Famous rappers from Baltimore are Shordie Shordie, JPEGMafia, Tupac Shakur, Lloyd Banks and Tate Kobang, and 13 more. Baltimore Maryland is a hub for famous musical artists.
OG artists from the state including Kraze, Infinite Description, Mr. Ruckuz, and more cemented their names in the hip-hop and rap scene. They are just a few of the notable rappers from Baltimore’s early hip-hop days.
New rising rappers from the state have been hitting headlines and drawing significant attention through their outstanding exhibitions lately. Baltimore has indeed contributed a lot to the music industry.
Artists like Shordie Shordie rose to the list of mainstream rappers in nearly no time. Correspondingly, local rappers from the state including Young Moose are evolving in the music industry regardless of the local environment creating many obstacles.
Not to forget, veteran rappers like Tate Kobang recognized for his hit ‘Banks Roll’ and President Davo is still keeping up their pace with the new rising artists like Roddy Rackzz, OTR Chaz, and more.
We’ve also covered rappers from various states of the United States including rappers from Detroit, Oklahoma Rappers, and more. Continue reading to learn about Baltimore rappers.
1. Shordie Shordie
Shordie Shordie born RaQuan Hudson is one of the rappers who has been making significant rounds on the web.
The rapper was born on August 16, 1996, in Baltimore, Maryland. Shordie is 27 years old as of 2023. He has already been successful to forge his name in the rapping world.
He was previously a part of the trio group named ‘Peso De Mafai. The rapper is highly appraised for his single titled Save A Little. Shordie rose to the limelight with his breakthrough song titled Bitchuary.
Correspondingly, the rapper gained critical acclaim with his debut mixtape titled Never A Drought which was released in June 2018.
The super hit single hit headlines and pulled the rapper into the spotlight in nearly no time. Likewise, it helped Shordie secure a slot at the Rolling Loud Bay Area festival in 2019.
Shordie dropped his debut album titled Captain Hook in December 2018. It comprises nine tracks including One Time, Alone,
He boasts over 1 million monthly listeners on his Spotify. The hit song Bitchuary from his debut album is the most streamed song with over 131 million streams on the mainstream streaming platform.
Shordie released his latest album titled >Music on April 3, 2020, with songs including Dice Games, Gotchu like, Holding Hands, Confused, Rather Be, Save a little, and more.
The rapper is easily available across various social platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and more. He has amassed over 500K followers on his already verified Instagram account.
2. JPEGMafia
Barrington DeVaughn Hendricks better known as JPEGMafia is a talented rapper. He also serves as a singer and record producer.
He was born on October 22, 1989, in New York City. The acclaimed rapper under the moniker JPEGMafia will turn 34 in 2023. He developed an interest in music production when he was 15.
The rapper earned significant critical acclaim for his 2018 album titled Veteran which was released on January 19, 2018, via Deathbomb Arc & Republic Records.
The hit album was followed by his third studio album, All My Heroes Are Cornballs, which gained further widespread acclaim from the netizens. In fact, the album peaked at number 105 on the chart of the Billboard 200.
He has released four studio albums, two extended plays, twenty-seven singles, eight mixtapes, twenty-nine music videos, four video albums, and two collaborative albums until February 2023.
Born to Jamaican parents in Flatbush, Brooklyn, JPEGMafia moved to Baltimore in 2015 to pursue a career in music. He was serving in the military in Japan before moving to the state.
The rapper consolidates a wide range of genres including trap, vaporwave, R&B, and noise rap into his music. That said, Barrington’s music is often regarded as experimental hip-hop.
He is available across various social platforms including Instagram with over 414K followers. The rapper possesses over 1.5 million monthly listeners on his Spotify.
Baldi marks itself as his most streamed song with over 29 million streams on the streaming platform. Likewise, the remix version of the song also has amassed over 16 million streams so far.
3. Tupac Shakur
Tupac Amaru Shakur professionally known as 2Pac was a notable rapper. He is appraised as one of the most influential rappers born to date.
He was born to Afeni Shakur and Billy Garland on June 16, 1971, in New York City. The rapper relocated to Baltimore with his other Afeni who was a notable political activist. His father wasn’t around him in his childhood.
One of the most influential rappers of all time, 2Pac recorded sales of over 75 million records across the globe. His music is widely appraised for addressing social issues and activism.
The rapper launched his career with the release of his debut album titled 2Pacalypse Now in 1991. 2Pac earned critical and commercial success with his follow-up albums including Me Against the World and Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.
Speaking of his musical journey, Tupac started recording in 1989 with the stage name MC New York. Soon, the rapper also attended the poetry classes of Leila Steinberg who later became his manager.
Besides music, 2Pac also made his debut as an actor. The musician made his acting debut with a cameo in the film titled Nothing but Trouble in 1991.
He had released four studio albums, nine compilation albums, fifty music videos, forty-four singles, and two remix albums until his demise. The rapper reportedly made sales record of over 125 million across the globe.
2Pac’s fourth and last studio album, All Eyez on Me, released on February 13, 1996, made sales record of over 5 million in the United States. The album was certified Diamond b RIAA, Platinum by MC, and Gold by ARIA and RMNZ.
4. Lloyd Banks
Lloyd Banks born Christopher Charles Lloyd is an acclaimed rapper. He launched his career as a member of G-unit, an East Coast hip-hop group, alongside rappers Tony Yayo and 50 Cent.
The American rapper debuted as a solo artist with the release of his debut album titled The Hunger for More in 2004. The album featured a hit single titled On Fire which cemented the rapper’s name in the hip-hop world.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 30, 1982, Christopher was reared up in the South Jamaica section of the Queens. His father wasn’t in his childhood scene as he spent most of his time in prison.
His mother singlehandedly raised the rapper and his two siblings all by herself. Lloyd dropped out of August Martin High School at the age of 16.
The American rapper has released five studio albums, thirteen music videos, eleven singles, and seventeen mixtapes until February 2023. RIAA certified his debut album, The Hunger for More, Platinum.
Lloyd has over 3 million monthly listeners on his Spotify. The rapper’s song You Don’t Know has over 185 million streams on the streaming platform. Likewise, his other song I’m The Man feat Sonny Digital has over 179 million streams.
Correspondingly, he has also cumulated a significant following across his social platforms including Instagram with over 793K followers as of February 2023.
5. Tate Kobang
Tate Kobang born Joshua Dai’Quan Goods is an acclaimed rapper hailing from Baltimore. Tate is also a songwriter.
Born and reared up in Northeast Baltimore, Maryland, Kobang relocated to York, Pennsylvania in his teenage years. 2013 was a difficult year for him as Tate’s father and mother breathed their last within months of each other.
After the demise of his parents, all the responsibilities came on Tate when he was just 21 with his eight younger siblings. He prompted his music career seriously to make ends for the family.
The rapper’s interest and passion for music came from an early age. Kobang started singing in the church choir when he was just 5 years old. Likewise, he started writing music when he was about 11 years old.
Likewise, soon in middle school, the rapper learned to play the saxophone and piano. It was his uncle, rapper Killa Q, who introduced him to the rapping scene.
The 30-year-old rapper cites artists including Method Man, Mr. Cheeks, and Cassidy as his source of inspiration. He released his debut mixtape titled Since We’re Here in April 2016.
Kobang has over 57K monthly listeners on Spotify with his song titled Oh My with over 6 million streams as of February 2023. He is also available on YouTube with 36.4K subscribers.
6. K-Swift
K-Swift born Khia Danielle Edgerton was an established rapper. She was also an acclaimed DJ, radio personality, MC, and entrepreneur.
Born on October 19, 1978, in Baltimore, Maryland, to parents Juanita Edgerton and Joseph, K-Swift acquired her first set of turntables when she was 15. Soon enough she started DJing.
Apart from her triumphant music career, Khia established herself as an entrepreneur. The rapper launched Club Queen Entertainment. Likewise, she also initiated a Graphics Company and the Next Level Management Company.
She was widely appraised for DJing at The Paradox, a South Baltimore dance club that ran from 1991 to 2016, and Hammerjacks, a music venue that ran from 1977 to 2006.
She is also an award-winning DJ with various awards to her name. Some of the awards include Best DJ in 2001 which was awarded by Baltimore City Paper, Best Club DJ by Baltimore City Paper in 2004, and more.
Talking about K-Swift’s radio career, she acquired the position of co-host in 92Q in 1988. She interned at a commercial radio station when she was just 18 and worked to earn the position of co-host.
She breathed her last on July 21, 2008, at the age of 29. Khia is still considered one of the most influential rappers from Maryland considering her notability as DJ and rapper.
7. Rye Rye
Ryeisha Berrain professionally known as Rye Rye is a remarkable rapper. Interested in music from an early age, Ryeisha started performing when she was 16.
The American rapper is a multi-talented individual with skills in dancing, acting, and singing. Rye was born on November 25, 1990, in Maryland, United States.
British rapper M.I.A’s record label signed Rye Rye as the first artist. She then released her debut album ‘Go! Pop! Bang!’ on May 15, 2012. That said, it was set to release in March 2009.
She has released one album, one mixtape, and five singles as of February 2023. Likewise, Rye Rye has also appeared as a featured artist in various artists’ music including Actin’ Up in 2013 alongside Justin Bieber and Chris Brown.
The rapper also has a huge influence on the fashion world too. She is the muse of Prabal Gurung, a notable fashion designer based in New York City.
Her 2011 single titled New Thing showcased Prabal Gurung’s fashion collection. Rye Rye’s 2012 single titled Boom Boom peaked at number 8 on the charts of the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs.
Correspondingly, Ryeisha made her acting debut in the film 21 Jump Street in 2012. Not to forget, she also recorded the film’s main theme with a Canadian singer Esthero.
8. Ill Conscious
Lavar Clark or Divine Justice Allah professionally recognized as Ill Conscious is a prominent rapper from Maryland. He has been able to establish a triumphant career in the rapping scene.
Divine was born on July 20, 1988. The Baltimore rapper will praise his 35th birthday in 2023. He is currently an artist under Street Legal Entertainment.
Speaking of the rapper’s discography, Ill Conscious has released four mixtapes and two albums as of February 2023. The rapper dropped his debut album titled Bloody Conscious Vol. I in 2005 followed by Vol. II in 2006.
He has been performing with the east coast and mid-west since 2007. The rapper has participated in various battle competitions too. Ill Conscious is considered one of the best rappers from the state of his generation.
The American rapper is approachable across various streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple music. Lately, he released a single titled Lewis Latimer on January 7, 2023.
The rapper has cumulated a sizable number of monthly listeners of over 136K on Spotify. His song titled Sorcery has over 1.7 million streams on the streaming platform. Likewise, the 34-year-old has over 14.4K followers on Instagram.
9. Wordsmith
Anthony Parker better known as Wordsmith is a huge name in the American hip-hop scene. The rapper is also a music label owner.
The American hip-hop personality released his debut album titled Vintage Experience in 2010. Anthony dropped his second album ‘King Noah’ in 2012 after two years of the release of his debut album.
His third album titled The Blue Collar Recital released in 2013 showcased the concept of tracking the normal moments of a day in a life of a blue-collar worker.
Likewise, Parker dropped his fourth album titled Apt. 507 in 2015. His fifth album titled Perspective Jukebox acquired the Independent Music Award for Best Album in 2018.
The album also made its way to the sales chart the position of number 58 on Amazon’s top Hip-Hop albums. Wordsmith’s latest album includes his first jazz album titled Progressions which was released in 2021.
Anthony is available across social platforms like Facebook and Instagram. He has over 10K followers on Instagram as of February 2023.
10. DeStorm Power
DeStorm Power is a rapper who launched his career via YouTube. He has established himself as a notable American web personality with his triumphant career.
The fourth of eight siblings, DeStorm Power was born on January 30, 1982. The rapper and his siblings were raised by his mother as she separated from his father when he was very young.
He has experience in juvenile detention for committing petty crimes. The rapper didn’t have a sound childhood and moved schools every so often which led him to drop out of school in ninth grade.
It was after he started rapping and dancing that the rapper started having a purpose in life. DeStorm Power relocated from Baltimore to New York to California in pursuit of his career in music in 2001.
The rapper established himself as a performer via YouTube after ghostwriting and interning at various record labels including Atlantic Records and Universal.
Speaking of his YouTube career, he has a sizable subscribers count of 3.1 million subscribers on YouTube as of February 2023. Likewise, he has 6.2 million followers on Instagram.
11. K.A.A.N
K.A.A.N born Brandon Perry is a rapper appraised for his fast-rhyming style. He was born in Howard County, Maryland, U.S.
The rapper showed an affinity for music and got involved in music from his early years. He developed an interest in music when his parents played songs from artists including Tupac, Mac Miller, Big Krit, and more.
With a strong pursuit to start a career in music, Perry initiated the release of his music in 2014. However, he started drawing significant attention only after the release of the video ‘KAANCEPTS.’
As of now, the rapper writes and records music at One Studio, Dr. Dre’s Record label. He released his debut album titled The Black Blood Lp in 2017. Lately, Brandon dropped his third album titled The High Before You Fall in 2022.
Correspondingly, K.A.A.N. has dropped three mixtapes, Losing My Religion, Abstract Art, and Nameless until the present day. He has released various extended plays while Mission To Mission Hillz is his latest EP released in 2019.
He is approachable on Spotify with over 445K monthly listeners. His song Concealed the Outro has over 23 million streams on the streaming platform.
12. King Los
King Los born Carlos Coleman is a rapper born in Maryland. The American personality is widely recognized as a proficient lyricist.
He released one studio album titled God, Money, War on June 23, 2015, via After Platinum and RCA record labels. The album peaked at number 4 on the US Rap chart and number 5 on the US R&B chart.
Carlos has dropped several mixtapes as of February 2023. King Los released his latest mixtape titled G.O.A.T. Tape 2 in 2022. Likewise, he also released his latest extended play titled 4 Peace Nugget in 2021.
The rapper signed a contract deal with Bad Boy Records in 2005. He began releasing music independently after the fall of his contract. Later in February 2012, the rapper signed a contract with Bad Boy Records.
He announced his departure from the record label on March 19, 2014. As of February 2023, King Los is an artist under After Platinum, RCA, and 88 Classic.
The rapper has cumulated a sizable following on his Instagram currently over 364K followers. He has 188K subscribers on YouTube and over 100K monthly listeners on Spotify.
13. Blaqstarr
Blaqstarr born Charles Smith is a rapper widely recognized for his work with M.I.A. He also functions as a producer, singer, and DJ.
The American rapper gained local success with songs including Get My Gun, Jiggle It, Ryda Girl, Hands Up Thumbs Down, and Feel It In the Air in the early 2000s.
Charles was born on September 30, 1985, in Maryland. The Ryda Girl singer will turn 38 in 2023. He is a veteran musician with experience of over two decades in the music industry.
He has landed collaborations with various artists in the industry to date. Blaqstarr dropped a single titled Get Off in a collaboration with the DJ Diplo in early 2009.
Following his contract signing to the N.E.E.T. Recordings, the rapper released a song and music video ‘Way Down in the Hole’ with M.I.A. The MV on YouTube has over 451K views as of February 2023.
Speaking of his discography, the rapper has released one mixtape, Blaqstarr The Mixtape, and nine extended plays as of February 2023. His latest EP is M.I.AAim which was released in 2017.
Blaqstarr has over 9.6K monthly listeners on Spotify with the highest streamed song Shake It To The Ground with over 724K streams. The veteran rapper is also available on Instagram with over 6.9K followers.
[embed-1]14. Deetranada
Diamond Barmer professionally known as Deetranada born is a young rapper who is forging her name in the industry. She is from Maryland, United States.
The young rising artist from Baltimore was born on June 25, 2001. She is an artist under the M.D.M Entertainment and Deetranada record labels. The rapper was into music since her early days.
After performing in the talent contest in seventh grade, Deetranada quickly realized what she wanted to pursue in the future. The American personality decided to pursue her career in music when she was 15.
She was selected for Season 3 of The Rap Game reality competition show. Deetranada’s selection in the show marks her breakthrough moment in her career.
The 21-year-old triumphant career has earned her a huge fan base and following across various social stages and streaming platforms. She has a massive following of 921K followers on Instagram.
She has released four albums as of February 2023. Deetranada dropped her debut album titled DEEvsEVERYBODY! in 2019. Likewise, the rapper dropped her latest album NADAWORLD 2 in 2022.
The young artist boasts over 46K monthly listeners on the mainstream streaming platform Spotify. Her famous song Purple Punch has over 983K streams on the platform.
15. YBS Skola
YBS Skola born Dajuan Cannady is a rapper who is a member of the Young Ballers Shining (YBS) crew. He is widely known for his single titled Whole Lotta Money.
Cannady is also broadly appraised for his debut mixtape titled No Pen Just Paper which was released in 2016. The rapper has dropped ten albums until February 2023. Dajuan released his latest album titled My Apologies in 2022.
The 28-year-old rapper’s albums include Only Hope, Only Hope 2, Only Hope 3, Minor Setback, Top Shinner, Truth, Never Forget Loyalty, My Apologies, Life of a Shinner, and No Pen, Just Paper.
Dajuan reportedly recorded his first song at the age of 17. Before making it into the music industry, Dajuan aspired to be a professional athlete during his early years in school.
As of February 2023, the rapper is an artist under The Shinners and TSO Music Group/ The Shinners Ent. record labels.
Some of his notable songs include Shinning, I Be Trippin, Let’s Go, and more. Any one of us can listen to the rapper on various streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.
YBS Skola has 29,224 monthly listeners on Spotify with his hit song Shinning with over 5 million streams. Likewise, the rapper is also available on Instagram with over 244K followers at the moment.