[Luke, Fresh Kid Ice, Mr. Mixx, Amazing V, Brother Marquis, Verb]

2 Live Crew is an American hip-hop group from Miami, Florida, formed in 1984. The group was originally composed of DJ Mr. Mixx (David Hobbs), Fresh Kid Ice (Christopher Wong Won), and Amazing Vee (Yuri Vielot). However, its most well-known lineup emerged later with the addition of Brother Marquis (Mark Ross) and the replacement of Amazing Vee by Luther “Luke Skyywalker” Campbell.

[7LES]

7L & Esoteric (7LES) are an American underground hip-hop duo from Boston, Massachusetts, known for battle rhymes and boom bap production. 7L is the duo’s DJ/producer and Esoteric is the MC. 7L & Esoteric are both prominent members of underground hip-hop collectives Army of the Pharaohs and Demigodz, as well as being 2/3 of Czarface.

[Universal Zulu Nation]

Lance Taylor (born April 17, 1957), also known as Afrika Bambaataa, is a retired American DJ, rapper, and record producer. He is notable for releasing a series of genre-defining electro tracks in the 1980s that influenced the development of hip hop culture. Afrika Bambaataa is one of the originators of breakbeat DJing.Through his co-opting of his street gang Black Spades into the music and culture-oriented organization Universal Zulu Nation, he has helped spread hip hop culture throughout the world.

[Dre Dog]

Andre Lamond Adams (born March 11, 1970), known artistically as Andre Nickatina, is an American rapper and record producer from San Francisco, California. Nickatina is known for his distinctive voice, original flow, and lyrical exploration. He previously performed under the stage name Dre Dog.

Jared K. Bridgeman, (born May 3, 1974) better known by his stage name Akrobatik, is an American rapper. He is also a part of the hip hop collective named The Perceptionists with Mr. Lif and DJ Fakts One, which released Black Dialogue in 2005. In 1998, Akrobatik released his first single, “Ruff Enough”, on Boston’s Detonator Records label.

Antonio Hardy (born September 10, 1968), better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper, producer and actor who began his career in 1986 as a member of the Juice Crew. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled MCs in hip-hop. Rolling Stone ranked his song “Ain’t No Half-Steppin'” number 25 on its list of The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time, calling him “a master wordsmith of rap’s … golden age and a huge influence on a generation of MCs.

Das EFX is an American hip hop duo. It consists of emcees Dray (also known as Krazy Drayz, born Andre Weston, September 9, 1970) and Skoob (also known as Books and Boogie Bang, born William “Willie” Hines, November 27, 1970). They named themselves “DAS” standing for “Dray and Skoob” and “EFX” meaning “effects”. They rose to popularity in the early 1990s due to the duo’s stream of consciousness lyrical delivery, which became one of the most influential lyrical styles in rap music at the time; as well as their affiliation with EPMD’s Hit Squad.

Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 – April 9, 2021), known professionally as DMX, was an American rapper. His accolades included an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, and six Grammy Award nominations.

Andre Romell Young (born February 18, 1965), known professionally as Dr. Dre, is an American rapper, record producer, record executive, and actor. He is the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics, and co-founder of Death Row Records.

Eric Lynn Wright (September 7, 1964 – March 26, 1995), known professionally as Eazy-E, was an American rapper who propelled West Coast rap and gangsta rap by leading the group N.W.A and its label, Ruthless Records. Wright is often referred to as the “Godfather of Gangsta Rap”

O’Shea Jackson Sr. (born June 15, 1969), known professionally as Ice Cube, is an American rapper, songwriter, actor, and film producer. His efforts on N.W.A’s 1989 album Straight Outta Compton contributed to gangsta rap’s popularity.

[Body Count]

Tracy Lauren Marrow (born February 16, 1958), known professionally as Ice-T (or Ice T), is an American rapper and actor. He is active in both hip-hop and heavy metal. Ice-T began his career as an underground rapper in the 1980s and was signed to Sire Records in 1987, when he released his debut album Rhyme Pays. The following year, he founded the record label Rhyme $yndicate Records.

[Wu-Tang / Czarface]

Jason S. Hunter (born July 6, 1970), better known by his stage name Inspectah Deck, is an American rapper and hip hop producer. He is a member of the groups Wu-Tang Clan and Czarface. He has acquired critical praise for his intricate lyricism, and for his verses on many of the group’s most revered songs. He has grown to become a producer in his own right, taking up tracks for fellow Wu rappers and his own projects.

[Babygrande Records[

Felipe Andres Coronel (born February 19, 1978), better known by his stage name Immortal Technique, is a Peruvian-American rapper, songwriter, and activist. His lyrics largely feature commentary on issues such as politics, religion, institutional racism, and government conspiracies.

[La Coka Nostra / Non Phixion]

William Braunstein (born July 14, 1972), professionally known by his stage name Ill Bill, is an American rapper and record producer from Brooklyn, New York City. Having gained fame in the underground hip-hop group Non Phixion, Ill Bill is known for his diverse lyrics and as the producer, founder and CEO of Uncle Howie Records.

[General G]

Illa Ghee is the self-proclaimed, “Incredible Math-matics of Rap”. In his words, “I am the exact science of rap”. Brooklyn-based Emcee Illa Ghee has a crafty aptness for delivering raw and unapologetic lyrics resonating in the ears and souls of his fans. His ability to share his own personal unfiltered journey draws listeners in as he attacks their senses with a barrage of metaphors and similes to paint the perfect picture with this pen.

[Crooklyn Dodgers / Gang Starr]

[Slum Village]

James Dewitt Yancey (February 7, 1974 – February 10, 2006), better known by the stage names J Dilla and Jay Dee, was an American record producer, rapper, and composer. He emerged from the mid-1990s underground hip-hop scene in Detroit, Michigan, as a member of the group Slum Village. He was a founding member of the Soulquarians.

[Slaughterhouse]

Joell Christopher Ortiz (born July 6, 1980) is an American rapper and former member of the group Slaughterhouse. Raised in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn’s Cooper Park Houses, he first gained recognition after appearing in the Unsigned Hype column of The Source Magazine, as well as on the Chairman’s Choice list on XXL Magazine. During this time, Ortiz also competed in and won the 2004 EA Sports Battle.

[Mr. Kane]

Jerry Buddy Long Jr. (born March 10, 1969), better known by his stage name Kokane, is an American rapper and singer best known for his distinctive vocal style and numerous guest appearances, such as on Snoop Dogg’s Tha Last Meal. He began his career in 1984 before in 1989 he recorded a three song demo with Cold 187um and was signed to Ruthless Records. He started co-writing songs for N.W.A and Above the Law before releasing his debut album in 1991.

[Juice Crew]

Nathaniel Thomas Wilson (born July 20, 1968), better known by his stage name Kool G Rap (or simply G Rap), is an American rapper. He began his career in the mid-1980s as one half of the group Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and as a member of the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MCs of all time, and a pioneer of mafioso rap/street/hardcore content and multisyllabic rhyming.

[Boogie Down Productions]

Lawrence Parker (born August 20, 1965), known professionally as KRS-One an abbreviation of “Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone” and Teacha, is an American rapper from the Bronx. He rose to prominence as part of the hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions, which he formed with DJ Scott La Rock in the mid-1980s. KRS-One is known for his songs “Sound of da Police”, “Love’s Gonna Get’cha (Material Love)”, and “My Philosophy”

[Fat Killahz]

Marvin Eugene O’Neal, known by his stage name Marv Won, is an American rapper and record producer from Detroit, Michigan. He is a member of the underground hip hop group, The Fat Killahz (with Fatt Father, Bang Belushi and King Gordy) and rap duo Twin Towers. In 2021, he received a Detroit Music Award nomination for Outstanding Rap MC at the 30th Detroit Music Awards.

[Melody MC]

Wesley “Wes” Williams (born March 31, 1968) is a Canadian rapper, singer, record producer, actor, and author. He is known professionally by his stage names Maestro Fresh Wes (formerly Maestro Fresh-Wes) or Maestro as a musician, and is credited by his birth name as an actor. One of the earliest Canadian rappers to achieve mainstream success, he is credited as the “Godfather of Canadian hip hop”.

[Swollen Members]

Shane Bunting (born October 21, 1975), better known by his stage name Madchild, is a Canadian rapper. He is part of the Vancouver-based hip hop group Swollen Members. In 2009, he released a solo EP titled The Madchild EP. In 2012, he released his first solo album, titled Dope Sic. In 1993, he was named a member of the Rock Steady Crew.

[Juice Crew]

Marlon Lu’Ree Williams (born September 30, 1962), better known by his stage name Marley Marl, is an American DJ, record producer, rapper and record label founder, primarily operating in hip-hop music. Marlon grew up in Queensbridge housing projects located in Queens, New York. 

[Compton’s Most Wanted]

Aaron Bernard Tyler (born May 22, 1971), better known by his stage name MC Eiht, is an American rapper and actor. Many of his songs are based on his life in Compton, California. His stage name was partly inspired by the numeral in KRS-One’s name. He chose Eiht for its links to “hood culture”, including Olde English 800 (8 Ball) and .38 caliber firearms. He is the de facto leader of West Coast hip-hop group Compton’s Most Wanted.

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones (born September 14, 1973), known professionally as Nas, is an American rapper and entrepreneur. Rooted in East Coast hip-hop, he is regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Nas has been second ranked by The Source on their “Top 50 Lyricists of All Time” list in 2012, fourth on MTV’s Annual Hottest MCs in the Game list in 2013, and was named the “Greatest MC of All Time” by About.com in 2014.

Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997), better known by his stage names the Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls, or simply Biggie, was an American rapper and songwriter. Rooted in the East Coast hip-hop and gangsta rap traditions, he is widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time. Wallace became known for his distinctive, laidback lyrical delivery, offsetting his lyrics’ often grim content.

William Michael Griffin Jr. (born January 28, 1968), better known by his stage name Rakim, is an American rapper. He is one half of golden age hip-hop duo Eric B. & Rakim. Rakim is considered a transformative figure in hip hop. He helped to pioneer the use of internal rhymes and multisyllabic rhymes, and was among the first to demonstrate the possibilities of sitting down to write intricately crafted lyrics.

Brad Terrence Jordan (born November 9, 1970), better known by his stage name Scarface, is an American rapper and record producer, notable for his solo career and as a member of the Geto Boys, a hip-hop group from Houston, Texas. Raised in the city’s South Acres (Crestmont Park) neighborhood, he has been ranked by The Source as one of the Top 50 Lyricists of All Time, while About.com ranked him in the top ten of its “50 Greatest MCs of Our Time (1987–2007)” list

[Brand Nubian]

Derek W. Murphy (born December 29, 1968), better known as Sadat X, is an American rapper, best known as a member of alternative hip hop group Brand Nubian. Originally known as Derek X, Sadat takes his name from former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat. Sadat made his debut with Brand Nubian in 1989, with the release of their debut single “Brand Nubian” b/w “Feels So Good”. The group’s debut album, One For All, was released on December 4, 1990.

[Rhymesayers Entertainment]

Assata Perkins (born December 28, 1981), known professionally as Sa-Roc, is an American rapper. Sa-Roc was born in Southeast, Washington, D.C., on December 28, 1981. In 2016, she became the second female rapper to sign with the Rhymesayers label. In 2002, Sa-Roc met Atlanta-based producer Sol Messiah and the two began a long collaboration. Although she recorded albums, Sa-Roc did not start performing on stage until a 2011 benefit for Mutulu Shakur.

[Boot Camp Clik / Heltah Skeltah]

Sean Duval Price (March 17, 1972 – August 8, 2015) was an American rapper and member of the hip hop collective Boot Camp Clik. He was one half of the duo Heltah Skeltah, performing under the name Ruck, along with partner Rock. As a member of the underground hip hop collective Boot Camp Clik, Price first appeared on Smif-N-Wessun’s 1995 album Dah Shinin’. He would soon resurface in 1996 as one half of the critically acclaimed Brooklyn duo Heltah Skeltah.

[The Rugged Child]

Shyheim Dionel Franklin (born November 14, 1977) is an American rapper from New York better known simply as Shyheim. He initially gained fame as a teenager, releasing his debut album AKA the Rugged Child at the age of 16 in 1994. He has spent the majority of his career affiliated with the Wu-Tang Clan, frequently collaborating with Method Man and Ghostface Killah. As a teenager, Shyheim was considered one of hip-hop’s brightest prospects.

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (born October 20, 1971), known professionally as Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg), is an American rapper, singer, record producer, and actor. Rooted in West Coast hip-hop, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time. Known for his signature drawled lyrics—which often use melodic rhyming, repetition, word play, laconic phrases, syncopation and alliteration.

Tupac Amaru Shakur (born Lesane Parish Crooks; June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), also known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, one of the most influential musical artists of the 20th century, and a prominent political activist for Black America. He is among the best-selling music artists, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide.

Vincenzo Luviner (né Luvineri born October 5, 1977), better known as Vinnie Paz (formerly known as Ikon the Verbal Hologram), is an Italian-born American rapper and producer behind the Philadelphia underground hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks. He is also the frontman of the hip hop collective Army of the Pharaohs. He released his first solo album, Season of the Assassin, in 2010. This was 18 years after Paz had originally started rapping.

Alvin Nathaniel Joiner (born September 18, 1974), better known by his stage name Xzibit, is an American rapper, actor, television presenter, radio personality, and record executive. He began his musical career in 1992, and signed with Loud Records, an imprint of RCA Records to release his debut studio album, At the Speed of Life (1996).