Some people say that by the time you’re 30, you’re past your prime.
At the end of the day, everyone’s situation is a little different – especially in the confusing world of hip-hop. That said, some of the best rappers of all time are now in their 40s, if not 50s.
Here are the best rappers over 40.
Kanye West
born: June 8, 1977 (46 years old)
Anyone who thinks Kanye West doesn’t belong in hip-hop is wrong. Not only has he become one of the best-selling artists of all time, but he is also one of the most awarded hip-hop artists along with the incomparable Jay-Z.
West’s antics on social media, in public, and even at award shows have been controversial, to say the least, although it’s probably not a stretch to say he took calculated risks on his way to the top. But some of his views and comments later troubled him.
West has fallen somewhat out of favor with sponsors, partners and even the public in recent years, but we suspect he still has some fight left in him.
West’s last release was in 2021 a wound.
slim Shady
born: October 17, 1972 (51 years old)
Eminem is considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, and his popularity helped break down racial barriers and any stigma against white rappers (although it’s no exaggeration to say that the Beastie Boys paved the way for off the road) like Eminem).
Some of Eminem’s hit songs include “My Name Is,” “The Real Slim Shady,” “Stan,” “Lose Yourself,” “Not Afraid,” “The Monster” and “Rap God.”
From 1996 to 2020, Eminem’s release schedule has been consistently productive. Will there be more? Even if he hadn’t, no one could argue that he’s had more success than most rappers.
LL cool J
born: January 14, 1968 (55 years old)
LL Cool J was one of the first rappers to achieve commercial success. He signed with Def Jam Recordings in 1984 and released his breakthrough hit “I Need a Beat” in 1985. Eventually the contract with Def Jam ended in 1997.
Along with so-called “new hip-hop” groups such as Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J defined an important era in hip-hop music.
His last studio album was released in 2013, but today LL Cool J is still prolific as an actor.
Dr. Dre
born: February 18, 1965 (58 years old)
From world class Wreckin’ Cru to NWA from NWA to solo. Dr. Dre is an unstoppable force in hip-hop. If his breakout success with the NWA wasn’t enough, his solo debut, chronicsolidifying him as a force to be reckoned with.
His production career began early on with “Snoop Doggy Dogg,” but as the 2000s rolled around, Dre focused more on producing, bringing on the likes of Eminem and 50 Cent. Dre also has a keen eye for talent.
Dr. Dre’s solo releases are few and far between, but his production output is growing year by year.
snoop dogg
born: October 20, 1971 (52 years old)
The ubiquitous, ubiquitous Snoop Dogg first rose to fame on Dr. Dre’s debut single “Deep Cover” and on Dre’s debut album, chronic. Snoop Dogg’s first solo album, doggy stylewhich was certified quadruple platinum in 1994.
Snoop Dogg has countless tracks including Raekwon, Ice Cube, Wiz Khalifa, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Young Thug, 2Pac, Jason Derulo, John Legend, Mariah Carey, Kid Rock, and many more.
Unlike some of his peers, Snoop Dogg shows no signs of slowing down, with his latest project set to launch in 2023.
ice cubes
born: June 15, 1969 (54 years old)
Like Dr. Dre, Ice Cube first became famous in the NWA otacomptonwhich played a major role in the development of gangster rap and the unique identity of West Coast hip-hop. Fun fact – most of the lyrics on this album were written by Cube.
Like many rappers, Cube successfully transitioned into the film industry, where he remains busy to this day.
Ice Cube’s career as a rapper spanned from 1990 to 2018, but who’s to say he’s over?
Jay-Z
born: December 4, 1969 (53 years old)
Jay-Z entered music in the late 1980s, releasing his first solo album, reasonable suspicion1996. reasonable suspicion Received critical acclaim, he subsequently released 12 studio albums, further cementing his huge success.
Many rappers have become successful entrepreneurs, including Dr. Dre, but Jay-Z was the first to become a hip-hop billionaire in 2019.
Jay-Z’s most prolific period as a rapper was from 1996 to 2003, when he released albums every year. His latest album is from 2017.
Nas
born: September 14, 1973 (50 years old)
Considered one of the greatest rappers and lyricists of all time, Nas released his debut album in 1994, ilmatikhas also become one of the greatest hip-hop records of all time.
and his 1996 single has been written“If I Ruled the World (Imagine)” ultimately earned him mainstream success.
Over the next few years, he made what many considered a number of mistakes, but by publishing such static, son of godand disciple of street.
Nas’ output may have slowed down between 2012 and 2018, but has only increased in recent years, with six studio albums released between 2020 and 2023.
E-40
born: November 15, 1967 (55 years old)
E-40, a founding member of The Click and founder of Sick Wid It Records, got his start as an underground artist. His solo album released in 1995, to a large extentbrought him to a wider audience, and since then he has released an impressive 26 studio albums.
Lil John’s 2006 single “Tell Me When to Go” ultimately became the key to E-40’s mainstream success.
The latest version of the E-40 is 2023 Rule of thumb.
Juicy J
born: April 5, 1975 (48 years old)
Juicy J was a founding member of Three 6 Mafia, a group that operated primarily as an underground act before signing with Loud Records in 2000.
In between the Three 6 Mafia projects, Juicy J continued to release several solo albums. 3 6 Mafia went off the air in 2011, at which time Juicy J further devoted himself to his solo career. His latest release is from 2020 The noise continues.
Juicy J has also enjoyed a prolific producing career working with Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Ludacris and more.
