The Chicago rap music scene has thrived for decades, with artists such as Common, Lupe Fiasco hailing from the city. Chicago is known for its gritty, street-oriented style of rap, which is often very lyrically focused. The city has also produced a number of successful hip-hop labels, including Rhymesayers, which is home to artists like Atmosphere and Brother Ali. Chicago’s rap scene is also home to a number of battle rap leagues, such as the annual Rap Battle League (RBL). Additionally, Chicago has become a hub for the underground rap scene, with artists such as Noname and Saba gaining national attention. Who are the best Chicago rappers? Let’s find out.
Juice WRLD
Juice WRLD is a Chicago-born rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to fame in 2018 with his breakout hit, “Lucid Dreams”. His most popular songs include “All Girls Are The Same”, “Robbery”, and “Wasted”. Juice WRLD has collaborated with artists such as Travis Scott, Young Thug, and Ellie Goulding. He has released two studio albums, Goodbye & Good Riddance and Death Race for Love, as well as a mixtape, 999.
Polo G
Polo G is a rapper from Chicago who has become increasingly popular over the last few years. He started rapping in high school and released his first mixtape, “Life of a Hot Boy,” in 2017. His first studio album, “Die a Legend,” was released in 2019 and debuted at number six on the Billboard 200. Polo G has since gone on to release several successful singles, including “Pop Out” and “DND.” He has collaborated with many other artists, such as Lil Durk, Juice WRLD, and Lil Baby. His work has been praised for its catchy hooks and melodic flows. He is known for his unique style of rap, which combines elements of drill, trap, and hip-hop.
Lil Durk
Lil Durk, the Chicago rapper, is known for his hard-hitting lyrics and unique rapping style. He often raps about his hometown, his struggles, and his hustle. He has become one of the most influential and successful rappers in the city of Chicago, with his music being featured on the radio, in movies, and in video games. He has collaborated with many other artists, including Chief Keef, Young Chop, and Young Thug. His lyrics often reflect the struggles of growing up in the city of Chicago and the difficult decisions he has had to make in order to make it in the rap game. He has also been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers and has been featured on the cover of XXL magazine. He is one of the most popular rappers in the city of Chicago and continues to inspire young people with his music.
Chance The Rapper
Chance The Rapper is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and activist from Chicago, Illinois. He is best known for his independent releases, which have received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. He is a founding member of the collective SaveMoney and has released three mixtapes, 10 Day (2012), Acid Rap (2013), and Coloring Book (2016), which have all received critical acclaim and commercial success. His debut studio album The Big Day was released in July 2019.
Chief Keef
Chief Keef is an American rapper, singer, and record producer from Chicago, Illinois. His music is often associated with the Chicago drill scene, a subgenre of hip-hop. He rose to prominence in 2012 after the release of his single “I Don’t Like”, which peaked at number 73 on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, he has released several studio albums, including Finally Rich (2012) and Bang 3 (2015).
King Von
King Von (born Dayvon Bennett) was an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He was signed to the independent label Only The Family Entertainment and was best known for his single “Crazy Story”. He was shot and killed in a shooting in Atlanta, Georgia on November 6, 2020.
Twista
Twista is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He is best known for his chopper style of rapping and for once held the title of fastest rapper in the world in 1992 according to Guinness World Records. He has released nine studio albums and has collaborated with numerous artists, including Kanye West, T-Pain, and Ludacris. He is a member of the rap group Speedknot Mobstaz and is currently the CEO of his own label, Get Money Gang Entertainment.
Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his debut album, Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor. Since then, he has released five more solo studio albums, as well as a number of mixtapes and non-album singles. He has collaborated with many other artists and producers and has also founded two record labels, 1st & 15th Entertainment, and Righteous Kung Fu.
Common
Common is a rapper, songwriter, actor, and activist from Chicago, Illinois. He is known for his socially conscious and inspirational lyrics, often focusing on themes of peace, love, and positivity. He has released 11 studio albums and won multiple awards, including two Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award.
Earl Sweatshirt
Earl Sweatshirt is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and occasional actor from Los Angeles, California. He is a member of the hip hop collective Odd Future, and has released three studio albums, Doris (2013) and Some Rap Songs (2018). He has also released several EPs, including Earl (2010) and Solace (2019). He is currently signed to Columbia Records.
Mick Jenkins
Mick Jenkins is an American hip hop recording artist from Chicago, Illinois. He is known for his conscious and socially conscious lyrics that often discuss topics such as racism, mental health, and social justice. Jenkins has released two studio albums, The Healing Component (2016) and Pieces of a Man (2018). He has also released several mixtapes, including The Water[s] (2014) and Wave[s] (2015).
Noname
Noname is the stage name of American rapper, singer, and poet Fatimah Warner. She is from the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois and is known for her unique blend of hip-hop, jazz, soul, and spoken word. She is a member of the hip-hop collective, SaveMoney, and is signed to the independent label, Closed Sessions.
Calboy
Calboy is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He is best known for his hit single “Envy Me”. His debut studio album, Long Live the Kings, was released in 2019. He has collaborated with artists such as Lil Durk, Lil Baby, and Meek Mill. He is signed to Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records.
G Herbo
G Herbo, formerly known as Lil Herb, is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He is best known for his debut mixtape, Welcome to Fazoland, released in 2014. He is a member of the hip hop collective, Glory Boyz Entertainment, along with fellow Chicago rappers Chief Keef and Lil Bibby. He is also the founder of the record label, Machine Entertainment Group.
Joey Purp
Joey Purp is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He is a member of the hip hop collective SaveMoney, and is known for his solo albums The Pursuit of Happyness (2016) and QUARTERTHING (2018). He has collaborated with a variety of artists, including Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, and Saba.
Queen Key
Queen Key is a rapper from Chicago, Illinois. She is best known for her single “One Time” which was released in 2019. Queen Key has been featured in publications such as XXL, The FADER, and Complex. She has also collaborated with artists such as G Herbo, Dreezy, and Lil Durk.
Montana of 300
Montana of 300 is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He is best known for his mixtapes Cursed with a Blessing and Fire in the Church. Montana is known for his aggressive, battle-style rap, as well as his clever wordplay and storytelling. He has collaborated with artists such as Lil Durk, Talib Kweli, and more. Montana of 300 has also released several solo albums, including Don’t Doubt the God and Cursed with a Blessing 2.
Da Brat
Da Brat is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. She is best known for her debut album, Funkdafied, which was released in 1994 and went double platinum. She is the first female solo rapper to have a platinum-selling album and has released four studio albums to date. She has collaborated with artists such as Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, and Lil’ Kim, among others.
Fredo Santana
Fredo Santana was an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He was a key figure in the city’s drill music scene, and was signed to Chief Keef’s label, Glory Boyz Entertainment. He released several mixtapes and albums throughout his career, including his debut album, Trappin Ain’t Dead, in 2013. He passed away in 2018.
Rockie Fresh
Rockie Fresh is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He is signed to Maybach Music Group and is known for his mixtapes The Otherside and Driving 88. He has collaborated with artists such as Rick Ross, Wale, and Meek Mill.
Closing Thoughts
The future of rappers in Chicago is very promising. With the city’s long history of producing some of the most influential hip-hop and rap artists, the city continues to be a breeding ground for new talent. Chicago has a vibrant music scene that continues to evolve and attract new artists, and the city’s unique sound has become increasingly popular in the mainstream. The city also offers a variety of venues for live performances, and there are many opportunities for collaboration and networking. With the right drive and dedication, there is no limit to what Chicago rappers can achieve.
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