The hip-hop culture of Los Angeles is one of the dominating styles in the global music scene. The city has witnessed the rise of many successful rappers throughout the years. The distinct style of LA rappers has separated them from the crowd. Here are the top 5 rappers from the city of Los Angeles:
#Ice-T:
American rapper Ice T was born Tracy Lauren Marrow on February 16th, 1958 In Newark, New Jersey. He is also a well-known actor, music producer, and songwriter. He began his rap career from the underground scene until he was signed to Sire Records in 1987. He became widely popular at that time with his music inspired by violence and street life. He contributed a lot to the gangster rap genre. Music saved him from getting lost in a life of crime. He stepped into the scene with his 1987 debut album, ‘Rhyme Pays’, which became gold. His 1991 album, ‘O.G. Original Gangster’ is one of the pioneers of the gangster rap genre. He became highly popular with his most controversial track so far, ‘Cop Killer’ in 1992.
He is also a great actor starring in films like ‘New Jack City’, ‘Johnny Mnemonic’, ‘Ricochet’, and more. He hosted his own show ‘Ice-T’s Rap School’ on VH1. He is most known for playing the character of Detective Odafin ‘Fin’ Tutuola on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’.
#Kendrick Lamar:
Award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar is one of the most popular contemporary rappers who presents life in Southern California in the most innovative way through his music. He was born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California. He was discovered by Dr. Dre after releasing some well-received mixtapes. His second studio album, ‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City’ brought his fame to the mainstream music industry. His 2015 album ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ and 2017 album ‘DAMN’ won the Best Rap Album award at the Grammys. He is the first artist of his genre to win a Pulitzer Prize. He also entered the film industry by acting in 50 Cent’s TV series, ‘Power’.
#Snoop Dogg:
Snoop Dogg is one of the most famous West Coast rappers who is well-known for his albums like, ‘Doggystyle’, ‘Reincarnated’, and ‘The Doggfather’. He was first discovered by Dr. Dre in 1990. He is also acquired fame by acting in movies and TV shows. The album, ‘Doggystyle’ became number 1 on Billboard’s top 200 and hip hop charts. He collaborated with the greatest names in the music industry. He was well-received for his acting in ‘The Wash and Training Day’ and ‘Starsky & Hutch’. He participated in the Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump in 2011. In 2012 he decided to change his name to Snoop Lion after traveling to Jamaica.
#Ice Cube:
Ice Cube is one of the most respected hip-hop artists during the late 1980s and 1990s. Before he became a solo artist, he was a part of the rap group N.W.A. He is also a critically acclaimed actor starring in multiple movies. Born in 1969 in South Central Los Angeles, he rose to fame with N.W.A’s second album, ‘Straight Outta Compton’ in 1988. He went solo in 1989 and made a sensation with his first solo album, ‘AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted’.
He acted in many successful films such as, ‘Barbershop’, ‘Friday’, ’21 Jump Street’, ’22 Jump Street’, and more. He released his tenth studio album, ‘Everythang’s Corrupt’ in 2018.
#Drakeo the Ruler
American rapper Darrell Caldwell, better known as Drakeo the Ruler is a critically acclaimed musician with highly expressive and thought-provoking lyrics. His music is extremely original with a West Coast style. After releasing a few mixtapes, he was discovered by DJ Mustard. He remixed Drakeo’s song, ‘Mr. Get Dough’ and it became viral in no time. His second project, ‘I am Mr. Mosely 2’ in 2016 featured one of his most popular songs, ‘impatient Freestyle’.
He released a 16-track mixtape in 2017 after he was released from jail. He finished the mixtape in just 10 days. He released his ninth mixtape, ‘The Truth Hurts’ in 2021, which features artists like Drake and Don Toliver on the track, ‘Talk to Me’.