Uncover the real names of these chart-topping rappers. (Image Credit: x.com/@chartdata; x.com/@DojaArchives)
In hip-hop, the name of the rapper is his/her brand—a striking, memorable name that grabs attention and encapsulates their work. But behind these legendary nicknames, there are original names, and they reveal family history, cultural background, or surprises. Here are five best charting rappers whose original names will be more shocking to you, revealing the person who performs the music.
Megan Thee Stallion, the Houston rapper responsible for various hit tracks like "Savage" is renowned for her brazen lyricism and unapologetic attitude. Her list of hits and several Grammy wins has cemented her position in the game. Her real name, however, Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, is unfamiliar to most. Following her intimidating tall stature and commanding attitude, she chose "Stallion" to represent her toughness and saved the softer "Megan Pete" for when the microphones are turned off.
Lil Wayne, a rap legend with years of dominance behind him, has provided listeners with classics like "Tha Carter III" and tracks like "Lollipop" and "3 Peat." His refined wordplay and unique sound helped him become a household name. His given name, however, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., is surprisingly simple, a nod to his mundane upbringing in New Orleans. The "Jr." tip of the hat to his father, but Wayne's larger-than-life image as "Weezy" seems light-years away from this humble name. Fans might be surprised to learn that the artist self-named "Tunechi" has such an earthy, old-fashioned moniker.
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Post Malone, the music genre-bending superstar who co-created such hits like "Circles" and "Rockstar," is known for his emotive voice and tattooed, laid-back image. His albums like Beerbongs & Bentleys have gone to number one, mixing rap, pop, and rock. His real name, Austin Richard Post, reads like something a provincial poet might have, not a global icon. He was born in Syracuse, New York, and assembled his stage name by combining "Post" with a rap name generator's suggestion of "Malone," much changed from the simple, almost preppy charm of his birth name.
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Doja Cat, the genre-bending artist behind hits like "Say So" and "Kiss Me More," blends rap, pop, and R&B with playful charm. Her Grammy-nominated album Planet Her showcases her genre-bending skills. Her given name, Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, converts her South African and Zulu heritage into English, with "Amala" meaning "pure" and "Ratna" meaning "jewel" in Sanskrit. She was born in Los Angeles and chose "Doja Cat" as an homage to her love of cats and admiration of cannabis culture, making her intricate, multicultural birth name something only a few fans ever get to hear.
Travis Scott is the chart topping rapper behind hits such as Astroworld and singles like "Sicko Mode." He is known for his high-energy live performances and genre-defying beats. The actual name of the man, Jacques Bermon Webster II, is almost aristocratically subtle-sounding. French-sounding "Jacques" clashes with the proper "II" against his frenetic psychedelic rap sound. Nicked from his father's name, this suave nickname surprises fans as they consider him within the boisterous, auto-tune-infested world of trap music, unveiling a more sophisticated side of his character.
These rappers' real names are something that only a few people are aware of. These names give fans an interesting fact about their favourite artists.
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