Although it was hard to choose only 10, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Chicago Rappers of all time.
Top 10 Chicago Rappers
Chicago is home to some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in America. Home to some of the highest murder rates in the United States – growing up on the streets of South Side Chicago is like growing up in a war zone.
The birth of Drill Rappers like Lil Jojo, Chief Keef, Lil Jay, brought a reality not yet seen from music fans.
Our list of Chicago’s homegrown rappers includes names like Kanye West, Twista, Chance The Rapper, and Chief Keef. Kanye West was born in Chicago, raised by his mother, Donde West in the suburban Oak Lawn neighborhood.
Chief Keef was born on the South Side of Chicago, in the gang-infested area on 64th & Normal Street. Twista, the unbelievably fast rhymer, grew up in the North Lawndale neighborhood, on the West Side.
10 Best Chicago Rappers
Kanye West
West was born in the suburban Oak Lawn with his mother Donde West. Kanye was raised without his father, earning full support from his mother in his pursuit as a successful producer.
Chance the Rapper
While growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Chance the Rapper learned his love for music at a very young age.
Not only is Chance a great entertainer, but also pledged to give $2 million in funding to Chicago public schools.
Twista
Carl Terrell Mitchell (born November 27, 1973), better known by his stage name Twista (formerly Tung Twista), is an American rapper born in Chicago, IL.
In 2016, a police stop for tailgating late Thursday ended in the drug arrest of the nationally known Chicago-based totally rapper Twista, while on the way to his own concert at Big Shots, a concert hall in is a South Haven.
Common
Lonnie Corant Jaman Shuka Rashid Lynn, although better known as his stage name Common, is from Chicago, Illinois. The iconic rapper was born on the South Side of Chicago, on March 13 1972.
Lupe Fiasco
Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, or better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco, was born in Chicago on February 16 1982.
Chief Keef
Keith Farrelle Cozart better known as Chief Keef, Almighty Sosa, or Chief Sosa, was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, IL.
Additionally, Chief Keef is the founder and CEO of the now defunct record label, Glory Boyz Entertainment.
Lil Durk
Durk Banks was born on October 19, 1992 in Chicago, IL. Durk had to shoulder much responsibility at a very young age because his father was a gang member, and incarcerated when Durk was only 7 years old.
Interesting Facts about Lil Durk:
Throughout his childhood, Lil Durk’s father, Dontay Banks, had been serving 2 life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Under the guidelines, Aspen had no choice but to impose life sentences on the ring’s leader Dontay Banks, 25; his top lieutenant, Robert Shipp, 21; and Mario Dunlop and Alton Mills, both 25, because of the amount of crack distributed.
Lil Jay
The Clout Lord, or also known as Lil Jay, was a member of Fly Boy Gang from 63rd and St. Lawrence. Jay is currently in jail awaiting trial for attempted murder.
Interesting facts about Lil Jay:
Lil Jay has been shot a total of 21 times.
Lil Jay was a member of FBG (Fly Boy Gang). Which is a set of the Insane Gangster Disciples street gang.
He was best friends with Lil Jeff – who was tragically murdered at a house party.
Lil Jojo
Joseph Coleman, or Lil Jojo, started the BDK movement throughout Chicago.
Additionally, Jojo’s older brother Swagg Dinero is also a rapper and entertainer known for his melodic voice that sounds eerily similar to his younger brother, Lil Jojo.
What gang was Lil Jojo in?
Lil Jojo was a member of the Insane Gangster Disciple’s.
Tragically, Jojo was shot to death at only 17 years old. Some media and news outlets claimed that Jojo’s targeting shooting was a revenge killing for taunting Chief Keef and Lil Reese.
G Herbo
Herbert Randall Wright III (born October 8, 1995), although more well known through his stage name – G Herbo (formerly Lil Herb) is an American rapper and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois.
Where’s G Herbo From?
G Herbo is from 64th & King Drive, also known as Fazoland.
Interesting facts about G Herbo
Lil Bibby and G Herbo are best friends.
Cdot Honcho Jumped – Rapper Cdot Honcho posted the aftermath of the unfair fight on instagram. Cdot Honcho is a rapper from Chicago, releasing his latest song ‘Pray’ from latest project, titled “Takeover.”
Cdot Honcho Jumped – posts gruesome pictures on instagram
SayCheeseTV released this photo of Cdot Honcho’s gruesome beating on Instagram. Listen to features with Lil Durk, featuring Cdot Honcho.
Cdot Honcho Jumped with gruesome photos.
Cdot Honcho – “Takeover”
Cdot Honcho Takeover
21:59:02
The tragic news of Smylez death from a brain aneurysm was reported on Thursday, October 27th, sending shockwaves throughout the Hip-Hop community.
As a fan of Chicago rap music, this tragic news was hard to swallow. Smylez one of the greatest producers of Chicago rap music, and brought together many artists that would not have recorded songs together due to gang-affiliations.
Smylez – Drill For a Deal
Smylez just dropped the emotional music video “Drill For A Deal” just before his death. You can hear the pain in his lyrics – from growing up in poverty to seeing death first hand.
Smylez’ Official YouTube
Jojo’s Revenge
Smylez and Killa Kellz team up and pay tribute to Lil Jojo.
BrickSquad 069
Smylez was a member of BrickSquad 069, producing the most famous songs for Lil Jojo. And was very close friends with Chicago drill rappers Killa Kellz, and P. Rico, and Rico Recklezz.
Smylez Official SoundCloud
King Louie & Smylez
Smylez -069
Smylez Bio
Smylez was Born Izerrick Aigbokhan, Born on the westside of Chicago and raised on the South Side.
Upon growing up on the tough streets of Chicago he found a passion for rapping. He attended Paul Robeson High School with producer young Chop Where he discovered his talent for producing. Izerrick started Leagueboii with his high school friends and his older step brother, Judo Heffner.
He started rapping and producing with his neighborhood friends from 69th street where he started buzzing on the internet.
On September 4th his neighborhood friend Jo Jo was shot and killed. Now Smylez continues his music putting the street life of Chicago out to the public letting the world know with his great rapping and producing skills about the life of a young black male in Chicago relating it to Iraq.
In June 2016, the number of homicides climbed to 71, increasing by 4 from the previous month. In July, the number of homicides dropped to 70.
Chicago Homicide Numbers – Summer 2016
Additionally, in August of 2016, Homicide numbers skyrocketed to 91. In the first week of September, 15 homicides already occurred.
Chicago Archives | Chicago Rap & Hip-Hop Music
Although it was hard to choose only 10, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Chicago Rappers of all time.
Top 10 Chicago Rappers
Chicago is home to some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in America. Home to some of the highest murder rates in the United States – growing up on the streets of South Side Chicago is like growing up in a war zone.
The birth of Drill Rappers like Lil Jojo, Chief Keef, Lil Jay, brought a reality not yet seen from music fans.
Our list of Chicago’s homegrown rappers includes names like Kanye West, Twista, Chance The Rapper, and Chief Keef. Kanye West was born in Chicago, raised by his mother, Donde West in the suburban Oak Lawn neighborhood.
Chief Keef was born on the South Side of Chicago, in the gang-infested area on 64th & Normal Street. Twista, the unbelievably fast rhymer, grew up in the North Lawndale neighborhood, on the West Side.
10 Best Chicago Rappers
Kanye West
West was born in the suburban Oak Lawn with his mother Donde West. Kanye was raised without his father, earning full support from his mother in his pursuit as a successful producer.
Chance the Rapper
While growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Chance the Rapper learned his love for music at a very young age.
Not only is Chance a great entertainer, but also pledged to give $2 million in funding to Chicago public schools.
Twista
Carl Terrell Mitchell (born November 27, 1973), better known by his stage name Twista (formerly Tung Twista), is an American rapper born in Chicago, IL.
In 2016, a police stop for tailgating late Thursday ended in the drug arrest of the nationally known Chicago-based totally rapper Twista, while on the way to his own concert at Big Shots, a concert hall in is a South Haven.
Common
Lonnie Corant Jaman Shuka Rashid Lynn, although better known as his stage name Common, is from Chicago, Illinois. The iconic rapper was born on the South Side of Chicago, on March 13 1972.
Lupe Fiasco
Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, or better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco, was born in Chicago on February 16 1982.
Chief Keef
Keith Farrelle Cozart better known as Chief Keef, Almighty Sosa, or Chief Sosa, was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, IL.
Additionally, Chief Keef is the founder and CEO of the now defunct record label, Glory Boyz Entertainment.
Lil Durk
Durk Banks was born on October 19, 1992 in Chicago, IL. Durk had to shoulder much responsibility at a very young age because his father was a gang member, and incarcerated when Durk was only 7 years old.
Interesting Facts about Lil Durk:
Throughout his childhood, Lil Durk’s father, Dontay Banks, had been serving 2 life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Lil Jay
The Clout Lord, or also known as Lil Jay, was a member of Fly Boy Gang from 63rd and St. Lawrence. Jay is currently in jail awaiting trial for attempted murder.
Interesting facts about Lil Jay:
Lil Jojo
Joseph Coleman, or Lil Jojo, started the BDK movement throughout Chicago.
Additionally, Jojo’s older brother Swagg Dinero is also a rapper and entertainer known for his melodic voice that sounds eerily similar to his younger brother, Lil Jojo.
What gang was Lil Jojo in?
Tragically, Jojo was shot to death at only 17 years old. Some media and news outlets claimed that Jojo’s targeting shooting was a revenge killing for taunting Chief Keef and Lil Reese.
G Herbo
Herbert Randall Wright III (born October 8, 1995), although more well known through his stage name – G Herbo (formerly Lil Herb) is an American rapper and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois.
Where’s G Herbo From?
Interesting facts about G Herbo
Cdot Honcho Jumped – Rapper Cdot Honcho posted the aftermath of the unfair fight on instagram. Cdot Honcho is a rapper from Chicago, releasing his latest song ‘Pray’ from latest project, titled “Takeover.”
Cdot Honcho Jumped – posts gruesome pictures on instagram
SayCheeseTV released this photo of Cdot Honcho’s gruesome beating on Instagram. Listen to features with Lil Durk, featuring Cdot Honcho.
Cdot Honcho – “Takeover”
21:59:02
The tragic news of Smylez death from a brain aneurysm was reported on Thursday, October 27th, sending shockwaves throughout the Hip-Hop community.
As a fan of Chicago rap music, this tragic news was hard to swallow. Smylez one of the greatest producers of Chicago rap music, and brought together many artists that would not have recorded songs together due to gang-affiliations.
Smylez – Drill For a Deal
Smylez just dropped the emotional music video “Drill For A Deal” just before his death. You can hear the pain in his lyrics – from growing up in poverty to seeing death first hand.
Smylez’ Official YouTube
Jojo’s Revenge
Smylez and Killa Kellz team up and pay tribute to Lil Jojo.
BrickSquad 069
Smylez was a member of BrickSquad 069, producing the most famous songs for Lil Jojo. And was very close friends with Chicago drill rappers Killa Kellz, and P. Rico, and Rico Recklezz.
Smylez Official SoundCloud
King Louie & Smylez
Smylez -069
Smylez Bio
Smylez was Born Izerrick Aigbokhan, Born on the westside of Chicago and raised on the South Side.
Upon growing up on the tough streets of Chicago he found a passion for rapping. He attended Paul Robeson High School with producer young Chop Where he discovered his talent for producing. Izerrick started Leagueboii with his high school friends and his older step brother, Judo Heffner.
He started rapping and producing with his neighborhood friends from 69th street where he started buzzing on the internet.
On September 4th his neighborhood friend Jo Jo was shot and killed. Now Smylez continues his music putting the street life of Chicago out to the public letting the world know with his great rapping and producing skills about the life of a young black male in Chicago relating it to Iraq.
In June 2016, the number of homicides climbed to 71, increasing by 4 from the previous month. In July, the number of homicides dropped to 70.
Chicago Homicide Numbers – Summer 2016
Additionally, in August of 2016, Homicide numbers skyrocketed to 91. In the first week of September, 15 homicides already occurred.
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