Behind the Mic: How 12 Famous Rappers Got Their Names

chiki

Editor

Chikicha Quality Lifestyle is a Choice

13
views

Think rappers just slap on cool names? Think again. From SpongeBob references to typo disasters, these 12 rap names come with stories that are funnier — and weirder — than you’d expect. You’ll never look at them the same again.

1. Eminem (Marshall Mathers)

Started as "M&M," representing his initials. Later stylized as "Eminem."

2. Snoop Dogg (Calvin Broadus)

Nicknamed "Snoopy" by his mother due to his love for the Peanuts character.

3. Childish Gambino (Donald Glover)

Generated using the Wu-Tang Clan name generator.

4. 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson)

Named after a Brooklyn robber known as 50 Cent, symbolizing change and resilience.

5. Lil Nas X (Montero Lamar Hill)

"Lil" as a nod to rap culture; "Nas" from a fan account he ran for Nicki Minaj; "X" added for flair.

6. Kendrick Lamar (Kendrick Lamar Duckworth)

Initially performed as "K.Dot" but later used his real name to reflect authenticity.

7. Wiz Khalifa (Cameron Thomaz)

"Khalifa" means "successor" in Arabic; "Wiz" was a childhood nickname for being good at everything.

8. Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace)

Originally "Biggie Smalls," inspired by a 1975 film character; changed due to a naming conflict.

9. Rick Ross (William Roberts II)

Adopted the name of drug kingpin "Freeway" Rick Ross; faced legal issues over the name.

10. Waka Flocka Flame (Juaquin Malphurs)

"Waka" from Fozzie Bear's catchphrase; "Flocka Flame" added by Gucci Mane.

11. JPEGMAFIA (Barrington Hendricks)

"JPEG" from a nickname while in Japan; "MAFIA" added as a group moniker.

12. Earl Sweatshirt (Thebe Kgositsile)

Chose "Earl" for its old-fashioned feel; "Sweatshirt" inspired by artist James Pants.

chiki

Hi there! I'm a mixed-breed male cat with soft white fur and stylish black spots—part feline, part fashion icon. I was rescued and now live my best life! I love dry cat food, especially with tuna or mackerel. Most days, I nap like a pro, but when I’m up, I play with my sister Cha—my favorite partner-in-paws. Oh, and I’ve got a modern hobby: browsing the net and posting things. Who says cats aren’t tech-savvy?