The Best Rappers From Philadelphia
Black Thought, born Tariq Luqmaan Trotter, is not only a renowned rapper from Philadelphia but also a founding member of the critically acclaimed hip-hop group The Roots. Known for his thought-provoking lyrics addressing social issues and introspective themes, Black Thought's contributions to the world of rap are unparalleled. He has received multiple Grammy Awards with The Roots and has been hailed by fellow artists as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Black Thought's powerful performances as both a solo artist and group member continue to solidify his legacy as a vital force within the Philadelphia rap community.
Symere Woods, better known by his stage name Lil Uzi Vert, is another notable rapper hailing from Philadelphia who has made waves in the industry with his distinct sound and infectious energy. Combining elements of punk rock with trap music, Lil Uzi Vert's style has resonated with fans across the globe. His debut album Luv Is Rage 2 featured the smash hit "XO TOUR Llif3," which earned him numerous accolades, including MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. With his dynamic presence both on stage and in the studio, Lil Uzi Vert continues to represent Philadelphia's diverse rap scene.
Meek Mill's rise to fame as one of the best rappers from Philadelphia is a journey of resilience and hard work. Born Robert Rihmeek Williams, Meek Mill has consistently showcased his unique flow and powerful lyricism, tackling themes like social injustice, personal struggles, and triumphs. With chart-topping hits like "Dreams and Nightmares" and "Amen," he has earned multiple Grammy nominations and two BET Awards. Furthermore, his collaborations with artists like Jay-Z, Rick Ross, and Drake further solidify his position in the hip-hop industry as an influential Philadelphia rapper.
As a prominent figure in the Philadelphia rap scene, Beanie Sigel's impact on the industry extends beyond his gritty lyrical style and commanding onstage presence. Born Dwight Grant, Beanie Sigel is known for his collaborations with Jay-Z and his affiliation with the Roc-A-Fella Records label. His successful solo career includes albums like The Truth and The Reason, which showcase his raw talent and storytelling abilities. Beanie Sigel's dedication to his craft and influence on fellow rappers confirm his place among the best rappers from Philadelphia.
Born Leslie Edward Pridgen, Philadelphia rapper Freeway is best known for his tenure under Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records and collaborations with fellow Philadelphia artist Beanie Sigel. His debut album Philadelphia Freeway spawned the hit singles "What We Do" and "Flipside," showcasing his aggressive lyricism and undeniable talent. Over the years, Freeway has continued to release acclaimed albums and mixtapes, solidifying his position as a respected figure in Philadelphia's rap scene.
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Eve Jihan Jeffers-Cooper, professionally known as Eve, has made a significant mark on both the rap and acting industries. This talented Philadelphia native garnered attention with her debut album Let There Be Eve… Ruff Ryders' First Lady, which showcased her fierce lyricism and unique sense of style. In addition to winning a Grammy Award for her collaboration with Gwen Stefani on "Let Me Blow Ya Mind," Eve has also enjoyed success in film and television. Her wide-ranging talents and accomplishments further assert her status as one of Philadelphia's most esteemed rappers.
Rakim Hasheem Allen, better known as PnB Rock, has been making waves in the hip-hop scene since his debut mixtape Real N*gga Bangaz. This Philadelphia native is known for his signature melodic flow and introspective lyrics, which have garnered him a dedicated fanbase. With tracks like "Selfish" and collaborations with notable artists such as Fetty Wap and Wiz Khalifa, PnB Rock continues to carve his path as a standout rapper from Philadelphia.
Barry Adrian Reese, known by his stage name Cassidy, is a highly skilled battle rapper hailing from Philadelphia. He has engaged in high-profile battles against fellow rappers like Freeway and Goodz, earning him widespread recognition for his quick wit and lyrical prowess. In addition to his battle rap success, Cassidy has released popular tracks such as "Hotel" and "I'm A Hustla," further proving his versatility as an artist and exemplifying the best of Philadelphia's rap scene.
An icon in both the music and film industries, Philadelphia native Will Smith began his career as a rapper under the name The Fresh Prince. Alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff, Will Smith released numerous classic hits such as "Parents Just Don't Understand" and "Summertime," earning multiple Grammy Awards in the process. As he transitioned into an acclaimed Hollywood actor, Will Smith continued to showcase his natural charisma and undeniable talent. His trailblazing career exemplifies the achievements that can be attained by rappers from Philadelphia.
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Ricardo Emmanuel Brown, better known by his stage name Kurupt, is an influential rapper from Philadelphia widely known for his affiliation with Death Row Records and Tha Dogg Pound. His distinct flow and lyrical abilities earned him critical acclaim for his work on classic albums such as Dogg Food and Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha. With over two decades contributing to the rap game, Kurupt proves that Philadelphia has produced some of the most talented emcees in hip-hop history.
Lisa Nicole Lopes, also known as "Left Eye," was a Philadelphia-born rapper and member of the legendary R&B group TLC. Lopes contributed her fiery rap verses and stellar songwriting skills to the group’s chart-topping hits, such as "No Scrubs" and "Waterfalls." Her unique style and influence on TLC's success were instrumental in shaping the sound of 90s R&B. Although she tragically passed away in 2002, Lisa Lopes' legacy as a talented rapper and entertainer continues to inspire future generations of Philadelphia rappers.
Pennsylvania native David Andrew Burd, better known as Lil Dicky, has made a unique mark on the hip-hop industry with his comedic style and clever wordplay. His debut mixtape So Hard gained him viral fame with songs like "Ex-Boyfriend" and "White Dude." While he sometimes tackles serious topics, it's Lil Dicky's humorous approach to rap that sets him apart from other artists in the genre. As an unconventional rapper from Philadelphia, he has demonstrated the diversity of talent that the city has to offer.
Born Jeffrey Allen Townes, DJ Jazzy Jeff gained widespread recognition working alongside Will Smith as part of the iconic duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. As a turntablist and producer hailing from Philadelphia, he played an instrumental role in shaping the duo's hit tracks and earning them multiple Grammy Awards. His incredible skills behind the turntables have also earned him accolades in the world of DJ competitions. DJ Jazzy Jeff's contributions to hip-hop establish him as an integral part of Philadelphia's rap legacy.
Regarded as one of the pioneers of gangsta rap, Philadelphia native Jesse Bonds Weaver Jr., better known as Schoolly D, has had an immeasurable impact on the rap scene since the 1980s. With songs like "PSK, What Does It Mean?" and "Saturday Night," Schoolly D's gritty style and controversial lyrics paved the way for future generations of rappers. His influential status marks him as a legendary figure in the Philadelphia hip-hop scene.
Vincenzo Luvineri, better known as Vinnie Paz, is a celebrated rapper from Philadelphia who is also a founding member of the underground hip-hop group Jedi Mind Tricks. Known for his aggressive delivery, intricate wordplay, and raw lyrical content, Paz has garnered a loyal following for both his solo work and collaborations. With a career spanning over two decades, Vinnie Paz has solidified his reputation as one of the best rappers to emerge from Philadelphia.
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AR-Ab
Abdul West, better known by his stage name AR-Ab, is a rapper from Philadelphia who has garnered attention for his gritty lyrics and authentic depictions of street life. With mixtapes like Who Harder Than Me and Protocol, AR-Ab has built a dedicated fanbase who appreciate his raw talent and unfiltered storytelling. As a prominent figure in Philadelphia's rap scene, AR-Ab represents the city's distinct style and undeniable impact on hip-hop as a whole.
Young Chris, born Christopher Francis Ries, is a talented rapper from Philadelphia who first gained recognition as part of the duo Young Gunz alongside Neef Buck. Signed to Roc-A-Fella Records under Jay-Z's mentorship, Young Chris showcased his rapid-fire flow and memorable hooks on tracks like "Can't Stop Won't Stop" and "No Better Love." His solo career has continued to flourish with a string of mixtapes, solidifying his place among Philadelphia's rap elite.
Kimetrius Foose, known as Lil Skies, is an up-and-coming rapper from Pennsylvania who has captivated audiences with his melodic flow and introspective lyrics. Gaining recognition through SoundCloud and YouTube, Lil Skies' tracks such as "Red Roses" and "Nowadays" have gained millions of streams, showcasing his potential as an influential rapper within the Philadelphia scene.
As an influential female rapper in the Philadelphia music scene, Bahamadia, born Antonia Reed, has earned respect for her soulful voice and thoughtful lyricism. Her 1996 debut album Kollage showcased her penchant for jazzy beats and incisive lyrics, which resonated with listeners and garnered critical acclaim. Throughout her career, Bahamadia has collaborated with notable artists like The Roots and Talib Kweli, further cementing her legacy as an essential figure in Philadelphia's hip-hop history.
Tierra Helena Whack is an innovative rapper and singer from Philadelphia known for her genre-defying sound and unorthodox approach to music. Her 2018 album Whack World received widespread critical acclaim for its unique concept — featuring 15 one-minute songs accompanied by corresponding visually compelling music videos. With her boundary-pushing style and originality, Tierra Whack represents a new generation of rappers emerging from Philadelphia.
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Lady B
Wendy Clark, known as Lady B, is a trailblazing rapper and radio personality hailing from Philadelphia. As one of the earliest female rappers to release a single, her 1979 hit "To The Beat Y'all" showcased her innovative approach to rap and helped pave the way for future generations of women in the genre. With a long-spanning career in music and radio broadcasting, Lady B has become an iconic figure in Philadelphia's hip-hop community.
As a teenage hip-hop group from Philadelphia, Da Youngsta's showcased their impressive talent and maturity beyond their years. Comprised of members Qur'an Goodman, Taji "Taj Mahal" Goodman, and Tarik Dawson, the trio released their debut album Somethin' 4 da Youngsta's in 1992. With a string of successful albums produced by names like DJ Premier and Marley Marl, Da Youngsta's represented the potential for greatness among young rappers emerging from the Philadelphia hip-hop scene.
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DJ Cash Money
Born Jerome Hewlett, DJ Cash Money is a prominent figure in Philadelphia's hip-hop scene known for his innovative DJ techniques and masterful turntablism. As a pioneering DJ, Cash Money has made significant contributions to the art of mixing, scratching, and beat juggling. He has earned numerous accolades and championship titles, including the first-ever DMC World DJ Championship in 1988. With his legendary status and decades-long career, DJ Cash Money has solidified his place among the best that Philadelphia's rap scene has to offer.
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E-Dubble
Evan Sewell Wallace, better known by his stage name e-dubble, was an independent rapper and producer from Pennsylvania who gained popularity through his Freestyle Friday series on YouTube. His adept lyricism and catchy hooks earned him a devoted following of fans who appreciated his energetic sound and clever wordplay. Although e-dubble tragically passed away in 2017, his contributions to the world of rap live on through his music and the admiration of those he inspired.
