Which white rappers hold the title of the greatest of all time?
Although the hip hop industry is primarily associated with the black community, it is worth noting that some of the most exceptional rappers in hip hop history are of white descent.
Not only have white rappers historically faced underappreciation and ridicule in the industry, but they often go unnoticed. However, it is only fair that these talented white rappers receive the recognition they deserve, as they are widely acknowledged as some of the greatest artists in history.
Please share your opinion on the best white hip hop artist of all time by leaving a comment below. This compilation features the top 25 white rappers worldwide.
The 25 Greatest White Rappers in the World
We have gathered this compilation utilizing data from Ranker, Wikipedia, and Celebrity Net Worth, ensuring its utmost accuracy and up-to-dateness.
Presented here is a list of the top 25 white rappers worldwide:
25. Asher Roth
Pennsylvania is the birthplace of Asher Roth, a renowned American rapper.
Roth achieved recognition with the launch of his first single, ‘I Love College’. His debut album, ‘Asleep in the Bread Aisle’, was released through Universal Motown, SRC, and Schoolboy Records.
24. Hoodie Allen
From New York hails Hoodie Allen, an American rapper, songwriter, and singer.
Before fully dedicating himself to a music career, Allen initially joined Google for work. However, he eventually shifted gears and released his debut album, titled ‘People Keep Talking’, which garnered impressive sales of over 30,000 copies within its first week. Building on this triumph, Hoodie continued his musical journey and unveiled his second studio album, ‘Happy Camper’, in 2016.
23. Vinnie Paz
Vinnie Paz, a rapper and lyricist, hails from Sicilian American descent.
In 2010, Paz, the frontman of the hip hop collective Army of the Pharaohs, released his first solo album titled ‘Season of the Assassin’. Following that, he released his third solo LP titled ‘The Cornerstone of the Corner Store’ in 2016.
22. Weird Al Yankovic
Weird Al Yankovic, an American artist, is a singer, songwriter, film producer, and author.
Yankovic has gained fame for his comedic tunes that playfully poke fun at popular culture. In a unique twist, he crafts original compositions infused with polka melodies derived from various well-known songs. Yankovic also showcases his fondness for the accordion by prominently incorporating it into his musical performances.
21. Post Malone
Post Malone, an American artist, excels in the fields of rapping, singing, songwriting, and producing records.
Malone’s breakthrough came in 2015 with the debut of his single ‘White Iverson’, which earned him recognition. Subsequently, he signed a record deal with Republic Records and went on to release ‘Congratulations’. This track achieved the prestigious feat of reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
20. Paul Wall
Paul Wall, an American rapper, is presently associated with Swishahouse Records.
Wall has released multiple albums under the label and has also collaborated with fellow rappers signed to the same label throughout his career. At one point, he was in a musical partnership with rapper Chamillionaire.
Wall has consistently commanded attention in the world of hip hop.
19. Kid Rock
Kid Rock, an American singer, rapper, producer, and actor, has achieved remarkable success in his career. His studio album ‘Devil Without a Cause’ has garnered an impressive global sales figure of over 13 million copies. Additionally, he has been recognized with five Grammy Award nominations and has sold a staggering 25 million albums within the United States alone.
Rock was the top-selling male solo musician of the 200s according to Soundscan, with a remarkable 17.6 million albums sold. He secured the 17th position overall for the entire decade.
18. El-P
Jaime Meline, also known as “El-P,” hails from Brooklyn and is a talented American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur.
El-P gained his reputation primarily as a member of Company Flow. In addition, he holds the titles of co-founder, owner, and chief executive officer at Definitive Jux record label. El-P is actively involved in The Weathermen and the art collective known as Cardboard City.
17. Everlast
Everlast, born Erik Francis Schrody, is an accomplished American rapper, singer, and songwriter.
In 2000, the rapper became the lead member of House of Pain, known for their rap music. Additionally, he achieved a Grammy award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal alongside Latin Rock artist Carlos Santana for their track ‘Put Your Lights On’.
16. Brother Ali
Ali Douglas Newman, widely known by his stage name “Brother Ali,” is a prominent figure in the American rap scene as well as an activist. He is a valued member of the Rhymesayers Entertainment collective and has an impressive discography, including six albums, four EPs, and numerous singles and collaborations.
In the compilation of the greatest white rappers in 2020, he is ranked as the sixteenth artist.
15. Rittz
Rapper Rittz, whose real name is Jonathan McCollum, gained recognition in the American music scene. He was associated with Tech N9ne’s Stange Music label before. In 2013, Rittz released his debut album titled ‘The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant’.
14. R.A. The Rugged Man
An American rapper, R.A Thornburn, is widely recognized by his stage name R.A the Rugged Man.
At the age of 12, he embarked on his career journey. By the time he reached 18, R.A caught the attention of major label Jive Records, who promptly signed him. Unfortunately, his debut album, titled ‘Night of the Bloody Apes’, never saw the light of day. Nevertheless, he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, Kool G Rap, and Notorious B.I.G.
13. House of Pain
After releasing three albums in the 1990s, American hip hop group House of Pain saw their lead rapper, Everlast, depart from the group to pursue a solo career.
The name of the group is inspired by H.G. Wells’ novel, The Island of Dr. Moreau. This reference is further emphasized by their 2011 tour, named “He Who Breaks the Law.”
12. Mike Shinoda
Mike Shinoda is an American rapper, record producer, and artist known as Michael Kenji Shinoda.
In 1996, Shinoda played a pivotal role in the formation of Linkin Park as one of the co-founders. Within the band, he serves as a co-vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter. In 2003, he ventured into a side project called ‘Fort Minor’, which focuses on hip-hop music. Additionally, Shinoda has contributed as a producer to various tracks and albums by artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Styles of Beyond, and The X-Ecutioners.
11. NF
NF, also known as Nathan John Feuerstein, is an artist hailing from America who excels in the fields of rap, songwriting, and music.
NF achieved success in both the Christian hip hop and mainstream hip hop scene, making his mark on both markets. In 2014, he released an extended play with Capitol CMG, which served as his breakthrough release on the Billboard charts.
10. Aesop Rock
Aesop Rock, also known as Ian Matthias Bavitz, is a prominent American hip hop artist and producer hailing from San Francisco. He is affiliated with various musical groups including The Weathermen, Hail Mary Mallon, The Uncluded, and Two of Every Animal.
9. Action Bronson
In 2012, Action Bronson, a hip hop artist hailing from Queens, New York, made his mark by signing with Warner Bros. Since then, he has been consistently delivering a series of mixtapes. The following year, he unveiled his much-anticipated major label debut, ‘Saaab Stories’.
In the ranking of the top white rappers in 2020, he holds the 9th position.
8. Lil Dicky
David Andrew Burd, also known as Lil Dicky, is an American rapper and comedian who gained fame after his music video for the song ‘Ex-Boyfriend’ went viral, accumulating over one million views on YouTube. In 2015, he released his debut album, titled ‘Professional Rapper.’
His song “Freaky Friday”, featuring Chris Brown, achieved global success in 2018.
7. Machine Gun Kelly
Born and raised in Ohio, Machine Gun Kelly is an American rapper who has signed with Bad Boy and Interscope Records.
He earned his stage name due to his lightning-fast delivery of lyrics. His path to stardom began with the release of his initial four mixtapes: ‘Stamp Of Approval’, ‘Homecoming’, ‘100 Words and Running’, and ‘Lace Up’.
6. Macklemore
Born in Seattle, Washington, Benjamin Hammond Haggerty is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who goes by the stage name ‘Macklemore’.
Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis have collaborated as the duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Throughout the years, Macklemore has independently released a mixtape, three EPs, and four albums, starting from 2000. Their hit single “Thrift Shop” topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2013.
Macklemore ranks among the most exceptional white rappers in history.
5. G-Eazy
G-Eazy, hailing from Oakland, is a multi-talented American rapper, songwriter, and producer. His 2014 album ‘These Things Happen’ achieved great success, reaching the top spot on numerous charts, including a commendable peak at number three on the prestigious Billboard 200.
4. Mac Miller
Mac Miller, born Malcolm James McCormick, gained recognition as an American rapper and singer.
In 2010, Miller officially inked a record contract with Rostrum Records, an independent music label situated in Pittsburgh. Following this, he embarked on the journey of creating his first-ever studio album titled ‘Blue Slide Park’, which ultimately hit the shelves on November 8, 2011.
3. Yelawolf
Yelawolf, born Michael Wayne Atha, is a renowned American rapper hailing from Gadsden, Alabama. His claim to fame stems from the release of his first album, ‘Creek Water,’ in 2005.
Between 2005 and 2010, he additionally dropped an extended play and four mixtapes. The fourth mixtape, named Trunk Muzik, gained a substantial fanbase and resulted in him securing a contract with Interscope Records. Subsequently, the mixtape was reissued by the record label as Trunk Muzik 0-60 in the same year.
2. Beastie Boys
Formed in 1981, the Beastie Boys were an exceptionally accomplished American hip hop group hailing from New York. Their resounding success has solidified their position as one of the most triumphant hip hop bands in history.
The Young Aborigines, originally a punk band consisting of Diamond, John Berry, Yauch, and Kate Schellenbach, came together in 1981. They made their debut on the compilation cassette New York Thrash before going on to record their first EP, ‘Polly Wog Stew’, in 1982.
1. Eminem
Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is a well-known American rapper, record producer, songwriter, and actor.
In the United States, Eminem holds the title of being the top-selling artist of the 2000s. Additionally, The Rolling Stone magazine has honored him by placing him at the 83rd spot on their prestigious list of The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
Eminem possesses an exceptional talent for marketing his music. The Marshall Mathers LP achieved an extraordinary feat by selling a staggering 1.76 million copies within its initial week, thus securing the title of the swiftest-selling hip-hop album ever. Undoubtedly, he stands as the preeminent white rapper in existence.
Summary
Below is a brief summary of the 25 most remarkable white rappers globally:
- Eminem
- Beastie Boys
- Yelawolf
- Mac Miller
- G-Easy
- Macklemore
- Machine Gun Kelly
- Lil Dicky
- Action Bronson
- Aesop Rock
- NF
- Mike Shinoda
- House of Pain
- R.A. The Rugged Man, also known as R.A., is an acclaimed artist.
- Rittz
- Brother Ali
- Everlast
- EI-P
- Kid Rock
- Paul Wall
- Post Malone
- Weird Al Yankovic
- Vinnie Paz
- Hoodie Allen
- Asher Roth
How many of these rappers did you expect to appear on this list of the greatest white rappers in the world? Leave a comment below.