Rappers & Hip-Hop Artists Chronological History Timeline

Chronological evolution of hip-hop pioneers, lyricists, and cultural moguls.

Singers & Vocalists Classical & Modern Composers Guitar Legends Pianists Novelists & Fiction Authors Poets Philosophers & Thinkers Actors & Actresses Film Directors Painters & Visual Artists

Chronological Timeline (203 Entries)

  1. [1928] Bo Diddley — Pioneering blues guitarist whose signature rhythm influenced rock, pop, and hip-hop.
  2. [1944] Bernie Worrell — Pioneering keyboardist and producer, instrumental in shaping funk and hip-hop sounds.
  3. [1949] Gil Scott-Heron — Pioneering jazz poet and spoken-word artist whose work influenced hip-hop and soul music.
  4. [1952] Randy Savage — Iconic professional wrestler, rapper, and 'Macho Man' Randy Savage.
  5. [1953] Chaka Khan — The "Queen of Funk," Chaka Khan is an acclaimed American singer and songwriter.
  6. [1955] DJ Kool Herc — Pioneering Jamaican-American DJ credited as the founder of hip-hop music.
  7. [1957] Afrika Bambaataa — Pioneering DJ and producer who shaped electro-funk and global hip-hop culture.
  8. [1958] Ice-T — American rapper and actor known for pioneering underground hip-hop and heavy metal fusion.
  9. [1959] Kurtis Blow — Pioneering American rapper, songwriter, and record producer from Harlem.
  10. [1960] Jean-Michel Basquiat — Pioneering American artist known for Neo-expressionism, blending street art and social critique.
  11. [1962] MC Hammer — Pioneering pop rap artist known for 'U Can't Touch This' and extravagant choreography.
  12. [1963] Coolio — Pioneering rapper known for 'Gangsta's Paradise,' who brought hip-hop to global audiences.
  13. [1963] Rick Rubin — Visionary American record producer known for stripping sound down to its core essence.
  14. [1964] Adam Yauch — Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
  15. [1964] Eazy-E — Pioneering 'Godfather of Gangsta Rap' through N.W.A. and Ruthless Records.
  16. [1964] Francis Magalona — Pioneering Filipino rapper, songwriter, and actor, influential in Pinoy hip hop.
  17. [1965] Dr. Dre — Pioneering rapper, producer, and executive who defined West Coast hip-hop.
  18. [1965] Slick Rick — Pioneering British-American rapper known for complex storytelling and classic hip-hop.
  19. [1965] Stuart Scott — Pioneering American sportscaster known for blending hip-hop style with major network coverage.
  20. [1967] R. Kelly — Prolific R&B artist, songwriter, and producer, known as 'the King of R&B'.
  21. [1968] LL Cool J — Pioneering rapper and actor known for crossover success and enduring career longevity.
  22. [1968] Will Smith — Iconic American actor, rapper, and producer known for global box office success.
  23. [1969] Birdman (rapper) — Pioneer of Cash Money Records, influential rapper, and record executive.
  24. [1969] Bobby Brown — Pioneer of New Jack Swing, Bobby Brown defined R&B/Hip-Hop fusion.
  25. [1969] Ice Cube — Pioneering rapper, actor, and producer who shaped West Coast hip-hop.
  26. [1969] Jay-Z — Iconic rapper, entrepreneur, and record executive known for complex lyricism.
  27. [1969] RZA — Pioneering hip-hop producer, composer, and filmmaker, best known for leading the Wu-Tang Clan.
  28. [1969] Sean Combs — Iconic rapper, producer, and mogul known for founding Bad Boy Records and Sean John.
  29. [1969] Wyclef Jean — Haitian rapper, singer, and producer known for his work with Fugees.
  30. [1970] Ani DiFranco — Pioneering singer-songwriter blending folk, punk, and activism since 1970.
  31. [1970] Beck — Genre-bending American musician known for lo-fi collages across multiple styles.
  32. [1970] DMX — Influential American rapper known for aggressive style and hardcore hip-hop.
  33. [1970] MC Lyte — Pioneering American rapper, songwriter, and businesswoman recognized for female rap.
  34. [1970] Park Myung-soo — Veteran South Korean comedian, MC, and singer known for 'Infinite Challenge'.
  35. [1970] Queen Latifah — Pioneering rapper, actress, and singer celebrated for empowering artistry.
  36. [1970] Yang Hyun-suk — Pioneering South Korean music executive, rapper, and founder of YG Entertainment.
  37. [1971] Claude VonStroke — American house music producer known by the stage name Claude VonStroke.
  38. [1971] Erykah Badu — Pioneering American artist blending R&B, soul, and hip-hop into neo soul.
  39. [1971] Lisa Lopes — Rapper, singer-songwriter, and creative force behind the group TLC.
  40. [1971] Mark Wahlberg — Versatile American actor, producer, and former rapper known for action and comedy roles.
  41. [1971] Mary J. Blige — The "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul," Mary J. Blige redefined R&B and Hip-Hop.
  42. [1971] Method Man — Pioneering East Coast rapper, producer, and actor, known for Wu-Tang Clan.
  43. [1971] MF Doom — Influential underground rapper known for metal masks and complex lyricism.
  44. [1971] Missy Elliott — Pioneering rapper, singer, and producer known for boundary-pushing sound.
  45. [1971] Snoop Dogg — West Coast hip-hop pioneer known for G-funk, Snoop Dogg's career spans decades of musical evolution.
  46. [1971] Tupac Shakur — Influential rapper, actor, and political activist whose music addressed social injustice.
  47. [1972] Busta Rhymes — Pioneering American rapper known for explosive energy and lyrical dexterity.
  48. [1972] Eminem — Iconic American rapper known for controversial flow and social commentary.
  49. [1972] Idris Elba — Esteemed English actor, DJ, and producer with a global cinematic footprint.
  50. [1972] Ivy Queen — Pioneering Puerto Rican rapper, dubbed the Queen of Reggaeton.
  51. [1972] Lil Jon — Pioneering crunk hip-hop producer and rapper, known for high-energy tracks.
  52. [1972] The Notorious B.I.G. — Iconic East Coast rapper known for vivid storytelling and masterful lyricism.
  53. [1972] Timbaland — Pioneering American producer, rapper, and songwriter known for 'stuttering' rhythms.
  54. [1972] Yoon Do-hyun — Pioneering South Korean hard rock singer, songwriter, and actor.
  55. [1973] Akon — Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, and influential figure in world music.
  56. [1973] Buju Banton — Pioneering Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall artist, celebrated for his profound musical evolution.
  57. [1973] Bun B — Esteemed Southern rapper, best known for co-founding the legendary duo UGK.
  58. [1973] Nas — Pioneering East Coast rapper, entrepreneur, and lyrical master of hip-hop.
  59. [1973] Pharrell Williams — Visionary American musician, producer, and designer known for crafting modern pop hits.
  60. [1973] Sean Paul — Pioneering Jamaican rapper known for global hits and genre fusion.
  61. [1974] Lil' Kim — The "Queen of Rap," Lil' Kim is a pioneering, fashion-forward, and influential American rapper.
  62. [1974] Tiger JK — Pioneering South Korean rapper, founder of Drunken Tiger and MFBTY.
  63. [1975] 50 Cent — Iconic rapper, actor, and entrepreneur known for raw storytelling and business acumen.
  64. [1975] Keisuke Ogihara — Japanese rapper and founding member of Rip Slyme, known for his versatile hip hop artistry.
  65. [1975] Lauryn Hill — Influential American rapper, singer, and songwriter, pioneer of neo soul and melodic rap.
  66. [1975] M.I.A. (rapper) — Acclaimed British artist blending world music, hip hop, and electronic sounds.
  67. [1976] Daddy Yankee — Puerto Rican pioneer, dubbed the "King of Reggaeton" and "Godfather of Reggaeton".
  68. [1976] Yoo Seung-jun — American singer, rapper, and actor of South Korean origin known for his early K-pop success.
  69. [1977] Akiva Schaffer — American filmmaker, comedian, and musician known for The Lonely Island.
  70. [1977] John Cena — American actor and professional wrestler known for his enduring WWE career.
  71. [1977] Kanye West — Pioneering rapper, producer, and cultural icon known for stylistic shifts.
  72. [1977] Kim Hee-sun — Acclaimed South Korean actress known for her versatile roles in dramas and films.
  73. [1977] Tom Hardy — Versatile English actor known for intense roles, from historical epics to blockbuster sci-fi.
  74. [1978] Danny Ahn — South Korean-American entertainer, rapper, and actor, best known for g.o.d.
  75. [1978] Eun Ji-won — Pioneering K-pop idol, rapper, and entertainer known for Sechs Kies and variety appearances.
  76. [1978] Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five — Pioneering American hip-hop group known for turntablism and 'The Message'
  77. [1978] Jang Woo-hyuk — South Korean singer and rapper known for his time in H.O.T. and solo career.
  78. [1978] John Legend — Pianist, songwriter, and producer known for soulful R&B hits.
  79. [1979] Eric Mun — South Korean rapper, actor, and leader of the boy band Shinhwa.
  80. [1979] Haha (entertainer) — South Korean entertainer, rapper, and variety show host known for Nonstop and Infinite Challenge.
  81. [1979] Jua Cali — Pioneering Kenyan rapper and record producer known for 'genge' style music.
  82. [1979] Lee Jai-jin (musician, born 1979) — South Korean singer and dancer, known for his time in the iconic boy group Sechs Kies.
  83. [1979] MC Mong — South Korean hip hop artist known for comic disposition and chart-topping hits.
  84. [1979] Nam Hyun-joon — Pioneering South Korean dancer, rapper, and choreographer known for popping techniques.
  85. [1979] The Sugarhill Gang — Pioneering old-school hip-hop group from New Jersey, famous for "Rapper's Delight".
  86. [1979] Wiley (musician) — Pioneering British grime MC and producer, often called the "Godfather of Grime".
  87. [1979] Yang Dong-geun — South Korean actor and rapper known for roles in Squid Game and early child stardom.
  88. [1980] Lee Jae-won (singer) — South Korean singer, rapper, and DJ, known for his time in H.O.T.
  89. [1980] Son Ho-young — South Korean-American singer, rapper, and musical actor, best known as a member of g.o.d.
  90. [1981] Andy Lee (South Korean singer) — South Korean singer, rapper, and actor known for his work with Shinhwa.
  91. [1981] Beastie Boys — Pioneering American hip-hop and rock group known for genre-blending energy.
  92. [1981] Park Sung-kwang — South Korean comedian, director, and rapper known for Gag Concert appearances.
  93. [1982] Boom (entertainer) — South Korean entertainer known for rapping, acting, and hosting variety shows.
  94. [1982] Heo Jung-min — South Korean actor and musician known for his work in rock bands and television dramas.
  95. [1982] Lil Wayne — Pioneering American rapper, songwriter, and record executive from New Orleans.
  96. [1982] Nicki Minaj — Trinidadian 'Queen of Rap' known for dynamic flow, versatility, and driving female rap resurgence.
  97. [1982] Red Hot Chili Peppers — Pioneering funk-infused rock band known for genre-blending anthems.
  98. [1982] Sho Sakurai — Versatile Japanese entertainer, known as a singer, rapper, actor, and news anchor.
  99. [1982] Skepta — Pioneering British grime MC, rapper, and founder of Boy Better Know.
  100. [1983] Donald Glover — Versatile American actor, rapper, and filmmaker known for Childish Gambino.
  101. [1983] Macklemore — American rapper known for lyrical depth and chart-topping collaborations.
  102. [1983] Run-DMC — Pioneering American hip-hop group known for merging rock and rap sounds.
  103. [1983] Yo Yo Honey Singh — Pioneering Indian hip-hop artist and music producer known for blending genres.
  104. [1984] Jelly Roll (singer) — American rapper and singer known for raw storytelling and country crossover appeal.
  105. [1984] Lee Don-ku (director) — South Korean director known for psychological thrillers like Fatal and Entangled.
  106. [1985] Public Enemy — Pioneering American hip-hop group known for potent political commentary.
  107. [1985] Ryuichi Ogata — Japanese singer, rapper, and guitarist known for his work with W-inds and solo career as Dravil.
  108. [1985] Salt-N-Pepa — Pioneering American hip-hop group known for 'Push It' and 'Shoop'.
  109. [1985] Stromae — Belgian artist known for blending hip-hop and electronic music styles.
  110. [1986] Boi-1da — Jamaican-Canadian producer known for shaping the sound of modern hip-hop.
  111. [1986] Boogie Down Productions — Pioneering American hip-hop group known for fusing dancehall reggae and raw Bronx life.
  112. [1986] Drake (musician) — Canadian rapper and singer known for blending R&B sensibilities with hip-hop.
  113. [1986] Eric B. & Rakim — Pioneering American hip-hop duo known for their technical mastery and lyrical depth.
  114. [1986] Gims — Congolese rapper known for global hits, evolving from Sexion d'Assaut to solo stardom.
  115. [1986] Lee Chae-young — South Korean actress known for her roles in historical dramas and variety show hosting.
  116. [1986] Zizo (rapper) — South Korean rapper known by the stage name Zizo, active since 2014.
  117. [1987] Aaron Carter — American singer and rapper known for teen pop stardom and enduring musical career.
  118. [1987] Bow Wow (rapper) — American rapper and actor known by the stage name Bow Wow.
  119. [1987] Boyinaband — English musician, rapper, and songwriter known for electronic and hip hop work.
  120. [1987] Kangnam (singer) — South Korean-Japanese singer known for M.I.B, diverse acting, and global variety appearances.
  121. [1987] Kendrick Lamar — Conscious rapper from Compton, celebrated for lyrical depth and social commentary.
  122. [1988] A Tribe Called Quest — Pioneers of alternative hip-hop, blending jazz sophistication with lyrical depth.
  123. [1988] Alexander Lee (entertainer) — Hong Kong singer, rapper, and actor based in South Korea, known for U-KISS and solo work.
  124. [1988] ASAP Rocky — Pioneering figure in cloud rap, known for fashion and artistic evolution.
  125. [1988] Big Sean — Acclaimed American rapper known for his versatile lyricism and collaborations.
  126. [1988] De La Soul — Pioneering American hip-hop group known for jazz rap and eclectic lyricism.
  127. [1988] Go Woo-ri — South Korean singer, rapper, and actress known for her work in Rainbow.
  128. [1988] Lizzo — Award-winning American singer, rapper, and songwriter known for empowering anthems.
  129. [1988] Miliyah Kato — Japanese pop icon known for blending hip-hop, R&B, and sampling into J-pop.
  130. [1988] Ok Taec-yeon — South Korean singer, rapper, and actor known for his work with 2PM.
  131. [1989] Body Count (band) — American heavy metal band fronted by rapper Ice-T, known for controversial lyrics.
  132. [1989] Raina (singer) — South Korean singer known for After School and successful solo career.
  133. [1989] Yoon Bo-ra — South Korean singer, rapper, and actress known for Sistar and diverse media roles.
  134. [1990] Bang Yong-guk — South Korean rapper, singer, and producer known for leading B.A.P.
  135. [1990] Hwang Chan-sung — South Korean singer, rapper, and actor known for his work with 2PM.
  136. [1990] Jang Dong-woo — South Korean singer, rapper, and dancer known for his work in Infinite.
  137. [1990] Jeon Ji-yoon — South Korean singer, rapper, and songwriter known for 4Minute and solo work as Jenyer.
  138. [1990] The Prodigy — Pioneers of big beat and electronic punk, The Prodigy defined the rave sound.
  139. [1991] Azealia Banks — American rapper known for her outspoken views and 'Cash Princess' status.
  140. [1991] Choi Min-ho — South Korean entertainer known for his work in Shinee, acting, and solo music.
  141. [1991] DaBaby — American rapper known for his high-energy style and chart success.
  142. [1991] Eli Kim — Korean-American singer and rapper, known for his time in the boy band U-KISS.
  143. [1991] Fetty Wap — American rapper known for melodic style and catchy hooks.
  144. [1991] Hoya (singer) — South Korean singer, rapper, and actor known for his work in Infinite and solo career.
  145. [1991] Irene (singer) — South Korean singer, actress, and rapper best known as the leader of Red Velvet.
  146. [1991] Lollapalooza — A massive annual American music festival, originally a touring event in Chicago.
  147. [1991] N.W.A — Pioneering American hip-hop group known for its raw, politically charged 'gangsta rap' sound.
  148. [1991] Travis Scott — Rapper known for dynamic live shows, eclectic style, and multiple Billboard Hot 100 number-one hits.
  149. [1992] 21 Savage — Atlanta-based rapper known for his distinctive style and career evolution.
  150. [1992] 6lack — American R&B singer, songwriter, and rapper known professionally as 6lack.
  151. [1992] Atari Teenage Riot — Pioneering German digital hardcore band fusing punk, techno, and anarchist politics.
  152. [1992] Baro (entertainer) — South Korean entertainer known for rapping, singing, and acting roles.
  153. [1992] BM (rapper) — American rapper and songwriter known for his work with Kard and solo projects.
  154. [1992] Cardi B — Outspoken American rapper known for energetic flow and elevating female rap relevance.
  155. [1992] Joji (musician) — Japanese-Australian musician known for comedy, R&B, and lo-fi music under the name Joji.
  156. [1992] Mac Miller — Influential American rapper, songwriter, and producer known for evolving artistry.
  157. [1992] Outkast — Pioneering Atlanta hip-hop duo known for genre-blending lyricism and positive themes.
  158. [1992] Park Kyung — South Korean rapper and record producer, known for his work with Block B.
  159. [1992] Woo Hye-rim — South Korean singer, rapper, and songwriter known for her time in Wonder Girls.
  160. [1993] AP Dhillon — Indo-Canadian singer-rapper known for pioneering modern Punjabi music.
  161. [1993] Bewhy — South Korean rapper known by the stage name BewhY, recognized for his lyrical skill.
  162. [1993] Bryson Tiller — American R&B singer and rapper known for hits like "Don't" and "Exchange".
  163. [1993] Lee Hong-bin — South Korean entertainer known for his roles in dramas and transition to a prominent streamer.
  164. [1993] Mino (rapper) — South Korean rapper known for his versatile artistry, evolving from underground scenes to mainstream stardom.
  165. [1993] Park Seo-ham — South Korean actor, singer, and rapper known for his role in 'Semantic Error'.
  166. [1993] Ryu Hyo-young — South Korean actress, model, and rapper known by the names Hyoyoung or Jung Woo-yeon.
  167. [1994] Bad Bunny — Puerto Rican icon who redefined global Latin Trap music.
  168. [1994] One (rapper) — South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, and actor known by the stage name One.
  169. [1994] Yung Miami — Miami rapper known for her time in City Girls and subsequent solo career breakthroughs.
  170. [1995] Brent Faiyaz — American R&B singer, songwriter, and producer known for 'sly vocals' and atmospheric sound.
  171. [1995] Ki Hui-hyeon — South Korean singer, rapper, and actress known for her time in the girl group DIA.
  172. [1995] Post Malone — Genre-blending American artist known for hits like "Congratulations" and "Sunflower".
  173. [1996] 6ix9ine — American rapper known for aggressive style and controversial public persona.
  174. [1996] Lee Jin-hyuk — South Korean singer, rapper, and actor known for his work with UP10TION.
  175. [1996] Linkin Park — American alternative rock band known for fusing nu metal, hip-hop, and electronica.
  176. [1997] BamBam — Thai rapper and singer, known for his work with Got7 and solo career.
  177. [1997] Jeong Jin-hwan — South Korean rapper and actor, known for his work in boy groups and dramas.
  178. [1998] Bibi (singer) — South Korean singer, rapper, and actress known professionally as Bibi.
  179. [1998] Gorillaz — British virtual alternative rock band featuring Damon Albarn's music.
  180. [1998] Shin Jun-seop — South Korean actor, singer, and rapper known for roles in One Fine Week.
  181. [1998] XXXTentacion — American rapper known for emo, trap, and SoundCloud rap; a controversial but influential figure.
  182. [1999] Ash Island (rapper) — South Korean rapper, singer, and songwriter known by the stage name Ash Island.
  183. [1999] Audrey Nuna — American singer-songwriter known for pop, R&B, and rap influences.
  184. [1999] Bang Jae-min — South Korean actor and rapper known for 'High School Rapper' and music releases.
  185. [1999] Choi Hyun-suk — South Korean rapper, singer, and dancer known for his role in the boy band Treasure.
  186. [1999] Coachella — Annual music and arts festival in Indio, California, featuring diverse genres and art.
  187. [1999] Kang Mi-na — South Korean actress, singer, and rapper known for I.O.I and her dramatic roles.
  188. [1999] Lil Nas X — Genre-bending artist known for 'Old Town Road' and queer visibility.
  189. [1999] Rocky (singer) — South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, and actor known for his versatile artistry.
  190. [2000] Baby Keem — American rapper and record producer known for eclectic sound and major collaborations.
  191. [2000] BabyTron — American rapper known for his distinctive style and rise in the Detroit hip hop scene.
  192. [2000] Be'O — South Korean rapper known professionally as Be'O, gaining fame through hip hop competitions.
  193. [2000] Jeno (singer) — South Korean rapper and singer known for his work with the boy group NCT.
  194. [2001] Yoon Hyun-suk — South Korean actor, singer, and rapper known for his roles in Best Mistake.
  195. [2002] Samuel (singer) — American singer known for his work in hip-hop, solo career, and Japanese promotions.
  196. [2003] Kim Do-ah — South Korean singer, rapper, and actress known for survival shows and solo music.
  197. [2003] Yuna (singer, born 2003) — South Korean singer, dancer, and actress known for her role in the group Itzy.
  198. [2004] Jini (singer) — South Korean singer and rapper known for her work in Nmixx and solo endeavors.
  199. [2004] Momoe Mori — Japanese rapper, dancer, model, and actress known for her work with the group @onefive.
  200. [2005] Calle 13 (band) — Pioneering Puerto Rican alternative hip-hop force featuring Residente and Visitante.
  201. [2005] Carter Lang — American producer and songwriter known for shaping R&B/Hip-Hop sounds.
  202. [2012] Blue Ivy Carter — American singer, actress, and dancer, daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
  203. [2018] Bobby Sessions — American rapper known for 'The Hate U Give' soundtrack and co-writing 'Savage'.