Hispanic Heritage Month is underway, which means it’s an even better time to check out some Latin rappers/hip-hop artists. Throughout the years, Latin artists continuously innovate as well as expand music genres. In addition, they have undoubtedly revolutionized rap and hip-hop music. In no particular order, these are ten iconic Latin rappers that have made permanent marks on the history of hip-hop.
10 Influential Latin Rappers You Need to Know
Fabolous
John David Jackson, known by his stage name Fabolous, is an American rapper. His mom is African American and his father is Dominican and Loso. He grew up in Brooklyn and began to pursue his hip-hop career senior year of high school. Jackson performed live on an American Record producer’s radio show DJ Clue, and then on Hot 97. Further, he was signed by DJ Clue’s label Desert Storm and then later got a distribution deal with Elektra Records. In addition, Fabolous’s hit singles lived through the 2000s and collaborated with many influential hip-hop and R&B artists throughout the years.
Image via @calionixx on Instagram
B-Real
Louis Mario Freese, known as B-Real is an American rapper. He has been one of the two lead rappers in the hip-hop group Cypress Hill since 1991, along with Sen Dog. He has also been involved with the rap-metal band Kush, the hip-hop group Serial Killers, and the rap-rock group Prophets of Rage. Over the years, he has released many solo mixtapes, as well as two solo albums: Smoke n Mirrors in 2009 and Tell You Something in 2020.
Frost
Arturo Molina Jr., better known as Frost (originally Kid Frost), is an American rapper, record producer, and also, songwriter. In the mid-1980s, Frost released several pre-gangsta 12″ singles on labels Baja and Electrobeat. Further, in 1995, Frost dropped the “Kid” from his stage name and signed with Ruthless Records, Eazy-E’s label. Furthermore, he has released many albums and has collaborated with an array of legendary artists and rappers over the years.
Immortal Technique
Felipe Andres Coronel, known as Immortal Technique, is an American hip-hop artist, activist, and entrepreneur of Peruvian heritage. Most of Immortal Technique’s lyrics center around controversial issues involving global politics, from a radical left-wing perspective. In addition, he has collaborated with artists such as Chuck D from Public Enemy, DJ Green Lantern, Mos Def, and many others. Further, he has released many albums and has made a statement for artists and rappers that are independent and do not want to sign to a major label.
Image via @techimmortal on Instagram
Big Pun
Christopher Lee Rios, known as Big Pun, was a groundbreaking MC of Puerto Rican heritage. Pun was an incredible lyricist and is often considered to be one of the greatest MCs of all time. In addition, Pun was the first solo Latin MC to go platinum. The Bronx-born rapper released two studio albums between 1998 and 2000, one of which was nominated for a Grammy. Unfortunately, Big Pun passed away in 2000 at 28 years old. Even though he was with us for a short amount of time, Big Pun’s influence still resonates in modern music.
Snow Tha Product
Claudia Alexandra Madriz Meza, better known as Snow Tha Product, is a Mexican-American rapper on the rise. The 34-year-old MC was signed to Atlantic Records for 6 years. Within this time, she released a full-length album and an EP. After going independent, Meza announced that she’ll be releasing a new album in mid-2021. Furthermore, this will be a monumental release as Snow Tha Product hasn’t released a solo studio album since 2011. She is gaining massive hype and is absolutely a rapper to watch out for.
Prince Markie Dee
Mark Anthony Moralez, known as Prince Markie Dee, was a Brooklyn-born rapper and producer. Initially getting his start as a member of the Fat Boys, Moralez gained incredible success in the 80s. Later in his career, Moralez wrote songs for Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, and Mark Anthony. According to MTV News, he was also one of the first rappers to make it to Hollywood, where he starred in two films. In 2021, Prince Markie Dee passed away at the age of 52. He will forever be known for his critical contributions to rap and music as a whole.
Image via @snowthaproduct on Instagram
Lloyd Banks
Christopher Charles Lloyd, better known as Lloyd Banks, is a critically acclaimed rapper of Puerto Rican Heritage. Widely known to be 50 Cent’s protege, Banks has already experienced massive success. For example, the Maryland MC has a number of gold and platinum records to his name. His career began in 1999 as a member of the hip-hop group G-Unit, which also included 50 Cent. Additionally, the East Coast rap group is enjoying a comeback run, solidifying its iconic place in hip-hop history.
Image via @lloydbanks on Instagram
Chino XL
Derek Keith Barbosa, also known as Chino XL, is a Bronx-based rapper. The Puerto Rican MC is largely known to be one of hip-hop’s most lethal and talented lyricists. Additionally, within a span of 16 years, Barbosa has released four studio albums. The MC began his career at the age of 16 after signing with Rick Rubin’s American Recordings label. Barbosa is still very active and is rumored to be releasing a new album soon. The talented rapper is also a known actor, having appeared on multiple television shows.
Pitbull
Armando Christian Perez, known as Pitbull, is an American rapper, brand ambassador, businessman, actor, singer, as well as a songwriter. His career began in the early 2000s, recording Latin hip-hop, reggaeton, and crunk music under multiple labels. He rebranded himself as a pop artist and shortly after released his next English-language album Planet Pit in 2011. He collaborated with legendary artists such as Christina Aguillera, J-Lo, Ne-Yo, Afrojack, Kesha, and many more.
Image via @pitbull on Instagram
