: August 19, 1970
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: South Bronx, New York, United States
Fat Joe is best known for his hit tracks such as Lean Back and his collaborations with stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Ashanti. He began his career as part of Diggin' in the Crates Crew and then went solo. He later launched his own label and hosted a podcast.
 45 
Big Pun
(The First Latino Artist to Go 'Platinum')
Big Pun
36
Birthdate: November 10, 1971
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Died: February 7, 2000

Big Pun was an American songwriter and rapper. Well-known for his heavy use of alliteration and exceptional breath control, Pun was also widely regarded as one of the best MCs ever. He struggled with weight issues and obesity throughout his life, which eventually led to his death caused by respiratory failure and a heart attack at the age of 28.

 46 
Mel B
(Singer)
Mel B
56
Birthdate: May 29, 1975
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Harehills, West Yorkshire, England

Mel B is an English television personality and singer-songwriter. She gained international recognition as part of the popular pop girl group Spice Girls, which has sold more than 85 million records. Over the years, Mel B has been an important TV personality, appearing in several reality series as a participant as well as a judge.

 47 
Scarface
(Rapper)
Scarface
30
Birthdate: November 9, 1970
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States
 48 
MC Hammer
(One of the Most Significant Rappers and Dancers of All Time)
MC Hammer
15
Birthdate: March 30, 1962
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States
Rap legend MC Hammer, a pioneer of the pop-rap genre, became the first hip-hop artist to earn the “diamond” status. He is also known for his chartbusting tracks such as U Can't Touch This and his signature "Hammer pants." He later became a preacher and hosted his own reality show.
 49 
Rakim
(Rapper, Songwriter, Singer)
Rakim
21
Birthdate: January 28, 1968
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 50 
O'Shea Jackson Jr.
(Actor)
O'Shea Jackson Jr.
28
Birthdate: February 24, 1991
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Los Angeles Los Angeles, California, U.S.