These 15 Rappers Are Named After Notorious Crime Figures

Names are symbols of significance. Whether or not they’re given or self-made, these labels usually double as statements of who somebody is and what they embody. Within the case of rappers, the gangster ties are by no means far eliminated. In reality, a few of their monikers draw inspiration from infamous criminals.

Nas has had various alias’ over the course of his illustrious profession. Notably, Nas Escobar, which was debuted as a label on Mobb Deep’s 1995 traditional The Notorious. The identify got here from Nas’ fascination with Pablo Escobar, a Colombian drug lord and billionaire who reigned within the second half of the 20th century.

Earlier than N.O.R.E. secured probably the greatest hip-hop podcasts on the planet with Drink Champs, he got here into the sport as a extremely revered rapper alongside his brethren Capone. Again within the mid-90s, he duo named themselves Capone-N-Noreaga. Effectively, the inspiration got here from Al Capone—a high-profile bootlegger and American crime boss from 1900s—and Manuel Noriega—a Panamanian ruler and drug trafficker who rose to prominence within the Nineteen Eighties.

Lastly, Yo Gotti’s tag comes from an American gangster gamed John Gotti, who’s extensively referred to as having one probably the most highly effective crime syndicates in late Nineties. The influence from that has been immense within the hip-hop world. Moreover and on that word, whereas he isn’t essentially a rapper, Homicide Inc.’s head honcho Irv Gotti additionally bought his identify from John’s reign of being a famed villain and mafia chief.

Over the previous few many years, there are not less than 15 spitters that bought their names from popularized crime figures. So immediately, taking a look at extra examples like Chief Keef, Rick Ross and 50 Cent, XXL spotlights the hip-hop artists that use their handles as an extension of gangster love. Test them out beneath.