White rappers have also made notable contributions to hip-hop, bringing their own styles and experiences to the genre. Artists like Eminem, Beastie Boys, Macklemore, and G-Eazy have achieved mainstream success and critical acclaim, showcasing their skills in lyricism, storytelling, and production. While they have faced criticism and challenges in a genre historically dominated by Black artists, white rappers have also helped to broaden the diversity of voices and perspectives in hip-hop, demonstrating that talent and creativity know no racial boundaries.
1. Eminem
Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri, is a groundbreaking American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Rising to fame in the late 1990s, he gained widespread recognition with his second studio album, “The Slim Shady LP” (1999), which showcased his alter ego, Slim Shady. Eminem’s lyrical prowess, intricate rhyme schemes, and provocative content have solidified his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time. With multiple Grammy Awards and record-breaking album sales, he has left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture, addressing topics ranging from personal struggles to social commentary with unparalleled intensity and authenticity.
2. Beastie Boys
The Beastie Boys, consisting of Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz, Michael “Mike D” Diamond, and Adam “MCA” Yauch (1964–2012), are an iconic American hip-hop group formed in New York City in 1981. Originally a punk rock band, they transitioned to hip-hop and gained mainstream success with their debut album, “Licensed to Ill” (1986), which featured hits like “Fight for Your Right” and “No Sleep till Brooklyn.” Known for their eclectic style, witty lyrics, and innovative music videos, the Beastie Boys became one of the most influential and pioneering groups in hip-hop history. Their longevity and cultural impact span decades, shaping the landscape of music and popular culture.
3. Macklemore
Macklemore, born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty in 1983, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his introspective lyrics and socially conscious themes. Emerging in the early 2000s, Macklemore initially gained attention for his independent releases before achieving mainstream success with his collaborative efforts with producer Ryan Lewis. The duo’s debut album, “The Heist,” released in 2012, featured the hit singles “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us,” which propelled them to international fame and earned them several Grammy Awards. Macklemore is known for his candid storytelling, tackling topics such as addiction, identity, and social justice in his music. He continues to be a prominent figure in hip-hop, advocating for change and using his platform to address important issues.
4. Kid Rock
Kid Rock, born Robert James Ritchie on January 17, 1971, in Romeo, Michigan, is a versatile American musician known for blending rock, hip-hop, and country music. Rising to prominence in the late 1990s, he gained widespread recognition with his breakthrough album “Devil Without a Cause” (1998), which featured hits like “Bawitdaba” and “Cowboy.” Kid Rock’s dynamic stage presence, gritty vocals, and genre-blurring sound have earned him a devoted fanbase and commercial success. Over the years, he has continued to evolve as an artist, exploring various musical styles and collaborating with artists across different genres. Kid Rock’s influence extends beyond music, with ventures in acting, philanthropy, and politics.
5. Yelawolf
Yelawolf, born Michael Wayne Atha in 1979, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his unique blend of hip-hop, rock, and country influences. Emerging in the late 2000s, Yelawolf gained attention for his rapid-fire delivery and raw, gritty lyrics. He released several mixtapes before signing with Eminem’s Shady Records in 2011. His major-label debut album, “Radioactive,” showcased his diverse musical style and featured collaborations with artists like Kid Rock and Lil Jon. Yelawolf’s subsequent albums, including “Love Story” and “Trial by Fire,” further solidified his reputation as a versatile and innovative artist. He continues to push boundaries in hip-hop, blending genres and exploring new sonic landscapes in his music.
6. G-Eazy
G-Eazy, born Gerald Earl Gillum on May 24, 1989, in Oakland, California, is a prominent American rapper, songwriter, and producer. Rising to fame in the early 2010s, he gained attention with his mixtapes and breakthrough album “These Things Happen” (2014), which spawned the hit single “I Mean It.” Known for his smooth delivery, introspective lyrics, and slick production, G-Eazy has established himself as a leading figure in contemporary hip-hop. With subsequent albums like “When It’s Dark Out” and “The Beautiful & Damned,” he has continued to evolve his sound while maintaining a strong fanbase and commercial success. G-Eazy’s influence on modern rap and pop culture is undeniable.
7. Machine Gun Kelly
Machine Gun Kelly, born Richard Colson Baker in 1990, is an American rapper, singer, and actor known for his rapid-fire delivery and energetic performances. Emerging in the mid-2000s, Machine Gun Kelly gained attention for his mixtapes before releasing his debut album, “Lace Up,” in 2012. The album featured the hit single “Wild Boy” and helped him gain a wider audience. Machine Gun Kelly’s music often explores themes of personal struggle, resilience, and self-expression, reflecting his own experiences growing up. In addition to his music career, Machine Gun Kelly has also pursued acting, appearing in films like “Beyond the Lights” and “The Dirt.” He continues to be a prominent figure in hip-hop, known for his charismatic personality and dynamic sound.
8. Asher Roth
Asher Roth, born Asher Paul Roth on August 11, 1985, in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, is an American rapper and songwriter. He gained widespread attention with his debut single “I Love College” in 2009, which became a chart-topping hit and showcased his laid-back flow and witty lyricism. Roth’s debut album, “Asleep in the Bread Aisle” (2009), received positive reviews for its introspective themes and clever wordplay. While he initially gained fame for his party anthems, Roth has since explored more mature and introspective topics in his music. Though not as mainstream as some of his peers, Asher Roth continues to maintain a dedicated fanbase and pursue his artistic vision.
9. Bubba Sparxxx
Bubba Sparxxx, born Warren Anderson Mathis in 1977, is an American rapper known for his unique blend of country and hip-hop influences. Emerging in the early 2000s, Bubba Sparxxx gained attention for his debut album, “Dark Days, Bright Nights,” which featured the hit single “Ugly.” The album showcased his deep Southern roots and honest, introspective lyrics, setting him apart from other artists in the genre. Bubba Sparxxx’s subsequent albums, including “Deliverance” and “The Charm,” further solidified his reputation as a skilled rapper with a distinctive sound. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Bubba Sparxxx continues to make music that reflects his life experiences, connecting with audiences through his authenticity and storytelling.
10. Post Malone
Post Malone, born Austin Richard Post on July 4, 1995, in Syracuse, New York, is a highly successful American singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He rose to prominence in 2015 with his debut single “White Iverson,” which garnered widespread attention and led to a record deal with Republic Records. Post Malone’s music blends elements of hip-hop, R&B, and rock, characterized by his melodic vocals, introspective lyrics, and catchy hooks. His debut album, “Stoney” (2016), and its follow-up, “Beerbongs & Bentleys” (2018), both achieved commercial success and critical acclaim, solidifying his status as one of the leading artists in contemporary popular music. Post Malone’s unique style and crossover appeal have made him a prominent figure in the music industry.
11. Paul Wall
Paul Wall, born Paul Michael Slayton in 1981, is an American rapper and songwriter known for his Southern hip-hop style and distinctive grillz (dental jewelry). Emerging in the early 2000s, Paul Wall gained recognition for his collaborations with fellow Houston-based artists like Chamillionaire and Mike Jones. His major-label debut album, “The People’s Champ,” was released in 2005 and featured the hit single “Sittin’ Sidewayz.” Paul Wall’s music often reflects his Texas roots, with lyrics that celebrate Southern culture and lifestyle. He is also known for his entrepreneurial ventures, including his own line of grillz and a successful independent record label. Paul Wall continues to be a respected figure in hip-hop, known for his laid-back flow and charismatic personality.
12. Mac Miller
Mac Miller, born Malcolm James McCormick on January 19, 1992, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a profoundly talented American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He emerged in the hip-hop scene in the early 2010s with his mixtapes, showcasing his introspective lyrics, smooth flow, and jazz-infused beats. Miller gained widespread recognition with his debut studio album, “Blue Slide Park” (2011), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, making him the first independent artist to do so since 1995.
Throughout his career, Miller continued to evolve artistically, exploring themes of self-discovery, mental health, and addiction in his music. His subsequent albums, such as “Watching Movies with the Sound Off” (2013) and “GO:OD AM” (2015), further solidified his reputation as a respected and innovative artist.
Tragically, Miller passed away on September 7, 2018, at the age of 26, leaving behind a profound legacy in hip-hop. His introspective lyricism, musical versatility, and genuine vulnerability resonated deeply with fans and fellow artists alike, cementing his status as one of the most beloved and influential figures in modern rap.
13. Action Bronson
Action Bronson, born Arian Asllani in 1983, is an American rapper, chef, and television personality known for his unique blend of gritty, New York-style hip-hop and culinary references. Emerging in the early 2010s, Action Bronson gained attention for his mixtapes before releasing his debut studio album, “Dr. Lecter,” in 2011. His subsequent albums, including “Mr. Wonderful” and “Blue Chips 7000,” further showcased his witty wordplay, vivid storytelling, and eclectic musical influences. In addition to his music career, Action Bronson is also known for his food-themed shows, such as “F*ck, That’s Delicious,” where he combines his love for food and music. He continues to be a prominent figure in hip-hop, known for his larger-than-life personality and unapologetic approach to his artistry.
14. El-P
El-P, born Jaime Meline on March 2, 1975, in Brooklyn, New York, is a highly regarded American rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. As a solo artist and as a member of the hip-hop group Company Flow, he played a pivotal role in shaping the underground rap scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s. El-P’s dense, complex lyrics and innovative production style, characterized by gritty beats and futuristic soundscapes, have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. He is also a co-founder of the independent record label Definitive Jux, which has released music from influential underground artists. El-P’s contributions to hip-hop as an artist, producer, and label owner have had a lasting impact on the genre.
15. Aesop Rock
Aesop Rock, born Ian Matthias Bavitz in 1976, is an American rapper and producer known for his complex and dense lyrics, as well as his unique and innovative approach to hip-hop music. Emerging in the late 1990s, Aesop Rock gained recognition for his abstract and introspective style, which often explores themes of existentialism, psychology, and social commentary. His debut album, “Labor Days,” released in 2001, is considered a classic in underground hip-hop and showcased his intricate rhyme schemes and intricate storytelling. Aesop Rock’s subsequent albums, including “None Shall Pass” and “The Impossible Kid,” further solidified his reputation as one of the most skilled lyricists in the genre. He continues to push boundaries in hip-hop, known for his thought-provoking lyrics and innovative production.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
