It’s convention for rappers to perform under stage names: Marshall Mathers = Eminem; Calvin Cordazar Broadus = Snoop Dogg.
Are there any rappers who have made a decent splash by performing under their own names? The only one who comes to mind is Kanye West.
Will Smith comes to mind.
Wikipedia is a little unclear on whether Tupac Shakur was that rapper’s legal name or not, but it appears to be one he was known by since childhood.
Can’t believe I forgot about Will Smith and Tupak Shakur. :smack:
Wyclef Jean and Obie Trice. Sort of would be Will.I.Am since it’s his first name just drawn out.
According to Wikipedia, Pharrell Williams and Melissa “Missy” Elliot.
Kendrick Lamar’s name is Kendrick Lamar Duckworth.
Drake is his middle name, I believe.
Of the Beastie Boys, Ad Rock is short for Adam and Mike D is named Mike.
Mike Jones
Sean Paul uses part of his name.
There are a few others: Drake (his middle name), Obie Trice, Pharell Williams, Mike Jones, Kendrick Lamar (first and middle name), J Cole, Theophilus London , Jermaine Dupri, Talib Kweli, Nas (short for Nasir), Warren G, Andre 3000 (sorta counts), Keith Murray, Joe Budden, Erick Sermon, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Pras, Wale (shortened first name), Jim Jones, Charles Hamilton, Mike Posner, DJ Khalid. There are others I am sure, but using all or part of your real name is fairly common.
I’m not sure that would count since he performed as the Fresh Prince up to the point where his name became more recognizable as an actor than as a rapper.
Deborah Harry?
Kanye is just a humble guy like that. (like Obie Trice) No need for gimmicks.
John Cena
Does Ryan Lewis count as a rapper?
If people using part of their names count, there’s Akon, whose full name is Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Bongo Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam.
I don’t even count West, cause it’s not Khan-Yah, its Kane (rhymes with Wayne). 