Unarguably, hip-hop remains one of the most travelling and dynamic styles of music in the world. With a rich history that spreads its wings across diverse world cultures, hip-hop has managed to be that one style of music that is “almost everywhere.”
Although generally regarded as an American art form, the truth remains that hip-hop’s history, roots, and origin go way deeper and farther than just America.
However, as broad and encompassing as this history (of hip-hop) might seem, there are still some very notable places that have contributed so much to both the continuous survival and history of hip-hop music.
One of these places that has contributed and still contributes so much to hip-hop is the state of Florida. As a matter of fact, there is a subgenre of hip-hop which originated in the late 1980s and early 1990s known as “Florida Rap.”
Thanks to its bubbling hip-hop scene, Florida has birthed several legendary rappers/hip-hop artists.
From older “rap heads” like Rick Ross, and Pitbull to younger acts like Denzel Curry, Kodak Black, Lil Pump, A$AP Rocky, and the legendary but late XXXTentacion (who was shot dead in 2018), Florida boasts of some of the best rap artists to ever grace the hip-hop scene.
In this article, we will bring to you 25 top rappers who happen to be from Florida. It doesn’t matter what your rap music taste is, you will definitely find a rapper that meets that. Also, even though you are not a fan of rap, it is just cool to know this. This list follows no particular order.
Table of Contents
About the Florida Rap Scene
Florida Rap also known as Miami Bass is a musical style that is popular in the Miami area of South Florida. Florida has been the stirring centre for hip-hop and rap ever since the 90s. It also features delightful music genres and famous artists.
The Florida rap scene is one of the important scenes to keep up with. It has evolved from the Miami bass in the 80s to the Tricks Daddy street raps and now the current breakouts.
There are new artists like City Girls and Kodak Black keeping the Florida rap scene at the top and trending. Also, the Florida rap scene is very active and lively. There have been numerous major new albums coming from artists in Florida.
25 Top Florida Rappers
This is the list of the 25 top Florida rappers. You may have already known some of these rappers. Nonetheless, get to know them in detail and listen to their music.
1. Rick Ross
William Leonard Roberts II, popularly known as Rick Ross is a Florida rapper, songwriter, and record executive. Rick Ross was born on January 28, 1976, in Clarkdale, Mississippi, U.S.A.
The 47-year-old rapper is also called The Boss, Rozay, Renzel, and Teflon Da Don. He has been active in the rap music world since the 2000s, releasing hit Hip Hop singles and albums greatly influenced by Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S.A.
Although Rick Ross was not born in Florida but only grew up in Florida, we can not dispute the fact that he is one of the great rappers in Florida. Rick Ross’ influence in Florida rap is due to the fact that he Spent most of his adolescence in Florida.
In 2005, Rick Ross was a leader of a hip-hop group known as Triple C’s which he formed with fellow Florida rappers Gunplay and Touch.
After being the subject of a bidding war receiving offers from Irv Gotti’s Murder Inc and Diddy’s Bad Boy Entertainment, he eventually came to terms with another record label entirely.
The label was the Def Jam recording with Jay Z. It was a multi-million dollar deal. Rick Ross’s debut album titled Port of Miami through this record label debuted at the top spot of the Billboard 200 album chart.
Port of Miami by Rick Ross also had sales of 187,000 units during the first week it was released. In 2006, Rick Ross released his first debut single titled Hustlin. And in 2008, he released his second studio album titled Trilla. Trilla also debuted atop the Billboard 200 album chart.
In 2009, the rapper founded Maybach Music Group. He has been releasing his studio album through this record label.
His most recent studio album titled Richer than I Ever was released in December 2021. Which is his eleventh album altogether.
Rick Ross has had various Nominations and awards from the Bet Award (Best Male Hip Hop Artist 2001), Grammy Award (best rap song, best rap performance), and The Source (Men of the Year 2010).
2. Kodak Black
Bill Kahan Kapri popularly known as Kodak Black is a Florida rapper, songwriter, and singer. Kodak Black was born with the birth name Dieuson Octave on June 11, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
Kodak Black’s musical career has been active since 2009 till present. He is known for Hip hop and Trap. The 27 years old Florida rapper has been a victim of public controversy and legal issues.
However, he has also enjoyed mainstream success in his musical career. His single titled “No Flocking” released in 2014 brought him to the limelight. Kodak Black also gained more recognition after his debut album “Painting Pictures” was released in 2017.
His debut album “Painting Pictures” peaked at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard 200. One of the singles from the album titled “Tunnel Vision” was also included in the Billboard Hot 100 top singles.
Kodak Black’s musical style is about previous and future criminal mischief. And he claims he is greatly influenced by rappers Chief Keef and Boosie Badazz. His most recent studio album is titled Back for Everything.
The studio album was released in 2022 as the fourth studio album. It is also worthy of mention that Kodak Black is regarded by some as a mumble rapper. Mumble rappers are also known as SoundCloud rappers.
Mumble rap is a loosely defined micro genre of Hip hop. It became very popular in 2010 on the online audio distribution platform called Soundcloud.
3. XXXTentacion
Joseph Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was born on January 23rd, 1998 in Plantation, Florida. He is popularly known as XXXtentacion. XXXtentacion was a Florida rapper, songwriter, and singer.
Unfortunately, his musical career was only active for a short while. However, during these few years, he had a dedicated fan base that is somewhat considered a cult following. Also, he is also considered a leading figure in emo rap.
His YouTube channel since created has received over 39.0 million subscribers and about 9.65 billion total views. XXXTentacion has had public controversies and legal issues. Nonetheless, it did not hinder his mainstream success.
His musical journey began in 2013 after being released from a Juvenile Detention centre. He wrote music with an unconventional style and had attention from Soundcloud and Youtube.
XXXTentacion’s single titled Look at Me and debut album “17” gained mainstream popularity. The debut album is even certified triple Platinum in the U.S.
He was known to be a very versatile rapper and able to explore many genres of music. His musical style is described to have used depressed and alienated themes.
XXXTentacion died in June 2018 (age 20) from multiple gunshot wounds to the neck in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Although dead, his music still lives.
4. Denzel Curry
Denzel Rae Don Curry popularly known as Denzel Curry is a Florida Rapper, songwriter, and singer. Denzel Curry was born on February 16, 1995, in Miami Gardens, Florida. Being born and raised in Florida has been somewhat of a great advantage to Denzel.
As of 2011, the 28-year-old Florida rapper was already working on his Mixtape. It is also worth mentioning that Denzel Curry began to rap in the sixth grade. Denzel Curry gained popularity in the local music scene when his mixtape was featured in Purp’s social media.
The mixtape was also instrumental in Denzel Curry’s membership in Purps Hip Hop collective Raider Klan. Denzel Curry left the Raider Klan in 2013 while still in high school. He also released his debut album titled “Nostalgic 64” that same year.
He has released a lot of singles, Extended Plays, and studio albums since 2013. His most recent studio album is “Melt My Eyes See Your Future” released in 2022. “Melt My Eyes See Your Future” is the fifth studio album by Denzel Curry featuring other guest rap artists.
It debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart. Denzel Curry’s other names are Zel, Young Raven Miyagi, Denny Cascade, Aquarius’Killa, Zeltron 6 Billion, and Black Metal Terrorist.
5. Pitbull
Armando Christian Pérez popularly known as Pitbull is a Florida rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and businessman. Pitbull was born on January 15, 1981, in Miami, Florida, U.S.A. Pitbull is also known as Mr 305 and Mr worldwide.
He has been active as a rap artist since the 2000s. However, his hit single “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” from his fourth studio album titled Rebelution (2019) gained him massive attention.
“I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” peaked at number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the U.K. Singles Chart. Pitbull is one of the distinct Florida rappers due to his dual musical background. A root Florida style with a touch of Afro-Cuban.
His musical style has been described as a distorted beat that is regardless suitable for a sunny beach crammed with people looking for fun.
Pitbull is one of the best Florida rappers who has gained recognition in this Era. He has sold over 25 million studio album copies and over 100 million singles worldwide.
In 2010, he was ranked by Billboard as the 45th Top Artist and 24th Top Latin Artist still in 2010. Pitbull’s song We Are One (Ole Ola) performed by Jenifer Lopez served as the 2014 world cup.
6. Lil Pump
Gazzy Fabio Garcia popularly known as Lil Pump Is a Florida rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is also known as Pump, Jetski, and Pump Hefner. Lil Pump was born on August 17, 2000, in Miami, Florida, U.S.A.
His musical career has been active since 2005 till present. However, Lil Pump gained Popular attention in 2007 when he released Gucci Gang. The single was a hit and peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hit 100 singles.
Gucci Gang by Lil Pump also was certified Five-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Lil Pump’s musical style is described to be minimalistic.
Regardless, Lil Pump has a hyperactive lifestyle in public. He is one of the voices in Soundcloud rap. His most recent studio release is Lil Pump 2 which happens to be his second studio album and was released on March 17, 2023.
The album featured Smokepurpp, Ty Dolla Sign, and Young Boy Never Broke Again as guest appearances. Lil Pump is one of the best Florida rappers that is still touring. His music is spirited, free, and sometimes talks about clothes, and other finer things.
7. T-Pain
Faheem Rashad Najm popularly known as T-Pain is a Florida rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is also known as Teddy Verseti, Teddy Penderazdoun, and Teddy Pain. The T in the T-Pain is for Tallahassee which is his place of birth.
T-pain was born on September 30, 1984, in Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.A. T-Pain is best known for introducing the Auto-Tune Pitch correction effect in music. His musical career has been active since 1999.
He initially started as a beatmaker and producer. T-Pain later found his style and is even one of the best rappers in Florida.
T-Pain has been signed to a lot of record labels. However, In 2005, he established his record label and released his debut album titled Rappa Ternt Sanga.
In 2007, he released his second album titled Epiphany which peaked at number one on the U.S Billboard 200 chart. T-Pain has received twelve Grammy nominations and two awards. He has also been featured on more than fifty chart-topping singles.
8. Wifisfuneral
Isaac Rivera popularly known as Wifisfuneral is a Florida rapper, songwriter, and singer. He is also called Weef, Wifi, and Izzy Kill$. He was born on March 20, 1997, in New York City, U.S.A. However, Wifisfuneral is from West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
Before Wifisfuneral got signed to Alamo Records and Empire Records, he was formerly signed to Interscope Records. Wifisfuneral is best known for his breakthrough mixtapes Black Heart Revenge, When Hell Falls, Ethernet, and Boy Who Cried Wolf.
His musical style is described to be emotional music based on negative experiences. Wifisfuneral has had a very tough musical career in the few years he has been active as a rapper.
He dropped out of school to focus on his music career at a very tender age. Unfortunately, at some point, Wifisfuneral was battling with substance abuse.
In 2020, Wifisfuneral shared his interest to retire from the music scene. We don’t think it was possible, as he released his debut album titled Pain that same here.
9. Ski Mask the Slump God
Stokeley Clevon Goulbourne popularly known as Ski Mass The Slump God is a Florida rapper and songwriter. The Ski in the name was formerly stylized as $ki.
Ski Mass was born on April 18, 1996, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His musical career has been active since 2014. Two of his singles released in 2017 titled “Catch Me Outside” and “Baby Wipe” were certified gold by RIAA.
His third mixtape released in May 2018 titled “Beware the Book of Eli” peaked at number fifty on the Billboard 200 chart.
Ski Mask the Slump God’s debut album was released also in 2018. The album titled Stokely peaked at number 6 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. Ski Mask shares that his musical style has been greatly influenced by Chief Keef, Missy Elliot, and Busta Rhymes.
Ski Mask is the Co-founder of Members Only alongside XXXTentacion, a fellow Florida rapper and friend. He is ready to put everything in place to get whatever he wants. Sin City The Mixtape released in June 2021 is Ski Mask’s most recent release.
10. Flo Rida
Tramar Lacel Dillard popularly known as Flo Rida is a Florida rapper, singer, and songwriter. He was born on September 16, 1979, in Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S.A. He has been active in the rap world since the year 2000.
Flo Rida’s breakout single titled “Low” was a hit. The single “Low” broke the record for digital download sales and was number 1 for 10 weeks in the United States in 2007.
In 2008, Flo Rida released his debut album titled Mail on Sunday which was number 4 in the United States. Flo Rida is one of the best-selling music artists. He has sold over 80 million records worldwide, including international hit singles.
He has been nominated for various awards such as American Awards, BET Awards, Best Hip Hop Awards, Much Music Video Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Ozone Awards, and the Grammy Awards.
Flo Rida has won the highest-selling single from the ARIA Music Award, Work of the Year from the APRA Awards (2009), and Best Rap/Hip-Hop Dance Track (“Wild Ones”) from International Dance Music Awards (2013).
11. Trina
Katrina Laverne Taylor popularly known as Trina is a Florida female rapper and television Personality. She was born on December 3, 1978, in Miami, Florida, United States. The forty-four years old female rapper has been active since 1998 till present.
Her appearance in the single Nann Nigga by Trick Daddy really gained her popularity in 1998. Trina is one of the most consistent female rappers in Florida. She was included in the Billboard list of the “31 female rappers who changed Hip hop.”
Trina’s debut album titled Da Baddest bitch was released in March 2000. The album debuted at number 33 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and number 11 on the Top RnB/Hip Hop Album chart.
“The One” released in June 2019 is Trina’s sixth studio album and most recent album release. She has been nominated nine times for best female Hip hop artist at the BET Awards. Trina has also received other nominations and awards.
Trina’s musical style is unique and complemented by her expressive vocals. Her music often portrays heartbreak and bad luck.
12. Ace Hood
Antoine Franklin McColister popularly known as Ace Hood is a Florida rapper and songwriter. He was born on May 20, 1992, in Queens, New York. He started rapping at age 11 in his school’s music program; he quickly became known as “The Boss.”
As an emcee, he used the stage name Ace Hood and after a few years of performing, he gathered enough street buzz to jumpstart a mixtape career. In the summer of 2011 he released his third mixtape “The Product Is The Profit,” which attracted attention from major labels.
After a few months of negotiation, he signed with Realta Entertainment, who rebranded him as Ace Hood.
Ace Hood released his debut studio album “In My System” and in a day it quickly rose to the top of the Billboard 200 chart. Over 160,000 copies were sold in its first week.
This record-breaking achievement made him the second Hip-Hop artist to have his debut studio album debut at the top spot on the Billboard 200 charts. It also became the best first-week sales for an R&B/Hip-Hop album in 2011 by the time of its release.
It was followed up by his debut studio album with the mixtape “White Dress” (2012). Ace Hood also released the mixtape “Mixtape.”
Ace Hood released his third studio album in 2017 and in 2021, the Florida rapper joined the cast of Love & Hip Hop Miami for the first half of the fourth season.
13. Trick Daddy
Maurice Samuel Young popularly known as Trick Daddy is a Florida rapper, songwriter, and singer. He is also known as Trick Daddy Dollars. He was born on September 27, 1973, in Miami, Florida.
He has been active in the Rap world since 1995 till present. Trick Daddy is a member of the group Ying Yang Twins. He is also a member of the Boot Camp Clik, a group of rappers, producers, and music executives.
Trick Daddy is signed to Ludacris’ Disturbing Tha Peace label, Def Jam Recordings, and Warner Bros Records.
In 2003, Trick Daddy released his debut solo album titled “Trick Da Daddy,” which peaked at number 2 on the US “Billboard” 200 charts, number 3 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and number 3 on the US Rap Albums chart.
The album features production from Ludacris, DJ Scratch, and the Neptunes among others. In 2004, Trick Daddy was featured on the single “Is It Me” from Ludacris’ second album titled “Back for the First Time.”
In May 2005, Trick Daddy released his second album “Back da Fuck Up.” The album features production from M.O.P. and others. “Back da Fuck Up” peaked at number 4 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 35 on the “Billboard” 200 chart.
The album’s lead single, “Drop It Like It’s Hot” peaked at number 35 on the “Billboard” Hot 100 chart, number 15 on the US Top Rap Songs chart, and number 3 on the US Rap Songs chart.
In addition, the album’s second single “Freaky Friday” peaked at number 21 on the Hot 100 chart, number 2 on the US Rap Songs chart, and number 3 on the US Rap Airplay chart.
The third single, “Stop Having So Many Kids” came with an updated music video featuring cameo appearances by Bow Wow, Eve, and Omarion of the B2K group.
The single failed to make much of an impact on the charts. The music video, however, did get heavy rotation on BET’s 106 & Park show.
While promoting the album, Trick Daddy made guest appearances on shows such as “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” and “100 Huntley Street” and was also featured on “106 & Park.”
Trick Daddy’s most successful studio album is Thug Are Us. The album has also been awarded Platinum certification by RIAA.
14. Plies
Algernod Lanier Washington popularly known as Plies is a Florida rapper, songwriter, and singer. Plies was born on July 1, 1976, in Fort Meyer, Florida. His musical career has been active since 2001 till today.
As a teenager, Plies moved to Petersburg, Virginia, and then to Atlanta, Georgia. While in Atlanta, he realized that he would have to move back to New Orleans to get a more “ghetto” perspective on life.
When he moved back to New Orleans, he lived in the Treme neighbourhood. Plies grew up in a single-parent home with his mother.
In high school, he started rapping and quickly became interested in becoming a rapper. At age 16, he was arrested at a movie theatre and charged with illegal possession of a firearm.
Though the charges were later dropped, that experience had a negative impact on his life. After graduating from high school, he moved to Miami to seek a fresh start.
Plies started recording in the early 2000s and released his first single, “I Work HARD” from the mixtape “The Town 2.0” in 2004. His first studio album, “Ghetto Fabulous,” was released in 2007 and featured production from The Neptunes, Jazze Pha, and others.
His second album, “Back to Business” was released in 2009; the single “Throw It On Me” featuring Trey Songz was a top 10 hit.
Plies’ third album, “R.A.P. Music,” was released in 2011; it featured production from The Glorious Five, and the singles “I’m So Glad” and “Dirt on My Clothes” became top 20 hits.
His fourth album, “The Real,” was released in 2014; it features guest appearances from TI and Trey Songz. He has toured with Trey Songz and Nelly and has collaborated with rappers like Rick Ross and Young Jeezy.
15. Rod Wave
Rodarius Marcell Green popularly known as Rod Wave is a Florida rapper, singer, and songwriter. He was born on August 27, 1999, in St Petersburg, Florida, United States. Rod Wave has been active in the rap world since 2016.
His style of music is very distinct. Rod Wave has a very strong vocal texture which helps him to seamlessly create a fusion of RnB and Hip-hop. Rod Wave is also regarded as the innovator of the soul trap. The musical sound is consistent but very unpredictable.
His single “Heart on Ice” released in 2019 gained him popularity. The single went viral on Youtube and TikTok. Peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In that same year, Rod Wave released his debut album titled “Ghetto Gospel.” It peaked at number 10 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. In April 2020, Rod Wave released his second studio album titled “Pray for Love” which peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Rod Wave was featured in XXL’s 2020 Freshman Class in July 2020. He also won the Music Billboard Award for Top new artist in 2021.
16. Vanilla Ice
Robert Matthew Van Winkle popularly known as Vanilla Ice is a Florida rapper, songwriter, actor, television host, and singer. He was born on October 31, 1967, in South Dallas. Vanilla Ice was raised in both Texas and South Florida.
Vanilla got discovered by members of the local music scene, who were impressed with his rap skills and offered him a place in a hip-hop group.
He soon became known as “The Godfather of Rap” because of his incredible rap style and his ability to record commercially successful rap records.
His first major hit song was “Ice Ice Baby,” released in 1990. It was the first hip-hop single to peak at number 1 on the Billboard 200 charts.
“Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice has been established as one of the songs that have helped rebrand hip-hop—more reason Vanilla is regarded as the Godfather of rap.
Although very popular and successful, Vanilla Ice at a certain point regretted his deal with the SBK Record Label. SBK falsified his biographical data without his knowledge and rebranded Vanilla Ice’s public appearances to enable him to build a fan base.
Vanilla Ice felt he was paid to be fake, and decided to keep it real. There was a change in his second mainstream studio album titled “Mind Blowing.”
The album was not successful and Vanilla Ice experienced a huge drop in fan base. This drop due to image change also affected the next studio albums.
Neither his third, fourth, or fifth studio made it to the chart nor received radio play. Vanilla Ice began the Vanilla Ice Project on television in 2019. The project was hosted on the DIY Network.
17. YNW Melly
Jamell Maurice Demons popularly known as YNW Melly (Young Nigga World Melly) is a Florida rapper, singer, and songwriter. He was born on May 1, 1999, in Gifford, Florida. He is also known as Melly or Melvin and has been active in the rap world between 2016 to 2019.
His musical style is described to be melodic with a colourful harmony. His vocal is spirited and at the same time soulful. At the age of 15, Melly had already joined the Blood Gang and was posting songs on Soundcloud.
One of his songs Titled “Murder on My Mind” released in 2017 gained him public attention. In 2019, YNW Melly released his debut album titled “Melly vs Melvin” which peaked at number 8 on the Billboard 200 chart.
It is worth mentioning that YNW Melly has also had numerous legal issues. He was arrested and charged in 2015 for aggravated assault and in 2019 for premeditated murder. YNW Melly is still awaiting trial and imprisoned at Broward County Jail, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
18. GunPlay
Richard Welton Morales Jr. popularly known as Gunplay is a Florida rapper, singer, and songwriter. He was born on July 18, 1979, in Miami, Florida. He is also known as Don Logan and has been active as a rapper since 2000.
Gunplay released his debut album titled “Living Legend” in 2015. He also released Mixtapes titled “601” and “Short.” His musical style is the conventional Florida style that is similar to that of Rick Ross and Trick Daddy.
His lyrics are full of his past experiences in selling and using drugs. However, Gunplay says he has stopped. Gunplay’s most recent release is the collaboration album “Banana Clips” and ChopStixx with Mozzy.
Gunplay is one of the most fierce rappers in Florida and he is also best known as a member of the Triple C with Rick Ross as the rap crew leader.
19. $not
Edy Junior Edouard known popularly as SNOT (stylized as $NOT), is a Florida rapper, singer, and songwriter. He was born on December 16, 1997, in New York City. He later moved to Lake Worth Beach, Florida at seven years old.
He has been active in the rap world since 2015 releasing his songs on Soundcloud. “Gosha” released in September 2018 became his breakout single and gained him popularity.
In 2020, Snot earned a deal from 300 Entertainment and released his debut studio album titled “Tragedy” featuring Wifisfuneral and Maggie Lindemann. That same year, he released a single from his second studio album “Revenge.”
$not reveals that Lil Wayne, Xavier Wulf, Bones, Yung Lean, and Tyler are his greatest musical influence. His most recent release is the music video for “Simple” released in October 2022. A single from his third studio album “Ethereal.”
20. 9lokkNine
Jacquavius Dennard Smith popularly known as 9lokkNine (pronounced and formerly typeset GlokkNine) is a Florida rapper, singer, and songwriter.
He was born on May 1, 2000, in Orlando, Florida. He is also known as GlokkNine, YJB, and QuayLil G9.
9lokkNine has been active as a rapper since 2018 till present. His impression in YNW Melly’s 2019 single “223’s” gained him public attention.
“223” peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. Though it was a feature, 9lokkNine was the first to release it in his mixtape “Lil Glokk that Stole Christmas” in 2018.
The Mixtape was successful and popular as Tik Tok content creators used the song for their content. It was instrumental in how he got his record deal with Cash Money Records.
This was followed by a 16-track mixtape titled “Mind of Destruction” in 2019. He considered the mixtape as his first official release.
9lokkNine was apprehended on July 14, 2021, and in December 2021 he was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison for possession of unregistered firearms and pleading guilty to identity theft.
21. DJ Khaled
Khaled Mohammed Khaled, popularly known as DJ Khaled, is a Florida hip-hop artist, DJ, record executive, record producer, and author.
He was born on November 26, 1975, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is also known as Beat Novacane and Arab Attack. Although born in New Orleans, DJ Khaled’s music originates from Miami, Florida, United States.
DJ Khaled started as a radio host on the radio station 99 Jamz. In 1990 he became the DJ for the Terror Squad live performance.
He gained popularity working as a DJ for the Hip hop collectives. DJ Khaled released his debut album in 2006. The debut album titled “Listenn… The Album” received a Gold certification. In 2007, he released his second album “We the Best.”
The top 20 single “I’m the Hood” was part of the “We the Best ” album and it featured Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, Plies, and T-pain.
In 2008, DJ Khaled founded his record label We the Best Music Group where he released his third studio album “We Global.”
“We Global” and the fourth studio album “Victory” released in 2010 peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200 Chart.
His musical style can be referred to as a more beat and less vocal style. He raps less in his music as if he is trying to highlight the incredible beat. His lyrics also reveal his love for Florida
22. JT Money
Jeffrey Jermaine Thompkins popularly known as JT Money is a Florida rapper, songwriter, and singer. He was born September 14, 1972, in Miami, Florida. JT Money is best known as the group leader of the Miami-based hip-hop Poison Clan.
His lyrics are gritty and delivered in a charismatic manner. This very unique musical style sets him apart from other artists in Florida. JT Money has also had notable singles that have made their mark on the music industry.
One of his most well-known singles is “Who Dat,” which peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He is also known for his raw and unapologetic lyrics, often delving into themes such as street life, hustling, and personal struggles.
His delivery is characterized by a commanding presence and a unique flow that captivates listeners.
JT Money’s style reflects his authenticity and willingness to express himself honestly through his music. His contributions to hip-hop have left a lasting impact and continue to inspire aspiring artists today.
23. DaniLeigh
Danielle Leigh Curiel, popularly known as DaniLeigh is a female Florida rapper, songwriter, singer, dancer, and choreographer. She was born on December 20, 1994, in Miami, Florida.
DaniLeigh has been active since 2013, combining Latin and hip hop into her RnB style. DaniLeigh started out as a backup dancer and choreographer. Her first popular appearance is the “Breakfast Can Wait” music video by Prince.
She ultimately signed a deal with Def Jam Records in 2017 and has released mixtapes, EPs, and singles.
Her most successful single is “Play” released in 2017 which is an empowerment song for Women and Latinos. She is one of the best female rappers in Florida. In 2020, DaniLeigh was Nominated as the best new artist for BET awards.
#24. Kent Jones
Daryl Kent Jones, popularly known as Kent Jones is A Florida rapper, songwriter, and singer. He was born on April 14, 1993, in Tallahassee, Florida. Kent has been active in the rap world since 2013 till present.
His first music experience was in the church where he learned to play the drums, piano, and organ. Kent Jones learned a few music theories and was interested in jazz because he appreciated most of Quincy Jones’s classics.
Regardless of his early affinity with jazz, when Kent Jones relocated to Miami, he worked with Cool and Dre, a record production and songwriting Duo in Florida.
In 2015, he released his first mixtape “Tour” for Epidemic Records, We the Best Music Group, and Epic Records. In 2016, Kent Jones released his debut single “Don’t Mind” from his first mixtape which peaked at number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Kent Jones was nominated as the best rapper of the Year by Underground Interviews in 2016 and the Best Hip Hop Artist in 2017 by iHeart Radio Awards.
25. Bobby Shmurda
Ackquille Jean Pollard popularly known as Bobby Shmurda is a Florida rapper, songwriter, and singer. He was born on August 4, 1994, in Miami, Florida. Bobby Shmurda has been active in the rap world since 2013 till present.
Bobby Shmurda’s song “Hot Nigga” released in 2014 gained him popularity. The song peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was followed by a debut EP titled “Shmurda She Wrote” after being signed into Epic Records.
Bobby Shmurda is also best known for being the frontiers person of the Brooklyn Drill, a regional subgenre of drill music. His second song “Bobby Bitch” which was released in September 2014 peaked at number 92 on the Billboard 100 chart.
In 2016, Bobby Shmurda was working on his debut studio album before his imprisonment. He was sentenced to seven years in prison for one count of conspiracy to murder and possession of a weapon.
While in prison, Bobby Shmurda did a freestyle for rapper Meek Mill and revealed he was still writing music.
In 2017, 6ix9ine featured Bobby while still in prison in the song “Stoopid.” His verse was a phone call recorded from the prison telephone.
The song “Stoopid” made it to number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Bobby Shmurda was released on February 23, 2021, and is under parole till the end of his sentence which will be in February 2026.
Conclusion
Florida is known for its natural beauty and rap has always been a part of its culture. It is clear that Florida is a state to watch. The State has a lot of great rappers, and in this article, we have shared the top 25 best rappers from Florida.
It is also worth noting that all of these 25 rappers have not been marred by poor communities and a lack of resources.
Now that you have an idea of what the Florida rap scene looks like and the top 25 rappers, keep track of these artists as they prove that rap is evermore.
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