Top Rap Music Stars

There are many rap artists out there today. Some rappers were popular in the 80s and 90s, while others are stealing the spotlight right now. Since there are many famous rappers out there, this article will focus on some of the top rappers of the moment. These artists have had songs recently that have been big hits and earned them some big bucks too. 

Eminem

This American rapper, born with the name Marshall Bruce Mathers III, has been around since the 90s. His album The Slim Shady gained him high popularity status in 1999. Other releases since then have included The Marshall Mathers, The Eminem Show, Encore, Relapse, and Recovery. Eminem has been hitting the radio waves this past year with hits like “Love the Way You Lie” featuring Rhianna, “Not Afraid” as well as been featured himself on songs like “Airplanes” by B.o.B. and “I Need a Doctor” from Dr. Dre. Throughout his career, Eminem has won a total of thirteen Grammy Awards.

50 Cent

Born with the name Curtis James Jackson III, rapper 50 Cent is a New York native who first gained popularity in 2003 with the release of his album Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Since then, 50 Cent has also released Massacre, Curtis, and Before I Self Destruct. He is said to be working on a fifth album release. 50 Cent has been nominated for and won many awards including one Grammy.

Lil Wayne

This New Orleans born rapper is also known as Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. Lil Wayne started out his career as part of a group, but in 1999 he released his album The Block is Hot. The next two albums, Lights Out and 500 Degreez, weren’t as popular as the first, but his 2004 release The Carter was a hit. He also created a sequel to this, The Carter II which was released in 2005. Lil Wayne’s next album, The Carter III was his most successful album and was released in 2008. Next came Rebirth in 2010 as well as his album released while he was in prison entitled I Am Not a Human Being. Lil Wayne’s ninth album, The Carter IV, is set to be release August 2011. Wayne has been nominated for and won several awards including four Grammy’s.

Kanye West

Kanye hails from Atlanta, Georgia and released his first album The College Dropout in 2004. Following his debut album, West also released Late Registration in 2005, Graduation in 2007, 808s & Heartbreak in 2008, and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy in 2010. All of his albums have gone platinum, and Kanye has won a total of fourteen Grammy Awards. A couple of his popular songs include “E.T.,” and “Heartless.”

Chris Brown

American rapper, Chris Brown, released his first album Chris Brown when he was only sixteen. This debut album included the popular hit “Run It.” His second album Exclusive was released in 2007. Following albums include Graffiti in 2009 and F.A.M.E. in 2011. Chris Brown has had several nominations and wins throughout his career, including awards from BET and the American Music Awards.