Here we go guys, In this article, we will be looking for the best famous black rappers of all time. As we all know, Famous Black male rappers have made an unforgettable effect on the music industry, promoting hip-hop and rap to new peaks of rage and cultural value.
From frontiersperson like André 3000 to modern-day icons like Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar, these talented artists have not only composed incredible rhymes and beats but have also used their platforms to raise awareness about social and racial issues.
So, without wasting our time, let’s scroll up the page and see the best famous black rappers of all time.
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26 Best Famous Black Rappers Of All Time
1 – André 3000
André Lauren Benjamin aka André 3000, is an American black Male rapper, and singer, Born on born May 27, 1975. Best known for being one-half of the southern hip-hop duo Outkast, alongside fellow Atlanta-based rapper Big Boi. In 2002, Outkast released a greatest hits album, Big Boi and Dre Present… OutKast, which included three unique tracks, one of which, “The Whole World”, won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
Meanwhile, Benjamin also worked in films and TV series such as Families, The Shield, Be Cool, Revolver, Semi-Pro, High Life, Four Brothers, and in the lead role of Jimi Hendrix in All Is by My Side.
His Super-hit tracks include:
- Hey Ya!
- Roses
- Ms. Jackson
- So Fresh, So Clean
- Life Of The Party
- The Way You Move
- ATLines
2 – Tupac Shakur
Tupac Amaru Shakur(his stage name 2Pac and briefly Makaveli), was one of the black American Male rappers, born on June 16, 1971 – died on September 13, 1996. Widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful rappers of all time. In 2002, Shakur was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. Shakur gained commercial success with his follow-up albums Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z… (1993) and Me Against the World (1995).
In addition to his music career, Shakur also found considerable success as an actor, with his starring roles in Juice (1992), Poetic Justice (1993), Above the Rim (1994), Bullet (1996), Gridlock’d (1997), and Gang Related (1997).
Shakur was shot five times in the lobby of a New York recording studio and experienced legal troubles, including incarceration.
3 – 50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III aka 50 Cent is one of the popular American Male black rappers, and businessmen, born on July 6, 1975. Jackson started pursuing a musical career in 2000 when he produced Power of the Dollar for Columbia Records.
50 Cent has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and won several awards, including a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, thirteen Billboard Music Awards, six World Music Awards, three American Music Awards, and four BET Awards.
He gained huge commercial success from his first major-label album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2003). The album spawned the Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles “In da Club” and “21 Questions” (featuring Nate Dogg), and was certified 9× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
4 – Drake
Aubrey Drake Graham is one of the famous Canadian rappers, and songwriters, born on October 24, 1986. He gained high recognition by starring as Jimmy Brooks in the CTV teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–08), he pursued a music profession by releasing his debut mixtape Room for Improvement in 2006.
Drake’s first three albums including Thank Me Later (2010), Take Care (2011) and Nothing Was the Same (2013), were all critical successes. He has won five Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, a record 34 Billboard Music Awards, two Brit Awards, and three Juno Awards.
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5 – The Notorious B.I.G.
Christopher George Latore Wallace(stage names the Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls, or simply Biggie) was one of the famous black Male American rappers, born on May 21, 1972 – died on March 9, 1997. Wallace became known for his distinctive laid-back lyrical delivery, offsetting the lyrics’ often grim content.
His Super-hit tracks include:
- Hypnotize
- Big Poppa
- Notorious Thugs
- Mo Money Mo Problems
- Get Money
- Sky’s The Limit
- Warning
- Who Shot Ya
- One More Chance
- Suicidal Thoughts
6 – Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter aka Jay-Z is an American rapper, and entrepreneur, born on December 4, 1969. Jay-Z started his musical profession in the late 1980s; he co-founded the record label Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995 and released his debut studio album Reasonable Doubt in 1996. He has been central to the creative and commercial success of artists including Kanye West, Rihanna, and J. Cole.
His best tracks include:
- Young Forever
- Niggas In Paris
- Why I Love You
- APESHIT
- Run This Town
- Song Cry
- Empire State Of Mind
- The Story Of O.J.
7 – Kanye West
Ye(old name Kanye West) is one of the famous black American Male rappers, and record producers, born on June 8, 1977. In the early 2000s, West gained recognition as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, producing singles for several artists and creating the “chipmunk soul” sampling style. West explored various musical elements like orchestras, synthesizers, and autotune on the albums Late Registration (2005), Graduation (2007), and 808s & Heartbreak (2008).
One of the world’s best-selling music artists, with over 160 million records sold, West has won 24 Grammy Awards and 75 nominations, the joint tenth-most of all time, and the joint-most Grammy awards of any rapper along with Jay-Z.
His Great hit track includes:
- I Wonder
- All Of The Lights
- Praise God
- Runaway
- Flashing Lights
- Heartless
- Good Morning
- Niggas In Paris
- Bound 2
- Can’t Tell Me Nothing
8 – Dr. Dre
Andre Romell Young (stage name Dr. Dre) is an American rapper and record producer, born on February 18, 1965. He is the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics, and previously co-founded, co-owned, and was the president of Death Row Records. Dre’s solo debut studio album The Chronic (1992), released under Death Row Records, made him one of the best-selling American music artists of 1993. He has won seven Grammy Awards, including Producer of the Year, Non-Classical.
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9 – A$AP Rocky
Rakim Athelaston Mayers, professionally known as ASAP Rocky is an American black rapper, and record executive, born on October 3, 1988. Rocky has won a BET Award, two BET Hip Hop Awards, an MTV Video Music Award Japan, and an MTVU Woodie Award, as well as being nominated for two Grammy Awards, six World Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, and two MTV Europe Music Awards.
His Super Hit tracks include:
- Praise the Lord
- Am I Dreaming
- F**kin’ Problems
- Fukk Sleep
- Everyday
- Good for You
- Fashion Killa
- L&D
10 – Big Daddy Kane
Antonio Hardy(stage name Big Daddy Kane) is one of the popular black male rappers, and actors, born September 10, 1968. He began his career in 1986 as a member of the Juice Crew. Best regarded as one of the most influential and skilled MCs in hip-hop.
11 – Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is a famous American Male rapper and songwriter, born on June 17, 1987. Best Known for his advanced musical styles and socially cognizant songwriting, he is often regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop artists of his generation.
He has received multiple awards, including 17 Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, two American Music Awards, six Billboard Music Awards, 11 MTV Video Music Awards, a Brit Award, and a nomination for an Academy Award.
Lamar started his profession as a teenager portraying under the stage name K.Dot. He fast garnered provincial attention which led to him signing a recording contract with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2005.
His Best Tracks Include:
- Money Trees
- Bad Blood
- HUMBLE.
- United In Grief
- DNA.
- Pray For Me
- Swimming Pools
- All The Stars
12 – Busta Rhymes
Trevor George Smith Jr. aka Busta Rhymes is an American black rapper, and actor, born on May 20, 1972. He has received 12 Grammy Award nominations for his work, making him one of the most-nominated artists without winning. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the moniker Busta Rhymes, after NFL and CFL wide receiver George “Buster” Rhymes.
Rhymes Super hit singles include:
- “Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check”,
- “It’s a Party”,
- “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See”,
- “Dangerous”,
- “Turn It Up” (Remix)/”Fire It Up”,
- “Gimme Some More”,
- “What’s It Gonna Be?”,
- “Pass the Courvoisier, Part II”,
- “I Know What You Want”
- “Touch It”.
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13 – Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.(Stage name Snoop Dogg) is one of the most prominent black Male American rappers and actors, born on October 20, 1971. Broadus has since sold over 23 million albums in the United States and 35 million albums worldwide. He has won many awards including an American Music Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and 17 nominations at the Grammy Awards.
His super hit track includes:
- Sexual Eruption
- Drop It Like It’s Hot
- Young, Wild & Free
- Doggyland
- Bad Decisions
- Beautiful
- From The D 2 The LBC
- Sweat
- Gangsta Zone
14 – Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones(stage name Nas), an American black rapper, born on September 14, 1973. Rooted in East Coast hip-hop, he is regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Nas’s debut album, Illmatic (1994) is considered to be one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.
Nas released many hit tracks including:
- Get Down
- N.Y. State Of Mind
- On My Soul
- Nas Is Like
- Patience
- Nas Morales
- Oochie Wally
- Hate Me Now
- Affirmative Action
15 – Kodak Black
Bill Kahan Kapri aka Kodak Black, is a famous American rapper, born on June 11, 1997. He gained initial success with his single “No Flockin”, released in 2014. Kodak Black’s career has been marked by periods of mainstream success, as well as public controversies and legal issues. His debut album, Painting Pictures (2017), peaked at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and included the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 single “Tunnel Vision”.
He released many singles including:
- Pimpin Ain’t Eazy
- ZEZE
- Super Gremlin
- Roll In Peace
- No Flockin’
- Transportin’
- Wake Up In The Sky
- Tunnel Vision
- King Snipe
16 – AZ
Anthony Cruz(stage name AZ) is an American rapper, born on March 9, 1972. Best known for being a longtime and frequent music partner of East Coast rapper Nas. AZ also made it onto the site’s “Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987–2007)”, where he was reiterated as “arguably the most underrated lyricist ever.”
His super hit tracks include:
- Sugar Hill
- Quiet Money TBS
- Mo Money, Mo Murder
- The Come Up
- Rather Uniques
- The Formant
- Problems
- How Ya Livin’
17 – DMX
Earl Simmons aka DMX, was one of the famous black Male American rappers and actors, born on December 18, 1970 – died on April 9, 2021. He started rapping in the early 1990s and released his debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot in 1998. Also, DMX released his best-selling album, … And Then There Was X, in 1999, which included the hit single “Party Up (Up in Here)”.
His best songs include:
- X Gon’ Give It To Ya
- Party Up
- Ruff Ryder’s Anthem
- Intro
- Where The Hood At
- Go To Sleep
- Slippin’
- What These Bitches Want
- How’s It Goin’ Down
- Lord Give Me A Sigh
18 – Eazy-E
Eric Lynn Wright aka Eazy-E, was an American rapper, born on September 7, 1964 – died on March 26, 1995, He is often referred to as the “Godfather of Gangsta Rap”. He propelled West Coast rap and gangsta rap by leading the group N.W.A and its label, Ruthless Records.
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19 – Q-Tip
Kamaal Ibn John Fareed(stage name Q-Tip) is an American rapper, record producer, singer, and DJ, born on April 10, 1970. He is noted for his innovative jazz-influenced style of hip-hop production and his philosophical, esoteric, and introspective lyrical themes.
His best songs include:
- Vivrant Thing
- Electric Relaxation
- Can I Kick It?
- Check The Rhime
- Got ’til it’s Gone
- Award Tour
- Scenario
- Jazz
- Buggin’ Out
20 – Lil Nas X
Montero Lamar Hill(stage name Lil Nas X), is one of the famous black American rappers, and songwriters, born on April 9, 1999. He rose to prominence with the release of his country rap single “Old Town Road”, which spent 19 weeks atop the U.S.
Lil Nas X has received numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards, two BET Hip Hop Awards, two iHeartRadio Music Awards, and two American Music Awards.
21 – Ice Cube
O’Shea Jackson Sr. aka Ice Cube, is an American rapper, songwriter, actor, and filmmaker, born on June 15, 1969. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of N.W.A in 2016. Best known for their violent lyrics, threatening to attack abusive police and innocent civilians alike, which stirred controversy.
In addition, Ice Cube formed his first rap group called C.I.A. in 1986. In 1987, with Eazy-E and Dr. Dre, he formed the gangsta rap group N.W.A.
His Super-hit tracks include:
- It Was a Good Day
- You Know How We Do It
- You Can Do It
- Check Yo Self
- No Baseline
- Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It
- Fuck Tha Police
- Why We Thugs
- Ain’t Got No Haters
22 – Akon
Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, aka Akon is a black rapper and entrepreneur, born on April 16, 1973. In 2004, He gained popularity following the release of “Locked Up” (featuring Styles P), the first single from his debut album Trouble (2004), followed by the second single “Lonely”.
In addition, His second album, Konvicted (2006), received three Grammy Award nominations for Best Contemporary R&B Album, and for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Smack That” (featuring Eminem) and “I Wanna Love You” (featuring Snoop Dogg).
His track includes:
- Chammak Challo
- Lonely
- Smack That
- Right Now
- I Wanna Love You
- Don’t Matter
- Bananza
- Beautiful
23 – Rick Ross
William Leonard Roberts II aka Rick Ross is a famous black Male American rapper and record executive, born on January 28, 1976. Ross founded the record label Maybach Music Group in 2009, on which he released his studio albums Deeper Than Rap (2009), Teflon Don (2010), God Forgives, I Don’t (2012), Mastermind and Hood Billionaire (2014), Black Market (2015), Rather You Than Me (2017), Port of Miami 2 (2019), and Richer Than I Ever Been (2021).
24 – T.I.
Clifford Joseph Harris Jr.(stage names T.I. and Tip (often stylized as TIP or T.I.P.), is an American rapper, born on September 25, 1980. Best known as one of the pioneers of hip-hop subgenre trap music, along with fellow Atlanta-based rappers Jeezy and Gucci Mane.
A three-time Grammy Award winner has released 11 studio albums, with seven of them reaching the top five of the US Billboard 200 chart. Harris began to gain major recognition in 2003 following his first high-profile feature on fellow Atlanta-based rapper Bone Crusher’s single “Never Scared”.
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25 – Black Thought
Tarik Luqmaan Trotter aka Black Thought, is an American black Male rapper, and singer, born on October 3, 1973. Regarded for his live performance skills, continuous multisyllabic rhyme schemes, complex lyricism, double entendres, and politically aware lyrics.
His hit tracks include:
You Got Me
The Seed
What They Do
No Tears Left To Cry
Belize
Strangers
Because
Aquamarine
Tao Of The Machine
Break You Off
26 – Mos Def
Yasiin Bey, stage name Mos Def, is an American rapper, singer, and actor, born on December 11, 1973. In 1998 they released their debut album Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, featuring the singles “Definition” and “Respiration”. His hits include “Oh No”, “Ms. Fat Booty”, and “Mathematics”.
Hope you like our list guys!!!!
