Kendrick Lamar is an award-winning rapper and songwriter best known for his innovative take on life in Southern California as well as for his affiliation with rap star and super-producer Dr. Dre.

• Rapper, Songwriter
  (1987–)

Big Boi is an American rapper and record producer, most famous for being one half of the hip-hop duo Outkast with André 3000.

• Rapper, Music Producer
  (1975–)

KRS-One is an American rapper from the Bronx who rose to fame in the mid-80s as part of the Boogie Down Productions crew with DJ Scott La Rock.

• Activist, Rapper
  (1965–)

Killer Mike is an Atlanta-based rapper and social activist who made his debut collaborating with OutKast and is one half of the hip-hop duo Run the Jewels.

• Political Activist, Rapper
  (1975–)

Immortal Technique is an incendiary rapper and activist who takes on issues like politics, religion, racism, and poverty in both his music and the causes he stands for.

• Rapper
  (1978–)

Chuck D is an American rapper known for leading the politically and socially conscious '80s hip-hop group Public Enemy.

• Rapper
  (1960–)

Ice Cube rose to fame in the late 1980s as a member of the controversial rap group N.W.A. before enjoying success as a solo artist and actor.

• Film Actor, Rapper
  (1969–)

Ice-T is known for his raps about street life and violence, and his influence on the gangster rap genre. He's also starred on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 2000.

• Actor, Rapper
  (1958–)

Award-winning rapper and songwriter Common is known for a bevy of acclaimed albums in addition to his acting work for TV and film.

• Film Actor, Rapper, Songwriter, Television Actor
  (1972–)

Mos Def is a hip-hop artist and actor who's known, among other things, for being one half of the '90s duo Black Star. He's appeared in films like 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,' 'Be Kind Rewind,' and The 'Italian Job.'

• Rapper, Actor
  (1973–)