25 Dopest Rappers of The 90s

The 90s can be considered the golden age of hip hop music in the US and many other countries. During this time, many rappers appeared and left an unforgettable mark in the hearts of hip-hop music fans. This article will look at the most famous rappers of the 90s; of course, this is not a ranking to avoid controversy.

1. Bun B 

Bun B	Information
Full Name	Bun B
Birth Name	Bernard James Freeman
Born	March 19, 1973
Birthplace	Port Arthur, Texas, U.S.
Origin	Houston, Texas, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper, actor, songwriter
Years Active	1987–present
Labels	Double Dose, II Trill, Rap-A-Lot, Universal Motown, Warner Bros., Jive, Asylum, Atlantic
Formerly of	UGK
Spouse(s)	Angela Wells (m. 2003)
Notable Achievements	One half of the southern rap duo UGK (UnderGround Kingz)
Career Highlights	Formed the rap group UGK alongside Pimp C in 1987
Other Ventures	Guest appearances on other rappers’ albums
Contributions to Education	Joined Rice University as a Distinguished Lecturer, teaching a course on Hip hop and Religion
Personal Incident	Shot an armed intruder attempting to rob his Houston home in 2019

Bun B and Pimp C – two emerging rappers in Port Arthur (Texas), released their first debut album in the early 90s, and this album quickly won very high positions on many charts. Even the names Bun B and Pimp C still appeared on the most significant rap charts in the US until the late 90s.

2. Eminem

Eminem	Information
Full Name	Marshall Bruce Mathers III
Birthdate	October 17, 1972 (age 50)
Birthplace	St. Joseph, Missouri, U.S.
Other Names	Slim Shady, Evil, M&M, MC Double M
Occupations	Rapper, songwriter, record producer, actor
Years Active	1988–present
Works	Albums, singles, production, videography
Spouses	Kimberly Anne Scott (m. 1999; div. 2001), (m. 2006; div. 2006)
Children	3 (one biological; two adopted)
Musical Career	Origin: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Labels	Shady, Aftermath, Interscope
Member of	Bad Meets Evil
Formerly of	D12, Outsidaz, Soul Intent, New Jacks
Notable Hits	“My Name Is”, “The Real Slim Shady”, “The Way I Am”, “Stan”, “Without Me”, “Mockingbird”, “Not Afraid”, “Rap God”
Film Debut	8 Mile (2002)
Record Sales	Estimated worldwide sales of over 220 million records
Accolades	15 Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards, 17 Billboard Music Awards, an Academy Award, and more
Influence	Widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time
Cultural Impact	Popularized hip hop in middle America and broke racial barriers for Caucasian rappers
Legacy	Influenced artists across various genres
Best-Selling Artist	Best-selling music artist in the United States of the 2000s and 2010s
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction	Inducted in November 2022

There is no need to argue too much when it comes to Eminem – one of the most famous rappers in the world today. Although Eminem didn’t significantly impact hip-hop until the 2000s, what the rapper produced in the ’90s was enough to secure his spot on the most prominent rapper lists.

3. Inspectah Deck

Inspectah Deck	Information
Full Name	Inspectah Deck
Birth Name	Jason Richard Hunter
Date of Birth	July 6, 1970
Origin	Staten Island, New York, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper, hip hop producer
Associated Acts	Wu-Tang Clan, Czarface
Notable Verses	“C.R.E.A.M.,” “Protect Ya Neck,” “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’,” “Triumph”
Labels	Loud, Relativity, Koch, Urban Icon, Traffic
Notable Albums	Uncontrolled Substance (1999), The Movement (2003), The Resident Patient (2006), Manifesto (2010)
Notable Collaborations	Method Man, Raekwon, GZA, Ghostface Killah, RZA, DJ Premier, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Jadakiss

In the 90s, Inspectah Deck was one of the cult names in the hip-hop world. Deck’s debut album, Uncontrolled Substance, released in 1995, is what helped him achieve much success in the years to come.

MOSCOW-13 NOVEMBER,2015: Rap concert of hip hop band Wu-Tang Clan. Method Man, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa performing live set on stage in Space night club

4. AZ

AZ	Information
Full Name	Anthony Cruz
Stage Name	AZ
Birthdate	March 9, 1972
Birthplace	Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Other Names	AZ the Visualiza, Sosa, The Rap James Bond
Genres	East Coast hip hop, mafioso rap
Occupation(s)	Rapper, songwriter
Years Active	1993–present
Labels	Quiet Money, Real Talk, Koch, Noo Trybe, Virgin, EMI, 300 Entertainment
Notable Collaborations	Nas, The Firm (with Nas, Foxy Brown, Cormega, and Nature)
Commercial Success	“Sugar Hill” – reached #25 on Billboard Hot 100, certified Gold by RIAA
Recognitions	Listed as “Most Underrated Rapper of All Time” by About.com, Grammy Award nomination
Album Highlights	“Doe or Die” (1995), “Pieces of a Man” (1998), “Aziatic” (2002), “Doe or Die II” (2021)
Latest Album	“Doe or Die II” (2021)

After showing his natural ability with “Life’s a Bitch” – the first work that brought AZ to a professional studio, AZ quickly signed a contract with the EMI record label. Subsequent albums by AZ in the 90s also made a big splash in the hip-hop world. In particular, AZ’s unique voice is one of the factors that made this rapper successful.

5. GZA

GZA	Information
Full Name	GZA (Gary Eldridge Grice)
Stage Names	GZA, The Genius
Birthdate	August 22, 1966
Birthplace	Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper, songwriter
Years Active	1990–present
Labels	Cold Chillin’, Loud, Geffen, MCA, Babygrande
Associated Acts	Wu-Tang Clan
Notable Solo Albums	Liquid Swords (1995), Beneath the Surface (1999), Legend of the Liquid Sword (2002), Pro Tools (2008), Dark Matter (upcoming)
Unique Style	Lyrical style dismisses typical rap storylines in favor of science and wide-ranging philosophies
Vocabulary	Known for having one of the largest vocabularies in popular hip hop
Education Advocacy	Collaborated with education group to promote science education through hip hop
Additional Endeavors	Acted in films, contributed music for TV series and NASA projects

GZA is the oldest member of the legendary rap group Wu-Tang Clan, earning much respect from the members as the group leader. Up to now, the songs performed by GZA are still frequently heard by many hip-hop followers due to their unique word usage and flexible metaphorical ability.

6. Common

Common	Information
Full Name	Lonnie Rashid Lynn
Stage Name	Common
Date of Birth	March 13, 1972
Birthplace	Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation	Rapper, actor, activist
Awards	Grammy Awards (3), Academy Award, Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award
Major Albums	Can I Borrow a Dollar?, Resurrection, Like Water for Chocolate, Be
Collaborations	Soulquarians collective, Erykah Badu, John Legend
Acting Career	Smokin’ Aces, Street Kings, American Gangster, Wanted
Notable Songs	“Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)”, “Southside”, “Glory”
Record Labels	MCA Records, GOOD Music, Relativity, Geffen, Think Common, ARTium, and more
Education	Florida A&M University (Business Administration)
Children	1
Musical Artist	Yes

It can be said that Common is a rapper with an impressive development process, from a Chicago B-boy to one of the top rappers. In the early ’90s, Common became a massive hit after being featured in The Source magazine. However, it was not until the 2nd album was released that Common’s career showed signs of prosperity.

7. Guru

Guru	Information
Full Name	Guru
Birthdate	July 17, 1961
Birthplace	Roxbury, Massachusetts, U.S.
Other Names	Jazzmattaz, Keithy E.M.C., Bald Head Slick
Alma Mater	Morehouse College (BS)
Occupations	Rapper, record producer, songwriter
Years Active	1986–2010
Children	1
Genres	East Coast hip hop, jazz rap
Labels	7 Grand, Ill Kid, Noo Trybe/Virgin/EMI, Traffic, Chrysalis, Wild Pitch, 10, Cooltempo
Formerly of	Gang Starr, Gang Starr Foundation
Musical Career	Co-founded Gang Starr in 1987, known for critically acclaimed albums
Solo Albums	Released Jazzmatazz series with collaborations featuring Donald Byrd, Chaka Khan, and Roy Ayers
Legacy and Influence	Ranked among top MCs and lyricists by About.com and The Source
Tributes	DJ Premier produced a tribute mix to Guru

With the possession of two top solo albums, Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 and Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2: The New Reality, Guru (real name is Keith Edward Elam) is considered one of the most popular rappers of the 90s and is still a strong influence today.

8. Kurupt

Kurupt	Information
Full Name	Kurupt
Birthdate	November 23, 1972 (age 50)
Birthplace	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Other Names	Young Gotti, Kurupt Tha Kingpin
Occupations	Rapper, Record Producer, Actor
Years Active	1991–present
Origin	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Hip Hop, Gangsta Rap
Labels	Death Row, Interscope, Antra, A&M, Artemis, D.P.G., Heritage Music
Member of	Tha Dogg Pound, The HRSMN
Spouse	Jovan Brown (2007–2017)
Partners	Foxy Brown, Natina Reed
Children	6
Albums	Kuruption!, Tha Streetz Iz a Mutha, Space Boogie: Smoke Oddessey, Against tha Grain, Same Day, Different Shit, Streetlights, Digital Smoke (with J. Wells), The Frank and Jess Story (with Roscoe), Money, Bitches, Power, The Last Ride (with HRSMN)
Awards	Grammy Award nomination as a member of Tha Dogg Pound
Influences	Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Ice Cube, 2Pac, Jay Z, Nas, Outkast

Kurupt got countless popular activities in the 90s, such as participating in the song “Stranded on Death Row” (Dr.Dre), performing with his homie like Snoop Dogg, or even rocking the hip-hop music scene as a role. As a solo artist, Kudden deserves our mention on this list.

9. Busta Rhymes

Busta Rhymes	Information
Full Name	Busta Rhymes
Birthdate	May 20, 1972
Birthplace	Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Other Names	Trevor Taheim Smith
Occupations	Rapper, songwriter, record producer, actor
Years Active	1986–present
Children	6
Relatives	Cousin: Rampage
Awards	12 Grammy Award nominations
Genres	Hip hop, East Coast hip hop, progressive rap
Instruments	Vocals, samplers, drums
Labels	Empire, Conglomerate, Epic, Violator, Republic, Cash Money, Young Money, Universal Motown, Interscope, Aftermath, J, Elektra
Formerly of	Flipmode Squad, Leaders of the New School
Education	Uniondale High School
Breakthrough	Guest appearance on A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario”
Solo Debut Album	“The Coming” (1996) – Top ten on Billboard 200, certified platinum
Solo Albums	Total of ten solo albums, including “Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God” (2020)
Notable Hits	“Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check,” “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” “Dangerous,” “What’s It Gonna Be?,” “Touch It”
Entrepreneurship	Founded record label Conglomerate, production crew The Conglomerate
Accolades	Included on lists of greatest MCs, recognized as one of the best rappers of the 1990s
Cultural Impact	Known as one of hip-hop’s greatest visual artists, incorporating unique style and Jamaican heritage into his music
Background	Raised in Brooklyn and Uniondale, with Jamaican heritage
Schooling in England	Spent summers in Morecambe, England, attending regular and karate school, performing as a breakdancer in clubs as a minor
Group Formation	Co-founded Leaders of the New School in 1986
Major Singles	“Gimme Some More,” “What’s It Gonna Be?!” featuring Janet Jackson, “Pass the Courvoisier, Part II” featuring Pharrell and P. Diddy
Record Labels	Signed with J Records and Aftermath Entertainment
Chart Success	“The Big Bang” – first No. 1 album, sold over 209,000 copies in its first week
Collaborations	Worked with artists such as Mary J. Blige, P. Diddy, Kelis, Nas, and more

Busta Rhymes started his career as a member of a rap group, but he quickly left to become a solo rapper in the 90s. With all the favorable conditions, Busta Rhymes has risen to the top. Busta Rhymes became one of the most popular rappers and is always known by fans for his energetic voice and unique flow.

10. Mos Def

Mos Def	Information
Full Name	Dante Terrell Smith
Stage Name	Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def)
Date of Birth	December 11, 1973
Birthplace	Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Genres	Alternative hip hop, conscious hip hop, progressive rap
Occupation	Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, activist
Years Active	1987–present
Labels	Downtown, GOOD, Geffen, Rawkus, Priority
Group Membership	Black Star
Former Group	Crooklyn Dodgers
Former Group	Dec 99th
Former Group	Soulquarians
Children	6
Notable Albums	“Black on Both Sides” (1999)
Acting Career	Films: “Something the Lord Made,” “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” “Be Kind Rewind,” “Brown Sugar”
Social and Political Activism	Advocate for social causes including police brutality and African American rights
Education	Attended Philippa Schuyler Middle School
Notable Collaborations	Black Star with Talib Kweli
Name Change	Legally changed name to Yasiin Bey
Retirement	Announced retirement from music and film industries

Although appearing quite late (the late 90s), Mos Def quickly gained a significant fan base with two outstanding albums. Currently, Mos Def is still a famous rapper with fast rapping and skillful use of beats.

11. Big L

Big L	Information
Full Name	Big L
Birth Name	Lamont Coleman
Also Known As	L Corleone
Born	May 30, 1974, New York City, U.S.
Died	February 15, 1999, New York City, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper
Years Active	1992-1999
Labels	Columbia
Notable Features	Exceptional freestyling ability and wordplay
Legacy	Regarded as one of the most talented poets in hip-hop history
Personal Life	Born and raised in Harlem, New York City
Discography	Debut album: “Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous” (1995)
Notable Singles	“Put It On,” “M.V.P.,” “No Endz, No Skinz”

Coming from the street, Big L quickly became one of the famous rappers in the 90s with highly professional skills. Even Big L’s debut album Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous is still chosen by many hip hop followers today. However, like 2Pac and Biggie, Big L was killed by a gun before he could sign a contract with Jay-Z’s company.

12. Kool G Rap

Kool G Rap	Information
Full Name	Nathaniel Thomas Wilson
Also known as	G Rap, Kool Genius of Rap, Giancana
Born	July 20, 1968
Birthplace	New York City, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop, East Coast hip hop, horrorcore, hardcore hip hop, gangsta rap
Occupation	Rapper, songwriter
Years Active	1986–present
Labels	Cold Chillin’, Warner, Epic Street, Sony, E1, Illstreet Records, Small Change Entertainment Management
Associated Acts	DJ Polo, Juice Crew
Influences	The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Eminem, Jay-Z
Residence	Corona, Queens, New York City
Collaborations	Frankie Cutlass’ “Politics & Bullshit” (featuring Mobb Deep), 5 Family Click’s “Click of Respect” (joint album)
Solo Albums	“4, 5, 6,” “Roots of Evil,” “The Giancana Story,” “Half a Klip,” “Riches, Royalty, Respect,” “Son of G Rap”
Commercial Success	“4, 5, 6” reached No. 24 on the US Billboard 200 album chart
Notable Songs	“Road to the Riches,” “Streets of New York,” “Fast Life” (featuring Nas)
Influence	Credited with creating the blueprint for Nas, Biggie, and others; regarded as a major influence by numerous acclaimed rappers and considered a lyrical and storytelling master
Legacy	Regarded as a hugely influential golden age rapper; ranked among the greatest MCs of all time; known for multisyllabic rhymes and complex rhyme schemes; pioneer of mafioso rap/street/hardcore content
Personal Life	Dated Karrine Steffans; has one son together

Kool G Rap was a legendary rapper from the ’80s, shining into the ’90s with albums showcasing the gritty New York City grit like Wanted: Dead or Alive and Live and Let Die. Besides, Kool G Rap’s solo career with darker, more intense works has significantly influenced famous rappers such as Nas, Biggie, Jay-Z, and a series of other rappers that appeared in the decade. 90.

13. Q-Tip

Q Tip	Information
Full Name	Q-Tip
Birthdate	April 10, 1970
Birthplace	Harlem, New York City, U.S.
Other Names	The Abstract, Tip
Education	Murry Bergtraum High School
Occupations	Rapper, record producer, singer, DJ
Years Active	1985–present
Musical Genres	Hip hop, jazz rap, progressive soul
Labels	Jive, Arista, Universal Motown, Battery, GOOD, Def Jam, Epic
Awards	Grammy nominations
Film Career	Actor in Poetic Justice, She Hate Me, and Prison Song
Radio Show	Hosts Abstract Radio on Apple Music 1
Artistic Director	Appointed artistic director for hip hop culture at the Kennedy Center
Teaching Position	Instructor of jazz and hip hop course at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music
Acclaim	Recognized as one of the best rapper/producers in hip-hop history

In the 90s, Q-Tip started her solo career after leaving the group A Tribe Called Quest. With his gentle rap style fun flow, and Q-Tip was also a master at writing music; the rapper quickly established his place in the hearts of hip-hop fans at that time.

14. DMX

DMX	Information
Full Name	DMX
Born	December 18, 1970, Mount Vernon, New York, U.S.
Other Names	Dark Man X, X
Occupations	Rapper, actor
Years Active	1985–2021
Spouse	Tashera Simmons
Partner	Desiree Lindstrom
Children	17
Genres	Hip hop, East coast hip hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip hop
Labels	Def Jam, Ruff Ryders, Columbia, Bloodline, Hypnotic, Cleopatra
Debut Album	It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998)
Best-Selling Album	… And Then There Was X (1999)
Billboard Records	First artist to debut an album at No.1 five times in a row
Record Sales	Sold over 74 million records worldwide
Film Appearances	Belly, Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 the Grave, Last Hour
Memoir	E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX (2003)
Childhood Struggles	Overcame poverty, abuse, involvement with the law
Influence	Iconic rapper with raw delivery and intense stage presence

Before officially debuting to the public in 1998, DMX had a difficult time with his music career. However, the masterful rapping skills DMX gained helped his career develop very quickly. Even people often liken DMX to a street hero even after the 90s with songs with sharp words.

15. Ghostface Killah

Ghostface Killah	Information
Full Name	Ghostface Killah
Other Names	Ghostface, Tony Starks, D-Love
Occupations	Rapper, songwriter, record producer
Years Active	1991–present
Children	3
Origin	Staten Island, New York, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop, hardcore hip hop
Member of	Wu-Tang Clan
Debut Solo Album	Ironman (1996)
Notable Albums	Supreme Clientele (2000), Fishscale (2006)
Influential Rankings	Included on MTV’s list of the “Greatest MCs of All Time”
Noteworthy Skills	Exceptional storytelling abilities, imaginative lyricism
Personal Background	Grew up in Staten Island, New York City
Collaborations	Worked with MF Doom and Sheek Louch

As a member of the Wu-Tang Clan, Ghostface Killah owns many great works in the 90s, such as the song “Glaciers of Ice” in 1995. A year later, Ghostface Killah released his debut album and captivated listeners with his captivating storytelling and other unique elements.

16. Big Pun

Big Pun	Information
Full Name	Christopher Lee Rios
Birth Name	Christopher Lee Rios
Also Known As	Big Dog The Punisher, Big Moon Dawg, Big Punisher
Birthdate	November 10, 1971
Birthplace	New York City, U.S.
Date of Death	February 7, 2000
Place of Death	White Plains, New York, U.S.
Nationality	Puerto Rican-American
Genre	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper, songwriter, actor
Years Active	1995-2000
Labels	Columbia, BMG, SRC, RCA, Loud, Terror Squad
Formerly of	Terror Squad
Children	3 (including Chris Rivers)
Debut Studio Album	“Capital Punishment”
Notable Hit	“Still Not a Player”
Achievements	First solo Latino rapper to have a Platinum-selling album
Weight Struggles	Battled weight issues and underwent a weight-loss program
Legacy	Posthumous albums: “Yeeeah Baby” and “Endangered Species”
Street Naming Ceremony	“Big Pun Plaza” in the Bronx named in his honor

When it comes to pure rap technique, it’s hard for anyone to beat Big Pun in the 90s. This guy officially appeared in public in 1995, and many years later, Big Pun had the opportunity to release. Debut album Capital Punishment – an exciting mix of street works and “commercial” works. It is known that Capital Punishment also quickly won Best Rap Album at the 1999 Grammy Awards.

17. KRS-One

KRS One	Information
Full Name	KRS-One
Birth Name	Lawrence Parker
Also Known As	KRS, Teacha, The Blastmaster, Big Joe Krash, The Temple of Hip Hop
Birthdate	August 20, 1965 (age 57)
Birthplace	Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Origin	South Bronx, New York, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop, conscious rap, political hip hop, hardcore hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper, singer, lyricist, record producer
Years Active	1986–present
Labels	Jive, Duck Down, E1, Aftermath
Notable Songs	“Sound of da Police”, “Love’s Gonna Get’cha (Material Love)”, “My Philosophy”
Activism	Founder of the Stop the Violence Movement, politically active
Vegan Activism	Advocates veganism, expressed in songs like “Beef”
Influential Figure	Widely considered an influence on many hip-hop artists
Early Life	Challenging childhood, experiences of abuse, running away from home
Boogie Down Productions	Co-founded the influential hip hop group with DJ Scott La Rock
Significant Albums	“Criminal Minded,” “By All Means Necessary,” “Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop,” “Hip Hop Lives”
Bridge Wars	Engaged in a notable rap battle with MC Shan, contributing to the rivalry between Queensbridge and the Bronx
Gospel-Rap Album	Released the surprising album “Spiritual Minded” and founded the Temple of Hiphop
Collaborations	Collaborated with artists such as Marley Marl, Hellafactz, Jay-Roc N’ Jakebeatz, and Domingo

Although a rapper appeared in the 80s, KRS-One‘s career shined in the 90s, specifically in 1993 – when this rapper started his solo career. Backing him up are masters like DJ Premier, Showbiz, and Kid Capri, and his best song is “MC’s Act Like They Don’t Know.”

18. Big Boi

Big Boi	Information
Full Name	Big Boi
Born	Antwan André Patton (February 1, 1975)
Birthplace	Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
Other Names	Daddy Fat Sax, Lucious Left Foot, Billy Ocean, Francis the Savannah Chitlin Pimp
Education	Tri-Cities High School
Occupations	Rapper, record producer, actor
Children	3
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop, Southern hip hop
Years Active	1992–present
Labels	Hitco, EMPIRE, Epic, Def Jam, LaFace, RCA, Jive, Purple Ribbon
Member of	Dungeon Family
Formerly of	Outkast, Purple Ribbon All-Stars, Big Grams
Notable Albums	– Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty (2010)
Notable Songs	– “The Way You Move”
Film and TV Career	– ATL (2006)
Philanthropy	Founder of the Big Kidz Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping youth in Atlanta
Political Views	Identifies as libertarian
Endorsements	Collaborated with Converse on custom Chuck Taylor sneakers

Big Boi was considered a great talent in the rap game and wiped out many formidable opponents in the 90s. However, the pairing with Andre 3000 made Big Boi’s reputation not shine as expected. Wait. However, all three albums this duo released have received very high praise from hip-hop followers.

19. Rakim

Rakim	Information
Full Name	Rakim Allah
Birth Name	William Michael Griffin Jr.
Also known as	The God MC, Kid Wizard, The R, The 18th Letter
Born	January 28, 1968
Birthplace	Wyandanch, New York, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper, record producer, songwriter
Labels	Ra, Fontana, SMC, 4th & B’way, Island, MCA, Aftermath, Universal
Member of	Eric B. & Rakim
Influential Career	Widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled rappers of all time
MC Technique	Pioneered the use of internal rhymes and multisyllabic rhymes, known for intricately crafted lyrics packed with clever word choices and metaphors
Album Highlights	Paid in Full, Follow the Leader, Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em, Don’t Sweat the Technique
Solo Albums	The 18th Letter, The Master, The Seventh Seal
Acclaim	Ranked No. 4 on MTV’s list of the Greatest MCs of All Time, ranked No. 1 on The Source’s list of the “Top 50 Lyricists of All Time”
Personal Background	Nephew of American R&B singer and actress Ruth Brown, grew up in Wyandanch, New York
Name Change	Joined The Nation of Gods and Earths and adopted the Arabic name Rakim Allah
Eric B. & Rakim	Influential hip hop duo
Album Highlights	Paid in Full, Follow the Leader, Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em
Recent Work	Released The Seventh Seal as a comeback album after a ten-year gap between releases

Despite owning several hit albums in the late 80s, Rakim decided to change by releasing new albums in the 90s before turning completely into a solo career. At each stage, Rakim has won many successes for himself. With the album “The 18th Letter”, Rakim made a big splash when combining new rhythms, lyrical and complicated rap style.

20. Prodigy

Prodigy	Information
Full Name	Prodigy
Stage Name	Prodigy
Birthdate	November 2, 1974
Birthplace	Hempstead, New York, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Rapper, songwriter, record producer, record executive
Associated Acts	Mobb Deep
Years Active	1991-2017
Genres	Hip hop
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Infamous, Loud, SRC, G-Unit, Sony, RED, E1
Spouse	Kiki Johnson (m. 2007)
Children	2
Relatives	Budd Johnson, Keg Johnson, William J. White
Notable Works	“The Infamous,” “Hell on Earth,” “Murda Muzik”
Autobiography	“My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep’s Prodigy”
Solo Albums	“H.N.I.C.” (2000), “H.N.I.C. Part 2” (2008)
Collaborations	Alchemist, Curren$y
Legal Issues	Feuds with various artists, prison sentence
Literary Works	“H.N.I.C.” (novel), “Commissary Kitchen” (cookbook)
Legacy	Influential rapper of the 90s hip hop era

After debuted, Prodigy has positioned himself as one of the best rappers of the 90s with his unique flow, deep lyrics, and distinctive voice. Prodigy possesses many immortal feats, from gunfights, prison survival, dozens of big and small beef fights, and record music deals. Prodigy has devoted his life to rap since signing on at 17 and died suddenly a few days after performing with Havoc, Raekwon, and Ghostface in Las Vegas in 2017.

21. Jay-Z

Jay Z	Information
Full Name	Shawn Corey Carter
Birthdate	December 4, 1969
Birthplace	Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Other Names	The Carter Administration, Jigga, Hova, El Presidente, HOV
Occupations	Rapper, record producer, entrepreneur
Years Active	1986–present
Spouse	Beyoncé
Children	3, including Blue Ivy
Awards	24 Grammy Awards, NAACP’s President’s Award, Primetime Emmy Award, Sports Emmy Award, Tony Award
Genres	Hip hop
Labels	Roc Nation, Atlantic, Def Jam, Roc-A-Fella, NorthWestSide, Priority, Payday, FFRR
Founder & Chairman	Roc Nation
Former President & CEO	Def Jam Recordings
Business Ventures	Rocawear (clothing retailer), 40/40 Club (luxury bar chain), Tidal (media streaming service), Monogram (cannabis products)
Net Worth	US$2.5 billion
Best-Selling Artist	Over 140 million records sold
Billboard Accomplishments	Most number-one albums (14) of any solo artist on the Billboard 200
Inductions	Songwriters Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Influence	Time’s list of the “100 Most Influential People in the World”

In the ’90s, Jay-Z emerged in Brooklyn as a rapper who always talks about the good things in life with perfect use of words and flow. This has helped Jay-Z quickly develop, becoming the king of rap music in the 90s and only three years after officially appearing in public.

22. Andre 3000

Andre 3000	Information
Full Name	André 3000
Birth Name	André Lauren Benjamin
Also Known As	Benjamin André, Johnny Vulture, 3 Stacks, Dré, Sunny Bridges
Born	May 27, 1975
Birthplace	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop, R&B, funk, jazz
Occupation(s)	Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, flute
Years Active	1992–present
Labels	Epic, LaFace, RCA, Purple Ribbon
Formerly of	Outkast, Dungeon Family
Partner	Erykah Badu (1995–1999)
Children	1
Recognitions	Ranked as one of the greatest rappers of all time
Acting Career	Films: Families, Be Cool, Semi-Pro, Four Brothers
Musical Ventures	Created animated series Class of 3000, launched Benjamin Bixby
Education	Attended various schools in Atlanta, Georgia
Collaborations	Worked with Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, Rick Ross, Jay-Z, T.I., and more
Solo Projects	Released solo tracks and planned a solo rap album

Andre 3000 has become an endless source of inspiration for famous rappers like Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar, from his debut album to the following albums. Moreover, after more than a decade of operation, Andre 3000 has never lost his infamous rhyming ability, which has helped him achieve many successes in his career.

23. Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg	Information
Full Name	Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
Birthdate	October 20, 1971
Birthplace	Long Beach, California, U.S.
Other Names	Snoop Doggy Dogg, Snoop Lion, Bigg Snoop Dogg, Dogg Father, Snoop Rock, DJ Snoopadelic, Snoopzilla, FaZe Snoop
Occupations	Rapper, Actor
Years Active	1992–present
Title	Founder of Doggystyle Records, Owner of Death Row Records, Executive Creative Consultant at Def Jam Recordings
Spouse	Shante Taylor (married in 1997)
Children	4
Awards	American Music Award, Primetime Emmy Award, 17 Grammy Award nominations
Genres	Hip hop, West Coast hip hop, G-funk, gangsta rap
Labels	Death Row, Create, Doggystyle, EMPIRE, Def Jam, RCA Inspiration, E1, i am OTHER, Columbia, RCA, MCA, Priority, Geffen, Capitol, EMI, Star Trak, No Limit, Interscope
Member of	7 Days of Funk, Mt. Westmore, QDT, Tha Eastsidaz
Formerly of	213

Regarded as one of the oldest rappers in the hip-hop world, Snoop Dogg quickly established himself by selling more than 800,000 copies of his Doggystyle album in its first week. Snoop Dogg’s distinctive voice, bold personality, and very comfortable, fun flow are the factors that bring this rapper to the top of fame.

24. Redman

Redman	Information
Full Name	Redman
Birth Name	Reginald Noble
Also Known As	Doc, Reggie, Funk Doc, Funk Doctor Spock
Birthdate	April 17, 1970 (age 53)
Birthplace	Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper, DJ, record producer, actor
Years Active	1989–present
Labels	Gilla House, Chaos, Def Jam
Member of	Method Man & Redman
Formerly of	Def Squad
Collaborations	Notable collaborations with Method Man, including films and sitcoms
Album Releases	Debut albums: “Whut? Thee Album” (1992), “Dare Iz a Darkside” (1994), “Muddy Waters” (1996)
Commercial Success	Gold and platinum-certified albums
Film and TV Appearances	Featured in films such as “How High” and “Seed of Chucky”, and TV sitcom “Method & Red”
Video Game Appearances	Featured in Def Jam video games and music videos
Recent Projects	Continued work on albums and EPs, including ‘3 Joints’ (2020)

Redman, or Reggie Noble, is often referred to as a rapper with uncanny consistency throughout the ’90s. From the first album to the collaboration album with Def Squad, every word of Redman is exceptionally memorable and became a great inspiration for many famous artists later.

25. Ice Cube

Ice Cube	Information
Full Name	Ice Cube
Born	O’Shea Jackson Sr. (June 15, 1969)
Birthplace	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupations	Rapper, songwriter, actor, filmmaker
Years Active	1986–present
Organization(s)	Cube Vision, Lench Mob Records
Spouse	Kimberly Woodruff (married in 1992)
Children	4, including O’Shea Jr.
Relatives	Del tha Funky Homosapien (cousin), Kam (cousin)
Genres	Hip hop, gangsta rap, political hip hop
Labels	Interscope, Lench Mob, Priority, EMI
Member of	Mt. Westmore
Formerly of	C.I.A., Da Lench Mob, N.W.A, Westside Connection
Contributions	Ice Cube’s lyrics on N.W.A’s “Straight Outta Compton” album contributed to the popularity of gangsta rap.
Solo Albums	AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted (1990), Death Certificate (1991), The Predator (1992)
Film Career	Ice Cube has had a successful film career since the early 1990s, appearing in over 40 films.
Directorial Debut	Ice Cube made his directorial debut with the film “The Players Club” in 1998.
Awards	Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of N.W.A in 2016.
Early Life	Ice Cube was born O’Shea Jackson in Los Angeles on June 15, 1969.
Education	Attended George Washington Preparatory High School and William Howard Taft High School.
Rap Group	Formed C.I.A. in 1986 and later joined N.W.A in 1987.
Collaborations	Worked with artists like Del the Funky Homosapien, Kam, Yo-Yo, Kool G Rap, and Ice-T.

From 1992 to 1992, Ice Cube established himself as a capable rapper when releasing three classic albums, confirmed by many hip-hop followers as his best albums: AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, Death Certificate, and The Predator. Despite being quite busy, Ice Cube still finds time to carry out many other notable activities, such as forming a sub-rapper group, releasing five more platinum albums, co-writing and starring in his comedy film.