Hip hop, a genre traditionally rooted in African American culture, has seen a diverse range of voices and styles emerge over the decades.
Among these, several white rappers have made their marks with their distinct contributions and accomplishments. These artists have not only achieved commercial success but have also influenced the genre with their unique perspectives and lyrical prowess.
1. Eminem
- Real Name: Marshall Bruce Mathers III
Eminem is often regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. He has won numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Lose Yourself”). His albums, such as The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP, and The Eminem Show, have been critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
Eminem’s ability to blend complex rhyme schemes with personal storytelling has cemented his place in hip hop history.
2. Beastie Boys
- Members: Michael Diamond (Mike D), Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock), and Adam Yauch (MCA) (Note: The Beastie Boys are a group with all white members)
The Beastie Boys broke new ground in hip hop with their debut album, Licensed to Ill, which was the first rap album to top the Billboard 200 chart. They continued to influence the genre with albums like Paul’s Boutique and Hello Nasty.
The group has received multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
3. Mac Miller
- Real Name: Malcolm James McCormick
Mac Miller gained prominence with his mixtapes and later achieved commercial success with albums like Blue Slide Park, which was the first independently distributed debut album to top the Billboard 200 chart since 1995.
His music evolved over the years, showing his versatility and depth as an artist. Mac Miller received critical acclaim for his posthumous album Circles.
4. G-Eazy
- Real Name: Gerald Earl Gillum
G-Eazy rose to fame with his 2014 album These Things Happen, which debuted at number three on the Billboard 200. His subsequent albums, including When It’s Dark Out and The Beautiful & Damned, have been commercially successful.
G-Eazy is known for his slick production and smooth delivery, which have contributed to his popularity in the hip hop scene.
5. Action Bronson
- Real Name: Ariyan Arslani
Action Bronson gained attention with his mixtapes and debut album Dr. Lecter. He further solidified his reputation with albums like Mr. Wonderful and Blue Chips 7000. Known for his distinctive voice and eclectic style, Bronson has also ventured into television, hosting the show Fck, That’s Delicious.*
His contributions to hip hop are characterized by his unique lyrical content and charismatic personality.
6. Aesop Rock
- Real Name: Ian Matthias Bavitz
Aesop Rock is known for his complex lyricism and extensive vocabulary. His album Labor Days is highly acclaimed for its intricate wordplay and thought-provoking content.
He has consistently released influential music, including albums like The Impossible Kid and None Shall Pass. Aesop Rock is recognized for his unique style and contribution to underground hip hop.
7. Yelawolf
- Real Name: Michael Lawrence Stevenson
Yelawolf gained recognition with his debut album Radioactive, which featured collaborations with artists like Eminem and Kid Rock. His subsequent albums, such as Love Story and Trunk Muzik 3, showcase his blend of Southern rap with rock influences.
Yelawolf’s distinctive style and versatility have made him a notable figure in contemporary hip hop.
8. Rittz
- Real Name: Ricardo L. Wiggins
Rittz, known for his rapid-fire delivery and introspective lyrics, gained prominence with his album The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant. He has also collaborated with artists like Tech N9ne and Yelawolf.
His ability to blend lyrical complexity with accessible hooks has earned him a dedicated following in the underground scene.
9. Paul Wall
- Real Name: Paul Michael Slayton
Paul Wall is known for his contributions to Southern rap, particularly in the Houston hip hop scene. His debut album The People’s Champ was a commercial success, featuring hit singles like “Sittin’ Sidewayz.”
Wall’s distinctive voice and style have made him a key figure in the genre, with subsequent albums continuing to build on his success.
10. DJ Shadow
- Real Name: Josh Davis
Although primarily known as a producer, DJ Shadow’s work has influenced the hip hop genre. His debut album Endtroducing….. is renowned for its innovative use of sampling and instrumental hip hop.
DJ Shadow’s production work has earned him critical acclaim and has shaped the sound of contemporary hip hop and electronic music.
These artists each bring their unique style and achievements to the hip hop genre, contributing to its diversity and evolution.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
