1. Taboo (1975)

American Rapper

Rapper best known as an original member of the Black Eyed Peas. In 2016, he released a solo single about his battle with cancer called "The Fight." 

2. Mystikal (1970)

American Rapper

American rapper who released his debut album Mystikal with Big Boy Records in 1994. His 2003 album Tarantula was nominated for a Grammy.

3. Earl Sweatshirt (1994)

American Rapper

American rapper and member of the L.A.-based hip hop group Odd Future. His debut album, Doris, was released in 2013.

4. Mr. Cheeks (1971)

American Rapper

Born Terrance Kelly and known to his fans as Mr. Cheeks, this Grammy-winning hip hop artist is famous for his work with the Queens-based group Lost Boyz, as well as...

5. Slick Pulla (1980)

American Rapper

American rapper who signed to Young Jeezy's record label Corporate Thugz Entertainment and became a member of the rap group United Streets Dopeboyz of America.

6. Chingy (1980)

American Rapper

St. Louis rapper whose hit singles "Right Thurr," "One Call Away," and Balla Baby" dominated the airwaves in the 2000s. He's popular for albums such as Jackpot, Powerballin', and Success...

7. Sage the Gemini (1992)

American Rapper

American rapper best known as a member of The HBK Gang. His 2013 single "Gas Pedal" reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100.

8. Open Mike Eagle (1980)

American Rapper

American comedian and rapper who earned recognition as a member of the hip-hop collective Project Blowed. He has also released numerous albums as part of the groups Thirsty Fish and Swim...

9. Joe Budden (1980)

American Rapper

American social star and rapper with the group Slaughterhouse who is known for his solo single "Pump It Up." He is known to television audiences for co-starring on the VH1...

10. Willie D (1966)

American Rapper

Born William Dennis, he is an American rapper and member of the Geto Boys who is best known for co-writing the legendary track "Mind Playing Tricks on Me."

11. Slim Thug (1980)

American Rapper

Texas-based rapper who came to national attention for his contribution to Mike Jones' 2004 single Still Trippin'. His ninth studio album, Welcome 2 Houston, was released in 2017. 

12. Uncle Murda (1980)

American Rapper

Born Leonard Grant and widely known as Uncle Murda or U.M., this New York rapper released a 2006 album titled Say Uncle. His numerous hip-hop singles include "Run the City,"...

13. Sadat X (1968)

American Rapper

Rapper best known as a founding member of the seminal American alt-rap crew Brand Nubian. He is also an acclaimed solo artist who has released albums like Experience & Education (2005)...

14. Schoolboy Q (1986)

American Rapper

Born Quincy Matthew Hanley, he is a hip hop recording artist and songwriter who became known for his work with the hip hop supergroup Black Hippy. He's also popular for...

15. RBX (1968)

American Rapper

Born Eric Collins, he is a rapper and singer whose fifth studio album, Broken Silence, was released in 2007.

16. Shawnna (1978)

American Rapper

Rapper who first found fame as a member of the duo Infamous Syndicate in the late 90's before making her solo debut with the 2002 album Worth tha Weight. She...

17. Big Lurch (1976)

American Rapper

Texas rapper who was sentenced to life in prison for the murder and cannibalism of his former roommate Tynisha Ysais. He was previously a member of the rap crew Cosmic...

18. Rza (1969)

American Rapper

Grammy-award winning rapper and leader of Wu-Tang Clan. He is also an actor who has appeared in the films Funny People, Coffee and Cigarettes, and 2012's The Man with the Iron Fists, which...

19. Lil Durk (1992)

American Rapper

One of Def Jam's crop of Chicago rappers and leader of his own collective, OTF (Only the Family). His debut album, Remember My Name, peaked at #14 on the Billboard...

20. Kirko Bangz (1989)

American Rapper

Texas-based southern rapper best known for his 2011 song, Drank In My Cup, which peaked at number 28 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

21. Darryl McDaniels (1964)

American Rapper

Founding member of the legendary 80's hip-hop group Run-D.M.C, who were the first hip hop group to have a gold and platinum album and the first to be nominated for...

22. Wish Bone (1975)

American Rapper

In addition to rapping for the Grammy Award winning group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, he is also an entrepreneur, producer, and singer. He co-founded Thugline Records with fellow Bone Thug artist Krayzie Bone.

23. Raekwon (1970)

American Rapper

American rapper best known as a member of Wu-Tang Clan. He has also released numerous solo projects, including an album called The Wild in 2017.

24. Roxanne Shanté (1969)

American Rapper

MC known for her freestyling ability who gained fame in the hip-hop world through the infamous "Roxanne Wars" with UTFO of the 80's. She is a founding member of the...

25. Jadakiss (1975)

American Rapper

Born Jason Phillips, he is a New York rapper who has released three consecutive top 5 albums. He scored his only #1 album with Kiss of Death in 2004. He...

26. TobyMac (1964)

American Rapper

Born Kevin Michael McKeehan, he pioneered Christian rap as a member of DC Talk and received a Grammy Award for Alive and Transported, his 2009 album.

27. Asher Roth (1985)

American Rapper

American rapper who gained national recognition with his hit single, I Love College, in 2009. His second album, RetroHash, was released in April of 2014.

28. Diggy Simmons (1995)

American Rapper

Rapper and singer who was signed by Atlantic records after releasing his debut mixtape, The First Flight, in 2009. He is also the youngest member of the hip-hop crew All...

29. Chief Keef (1995)

American Rapper

Born Keith Cozart, he has gained a large fan base with his mixtapes and his debut album, Finally Rich, which was released at the end of 2012. He is also...

30. Gucci Mane (1980)

American Rapper

Born Radric Davis, this southern-influenced rapper became known for his singles "Gucci Time" and "Wasted," the latter of which hit #3 on the R&B Billboard. He notably had a role...

31. Lil Twist (1993)

American Rapper

Born Christopher Moore, he gained recognition as a member of Lil Wayne's Young Money rap group.

32. Quavo (1991)

American Rapper

One-third of the hip hop trio known as Migos who are best known for their single "Versace." He has also done work as a solo artist. He was featured on the 2017 DJ...

33. Jayo Felony (1969)

American Rapper

Rapper and hip hop recording artist who is best known for songs such as "Du Lo Gang." His music has been released by Def Jam.

34. Kelvin Mercer (1969)

American Rapper

One-third of hip hop trio De La Soul; he is also known by his aliases, Posdnuos or Pos, Plug One, Mercenary, or P-Pain.

35. K.Flay (1985)

American Rapper

Singer and DJ known for her EPs Eyes Shut and What If It Is, as well as her singles "We Hate Everyone," "The Cops," and "Can't Sleep." Her debut album...

36. Masta Killa (1969)

American Rapper

Born Jamel Arief, he is an American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan who released his solo debut album No Said Date in 2004.

37. Rick Ross (1976)

American Rapper

He hit the spotlight with his album Deeper Than Rap and became MTV's Hottest MC in the Game in 2012 after founding the record label Maybach Music Group.

38. Phife Dawg (1970)

American Rapper

Rapper nicknamed "Five Foot Assassin" known for his work as part of the influential American hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest. His first solo album Ventilation: Da LP was released...

39. Spice 1 (1970)

American Rapper

Bay Area rapper who originally came to prominence in the early 90's with the Gold-selling albums Spice 1 and 187 He Wrote. He has consistently released music since then and...

40. Inspectah Deck (1970)

American Rapper

Born Jason Hunter, he is a rapper, producer, and member of the Wu-Tang Clan who is often praised for his intricate lyricism.

41. Meek Mill (1987)

American Rapper

Born Robert Williams and known as Mr. Philadelphia, he is a hip-hop artist whose first studio album, Dreams & Nightmares, reached #2 on the U.S. Billboard 200.

42. Doseone (1977)

American Rapper

Rapper best known for co-founding indie hip hop record label Anticon and for branching out into other artistic venues.

43. Chali 2na (1971)

American Rapper

Rapper widely known for his membership in the groups Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli. He released his solo album Fish Outta Water in 2009. He is also known for his popular...

44. Capital Steez (1993)

American Rapper

Hip hop artist and rapper who founded the musical collective Pro Era. He tragically decided to end his life before the age of twenty.

45. Vince Staples (1993)

American Rapper

Notable for his 2015 album Summertime and for his 2014 EP Hell Can Wait, this West Coast rapper also released a number of early mixtapes, including Shyne Coldchain Vols. 1...

46. Lil Reese (1993)

American Rapper

Born Tavares Taylor, he is an American rapper who signed to the major record label Def Jam and Glory Boys Entertainment. His second mix tape, Supa Savage, was released in...

47. George Watsky (1986)

American Rapper

American writer and performer best known for his slam poetry. He notably appeared in Season 6 of Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry on HBO. His 2016 essay collection How to Ruin Everything became...

48. Gerardo Mejía (1965)

American Rapper

Ecuadorian rapper best known for his lone hit single, 1991's 'Rico Suave.' He later became a successful A&R executive at Interscope Records, helping to sign artists like Enrique Iglesias and...

49. Lizzo (1988)

American Rapper

Alt and indie singer and rapper known for founding several hip hop groups, including The Chalice and Grrrl Prty. She later garnered significant fame from her third studio album, Cuz...

50. Ice Cube (1969)

American Rapper

Rapper-turned-actor who first gained fame as a member of the legendary rap group NWA. He is also known for his roles in the films Boyz n the Hood, Barbershop, 21 Jump Street, Ride Along and Are We There...