There are many rap artists and singers with Jamaican Heritage. The Lost Boys, NLE Choppa Grand Puba, Canibus, Will.I.Am, Tyga, Alicia Keys, Mya, Slick Rick, and Uncle Luke to Name a few. The founder of hip-hop, DJ Kool Herc was also from Jamaica. Here are 5 incredibly dope rappers with Jamaican roots.
Heavy D
The Mt. Vernon rapper was proud of his Jamaican ancestry. You can hear it on the Teddy Rily produced “Now That We Found Love” in how it flips the classic Third World chorus for the hook. Later in life, he released a reggae album called Vibes in 2008 before his untimely death in 2011.
The Notorious B.I.G.
Biggie‘s mom, Voletta Wallace, is from Trelawny Parish just outside of Montego Bay. He was even featured on a Super Cat song titled “Dolly My Baby.” He died in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997.
Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes has always repped his yardie roots. His rapid fire flow is heavily influenced by am Down’s Dee Jay culture.
Joey Bada$$
Joey Bada$$ went to the island for the video to his song “My Yout” to spread love. He was born in New York and is Jamaican on his father’s side.
Bushwick Bill
As 1/3 of the Geto Boys, Bushwick Bill helped usher in Houston’s horrorcore sound. However, he was born in Kingston. He passed away in June 2019.
“Damn it feels good to be a gangsta/Feeding the poor and helping out with their bills/Although I was born in Jamaica/Now I’m in the US making deals.”
Read: Rap to Africa – 5 artists repping East Africa
Read: Rap to Africa – 5 artists with South African ancestry
