Famous American Hip-Hop & Rappers

Vote for Your Favourite American Hip-Hop & Rappers

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 1 
Eminem
(One of the Most Influential and Popular Rappers of All Time)
Eminem
52
Birthdate: October 17, 1972
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Saint Joseph, Missouri, United States

Amongst the biggest rappers of all time, Eminem gained worldwide popularity with the release of albums like The Slim Shady LP and The Marshall Mathers LP. His subsequent albums became huge successes further making him a bigger sensation and one of the bestselling music artists of all time. His fame greatly inspired other white rappers to succeed in popular music.

 2 
Kanye West
(One of the Greatest and Most Influential Hip Hop Musicians of All Time)
Kanye West
53
Birthdate: June 8, 1977
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Creative from a very young age, Kanye West dreamed of becoming a rapper since very early in his life. He became an award winning American rapper whose creativity in music is widely appreciated by critics. However, his outspoken views, comments and behaviour have quite often landed him controversies.

 3 
Tupac Shakur
( 100 Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone)
Tupac Shakur
21
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.

 4 
Dr. Dre
(Rapper, Record Producer & Entrepreneur)
Dr. Dre
14
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.

 5 
Nicki Minaj
(Trinidadian-born Hip-Hop Artist)
Nicki Minaj
48
Birthdate: December 8, 1982
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Amongst the most influential female rap artists of all time and one of the bestselling artists, Nicki Minaj came to limelight after her collaborations with Dirty Money Record and Young Money Entertainment. With subsequent release of her four albums, Minaj firmly established herself as a chart-topping artist. The Queen of Rap has also dabbled in acting and ventured into business.

 6 
The Notorious B.I.G.
(One of the Greatest Rappers of All Time)
The Notorious B.I.G.
24
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. 

 7 
Jennifer Lopez
(Singer, Actress, Dancer)
Jennifer Lopez
23
Birthdate: July 24, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Castle Hill, New York, United States

Jennifer Lopez established herself as the highest-paid Latin actress in Hollywood after starring in films such as Out of Sight, The Wedding Planner, Maid in Manhattan and Shall We Dance’. She is also an accomplished dancer and commercially very successful singer. She helped propel the Latin pop movement in American music. She is also a fashion designer and a businesswoman.

 8 
Lil Wayne
(One of the Greatest Rappers of All Time)
Lil Wayne
27
Birthdate: September 27, 1982
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Rapper, singer and songwriter, Lil Wayne, is said to be an influential hip hop artists of his generation. Initially he was a flagship artist of Cash Money Records and then went solo. His albums are hugely popular and he has sold more than 120 million records worldwide. He has served an eight-month jail sentence for criminal possession of a weapon.

 9 
Aaliyah
(Best Known as 'Princess of R&B' & 'Queen of Urban Pop')
Aaliyah
20
Birthdate: January 16, 1979
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: August 25, 2001

Aaliyah was an American singer, actress and model, who became famous when her debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number sold three million copies in the US. Her subsequent albums also sold in millions and won her numerous accolades. She also acted in some films. She tragically died in an airplane crash in the Bahamas, at the age of 22.

 10 
Jay-Z
(One of the Most Influential Hip-Hop Artists in History)
Jay-Z
21
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.

 11 
Post Malone
(One of the Best-Selling Pop Singer-Songwriter and Has Won 10 Billboard Music Awards)
Post Malone
20
Birthdate: July 4, 1995
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Syracuse, New York, United States

Much appreciated for his introspective songwriting, singer-songwriter, Post Malone ,is the first-ever solo artist to top both the Billboard Rap Airplay and Adult Contemporary charts as a lead artist. His music covers a range of genres including country, grunge, rap, and R&B. He has been accused of  "appropriating" African-American culture and has been called a “culture vulture".

 12 
Queen Latifah
(Best Known as 'Queen of Rap')
Queen Latifah
26
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.

 13 
Eazy-E
(Rapper Known as the 'Godfather of Gangsta Rap')
Eazy-E
10
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.

 14 
Mac Miller
(Rapper Known for His Debut Studio Album 'Blue Slide Park')
Mac Miller
10
Birthdate: January 19, 1992
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: September 7, 2018

Before his death at the age of 26, Mac Miller had a major impact as a rapper and songwriter. Blue Slide Park, his studio album, became the first independently distributed maiden album since 1995 to top the US Billboard 200. His personal life was marred by depression, substance abuse, and legal issues. He died of drug overdose.

 15 
Lauryn Hill
(One of the Greatest Rappers Of All Time)
Lauryn Hill
11
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.

 16 
XXXTentacion
(Rapper Well Known for His Depressing, and at Times Devastating Music)
XXXTentacion
5
Birthdate: January 23, 1998
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Plantation, Florida, United States
Died: June 18, 2018

A rapper and singer, XXXTentacion, gained fame with the success of the song, Look at Me, and release of albums like 17 and ?. In his personal life, he faced multiple legal issues from the beginning. He was shot dead at the young age of 20. XXXTentacion had a cult following among the youth owing to his depression and alienation thematic driven music.

 17 
Snoop Dogg
(Rapper)
Snoop Dogg
2
Birthdate: October 20, 1971
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Long Beach, California, United States

Snoop Dogg is a famous American rapper whose life is a perfect example of rags-to-riches story. As a child, he did various odd jobs to help his family make ends meet. He started rapping as a young boy to distract himself from his unstable family life. He ran into trouble with the law as a teenager. However, once he released his debut album, there was no looking back.

 

 18 
LL Cool J
(Known for His Album ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’ One of the Best Albums of All Time)
LL Cool J
13
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.

 19 
J. Cole
(One of the Most Influential Rappers of His Generation)
J. Cole
6
Birthdate: January 28, 1985
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Frankfurt, Germany

German born American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer J. Cole is considered one of the most respected and influential rappers of his generation. Interested in music from a young age, he decided to become a singer when he was just 12. His debut mixtape was a hit, and he went on to release many other successful mixtapes and albums.

 20 
Christopher Maurice Brown
(One of the World's Best-Selling R&B and Hip-Hop Music Artists)
Christopher Maurice Brown
8
Birthdate: May 5, 1989
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Tappahannock, Virginia, United States
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 21 
Kendrick Lamar
(Regarded As One of the Greatest Rappers of All Time)
Kendrick Lamar
1
Birthdate: June 17, 1987
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Compton, California, United States

Kendrick Lamar is regarded as one of the greatest lyricists and rappers of all time. He is also considered one of the most influential celebrities of his generation; such has been his impact on the music industry. In 2016, he was named in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world list.

 22 
Lil Uzi Vert
(Rapper Known for His Debut Single "Money Longer")
Lil Uzi Vert
9
Birthdate: July 31, 1995
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Lil Uzi Vert is an American rapper whose music is defined by dark subject matters, which complements his androgynous fashion, eccentric hairstyles, facial piercings, and face tattoos. Lil Uzi Vert has often courted controversy by saying phrases associated with Satanism and adding satanic imagery to his Instagram account. He has also been accused of worshipping Satan.

 23 
Fergie
(Famous as the Member of Hip-Hop Group 'Black Eyed Peas')
Fergie
9
Birthdate: March 27, 1975
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Hacienda Heights, California, United States
Fergie soared to fame as part of the hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas, which has delivered hits such as Boom Boom Pow. She was initially a child star in Kids Incorporated. She has also released solo hits such as Big Girls Don't Cry and owns a line of fragrances. 
 24 
Method Man
(Rapper And Member Of Hip Hop Collective 'Wu-Tang Clan')
Method Man
14
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.

 25 
YNW Melly
(Rapper and Singer Best Known for His Songs ‘Murder on My Mind’ and ‘Mixed Personalities’)
YNW Melly
8
Birthdate: May 1, 1999
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Gifford, Florida, United States

YNW Melly is an American rapper whose song Murder on My Mind became a huge hit, especially after Melly was charged with double-murder. In 2019, he pleaded not guilty and is currently awaiting trial. If proven guilty, he could face life imprisonment or even capital punishment. Apart from the double-murder charges, he is a suspect in the 2017 murder of a sheriff's deputy.

 26 
NBA YoungBoy
(Rapper Known for His Albums: 'Until Death Call My Name' and 'Top')
NBA YoungBoy
10
Birthdate: October 20, 1999
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

NBA YoungBoy is an American singer, songwriter, and rapper. He garnered a cult following between 2015 and 2017, during which he released eight successful, independent mixtapes. Rated highly among America's most controversial rappers, NBA YoungBoy has been arrested on a couple of occasions for charges, including attempted first degree murder.

 27 
Pitbull
(One of the Best-Selling Rappers of All-Time)
Pitbull
6
Birthdate: January 15, 1981
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Miami, Florida, United States
Rapper Pitbull is best known for his chartbusting songs I Know You Want Me and Timber. He also sang the 2014 FIFA World Cup theme, We Are One (Ole Ola). The winner of 35 Billboard Latin Music Awards, he has also collaborated with artists such as Jennifer Lopez.
 28 
Kiari Cephus
(Rapper and Member of the Hip Hop Trio 'Migos')
Kiari Cephus
9
Birthdate: December 14, 1991
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Lawrenceville, Georgia, United States
Grammy-nominated artist Kiari Cephus, better known as Offset, is part of the hip-hop group Migos, which has delivered hits such as Versace. He has also invested in the e-sports brand FaZe Clan. Offset has also been in the news for reportedly cheating on his wife Cardi B.
 29 
Jack Harlow
(Rapper)
Jack Harlow
12
Birthdate: March 13, 1998
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
 30 
Tyga
(Rapper)
Tyga
7
Birthdate: November 19, 1989
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Compton, California, United States

Tyga is a singer-songwriter, rapper, television personality, and actor. Although Tyga had a promising start to his music career, he faced a setback when he had to endure a long period of negative reviews and poor sales. He was also troubled by a series of legal issues. Despite his struggles, Tyga proved his mettle by releasing his hit album Legendary.

 31 
Gucci Mane
(Rapper and Record Executive Known for His Albums: ‘Hard to Kill’ and ‘Back to the Trap House’)
Gucci Mane
11
Birthdate: February 12, 1980
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Bessemer, Alabama, United States
Hip-hop and trap sensation Gucci Mane has made waves with tracks such as Gucci Time and Wasted. The “avatar of East Atlanta,” he has had multiple brushes with the law. He owns a label and has also written an autobiography. He has also promoted the Gucci Cruise 2020 Campaign.
 32 
Bobby Brown
(Singer-Songwriter)
Bobby Brown
10
Birthdate: February 5, 1969
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Grammy-winning singer and New Edition member Bobby Brown was a pioneer of the new jack swing, a combination of R&B and hip-hop, and shot to fame with the album Don't Be Cruel and the hit My Prerogative. His marriage to Whitney Houston was plagued with domestic strife and drug issues. 
 33 
Jhené Aiko
(Singer-Songwriter Known for Her Songs ‘The Worst’ and ‘Sail Out’)
Jhené Aiko
5
Birthdate: March 16, 1988
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

American singer and songwriter Jhené Aiko's musical style is associated with PBR&B, a new wave of music viewed as an alternative to contemporary R&B. Her personal life, which includes an early pregnancy at the age of 20, the death of her brother Miyagi, a major car accident, and troubled relationships, has not affected her impressive music career.

 34 
DaBaby
(Rapper Known for His Albums 'Baby on Baby', 'Kirk' & 'Blame It on Baby')
DaBaby
9
Birthdate: December 22, 1991
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, United States

American rapper and songwriter DaBaby gained critical acclaim and commercial success with his debut album Baby on Baby. Later, his two other albums Kirk and Blame It on Baby became huge successes and made him one of the biggest rappers in the US. Earlier his single Light Show and Baby Talk series of mixtape attracted quite a lot of attention.

 35 
Meek Mill
(Rapper Known for His Debut Album 'Dreams & Nightmares' which Peaked at No.2 at The US Billboard 200)
Meek Mill
5
Birthdate: May 6, 1987
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Rapper Meek Mill initially performed with the group The Bloodhoundz. His debut album was featured at number 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. He has released Billboard-charting tracks such as Amen and Going Bad, both featuring Drake. His brushes with the law inspired the documentary Free Meek.
 36 
Kid Cudi
(Rapper who Rose to Fame with His Debut Mixtape 'A Kid Named Cudi')
Kid Cudi
4
Birthdate: January 30, 1984
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Grammy-winning rapper Kid Cudi first came into public consciousness with his mixtape that made Kanye West sign him to his label. Kid delivered a double-platinum debut album, formed the band WZRD, and sold 16 million records in the U.S. He has also dabbled in acting and now owns a label.
 37 
T.I.
(Rapper, Record Producer, and Actor Who is One of the Highest Selling Hip-Hop Artists of All Time)
T.I.
5
Birthdate: September 25, 1980
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Rapper T.I., also known as TIP, is one of the pioneers of trap music. The three-time Grammy-winner owns a music label and has seven “Top 5” Billboard 200 albums. He has starred in his own reality series, has written two novels, and has appeared in films such as Ant-Man.

 38 
Mary J. Blige
(Rapper, and Actress Known as "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul")
Mary J. Blige
8
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.

 39 
Akon
(Solo R&B and Hip-Hop Artist to Hold Both No.1 & No.2 Position at Billboard Hot 100 Simultaneously Twice)
Akon
4
Birthdate: April 16, 1973
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Akon is one of the most successful R&B, hip hop and rap singers in the world. His albums Trouble, Konvicted, Freedom, El Negreeto and Akonda have many chartbusters songs. He has also founded record labels Akonik Label Group, KonLive Distribution and Konvict Mizik. He courted controversy in 2007 for an onstage act involving simulated sex with a 15-year-old girl.

 40 
Machine Gun Kelly
(Rapper - Noted For Contemporary & Alternative Hip-Hop With Rock)
Machine Gun Kelly
17
Birthdate: April 22, 1990
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 41 
Cardi B
(The First Female Rapper to Achieve Multiple Diamond-Certified Songs by the RIAA)
Cardi B
7
Birthdate: October 11, 1992
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Washington Heights, New York, United States

Rap legend Cardi B rose from being an exotic dancer and internet celebrity to being featured on Forbes and Time 100. Her triple-platinum-certified debut album, Invasion of Privacy, topped the Billboard 200. She was the only female solo artist to win the Grammy for the Best Rap Album.

 42 
Ice Cube
(Rapper - Contributed Significantly to the Development of 'Gangsta Rap')
Ice Cube
4
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.

 43 
Megan Thee Stallion
(The Second Female Rapper to Win Best New Artist at the Grammy's)
Megan Thee Stallion
3
Birthdate: February 15, 1995
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: San Antonio, Texas, United States

An American rapper, singer, and songwriter, Megan Thee Stallion began rapping while she was still in her teens and used digital media platforms to promote her work. Her talent was appreciated by both fans and record labels and she eventually became the first female rapper to be signed by the American record label 300 Entertainment.

 44 
Mariah Carey
(First Artist to Have Her First Five Singles Reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100)
Mariah Carey
5
Birthdate: March 27, 1969
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Huntington, New York, United States

Known for her five-octave vocal range and melismatic singing style, singer-songwriter Mariah Carey is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She holds the record for the most number-one singles by a solo artist and a female songwriter. She was ranked second on VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Women in Music in 2012. 

 45 
Kehlani
(Famous for Her Performance on America's Got Talent With The Band 'Poplyfe')
Kehlani
5
Birthdate: April 24, 1995
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States
Kehlani Ashley Parrish soared to fame on America's Got Talent, performing with the teen pop band Poplyfe. The Grammy-nominated artist is known for her chartbusting tracks 1st Position and Raw & True. She is pansexual and is known for her love for tattoos. She is also a sexual-assault survivor.
 46 
Common
(Rapper)
Common
4
Birthdate: March 13, 1972
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: South Side, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 47 
Rick Ross
(Rapper, Songwriter)
Rick Ross
6
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.
 48 
Trippie Redd
(Best Known for His Lead single 'Love Scars' from His Mixtape 'A Love Letter to You')
Trippie Redd
10
Birthdate: June 18, 1999
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Canton, Ohio, United States

Rapper, singer, and songwriter, Trippie Redd, became an overnight sensation in 2017 with the release of his debut mixtape, A Love Letter to You. Many of his singles reached the Billboard Hot 100, further cementing his popularity. He has a troubled personal life and has been involved in numerous feuds and legal issues.

 49 
Rebecca Marie Gomez
(Hip-Hop Singer who Gained from Her Single 'Shower')
Rebecca Marie Gomez
8
Birthdate: March 2, 1997
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Inglewood, California, United States

Singer, songwriter, and actress Rebecca Marie Gomez first gained prominence when she started posting her covers of popular songs online. Some of these uploads went viral and gained her mainstream attention. She has since released many songs and albums and has worked in collaboration with musical stars like Cody Simpson and Cher Lloyd. 

 50 
NF (Nathan John Feuerstein)
(Rapper Known for 6xPlatinum Certified Single 'Let You Down')
NF (Nathan John Feuerstein)
7
Birthdate: March 30, 1991
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Gladwin, Michigan, United States
Rapper Nathan John Feuerstein, or NF (stylized as ИF), gained fame in the niche genre of Christian hip-hop. His albums Perception and The Search both charted on the Billboard 200. His single Let You Down was certified triple-platinum. His style has been influenced by the music of Eminem.