Rappers From New York

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 1 
Tupac Shakur
( 100 Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone)
Tupac Shakur
284
Birthdate: June 16, 1971
Sun Sign: Gemini
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 
The Notorious B.I.G.
(One of the Greatest Rappers of All Time)
The Notorious B.I.G.
158
Birthdate: May 21, 1972
Sun Sign: Gemini
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. 

 3 
50 Cent
(Rapper)
50 Cent
112
Birthdate: July 6, 1975
Sun Sign: Cancer

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.

 4 
Jay-Z
(One of the Most Influential Hip-Hop Artists in History)
Jay-Z
116
Birthdate: December 4, 1969
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

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.

 5 
DMX
(Rapper)
DMX
106
Birthdate: December 18, 1970
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 6 
Nas
(One of the Most Influential and Greatest Rappers of All Time)
Nas
113
Birthdate: September 14, 1973
Sun Sign: Virgo

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.

 7 
Post Malone
(One of the Best-Selling Pop Singer-Songwriter and Has Won 10 Billboard Music Awards)
Post Malone
219
Birthdate: July 4, 1995
Sun Sign: Cancer

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".

 8 
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

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.

 9 
Method Man
(Rapper And Member Of Hip Hop Collective 'Wu-Tang Clan')
Method Man
58
Birthdate: March 2, 1971
Sun Sign: Pisces

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.

 10 
Cardi B
(The First Female Rapper to Achieve Multiple Diamond-Certified Songs by the RIAA)
Cardi B
243
Birthdate: October 11, 1992
Sun Sign: Libra

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.

 11 
Pop Smoke
(American rapper closely associated with Brooklyn drill)
Pop Smoke
45
Birthdate: July 20, 1999
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: February 19, 2020
 12 
Busta Rhymes
(Rapper)
Busta Rhymes
108
Birthdate: May 20, 1972
Sun Sign: Taurus
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 13 
ASAP Rocky
(Member of The Hip-Hop Collective 'A$AP Mob')
ASAP Rocky
100
Birthdate: October 3, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra
Rapper ASAP Rocky gained fame with his debut mixtape, LiveLoveA$AP. He released two consecutive Billboard 200-topping albums, Long. Live. ASAP and At. Long. Last. A$AP. Fans loved his Grammy-nominated single Fuckin' Problems. He also produces using the pseudonym Lord Flacko and is part of the hip-hop collective A$AP Mob.
 14 
Mary J. Blige
(Rapper, and Actress Known as "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul")
Mary J. Blige
41
Birthdate: January 11, 1971
Sun Sign: Capricorn

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.

 15 
Pusha T
(Rapper)
Pusha T
53
Birthdate: May 13, 1977
Sun Sign: Taurus
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 16 
RZA
(Rapper)
RZA
39
Birthdate: July 5, 1969
Sun Sign: Cancer
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.
 17 
Q-Tip
(Rapper, Record producer)
Q-Tip
24
Birthdate: April 10, 1970
Sun Sign: Aries
 18 
Sean Combs
(Rapper and Record Producer Known for His Albums: ‘No Way Out’ , ‘Forever’ and ‘Press Play’)
Sean Combs
102
Birthdate: November 4, 1969
Sun Sign: Scorpio
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. 
 19 
Jadakiss
(Musician, Songwriter, Rapper, Singer)
Jadakiss
28
Birthdate: May 27, 1975
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 20 
Young M.A
(American Rapper and Songwriter Known for Her 2016 Hit Single ‘Ooouuu’)
Young M.A
76
Birthdate: April 3, 1992
Sun Sign: Aries

Young M.A is an American rapper who achieved popularity after the release of her single Ooouuu, which was certified quadruple-platinum. Also a well-known philanthropist, Young M.A launched the KWEENZ Foundation in 2018; the foundation aims at helping those trying to cope with the loss of loved ones. The same year, she was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

 21 
Lil TJAY
(Rapper)
Lil TJAY
54
Birthdate: April 30, 2001
Sun Sign: Taurus

Tione Jayden Merritt, better known as Lil Tjay, soared to fame with his Billboard Hot 100-charting tracks Brothers and F.N. He initially gained prominence on SoundCloud. He is also known as the Bronx Justin Bieber. Fans love his signature use of the auto-tune feature in his songs. 

 22 
GZA
(Rapper, Musician, Singer)
GZA
30
Birthdate: August 22, 1966
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 23 
Rakim
(Rapper, Songwriter, Singer)
Rakim
21
Birthdate: January 28, 1968
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 24 
Big Pun
(The First Latino Artist to Go 'Platinum')
Big Pun
37
Birthdate: November 10, 1971
Sun Sign: Scorpio
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.

 25 
Fat Joe
(Rapper Best Known for His Songs: 'Lean Back' and 'What's Luv?')
Fat Joe
31
Birthdate: August 19, 1970
Sun Sign: Leo
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.
 26 
KRS-One
(Rapper, Musician, Actor, Songwriter, Singer)
KRS-One
23
Birthdate: August 20, 1965
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 27 
Big Daddy Kane
(Rapper)
Big Daddy Kane
25
Birthdate: September 10, 1968
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 28 
A Boogie wit da Hoodie
(Rapper, Singer and Songwriter Best Known for His Singles: ‘Numbers’, ‘Look Back at It’ and ‘Drowning’)
A Boogie wit da Hoodie
52
Birthdate: December 6, 1995
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Rapper, singer, and songwriter, Julius Dubose, better known as “A Boogie wit da Hoodie,” gained massive fame for his studio album, Hoodie SZN, which topped the Billboard 200 chart. He releases most of his music under his own imprint label Highbridge. He often collaborates with fellow rapper Don Q. He is the winner of two ASCAP awards.

 29 
Remy Ma
(Rapper, Songwriter)
Remy Ma
59
Birthdate: May 30, 1980
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 30 
Raekwon
(Rapper)
Raekwon
23
Birthdate: January 12, 1970
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 31 
Big L
(Rapper)
Big L
35
Birthdate: May 30, 1974
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: February 15, 1999
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 32 
Talib Kweli
(Poet, Musician, Songwriter, Rapper, Singer)
Talib Kweli
17
Birthdate: October 3, 1975
Sun Sign: Libra
 33 
Chuck D
(Rapper)
Chuck D
15
Birthdate: August 1, 1960
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 34 
Mos Def
(Rapper, Actor)
Mos Def
35
Birthdate: December 11, 1973
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 35 
Swizz Beatz
(Record producer, Entrepreneur, Painter, Rapper, Singer, Businessperson, Songwriter)
Swizz Beatz
28
Birthdate: September 13, 1978
Sun Sign: Virgo
 36 
Joey Badass
(Rapper)
Joey Badass
20
Birthdate: January 20, 1995
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 37 
Waka Flocka Flame
(Rapper Known for His Singles: ‘O Let's Do It’, ‘Hard in da Paint’, and ‘No Hands’)
Waka Flocka Flame
37
Birthdate: May 31, 1986
Sun Sign: Gemini

Rapper Waka Flocka Flame rose to fame with the release of his single O Let's Do It in 2009. His debut album released the following year, peaked at number six on the US Billboard 200. He is a member of the group 1017 Brick Squad.  He is involved in mental health advocacy and charitable endeavors.

 38 
MC Lyte
(Rapper)
MC Lyte
20
Birthdate: October 11, 1970
Sun Sign: Libra
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 39 
Desiigner
(Rapper Known for His Debut Single 'Panda')
Desiigner
35
Birthdate: May 3, 1997
Sun Sign: Taurus
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 40 
Ol' Dirty Bastard
(Rapper)
Ol' Dirty Bastard
7
Birthdate: November 15, 1968
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Died: November 13, 2004

Ol' Dirty Bastard was an American rapper. He is credited with co-founding a hip hop group named Wu-Tang Clan, which rose to prominence in 1993 after the release of the group's maiden album Enter the Wu-Tang. Remembered for his outrageously profane lyrics, Ol' Dirty Bastard's legal troubles hampered his professional success. He died of a drug overdose at age 35.

 41 
Lil’ Kim
(Rap Icon Popularly Known as 'Queen of Rap')
Lil’ Kim
58
Birthdate: July 11, 1974
Sun Sign: Cancer
Kimberly Denise Jones, better known as Lil' Kim, rose from the streets of Brooklyn and became one of VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music. She shared a Grammy for her collaborative track Lady Marmalade. Her songs talk about female desires. She has also inspired many with her risky fashion sense. 
 42 
Azealia Banks
(Rapper Known for Her Viral Single '212')
Azealia Banks
43
Birthdate: May 31, 1991
Sun Sign: Gemini

Azealia Banks is an American rapper, actress, singer, and songwriter. After releasing music through the social networking service Myspace, Banks signed to XL Recordings. After a brief association with Polydor Records and Interscope, Banks founded her own label, Chaos & Glory Recordings. Over the years, her outspoken views on sensitive subjects like race have attracted criticism, controversy, and media scrutiny.

 43 
6ix9ine
(American Rapper Known for His Aggressive Style of Rapping)
6ix9ine
220
Birthdate: May 8, 1996
Sun Sign: Taurus

A man whose music has been marked by an aggressive style of rapping, 6ix9ine is a figure who is as controversial as he is popular. Making waves in the music scene with his debut album in 2018, the upcoming rapper became involved in a string of sexual offenses and other felonies. Despite his legal issues, he continues to be popular.

 44 
Foxy Brown
(Rapper whose album Ill Na Na(1996) was certified platinum by the RIAA)
Foxy Brown
26
Birthdate: September 6, 1978
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 45 
Action Bronson
(Rapper)
Action Bronson
26
Birthdate: December 2, 1983
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 46 
Dave East
(Rapper Famous For His Eighth Mixtape 'Black Rose')
Dave East
18
Birthdate: June 3, 1988
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
 47 
Jessi
(Rapper and Singer Best known as a Member of the Hip-Hop Trio Lucky J)
Jessi
15
Birthdate: December 17, 1988
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 48 
Fabolous
(Rapper)
Fabolous
19
Birthdate: November 18, 1977
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 49 
Sheck Wes
(Rapper Best Known for His 2017 Hit 'Mo Bamba')
Sheck Wes
30
Birthdate: September 10, 1998
Sun Sign: Virgo
Rapper Sheck Wes is best known for his hit Mo Bamba. He has signed with the labels of Kanye West and Travis Scott and also modeled for Birkenstock. In late 2020, he joined the French basketball club Paris Basketball, which competes in the LNB Pro B.
 50 
Biz Markie
(Rappers)
Biz Markie
11
Birthdate: April 8, 1964
Sun Sign: Aries
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)