Looking to discover the kings and queens of New Jersey’s hip-hop scene? Look no further! New Jersey has produced some of the most iconic legends in the industry, including Queen Latifah, Redman, Naughty by Nature, and many more.
With two decades of thriving music and dance culture, New Jersey’s hip-hop scene continues to captivate audiences with raw, unfiltered talent that stands out among the glitz and glam of big cities.
In this article, we’ll explore the vibrant music and dance culture of New Jersey and the influential artists who have made a name for themselves in the state’s hip-hop scene.
So, keep reading to discover the legends of New Jersey’s hip-hop world!
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070 Shake
Danielle Balbuena is the actual name of 070 Shake, a hip-hop artist from New Jersey. Shake released her first extended play, Glitter, in March 2018. 070 Shake gained mainstream attention for her guest appearances in “Ghost Town” and “Violent Crimes” from Kanye West’s album “Ye.” Shake hit the market with her first studio album Modus Vivendi on January 17, 2020.
John Arvanitis
John Arvanitis, known professionally as Akillezz, is an American rapper from Livingston, New Jersey. After graduating from the Horace Mann School, he started his musical journey and founded the Akillezz Records label in 2012. In 2015, “Punching Bag”, his most successful song from Transgressionzz, was released.
- Instagram Account: @akillezz
- YouTube Account: AkillezzVEVO
- Spotify Account: Akillezz
Apache
Hailing from New Jersey, Anthony Peaks, known to the world as Apache, was a famous rapper from the 90s. He released his first album, Apache Ain’t Shit, after signing the contract with Tommy Boy/Warner Bros Record. This album ranked number 69 on the Billboard 200 and No. 15 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Unfortunately, Apache left the world in 2010.
- Instagram Account: @apacheoficial
- YouTube Account: Apache
- Spotify Account: Apache
MC Paul Barman
Paul Nathaniel Barman, known professionally as MC Paul Barman, is a famous rapper from New Jersey. He was ranked number 14 on L.A. Weekly’s list of the “Top 20 Whitest Musicians of All Time” in 2012. In 2000 MC Paul Barman released his first E.P., “It’s Very Stimulating,” on Wordsound; Prince Paul produced it. Furthermore, in 2002 he released his first studio album, “Paullelujah”.
- Instagram Account: @mcpaulbarman
- YouTube Account: MC Paul Barman – Topic
- Spotify Account: MC Paul Barman
Beneficence
Rahim Muhammad is the actual name of Beneficence, from Newark, New Jersey. His first album, Eye of the Storm, was released in 2004. His sophomore album, Vocal Sport, was released in 2006. Beneficence released his famous album Basement Chemistry in 2016. Pop Magazine rated the album four out of five stars, calling it “a body of work that builds on that foundation.”
- Instagram Account: @beneficencereal
- YouTube Account: Beneficence
- Spotify Account: Beneficence
Bukkcity
Bukkcity, whose real name is Andre Knight, is an Australian-American rapper from New Jersey. Currently, he is signed to the Unda K9 Records record label. Bukkcity began his musical journey in 1998 by participating in different underground freestyle competitions in New York. He released his first mixtape, “1st & 15th Mixtape,” in 2007, which gained all the popularity he deserved for his talent. Bukkcity has been touring with hip-hop legends like Ice Cube since 2007.
- YouTube Account: Bukkcity – Topic
- Spotify Account: Bukkcity
Cakes da Killa
Cakes da Killa, a.k.a. Rashard Bradshaw, is an American rap artist who fuses hip hop with house and electronic dance music. He became well known in the “queer explosion” that swept the hip hop community in New York in 2012 and is considered one of the leading performers in the current trend of LGBTQ+ acceptance in rap culture. Bradshaw hit the public with his popular single “I Run This Club” from her 2010 mixtape Vicki Leekx.
- Instagram Account: @cakesdakilla
- YouTube Account: Cakes da Killa
- Spotify Account: Cakes da Killa
Chill Rob G
Robert Frazier known by the stage name of Chill Rob G, is another famous rapper from Jersey City, New Jersey. In 1987 he signed a contract with Stu Fine’s Wild Pitch Records and released the hit album “Ride the Rhythm.” This album received critical acclaim, and The Source named it one of the 100 Greatest Rap Albums. The British trip-hop artist Tricky covered his single “Bad Dreams” on his album Pre-Millennium Tension in 1996.
- Instagram Account: @chillrobg
- YouTube Account: Chill Rob G – Topic
- Spotify Account: Chill Rob G
Justina Valentine
In addition to being a rapper, Justina Valentine is also an American singer, songwriter, and model who is best known for her hits “Candy Land” featuring Fetty Wap, “All The Way,” and “Unbelievable.” In 2012 Valentine hit the market with her first mixtape Route 80, which included the hit singles “Bubble Gum” and “Hip-hop Joan Jett.”
- Instagram Account: @justinavalentine
- YouTube Account: Justina Valentine
- Spotify Account: Justina Valentine
Hussein Fatal
Bruce Edward Washington Jr., known professionally as Hussein Fatal, was a New Jersey rapper. Washington is best known for his work with Tupac Shakur in the group “Outlaw Immortalz”. In February 1996, he first appeared on the hit singles “All Bout U” and “When We Ride” on Shakur’s album “All Eyez on Me.” Sadly, Fatal was killed in a car accident on July 10, 2015, at the age of 42.
- Instagram Account: @fataldoggnewjerz
- YouTube Account: thugtertainment
- Spotify Account: Hussein Fatal
John Forté
John Forté is a New Jersey hip-hop artist and producer. He is best known for being a leading member of the musical duo Refugee Camp All-Stars. Several songs on their Grammy-winning, multi-platinum album, “The Score,” were written and produced by Forté. Due to exceptional work on the album, Forté was nominated for a Grammy at the young age of 21. Later, he toured worldwide with The Fugees. In 2000 due to several charges, he was sentenced to a minimum of 14 years, but George W. Bush commuted his sentence in 2008.
- Instagram Account: @john_forte
- YouTube Account: John Forté
- Spotify Account: John Forté
Hodgy
Born on November 9, 1990, Gerard Damien Long, known professionally as Hodgy, is an established American rapper from New Jersey. He is a multitalented record producer, rapper, and music video director. Hodgy’s best-known status is as a founding member of the hip hop collective “Odd Future”. In 2009, he released a solo record with The Dena Tape and became the first member of Odd Future to release a solo record. In December 2016, he released his first album, Fireplace: TheNotTheOtherSide.
- Instagram Account: @monkmiyagi
- YouTube Account: gerard long
- Spotify Account: Hodgy
Ice-T
Ice-T’s real name is Tracy Lauren Marrow, and he is a famous New Jersey rapper, songwriter, actor, and producer. He started his musical journey as an underground rapper in the 80s. Due to his style, he got famous in the local community and signed a contract with Sire Records in 1987. After signing the contract, he released the first album, “Rhyme Pays,” in 1987. According to media reports, it was the first rap album that carried an explicit content sticker. Several of his other albums have been certified gold and platinum.
Jipsta
Born on October 13, 1974, John Patrick Masterson is known to the world as Jipsta. He is a New Jersey hip-hop artist, musician, and music producer. Very few people know that Jipsta started his career by releasing his music online on the music-sharing platform “MySpace” in 2007. One of the early versions of his single, “Don’t Act Like You Don’t Know,” became an internet sensation which eventually became his debut single. In May 2011, Jipsta released his highly anticipated debut album, “Bandoozle,” making it to the top 50 of the iTunes Charts and Top 200 Dance Albums chart, where it remained for over five months. He was the first gay white rapper whose singles earned Billboard Top 10 single position.
Kosha Dillz
Rami Matan Even-Esh better goes by the stage name of Kosha Dillz, is a proud Jewish rapper from New Jersey. In addition to rapping, he is also famous for his Freestyle rapping style. Even-Esh began his rapping career at the young age of 17, by performing at the freestyle battle rap scene at Nuyorican Poets Café. In 2009, he released his first solo LP, Beverly Dillz, which was recorded in Beverly Hills with the help of local producer Belief.
- Instagram Account: @koshadillz
- YouTube Account: Kosha Dillz
- Spotify Account: Kosha Dillz
Lady Crush
Lady Crush’s real name is Rochelle Ryndia Ray. She is one of the pioneers of the old-school hip-hop scene in New Jersey. In addition to rapping, she also has a successful career as a songwriter and music producer. Crush is known for being one of the youngest female rappers to be recorded on vinyl towards the end of Old-school hip-hop. Clover Hope featured Lady Crush in his 2021 book, ‘The Motherlode: 100+ Women Who Made Hip-Hop’. Lady Crush started her music career in 1984 when she won a citywide radio contest, earning a guest appearance on Tim Greene’s “The Facts of Life.”
- Instagram Account: @ladycrush1
- YouTube Account: Lady Crush
- Spotify Account: Lady Crush
Lady Luck
Shanell Jones, known professionally as Lady Luck, is a female rapper from New Jersey. At 17, she signed a record deal with Def Jam for five albums worth between half a million and a million dollars. Lady also appeared in the documentary film of Jay-Z’s 1999 tour, “Backstage” in 2000.
- Instagram Account: @iamladyluck
- YouTube Account: Lady Luck
- Spotify Account: Lady Luck
Coi Leray
Coi Leray Collins is a young American rapper. She started her career by posting music on the music-sharing platform SoundCloud. Her single “Huddy” gained mainstream attention, and Coi released her first mixtape, “Everythingcoz,” in 2018. Leray’s first mixtape landed her a deal with 1801 Records and Republic Records.
In 2019, she released her second mixtape, “EC2”. She released her first extended play, “Now or Never,” the following year. Leray’s single “No More Parties” peaked in the top 40 in 2021 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Pras
Haitian rapper, producer, songwriter, and actor Prakazrel Samuel Michel was born in New Jersey and known for being a member of the Fugees, alongside Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill. After the Fugees, he achieved two Top 40 hits, “Ghetto Supastar” and “We Trying to Stay Alive” with Jean and John Forté.
- Instagram Account: @prasmichel
- YouTube Account: Pras
- Spotify Account: Pras
Redman
Born on April 17, 1970, Reginald Noble, known professionally as Redman, is a famous New Jersey rapper, D.J., record producer, and actor from the 90s. He began to make a name for himself in the early 1990s as a rapper on the Def Jam label.
In addition to starring roles in films and sitcoms with his close friend Method Man, Redman has collaborated with his close friend as part of the rap duo Method Man & Redman. In addition to this, he was also a member of the Def Squad in the late 1990s.
- Instagram Account: @redmangilla
- YouTube Account: Redman
- Spotify Account: Redman
Ronny J
Ronald Oneil Spence, Jr. is the actual name of American rapper Ronny J. Beside rapping; he also has a successful career as a record producer, singer, and songwriter. Ronny J signed a contract with two record-producing agencies, Independently Popular and Atlantic Records, in May 2017. He hit the market with his first mixtape under Atlantic Record titled “OMGRONNY” on February 23, 2018. He released his first studio album, Jupiter, on August 14, 2020.
Naughty by Nature
Naughty by Nature is a New Jersey hip-hop trio, including Treach, Vin Rock, and DJ Kay Gee. The group was created in 1986 as The New Style. Naughty by Nature started their official musical journey in the music world in 1989 by releasing their first album called Independent Leaders, including the hit “Scuffin’ Those Knees”. The group’s first international hit was “O.P.P.,” released in 1991.
- Instagram Account: @naughtybynature4ever
- YouTube Account: Naughty by Nature
- Spotify Account: Naughty by Nature
Tony D
Anthony Depula, better known to the world by his stage name Tony D, was another famous hip-hop artist from New Jersey. Unlike other rappers, he gained more fame by producing albums and singles for famous rappers like Poor Righteous Teachers, Y.Z., Blaque Spurm, and The Funk Family. Unfortunately, Tony died in a car accident on April 4, 2009.
- YouTube Account: Tony.D Official
- Spotify Account: Tony D
David Rush
David Mauricio Bowen-Petterson, known professionally as David Rush, is a rapper from New Jersey. Perhaps his most well-known single is his first (and only) single as a lead artist, “Shooting Star,” remixed by American EDM duo LMFAO. David released his first mixtape, Feel the Rush Vol. 1, on September 18, 2008. He also featured in the song “Go Girl” from the album The Boatlift (2007) by Pitbull.
- Instagram Account: @davidrushonline
- YouTube Account: David Rush
- Spotify Account: David Rush
Queen Latifah
How is it possible that we talk about the rap king and queens of New Jersey and forget about Queen Latifah?
This time the throne of the greatest rapper of New Jersey belongs to Queen Latifah.
The American singer-songwriter, rapper, actress, and producer, Queen Latifah, was born March 18, 1970. She started her career by signing a recording contract with Tommy Boy Records in 1989. After the contract, Latifah released her debut album All Hail the Queen on November 28, 1989. Her single “Ladies First” was a career-high point for her. She released her last album with Tommy Boy Records, “Nature of a Sista” (1991).
- Instagram Account: @queenlatifah
- YouTube Account: Queen Latifah
- Spotify Account: Queen Latifah
