January 1st is just New Year’s Day- but in Haiti, it’s also Haitian Independence Day. The world of rap has several artists with Haitian lineage, from Brooklyn rapper Cassanova to G-Unit’s Tony Yayo, Haitians have been adding flavor to Hip Hop’s recipe for generations.
1. Saigon
Born Brian Daniel Carenard, Saigon’s father came to the United States from Port Au Prince, Haiti. His debut album The Greatest Story Never Told dropped in 2011.
2. Wyclef
Possibly the most well-known Haitian in rap, Wyclef Jean (and his cousin Pras) of The Fugees are both Haitian. Clef came to the US at the age of nine from Haiti and at one point later in life, he flirted with running for president of Haiti.
3. Flipp Dinero
The “Leave Me Alone” rapper was born in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn. He’s of Haitian descent and has rubbed elbows with Joey Bada$$ and Drake along the way.
4. J-Live
The “Wax Paper” emcee was born with a very Haitian name. Jean-Jacques Cade aka J-Live is another New York rapper of Haitian descent.
5. Kodak Black
The South Florida rapper known as Kodak Black is the son of Marcelene Octave, a Haitian immigrant. He was born Dieuson Octave and later changed his name to Bill Kahan Kapri.
