Philadelphia rapper Freeway rose to fame with Roc-A-Fella Records, featuring on Jay-Z tracks before releasing his Top Ten debut album, Philadelphia Freeway, in 2003. Known for his gruff style, he later released albums like The Stimulus Package and Think Free.
Philadelphian rapper Beanie Sigel rose to fame with his 2000 debut album The Truth on Roc-a-Fella Records. Known for his hard-hitting rhymes, he released albums including The Reason and The B. Coming, starred in the movie State Property 2, and faced several well-documented legal battles throughout his career.
Atlanta rapper Jeezy is a pioneer of the Southern trap sound. He became a top-performing commercial rapper following his 2005 major-label debut, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101. Known for his gruff voice and powerful raps, he released albums including Church in These Streets and TM104: The Legend of the Snowman.
Yonkers, New York native Jadakiss, born Jason Phillips, is an East Coast hip-hop icon known for his distinctive raspy voice and sharp, hardcore rhymes. A key member of The Lox, his solo career includes hit albums like "Kiss of Death" and "Ignatius" (2020), and the Grammy-nominated track "Why?". He frequently collaborates with artists such as Styles P and Mariah Carey.
Atlanta's YoungBloodZ, featuring Sean Paul and J-Bo, debuted with "Against da Grain." Known for their Southern rap style, they rose to fame with "Drankin' Patnaz."
Born in Jacksonville, FL, Mase rose as Puff Daddy's protégé, known for a relaxed flow and guest spots on hits like "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems." His debut album, Harlem World, topped charts and went quadruple platinum. Mase collaborated with artists like Busta Rhymes, Mariah Carey, and Jay-Z. He retired to pursue ministry before returning with Welcome Back in 2004.
Born Clifford Harris in Atlanta, T.I. is a successful rap MC and actor known for hit albums like King and Paper Trail. Dubbed the Jay-Z of the South, he earned Grammy nominations, launched Atlantic and Roc Nation releases, and influenced waves of Atlanta rap talent.
Gucci Mane, a top hip-hop artist known for trap music, holds the record for most Billboard Top Rap Albums. With 16B streams, bestselling books, and a hit label, he's iconic.
Harlem-born Cam'ron is a Grammy-nominated East Coast rapper known for hits like "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma." He co-founded the Diplomats and collaborated with Juelz Santana and DJ A-Trak.