Hip-hop pioneer and DJ Joseph “Grandmaster Flash” Saddler born January 1, 1958 in Barbados, West Indies.

Anonymous English graffiti artist, political activist, film director and painter Banksy (thought to be Robin Gunningham) born January 1, 1974 in Redland, Bristol, England.

Late rapper Timothy “Tim Dog” Blair born January 1, 1967 in The Bronx, New York.

Rapper and reality TV star Peter “Peter Gunz” Pankey born January 1, 1967 in The Bronx, New York.

B-boy and original member of the Rock Steady Crew, Richard “Crazy Legs” Colón born January 1, 1966 in The Bronx, New York.

Rapper, former member of the group Infamous Syndicate and the first female artist signed to Def Jam South through Ludacris’ Disturbing tha Peace Records, Rashawnna “Shawnna” Guy born January 3, 1978 in Chicago, Illinois.

Rapper Mel Jason “Drag-On” Smalls born January 4, 1979 in the Bronx, New York.

Rapper Joseph Wayne “Z-Ro” aka “The Mo City Don” McVey born January 19, 1977 in Houston, Texas.

Rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, community organizer and activist Stanley Petey “Mistah F.A.B.” Cox born January 23, 1982 in Oakland, CA. His name is an acronym for “Money Is Something to Always Have — Forever After Bread.

Emcee, actor, business man and member of the group Outkast Antwan André “Big Boi” Patton born February 1, 1975 in Savannah, GA.

Poet, rapper, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist Keinan Abdi “K’naan” Warsame born February 1, 1978 in Somalia, Africa.

Rapper and member of the groups The Lumberjacks and Goodie Mob Robert “T-Mo” Barnett born February 2, 1972 in Cascade Heights, Georgia.

Late singer and member of the group Force MDs Antoine “T.C.D.” Lundy born February 3, 1964 in Staten Island, New York.

Rapper and member of the groups The Diplomats and The U.N., Cameron Ezike “Cam’ron” Giles born February 4, 1976 in Harlem, New York.

Late producer and emcee James Dewitt “J Dilla” aka “Jay Dee” Yancey born February 7, 1974 in Detroit, Michigan.

DJ and producer Harvey “DJ Speedy” Miller born February 7, 1976 in Charleston, South Carolina. He produced songs for Nelly, Bun B, Young Jeezy, B.G., Big Boi, Killer Mike and many more.

Rapper and member of the group Capone-N-Noreaga, Kiam Akasi “Capone” Holley born February 8, 1976 in Queens, New York City.

Rapper Patrick “Project Pat” Houston born February 8, 1973 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Rapper Kim Jung “MC Sniper” Yoo born February 8, 1979 in South Korea.

Rapper, actor, radio personality, and former MTV VJ James “Ed Lover” Roberts born February 12, 1963 in Hollis, Queens, New York.

Rapper and lead vocalist of C+C Music Factory Frederick Brandon “Freedom Williams” Williams born February 13, 1966 in Brooklyn, New York.

Happy birthday to Italian rapper and member of the groups Gemelli Diversi and Spaghetti Funk, Emanuele “Thema” Busnaghi born February 13, 1972 in Milan, Lombardy, Italy.

Rapper, entrepreneur and record producer, co-founder of Cash Money Records and one half of the duo Big Tymers, Bryan “Birdman” aka “Baby” Williams born February 15, 1969 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Rapper, actor and director Tracy “Ice-T” Marrow born February 16, 1958 in Newark, New Jersey.

Producer, rapper and member of the groups Purple City and Propain Campaign, Angel “Agallah” Aguilar born February 17, 1974 in Brooklyn, New York.

Producer, rapper, entrepreneur, CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics, member of the group N.W.A. and former co-owner of Death Row Records, Andre “Dr. Dre” Romelle Young born February 18, 1965 in Compton, California.

Rapper, actor and member of the Diplomats, LaRon Louis “Juelz Santana” James born February 18, 1982 in Harlem, New York.

Emcee Felipe Andres “Immortal Technique” Coronel born February 19, 1978 in Lima, Peru.

Emcee, coiner of the phrase “yes yes y’all,” and member Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Nathaniel “The Kidd Creole” Glover Jr., born February 19, 1960 in The Bronx, New York.

Rapper Troy Lane “Lil’ Troy” Birklett born February 24, 1966 in Houston, Texas.

Musician, producer and part of The Neptunes and member of N.E.R.D. Charles Edward “Chad” Hugo born February 24, 1974 in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Rapper and label owner Ten-Six Records Richard “Richie Rich” Serrell, born March 1, 1968 in Oakland, California.

Emcee, producer and actor Clifford “Method Man” Smith born March 2, 1971 in Long Island, New York.

Rapper Wesley Eric “Lil’ Flip” Weston, Jr. born March 3, 1981 in Houston, Texas.

Rapper and actor Anthony Terrell “Tone Lōc” Smith born March 3, 1966 in Los Angeles, California.

Rapper Warren Anderson “Bubba Sparxxx” Mathis born March 6, 1977 in Troup County, Georgia.

Rapper and former Roc-A-Fella emcee Dwight “Beanie Sigel” Grant born March 6, 1974 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Rapper, singer, record producer, co-founder of Capitol Hill Music, lead singer of the hip-hop/R&B group Big Black Lincoln and member of Redman’s Gilla House collective, Karl Amani “Saukrates” Wailoo born March 6, 1978 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Late singer, musician, record producer, record label executive, founder/CEO of Sugar Hill Records, Sylvia Vanderpool-Robinson born March 6, 1936 in New York, New York. She is credited as the driving force behind “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang and “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.

Rapper and President and CEO of Illuminated Entertainment Group, Dustin “Playalitical” Robbins born March 7, 1982 in Denver, Colorado.

Rapper, actor and television host Shad Gregory “Bow Wow” Moss born March 9, 1987 in Columbus, Ohio.

Rapper, actor, brother of Master P and Silkk the Shocker and uncle to Romeo, Corey “C-Murder” Miller born March 9, 1971 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Rapper and actor Howard “Chingy” Bailey, Jr. born March 9, 1980 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Rapper and member of the group Young Gunz, Christopher F. “Young Chris” Ries born March 9, 1983 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Emcee and member of the group The Firm, Anthony “AZ” Cruz born March 9, 1972 in Brooklyn, New York.

Producer, rapper, songwriter and entrepreneur Timothy Zachery “Timbaland” Mosley born March 10, 1972 in Norfolk, Virginia.

Singer-songwriter, rapper, DJ and broadcaster Neneh Cherry born March 10, 1964 in Stockholm, Sweden.

Rapper Paul Michael “Paul Wall” Slayton born March 11, 1981 in Houston, Texas.

Emcee and actor Lonnie Rashid “Common” Lynn, Jr. born March 13, 1972 in Chicago, Illinois.

Rapper, one-fourth of Goodie Mob and one-half of The Lumberjacks, Willie Edward “Khujo Goodie” Knighton, Jr. born March 13, 1972 Atlanta, Georgia.

Rapper, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, voice actor, actor, DJ, record producer, philanthropist and member of The Black Eyed Peas, William “will.i.am” Adams born March 15, 1975 in Los Angeles, California.

Rapper, actor, producer and member of G-Unit, David Darnell “Young Buck” Brown born March 15, 1981 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Rapper, musician, television personality and member of Public Enemy, William Jonathan “Flavor Flav” Drayton, Jr. born March 16, 1959 in Roosevelt, New York.

Emcee Nick “Murs” Carter born March 16, 1978 in Los Angeles, California.

Rapper and member of D12, Ondre “Swift” Moore on March 17, 1974 in Detroit, Michigan.

Late emcee and member of Heltah Skeltah, Boot Camp Clik and Random Axe, Sean “Ruckus” Price on March 17, 1972 in Brooklyn, New York.

Rapper, singer, songwriter, actress, model, television producer, record producer and talk show host Dana Elaine “Queen Latifah” Owens born March 18, 1970 in Newark, New Jersey.

Late actor, dancer and member of the Los Angeles dance crew The Lockers, Fred Allen Berry born March 19, 1951 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Emcee, one half of the UGK (Under Ground Kingz) and guest lecturer at Rice University, Bernard “Bun B” Freeman born March 19, 1973 in Port Arthur, Texas.

Producer, rapper and former member of the Big Tymers and Cash Money Records, Byron O. “Mannie Fresh” Thomas born March 20, 1969 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Late femcee and member of Boogie Down Productions Ramona “Ms. Melodie” Scott born March 21, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York.

Rapper, actor and original member of Cash Money Records Terius “Juvenile” Gray born March 25, 1975 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Rapper Antoine “Skee-Lo” Roundtree born March 27, 1975 in Chicago, Illinois.

Rapper, actress, reality TV star and member of the group Salt-N-Pepa, Cheryl R. “Salt” James born March 28, 1966 in Brooklyn, New York.

Emcee and member of the group The Lost Boyz, Terrance Darren “Mr. Cheeks” Kelly born March 28, 1971 in Queens, New York.

Rapper and original member of the Screwed Up Click Marcus Lakee “Lil’ Keke” Edwards born March 29, 1976 in Houston, Texas.

Rapper, dancer, entrepreneur, spokesman and actor Stanley Kirk “MC Hammer” Burrell born March 30, 1962 in Oakland, California.

Record executive, songwriter, producer, member of Dungeon Family group P.A. and owner of label Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment responsible for signing The YoungBloodZ and T.I., Kawan “KP” Prather born March 30, 1973 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Italian rapper, singer and member of the band Gemelli Diversi and the crews Spaghetti Funk and TDK, Luca “Grido” Aleotti born March 30, 1979 in Milan, Lombardy, Italy.

Rapper and G-Unit member Marvin “Tony Yayo” Bernard born March 31, 1978 in South Jamaica, Queens, New York.

Rapper, founding member of the group D4L and D4L Records founder Carlos “Shawty Lo” Walker born March 31, 1976 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rapper and member of the group Outlawz, Bruce “Hussein Fatal” Washington born April 3, 1977 in Montclair, New Jersey.

Rapper former member of the 504 Boyz, No Limit Records, Cash Money Records and Young Money Records, Shante Scott “Curren$y” Franklin born April 4, 1981 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Singer-songwriter, rapper, producer, musician, fashion designer and member of the groups The Neptunes and band N.E.R.D., Pharrell Williams born April 5, 1973 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Rapper, actor, comedian and member of the group Kid ‘n Play, Christopher “Kid” Reid born April 5, 1964 in the Bronx, New York.

DJ, producer and member of The Perceptionists, Jason “DJ Fakts One” Goler born April 6, 1977 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Rapper, beatboxer, DJ, comedian and reality television personality Marcel Theo “Biz Markie” Hall born April 8, 1964 in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.

Late rapper, actor and friend of Tupac Shakur, Randy “Stretch” Walker born April 8, 1968 in Springfield Gardens, Queens, New York.

Rapper and member of the St. Lunatics Robert “Kyjuan” Cleveland born April 9, 1976 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Emcee, actor, producer, DJ and member of the group A Tribe Called Quest, Kamaal Ibn John “Q-Tip” Fareed (born Jonathan Davis born April 10, 1970 in St. Albans, Queens, New York.

Emcee, producer and member of the Beatnuts Lester “Psycho Les” Fernandez born April 10, 1972.

Rapper, producer and actor Lavell William “David Banner” Crump born April 11, 1974 in Jackson, Mississippi.

Rapper and former Diplomats affiliate P. “Jay Bezel” Corley III born April 13, 1983 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Emcee and actress Shawntae “Da Brat” Harris born April 14, 1974 in Joliet, Illinois.

Producer, rapper, screenwriter and film director Mark “DJ Pooh” Jordan born April 14, 1969 in Los Angeles, California.

DJ, the father of hip-hop music and the creator of the breakbeat technique, Clive “Kool Herc” Campbell born April 16, 1955 in Kingston, Jamaica.

Rapper, songwriter, and producer Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Bongo Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam born April 16, 1973 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Rapper and member of The Flipmode Squad William A. “Spliff Star” Lewis born April 16, 1975 in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York.

Emcee, DJ, record producer, actor and member of the group Def Squad, Reginald “Redman” Noble born April 17, 1970 in Newark, New Jersey.

Rapper and former member of the Hit Squad Kevin “K-Solo” Madison born April 17, 1968 in The Bronx, New York.

The Godfather of Hip-Hop and Universal Zulu Nation founder Kevin “Afrika Bambaataa” Donovan born April 17, 1957 in the South Bronx, New York.

DJ, producer and member of Masters At Work, Todd N. Terry born April 18, 1967 in Brooklyn, New York. He is most known for producing the Jungle Brothers hit I’ll House You.

Rapper, actor and member of the group Onyx, Fred “Fredro Starr” Scruggs born April 18, 1971 in South Jamaica, Queens, New York.

DJ, emcee and Cold Crush Brothers member Curtis “Grandmaster Caz” Fisher born April 18, 1961 in Bronx, New York.

CEO of Black Kapital Records and co-founder and former CEO of Death Row Records, Marion Hugh “Suge” Knight, Jr. born April 19, 1965 in Compton, California.

Emcee and member of the groups Souls of Mischief and Heiroglyphics, Tajai Massey born April 21, 1975 in Stanford, California.

DJ, producer and co-founder of The Affiliates Music Group, Tyree Cinque “DJ Drama” Simmons born April 22, 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Emcee and member of the group Souls of Mischief and Hieroglyphics, Opio Lindsey born April 22, 1974 in Oakland, California.

Producer Jonathan Hillman “Jon-John” Robinson born April 22, 1970 in Los Angeles, California. He produced the song “Get Down” for Amil and several R&B songs.

Musician, activist, owner of NWA Entertainment LLC and first son of Eazy E, Eric “Lil Eazy E” Wright Jr. born April 23, 1984 in Compton, California.

The first emcee EVER, Coke La Rock born April 25, 1955.

Late rapper and Three 6 Mafia founding member Robert “Koopsta Knicca” Cooper Phillips born April 27, 1975.

British rapper, actor, television personality and former non-League footballer Michael “MC Harvey” Harvey, Jr., born May 1, 1979 in Plymouth, England.

Actor, producer, director and former Roc-A-Fella CEO Damon Dash. Born May 3, 1971 in New York, New York.

Hip-hop dancer, choreographer, actor, director and producer Darrin Dewitt Henson born May 5, 1972 in the Bronx, New York.

Producer, DJ and half of the hip-hop duo Gang Starr, Christopher Edward “DJ Premier” Martin. Born March 21, 1966 in Houston, Texas.

Music industry executive and co-founder of Violator, a record label, management, and marketing company, Darrell Steven “Chris” Lighty born May 8, 1968 in the Bronx, New York.

Emcee and Wu-Tang Clan member Dennis “Ghostface Killah” Coles born May 9, 1970 in Staten Island, New York.

West Coast rapper and the man who coined the phrase “hyphy,” Charles Toby “Keak da Sneak” Williams born May 9, 1977 in Oakland, California.

Rapper and actor Marvin “Young MC” Young born May 10, 1967 in South Wimbledon, London, England.

Emcee, fonder of the Hit Squad and one-half of the legendary group EPMD, Parrish J. “PMD” Smith born May 13, 1968 in Long Island, New York.

Emcee, co-founder of Re-Up Records and half of the duo Clipse, Terrence “Pusha T” Thornton born May 13, 1977 in The Bronx, New York.

Emcee, hype man, promoter and member of the Lost Boyz, Raymond “Freaky Tah” Rogers Born May 14, 1971 in South Jamaica, Queens, New York. (May 14, 1971 – March 28, 1999)

Emcee, hip-hop founder and member of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Melvin “Grandmaster Melle Mel” Glover born May 15, 1961 in the Bronx, New York.

Arrested Development band member Baba Oje born May 15, 1932.

Rapper and one half of the group Rob Base and E.Z. Rock, Robert “Rob Base” Ginyard born May 18, 1967 in Harlem, New York.

Singer, rapper and founding member of the group P.M. Dawn, Attrell “Prince B.” Cordes born May 19, 1970 in Jersey City, NJ.

Emcee and member of the group Leaders of the New School, Trevor Tahiem “Busta Rhymes” Smith, Jr. Born May 20, 1972 in Brooklyn, New York.

Arguably one of the greatest emcee’s of all time, Christopher George Latore “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace. Born May 21, 1972 in New York City, New York. (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997)

Emcee, producer and half of the hip-hop duo Mobb Deep, Kejuan “Havoc” Muchita. Born May 21, 1974 in Queens, New York.

English rapper Kane “Kaneo” Robinson born May 21, 1985 in East Ham, London, England.

Rapper and member of the group Compton’s Most Wanted, Aaron “MC Eiht” Tyler born on May 22, 1967 in Compton, California.

Rapper, producer, actor, and former leader of Heavy D & the Boyz, Dwight Arrington “Heavy D” Myers. Born May 24, 1967 in Mandeville, Jamaica. (May 24, 1967 – November 8, 2011)

Producer, rapper and member of the group Tha Dogg Pound, Delmar Drew “Daz Dillinger” Arnaud born May 25, 1973 in Long Beach, California.

Rapper, reality TV star and former member of the group Da Kaperz and member of the group Peach Candy, Rasheedah Widah Buckner Frost born May 25, 1982 in Decatur, Illinois.

Singer-songwriter, femcee, producer, actress and member of the Fugees, Lauryn Noelle Hill born May 26, 1975 in South Orange, New Jersey.

Rapper and member of the group TLC, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes born May 27, 1971 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Emcee, singer, actor, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and member of OutKast, André Lauren “André 3000” Benjamin born May 27, 1975 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Emcee, owner of the imprint D-Block and member of the group The LOX, Jason “Jadakiss” Phillips born May 27, 1975 in Yonkers, New York.

Star Trak emcee Nathaniel “Fam-Lay” Johnson born May 28, 1974 in Norfolk, Virginia.

Singer, songwriter, rapper, producer, actor and member of the groups Goodie Mob and Gnarls Barkley, Thomas DeCarlo “Cee Lo Green” Callaway born May 30, 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rapper and former member of the Terror Squad, Reminisce “Remy Ma” Smith Born May 30, 1981 in Castle Hill, Bronx, New York.

Late emcee Lamont “Big L” Coleman born May 30, 1974 in Harlem, New York.

Founding member of the group Run D.M.C., Darryl Matthews “D.M.C.” McDaniels born May 31, 1964 in Harlem, New York.

Emcee Arturo Molina “Kid Frost” Jr. born May 31, 1964 in East Los Angeles, California.

Rap-A-Lot emcee Devin “Devin the Dude” Copeland born June 4, 1970 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Def Jux emcee Ian Matthias “Aesop Rock” Bavitz born June 5, 1976 Syosset, Oyster Bay, New York.

Rapper, producer, model, actor and member of Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, Mark Robert Michael “Marky Mark” Wahlberg born June 5, 1971 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Rapper Glenn “Young Bleed” Clifton Jr. born June 6, 1974 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Songwriter, producer, co-founder of LaFace Records, Grammy Award winner, CEO of Hitco Music Publishing, former CEO of Island Def Jam Music Group and former The X Factor judge, Antonio M. “L.A.” Reid born June 7, 1956 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has helped the careers of Kanye West, Young Jeezy, OutKast and Goodie Mob.

Former Bad Boy emcee Robert “Black Rob” Ross born June 8, 1968 in Harlem, New York.

Emcee, producer, film director and fashion designer Kanye Omari West born June 8, 1977 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Emcee and member of the Fila Fresh Crew, Tracy Lynn “The D.O.C.” Curry born June 10, 1968 in Dallas, Texas.

Emcee and actress Robin Yvette “Lady of Rage” Allen born June 11, 1968 in Farmville, Virginia.

Emcee and member of Stereo MC’s, Robert Charles “Rob B” Birch born June 11, 1961 in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, England.

DJ, producer, member of Stereo MCs and co-founder of Gee Street Records Nick “The Head” Hallam born June 11, 1960 in Nottingham, England. Gee Street was responsible for releasing Jungle Brothers,Richie Rich, Outlaw Posse, PM Dawn, Gravediggaz, Doug E. Fresh, RZA and Tragedy Khadafi.

Emcee and part of the group N.W.A., Lorenzo Jerald “M.C. Ren” Patterson born June 14, 1969 in Compton, California.

Emcee, producer, actor, screenwriter, director and former member of the groups C.I.A. and N.W.A., O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson born June 15, 1969 in Los Angeles, California.

Emcee, actor and one of the best selling artists in the world, Tupac Amaru Shakur born June 16, 1971 in New York, New York.

Rapper, producer and original member of the group N.W.A., Mik “Arabian Prince” Lezan born June 17, 1965 in Compton, California.

Rapper and one fifth of the award winning group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Anthony “Krayzie Bone” Henderson born June 17, 1973 in Cleveland, Ohio.

No Limit rapper and actor Vyshonn King “Silkk The Shocker” Miller born June 18, 1975 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

DJ, beatboxer, rapper, producer and member of Boogie Down Prodctions, Derrick “D-Nice” Jones born June 19, 1971 in the Bronx, New York.

Former Bad Boy rapper Chauncey Lamont “Loon” Hawkins (Amir Junaid Muhadith) born June 20, 1975 in Harlem, New York.

Producer, DJ, emcee and member of the group Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth, Peter “Pete Rock” Phillips born June 21, 1970 in The Bronx, New York.

Emcee Malik “Memphis Bleek” Cox born June 23, 1978 in Brooklyn, New York.

Radio and television personality and actress Alani “La La” Vazquez-Anthony born June 25, 1979 in Brooklyn, New York.

Producer and head of The Inc. record label, Irving Domingo “Irv Gotti” Lorenzo, Jr. born June 26, 1970 in New York, New York.

Rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, dancer, actress and five-time Grammy Award winner, Melissa Arnette “Missy” Elliott born July 1, 1971 in Portsmouth, Virginia. Missy is the only female rapper to have six platinum albums.

Emcee, radio personality and member of the native Tongues collective, Simone “Monie Love” Gooden born July 2, 1970 in London, England.

B-boy, break dancer, rapper, DJ, producer and actor Joseph Anthony “Tony Touch” Hernandez born July 2, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York.

Emcee, member of the group Antipop Consortium and founder of Adored And Exploited Records, Robert Edward “Beans” Stewart, II born July 3, 1971 in White Plains, New York.

Emcee and creator of the “Rap Ups,” Donnie Shaquan “Skillz” Lewis born in Detroit, Michigan.

Rapper Eric “Stagga Lee” Newman born July 4, 1977 in Yonkers, New York.

Rapper and former member of the group D12 Rufus Arthur “Bizarre” Johnson born July 5, 1976 in Detroit, Michigan.

Producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, rapper, actor, director, screenwriter and Wu-Tang Clan member, Robert Fitzgerald “RZA” Diggs born July 5, 1969 in New York City, New York.

Rapper, entrepreneur, investor, and actor Curtis James “50 Cent” Jackson III born July 6, 1975 in South Jamaica, Queens, New York.

Emcee Che “Rhymefest” Smith born July 6, 1977 in Chicago, Illinois.

Rapper and former Roc-A-Fella emcee Leslie Edward “Freeway” Pridgen born August 6, 1978 in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Rapper, actor and the latter half of the hip-hop duo Kid ‘n Play Christopher “Play” Martin born July 10, 1962 in Queens, New York.

Rapper, singer-songwriter, author, record producer and actress Kimberly Denise “Lil’ Kim” Jones born July 11, 1974 in Brooklyn, New York.

Rapper Zane “Lil’ Zane” Copeland, Jr. born July 11, 1982 in Yonkers, New York.

Rapper and former member of the unreleased group G.B.M. from Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records, Lamar “Sylk-E. Fyne” Johnson born July 12, 1977 in South Central Los Angeles.

Rapper and member of the group St. Lunatics Ali Jones born July 13, 1971 St. Louis, Missouri.

Rapper and actor Brian Daniel “Saigon” Carenard born July 13, 1977 in Spring Valley, New York.

Rapper, singer, actor, and member of the group The Black Eyed Peas, Jaime Luis “Taboo” Gómez born July 14, 1975 in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California.

Femcee Adelaida “The Real Roxanne” Martinez born July 15, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York.

Rapper, accomplished actor and member of the group Groove B. Chill, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell born July 16, 1965 in The Bronx, New York.

Film director, producer, and actor Warrington W. Hudlin, Jr. born July 16, 1952 in East St. Louis, Illinois. Warrington and his younger brother Reginald produced the classic hip-hop film House Party.

Music video and film director Felix Gary Gray born July 17, 1969 in New York, New York. Gray directed the Ice Cube film Friday and the Queen Latifah flick Set it Off.

Emcee and member of hip-hop duo Gang Starr, Keith Edward “Guru” Elam born July 17, 1961 in Roxbury, Massachusetts.

DJ and half of the hip-hop duo P.M. Dawn, Jarrett “J.C. the Eternal” Cordes born July 17, 1971 in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Media executive, producer, rapper and former member of the groups The Almighty RSO and Made Men, Raymond “Benzino” Scott born July 18,1965 in Boston, Massachusetts. Benzino is best known for his involvement with hip-hop magazine The Source and currently his role on Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta.

DJ, producer, creator of the Chopped and Screwed DJ technique and founding member of “The Screwed Up Clique,” Robert Earl “DJ Screw” Davis, Jr. born July 20, 1971 in Houston, Texas.

Emcee, member of the group Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and member of the Juice Crew, Nathaniel Thomas “Kool G Rap” Wilson born July 20, 1968 in Queens, New York.

Femcee, DJ and one third of the group Digable Planets, Mary Ann “Ladybug Mecca” Vieira born July 24, 1973 in Brazil.

Emcee Stanley “Stat Quo” Benton born July 24, 1978 in Atlanta, Georgia.

DJ and former member of the group Arrested Development, Tim “DJ Headliner” Barnwell born on July 26, 1967 in New Jersey.

Emcee and President of Young Money Entertainment, Jermaine Murdock Moldova Jerrilson “Mack Maine” Preyan born July 28, 1982 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The first female rapper signed to Motown Records, LaTasha Sheron “MC Trouble” Rogers born July 30, 1970 in Los Angeles, California.

Producer, songwriter, artist, manager, entertainment executive and entrepreneur Deric Michael “D-Dot” aka “The Mad Rapper” Angelettie born July 31, 1968 in Brooklyn, New York.

Emcee, author, producer, activist and member of the group Public Enemy, Carlton Douglas “Chuck D” Ridenhour born August 1, 1960 in Queens, New York.

Rapper, actor, and producer Artis Leon “Coolio” Ivey Jr. born August 1, 1963 in Compton, California.

Eminem manager and Shady Records co-founder Paul “Paul Bunyan” Rosenberg born August 1, 1971.

Rapper, spoken word artist, lecturer and member of Public Enemy, Richard “Professor Griff” Griffin born August 1, 1960 in Long Island, New York.

Emcee and member of the Flip Mode Squad Roger “Rampage” McNair born August 1, 1974 in Brooklyn, New York.

Emcee and label head Waleed “C-Rayz Walz” Shabazz born August 3, 1979 in The Bronx, New York.

DJ and member of the group Salt-N-Pepa, Deidra Muriel “DJ Spinderella” Roper born August 3, 1971 in Brooklyn, New York.

Rapper Chevon “Ms. Jade” Young born August 3, 1979 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Rapper and actress Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker born on August 4, 1971 in Compton, California.

DJ, producer and radio personality Aston George “Funkmaster Flex” Taylor, Jr. born August 5, 1968 in The Bronx, New York City.

Dancer, choreographer, one of the originators of the Popping dance and member of the Electric Boogaloos, Timothy Earl “Popin’ Pete” Solomon born August 5, 1961 in Fresno, California.

Rapper, musician, film director, human rights activist, organizer of the Tibetan Freedom Concert and founding member of the Beastie Boys, Adam Nathaniel “MCA” aka “Nathanial Hörnblowér” Yauch born August 5, 1964 in Brooklyn, New York.

Emcee and member of the Treacherous Three, Mohandas “Kool Moe Dee” Dewese born August 8, 1962 in New York City, New York.

Rapper, producer and the first rapper to be signed to a major label, Kurt “Kurtis Blow” Walker born August 9, 1959 in The Bronx, New York.

Rapper, actor and member of the Westside Connection Dedrick “Mack 10” Rolison born August 9, 1971 in Inglewood, California.

Emcee and member of the groups Low Profile, WC and the Maad Circle and West Connection, William Loshawn “WC” Calhoun, Jr. born August 9, 1970 in Houston, Texas.

DJ, producer, member of A Tribe Called Quest, Lucy Pearl and production collective The Ummah, Ali Shaheed Muhammad born August 11, 1970 in Brooklyn, New York.

Emcee and member of the group Kriss Kross, Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly born on August 11, 1978 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Grammy Award winning rapper, producer and founder of Nastymix records, Anthony “Sir Mix-a-Lot” Ray born August 12, 1963 in Seattle, Washington.

Emcee, producer and member of the Juice Crew and the Super Kids, Percy “Tragedy Khadafi” aka “Intelligent Hoodlum” aka “MC Percy” Chapman IV born August 13, 1971, in Queens, New York.

DJ and graffiti artist Keith “DJ Kay Slay” Grayson born August 14, 1966 in New York City, New York.

Femcee Lichelle “Boss” Laws born August 14, 1969 in Detroit, Michigan.

Femcee Tiffany “Charli Baltimore” Lane born August 16, 1974 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Emcee, producer, and one-third of the hip hop trio De La Soul, Kelvin “Posdnuos” Mercer born August 17, 1969 in The Bronx, New York.

Rapper, songwriter and member of the group House of Pain, Erik Francis “Everlast” Schrody born August 18, 1969 in Valley Stream, New York.

Emcee and member of the Wu-Tang Clan Jamel “Masta Killa” Arief (born Elgin Turner) born August 18, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York.

Emcee, CEO of Terror Squad Entertainment, and member of the groups D.I.T.C. and Terror Squad, Joseph Antonio “Fat Joe” Cartagena born August 19, 1970 in the Bronx, New York.

Rapper, actor, basketball player, entrepreneur, and model Percy Romeo “Lil’ Romeo” Miller, Jr. born August 19, 1989 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Late rapper, singer, actor and one third of the group 213, Nathaniel Dwayne “Nate Dogg” Hale born August 19, 1969 in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Rapper and member of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A., James “Lil’ Cease” Lloyd born August 20, 1977 in Brooklyn, New York.

Rapper, music industry exec, member of the groups J-Pop, Mic Banditz and Teriyaki Boyz, and founder of the Ambush fashion line, Young-Kee “Verbal” Yu born August 21, 1975 in Tokyo, Japan.

Emcee and member of the Wu-Tang Clan Gary “Gza” aka “Genius” Grice born August 22, 1966 in Brooklyn, New York.

Rapper, Iron Chef America Judge and member of the group Lyrical Giants, Wayne “Bone Crusher” Hardnett, Jr. born August 23, 1971 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Emcee and break dancer Corey Isiah “Reks” Christie born August 24, 1977 in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Rapper and member of the group Digital Underground, Gregory E. “Shock G.” aka “Humpty Hump” Jacobs born August 25, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York.

Percussionist and member of the band Cypress Hill Eric “Bobo” Correa born August 27, 1968 in Queens, New York. He performed and recorded with the Beastie Boys in the 90’s.

Rapper and pastor Mason Durell “Mase” Betha born August 27, 1975 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Late rapper, producer and CEO of Klock Work Entertainment, Johnny Lee “Johnny J” Jackson born August 28, 1969 in Juárez, Mexico. He produced songs on Tupac Shakur’s albums All Eyez on Me and Me Against the World, as well as the single Knockin’ Boots for rapper Candy Man.

Rapper Kalassy “AK-69” Nikoff born August 28, 1978 in Komaki, Aichi, Japan.

Former host of BET’s 106 & Park A. J. Calloway born August 29, 1974 in Newark, New Jersey.

Rapper Andre “A+” Levins born August 29, 1981 in Hempstead, New York.

Rapper and member of the group Slaughterhouse Joseph Anthony “Joe Budden” Budden II born August 31, 1980 in Harlem, New York.

Rapper and former member of Triple 6 Mafia later known as Three 6 Mafia, Ibn “Playa Fly” Young born on September 2, 1977 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Half of the duo The B.G.’z, Christopher “B.G. (Baby Gangsta)” Dorsey born September 3, 1980 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Femcee, actress, model and former member of The Firm, Inga DeCarlo Fung “Foxy Brown” Marchand born September 6, 1979 in New York, New York.

Emcee, and one half of the group Capone & Noreaga, Victor “N.O.R.E.” aka “Noreaga” Santiago, Jr. born September 6, 1976 in Queens, New York City.

Late rapper, founding member of N.W.A. business man and The Godfather Of Gangsta Rap, Eric Lynn “Eazy-E” Wright born September 7, 1963 in Compton, California.

Emcee Antonio “Big Daddy Kane” Hardy born September 10, 1968 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York.

Rapper and music executive Christopher Brian “Ludacris” Bridges born September 11, 1977 in Champaign, Illinois.

Producer Kasseem David “Swizz Beatz” Dean born September 13, 1978 in The Bronx, New York.

Rapper, actor and member of The Regime, Darnel “Dru Down” Robinson born September 14, 1969 in Oakland, California.

Emcee Nasir Bin Olu Dara “Nas” Jones born September 14, 1973 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York.

Emcee Clarence “T La Rock” Ronnie Keaton born September 16, 1961 in Manhattan, New York.

Battle DJ, producer and member of the groups Dilated Peoples, Beat Junkies and Likwit Junkies, Melvin “DJ Babu” Babu born September 17, 1974 in Washington DC.

Emcee Robert Alan “Pumpkinhead” Diaz born on September 17, 1975 in Brooklyn, New York.

Emcee Warren “Steady B” McGlone born September 17, 1969 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Emcee and member of the Wu-Tang Clan, Darryl “Cappadonna” Hill born September 18, 1969 in Staten Island, New York City.

Emcee, actor and TV host Alvin Nathaniel “Xzibit” Joiner born September 18, 1974 in Detroit, Michigan.

Emcee Derrick “Nine” Keyes born September 19, 1969 in The Bronx, New York.

Rapper Amil Whitehead born September 19, 1978 in New York, New York.

Emcee and member of the group De La Soul, David Jude “Dave” Jolicoeur born September 21, 1968 in Brooklyn.

Late DJ, and producer David Aaron “Disco D” Shayman on September 21, 1980 in St. Louis, Missouri. Disco D produced the track “Ski Mask Way” on 50 Cent’s The Massacre album.

Rapper Michael Lawrence “Mystikal” Tyler born September 22, 1970 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Producer and rapper Jermaine Dupri born September 23, 1972 in Asheville, North Carolina.

Miami rapper Maurice “Trick Daddy” Young born September 23, 1973 in Miami, Florida.

Emcee, reality TV star and music business executive, Clifford Joseph “T.I.” Harris Jr. born September 25, 1980 born Atlanta, Georgia.

Rapper, actor and producer Willard Christopher “Will Smith” aka “Fresh Prince” Smith Jr. born September 25, 1968 in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Entertainment mogul and hip-hop pioneer Andre “Dr. Jekyll” Harrell born September 26, 1960 in Harlem, New York.


Late emcee and A Lighter Shade of Brown member Bobby “DTTX” Ramirez born September 26,1969 in Riverside, CA.

Rapper, music business executive and one of the original Hot Boys, Dwayne Michael “Lil’ Wayne” Carter, Jr. born September 27, 1982 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

German rapper and entrepreneur Anis Mohamed Youssef “Bushido” Ferchichi born September 28, 1978 in Bonn, Germany.

Rapper Jason “AMG” Lewis born September 29, 1970 in Brooklyn, New York.

German rapper and member of the group Advanced Chemistry, Frederik “Torch” Hahn born September 29, 1971 in Heidelberg, Germany.

English rapper Dylan Kwabena “Dizzee Rascal” Mills born October 1, 1985 in Bow, East London, England.

Late rapper, actor and former member of the group D12, DeShaun Dupree “Proof” Holton born October 2, 1973 in Detroit, Michigan.

Rapper, producer and member of the group Lab Waste, Giovanni “Subtitle” Marks born October 2, 1978 in Los Angeles, California.

Emcee and member of the Roots crew, Tariq Luqmaan “Black Thought” Trotter born October 3, 1971 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Emcee Talib Kweli Greene born October 3, 1975 in Brooklyn, New York.

Businessman and founder of Def Jam Records, Russell Simmons born October 4, 1957 in Queens, New York.

Namibian German Kwaito rapper Eric “EES” Sell born October 5, 1983 in Windhoek, Namibia.

Turntablist and member of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz, Luis “DJ Disk” Quintanilla born October 7, 1970 in San Francisco, California.

Turntablist and member of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz, Richard “DJ Qbert” Quitevis born October 7, 1969 in San Francisco, California.

Hip-hop pioneer and father of New Jack Swing Edward Theodore “Teddy Riley” Riley born October 8, 1967 in Harlem, NY. Riley was responsible for the classic hip-hop hit “The Show” by Dougie Fresh and the Get Fresh Crew.

DJ, producer, radio personality, actor and former member of the group Young Black Teenagers, Scott “DJ Skribble” Ialacci born October 10, 1968 in Long Island, New York.

Hip-hop pioneer, actress, DJ and femcee Lana Michelle “MC Lyte” Moorer born October 11, 1970 in Brooklyn, New York.

Rapper, motivational speaker and former member of the groups Dramacydal and the Outlawz, Mutah Wassin Shabazz “Napoleon” Beale born October 11, 1977 in Newark, New Jersey.

DJ and radio personality Yves “DJ Whoo Kid” Mondesir born October 12, 1972 in Brooklyn, New York City.

Rapper, producer and half of the group Three 6 Mafia, Paul “DJ Paul” Beauregard born October 13, 1977 in Memphis, Tennessee.

“Horrocore” style innovator and one part of the Insane Clown Posse, Joseph “Shaggy 2 Dope” Utsler born October 14, 1974 in Wayne, Michigan.

Emcee, actor, producer and entrepreneur, Marshall Bruce “Eminem” Mathers III born October 17, 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri.

One half of married, hip-hop dance choreographer team Nappytabs, Napoleon Buddy D’umo born October 17, 1968 in Victorville, California.

Fugees founding member Wyclef Jeanelle Jean born October 17, 1969 in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti.

Rapper Aristotle “Gloc-9” Pollisco born October 18, 1977 in Binangonan, Rizal, Philippines.

Rapper Ronnie Ray “Baby Bash” Bryant born October 18, 1975 in Vallejo, California.

Rapper, and member of the groups Luniz and Thug Lordz Jerold Dwight “Yukmouth” Ellis III born October 18, 1974 in Oakland, California.

DJ Craig De Sean “DJ Assault” Adams born October, 1977 in Detroit, Michigan.

Fugees founding member Praskazrel Samuel “Pras” Michel. Born October 19, 1972 in Brooklyn, New York.

Emcee, actor, businessman and pop culture icon Calvin Cordozar “Snoop Dogg” aka “Snoop Lion” Broadus, Jr. born October 20, 1971 in Long Beach, California.

Rapper and producer Tramayne “Shade Sheist” Thompson born October 22, 1982 in Inglewood, California.

Rapper and member of the group So Solid Crew, Marvin “Romeo” Dawkins born October 23, 1980 in Battersea, London, England.

DJ, producer and rapper Alan Daniel “The Alchemist” Maman born October 25, 1977 in Beverly Hills, California.

Emcee and hip-hop legend David “Busy Bee” Parker born October 26, 1962 in the Bronx, New York.

Rapper and former No Limit and Cash Money Records signee Darwin “Choppa” Turner born October 29, 1980 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Producer Lewis “Got Slapz” Molinaro born October 29, 1986 in Santa Barbara, California.

Hip-hop/rock LEGEND and part of the Beastie Boys, Adam Keefe “Ad-Rock” Horovitz born October 31, 1966 in South Orange, New Jersey.

Emcee and member of the group Organized Konfusion Troy Donald “Pharoahe Monch” Jamerson born October 31, 1972 in Queens, New York.

Rapper and member of the Geto Boys, William James “Willie D” Dennis born November 1, 1966 in Houston, Texas.

St. Louis hip-hop pioneer, actor and businessman Cornell Iral “Nelly” Haynes, Jr. born November 2, 1974 in Austin, Texas.

Queens, NY emcee and H.N.I.C. Albert Lance “Prodigy” Johnson Banks from the infamous Mobb Deep. Born November 2, 1974 in Hempstead, New York.

Producer, song writer and reality TV star Steven “Stevie J” Jordan born on November 2, 1971 in Buffalo, New York.

Emcee and pioneering member of The Disco 3 aka The Fat Boys, Damon “Kool Rock Ski” Wimbley. Born November 4, 1966.

Rapper, actor, businessman and founder of Bad Boy Entertainment and Sean Jean Fashions, Sean “Puff Daddy” “Puffy” “P. Diddy” “Diddy” Combs born November 4, 1969 in Harlem, New York.

Rapper and founder of Alliance Music Group, Donald B. “Baby D” Jenkins born on November 5, 1984 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rapper Marcelo Maldonado “Marcelo D2” Peixoto born November 5, 1967 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Award winning songwriter, producer and A&R Curtis “Curtis Richa” Richardson born on November 6th.

Rapper Shamone “Khia” Finch born November 8, 1970 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Former Bad Boy emcee Moses Michael “Shyne” Levi born November 8, 1978 in Belize City, Belize.

Emcee and Strange Music label head, Aaron Dontez “Tech N9ne” Yates born November 8, 1971 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Femcee and member of the female hip-hop trio Salt N Pepa, Sandra “Pepa” Denton born November 9, 1969 in Kingston, Jamaica.

Femcee and member of the Juice Crew, Lolita Shanté “Roxanne Shanté” Gooden born November 9, 1969 in Queens, New York.

Emcee, 1/3 of the Geto Boys and Houston hip-hop pioneer, Brad Terrence “Scarface” Jordan born November 9, 1970 in Houston, Texas.

Emcee and member of the group the Lox, Sean Divine “Sheek Louch” Jacobs born November 9, 1976 in Brooklyn, New York.

Emcee Christopher Lee “Big Pun” Rios born November 10, 1971 in the Bronx, New York.

Femcee, actress and business woman Jihan “Eve” Jeffers born November 10, 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Rapper and 1/3 of 213, Warren “Warren G.” Griffin III born November 10, 1970 in Long Beach, California.

Actor Leo O’Brien born November 12, 1970 in Inglewood, New Jersey. He is best known as Richie Green in the 1985 film The Last Dragon and is the younger brother of Guy “Master Gee” O’Brien from The Sugarhill Gang.

Rapper and producer Ya’akov “Subliminal” Shimoni born November 13, 1979 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Rap music pioneer, emcee, minister and 1/3 of the group Run DMC, Joseph Ward “DJ Run” aka “Rev Run” Simmons born November 14, 1964 in Hollis, Queens, New York.

Rapper Torrence “Lil Boosie” Hatch born November 14, 1982 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Emcee and owner of Black Market Entertainment Obie Trice III born November 14, 1977 in Detroit, Michigan.

DJ and member of the group Poor Righteous Teachers Scott “DJ Father Shaheed” Phillips born November 14, 1968 in Trenton, New Jersey.

Rapper, entrepreneur and founder of Sick Wid It Records, Earl “E-40” Stevens born November 15, 1967 in Vallejo, California.

Emcee and founding member of Wu-Tang Clan Russell Tyrone “Ol’ Dirty Bastard” Jones born November 15, 1968.

Emcee and pioneering member of the super group The Grave Diggaz, Anthony Ian “Poetic” Berkeley born November 15, 1964 in Trinidad and Tobago.

Rapper John David “Fabolous” Jackson. Born November 18, 1977 in Brooklyn, New York.

Emcee and 1/3 of the Beastie Boys Michael “Mike D.” Diamond born November 20, 1965 in New York, New York.

Emcee, actor and 1/4 of A Tribe Called Quest Malik Isaac “Phife Dawg” Taylor. Born November 20, 1970 in Queens, New York.

Emcee and 1/2 of Tha Dogg Pound, Ricardo Emmanuel “Kurupt” Brown born November 23, 1972 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Rapper Angela “Jacki-O” Kohn born November 24, 1978 in Miami, Florida.

Late rapper, model and former member of the group Da Razkalz, Roderick Anthony “Dolla” Burton II born November 25, 1987 in Chicago, Illinois.

Emcee, super producer and 1/2 of hip-hop duo EPMD, Erick Sermon born November 25, 1967 in Bay Shore, New York.

Emcee and one time fastest rapper in the world Carl Terrell “Twista” Mitchell born November 27, 1973 in Chicago, Illinois.

Emcee Edward “Edo G.” Anderson born November 27, 1970 in Roxbury, Massachusetts.

Emcee and member of the group The Black Eyed Peas Allan Pineda “apl.de.ap” Lindo, Jr. born November 28, 1974 in Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines.

Rapper and businessman Hakeem “Chamillionaire” Seriki born November 28, 1979 in Houston, Texas.

DJ, producer and radio personality Isaac “Fatman Scoop” Freeman III born November 28, 1979 in New York.

Emcee and member of the group The Lox, David “Styles P.” Styles born November 28, 1974 in Corona Queens, New York.

Rapper Jayceon Terrell “Game” Taylor born November 29, 1979 in Los Angeles, California.

Emcee and member of legendary hip-hop trio Naughty by Nature, Anthony “Treach” Criss born December 2, 1970 in East Orange, New Jersey.

Rapper Katrina Laverne “Trina” Taylor born December 3, 1978 in Miami, Florida.

Late rapper and original member of the Screwed Up Click, Patrick Lamark “Fat Pat” Hawkins born on December 4, 1970 in Houston Texas.

Emcee, businessman and Roc-A-Fella records founder Shawn Corey “Jay Z” Carter born December 4, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York.

Emcee and Juice Crew member Duval “Masta Ace” Clear on December 4, 1966 in Brooklyn, new York.

Emcee, producer and member of the Beatnuts Jerry “Ju Ju” Tineo born on December 4, 1968.

Emcee and member of the hip-hop super group The Firm, Jermain “Nature” Baxter born on December 5, 1972 in Queens, New York.

Artist, designer and co-founder of Fool’s Gold Records Joshua “Dust La Rock” Prince born December 9, 1976 in Brooklyn, New York.

Detroit emcee, producer and original member of the group D12, Denaun “Kon Artis” Porter born on December 7, 1978 in Detroit, Michigan.

Rapper and member of Houston hip-hop group The Geto Boys, Richard “Bushwick Bill” Shaw born December 8, 1966 in Kingston, Jamaica.

French emcee Elie “Booba” Yaffa born December 9, 1976 in Boulogne-Billancourt.

Late southern hip-hop phenom Jason “Camoflauge” Johnson born December 9, 1981 in Savannah, Georgia.

Lyricists Germaine “Canibus” Williams born December 9, 1974 in Kingston, Jamaica.

DJ, producer and founding member of the group N.W.A. Antoine “DJ Yella” Carraby born December 11, 1967 in Compton, California.

Actor and emcee Dante Terrell “Mos Def” aka “Yasiin Bey” Smith born December 11, 1973 in Brooklyn, New York.

Activist emcee Jeffrey “Mr. Lif” Haynes born December 11, 1977 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Rapper and member of the group House of Pain Daniel “Danny Boy” O’Connor born December 12, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York.

Canadian rapper Luke “Classified” Boyd born on December 13, 1977 in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Rapper Roger “King Tee” McBride born December 14, 1968 in Compton, California.

Writer, film director and producer Reginald Alan Hudlin born December 15, 1961 in Centreville, Illinois. He is most known for directing the Kid n’ Play film House Party.

Producer Scott Spencer Storch born December 16, 1973 in New York.

R&B singer and member of the pioneering femcee group The Sequence, Angela Laverne “Angie Stone” aka “Angie B.” Brown born December 18, 1961 in Columbia, South Carolina.

Turntablist, producer and member of the groups House of Pain and Limp Bizkit, Leor “DJ Lethal” Dimant born December 18, 1972 in Riga, Latvia.

Emcee and reality TV Show star Earl “DMX” Simmons born December 18, 1970 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Member of the Mid-West hip-hop group The St. Lunatics, Torhi “Murphy Lee” Harper born December 18, 1978 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Actress, femcee and former member of the Flipmode Squad Rashia “Rah Digga” Fisher born December 18, 1974.

West Coast emcee and member of the Hieroglyphics collective Jon “Casual” Owens born December 19, 1975 in Oakland, California.

Television and radio personality and former host of BET’s Rap City and 106 & Park, Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan born December 22, 1972 in the Bronx, New York.

Label owner, promoter and founding member of The 2 Live Crew, Luther R. “Luke Skywalker” aka “Uncle Luke” aka “Luke” Campbell born December 22, 1960 in Miami, Florida.

Arrested Development member Montsho Eshe born December 23, 1974.

Late Flava Unit emcee Anthony “Apache” Peaks, born December 26, 1964 in Jersey City, New Jersey.