Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance
Encyclopedia
The Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...

 for Best Rap Solo Performance was awarded from 1991 to 2011, alongside the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group
Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group
The Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group was awarded between 1991 and 2011, alongside the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. Previously a single award was presented for Best Rap Performance....

. Previously a single award was presented for Best Rap Performance
Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance
The Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance was an honor presented to recording artists at the 31st Grammy Awards in 1989 and the 32nd Grammy Awards in 1990 and again from 2012 for quality rap performances...

.

In 2003 this award was split into separate awards for Best Female Rap Solo Performance
Grammy Award for Best Female Rap Solo Performance
The Grammy Award for Best Female Rap Solo Performance was an honor presented to female recording artists at the 45th Grammy Awards in 2003 and the 46th Grammy Awards in 2004 for quality rap solo performances...

 and Best Male Rap Solo Performance
Grammy Award for Best Male Rap Solo Performance
The Grammy Award for Best Male Rap Solo Performance was an honor presented to male recording artists at the 45th Grammy Awards in 2003 and the 46th Grammy Awards in 2004 for quality rap solo performances...

. In 2005 it was again presented as a single award.

The award will be discontinued from 2012 in a major overhaul of Grammy categories. From 2012, all solo and duo/group rap performances in the will be shifted to the revived Best Rap Performance
Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance
The Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance was an honor presented to recording artists at the 31st Grammy Awards in 1989 and the 32nd Grammy Awards in 1990 and again from 2012 for quality rap performances...

category.
Years reflect the year in which the Grammy Awards were presented, for works released from October a year and a half prior to September the previous year.

1990s

  • 1991
    Grammy Awards of 1991
    The 33rd Grammy Awards were held on February 20, 1991. They recognized accomplishments by musicians from the previous year. Quincy Jones was the night's big winner winning a total of six awards including Album of the Year.-Award winners:*Record of the Year...

     – MC Hammer
    MC Hammer
    Stanley Kirk Burrell , better known by his stage name MC Hammer , is an American rapper, entertainer, business entrepreneur, dancer and actor. He had his greatest commercial success and popularity from the late 1980s until the mid-1990s...

    for "U Can't Touch This
    U Can't Touch This
    "U Can't Touch This" is MC Hammer's 1990 super hit signature song, from his album Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em. The album sold more than 10 million copies, due primarily to this single, and gaining multi-platinum certifications from the RIAA, and other Recording Industries.Rick James sued Hammer...

    "
    • Queen Latifah
      Queen Latifah
      Dana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy...

       – "All Hail the Queen
      All Hail the Queen
      All Hail the Queen is the debut album by hip hop artist Queen Latifah, released on November 7, 1989 on Tommy Boy Records. The album was unusually successful for a hip hop record at the time, buoyed by the single "Wrath of My Madness"...

      "
    • Big Daddy Kane
      Big Daddy Kane
      Antonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...

       – "I Get The Job Done"
    • Vanilla Ice
      Vanilla Ice
      Robert Matthew Van Winkle , best known by his stage name Vanilla Ice, is an American rapper, extreme athlete and home improvement television personality...

       – "Ice Ice Baby
      Ice Ice Baby
      "Ice Ice Baby" is a hip hop song written by American rapper Vanilla Ice and DJ Earthquake. The song samples the bassline of "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie, who did not initially receive songwriting credit or royalties until after it had become a hit...

      "
    • Monie Love
      Monie Love
      Simone Riscoe , better known by her stage name Monie Love, is an English emcee and former radio personality in the United States...

       – "Monie in the Middle"

  • 1992
    Grammy Awards of 1992
    The 34th Grammy Awards were held on February 26, 1992. They recognized accomplishments by musicians from the previous year . Natalie Cole was the big winner winning three awards including Album of the Year.-Award winners:*Record of the Year...

     – LL Cool J
    LL Cool J
    James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...

    for "Mama Said Knock You Out"
    • MC Hammer
      MC Hammer
      Stanley Kirk Burrell , better known by his stage name MC Hammer , is an American rapper, entertainer, business entrepreneur, dancer and actor. He had his greatest commercial success and popularity from the late 1980s until the mid-1990s...

       – "Here Comes The Hammer"
    • Monie Love
      Monie Love
      Simone Riscoe , better known by her stage name Monie Love, is an English emcee and former radio personality in the United States...

       – "It's a Shame (My Sister)
      It's a Shame (My Sister)
      "It's a Shame " is a 1990 song recorded by British singer Monie Love, featuring True Image. It was the second single from her debut album Down to Earth, and was released in late 1990 in Germany and UK and in early 1991 in the other European countries...

      "
    • Ice-T
      ICE-T
      * Ice-T, an American rapper and actor* ICE T , a tilting model of the German InterCityExpress series of high-speed trains...

       – "New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme)
      New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme)
      "New Jack Hustler " is a 1991 single by Ice-T, from the New Jack City soundtrack album. The song later appeared on the O.G. Original Gangster album.-Track listing:#"New Jack Hustler" #"New Jack Hustler"...

      "

  • 1993
    Grammy Awards of 1993
    The 35th Grammy Awards were held in 1993. They recognized accomplishments by musicians from the previous year. Eric Clapton was the night's big winner, winning 6 awards including Album of the Year.-Award winners:*Record of the Year...

     – Sir Mix-a-Lot
    Sir Mix-a-Lot
    Anthony Ray , better known by his stage name Sir Mix-a-Lot, is an emcee and producer based in Seattle, Washington. The founder of the Nastymix record label, he debuted in 1988 with Swass...

    for "Baby Got Back
    Baby Got Back
    "Baby Got Back" is a 1992 Number One single by hip hop artist Sir Mix-a-Lot, from his album Mack Daddy. The song samples the 1986 electro single "Technicolor" by Channel One. The song's title originates from an urban slang term used to express a favorable opinion about a woman's buttocks...

    "
    • MC Hammer
      MC Hammer
      Stanley Kirk Burrell , better known by his stage name MC Hammer , is an American rapper, entertainer, business entrepreneur, dancer and actor. He had his greatest commercial success and popularity from the late 1980s until the mid-1990s...

       – "Addams Groove"
    • Queen Latifah
      Queen Latifah
      Dana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy...

       – "Latifah's Had It Up 2 Here"
    • LL Cool J
      LL Cool J
      James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...

       – "Strictly Business"
    • Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch
      Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch
      Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch was a hip-hop group led by Mark Wahlberg. The Funky Bunch consisted of Wahlberg , Scott Ross , Hector Barros , Terry Yancey and Anthony Thomas...

       – "You Gotta Believe"

  • 1994
    Grammy Awards of 1994
    The 36th Grammy Awards were held in 1994. They recognized accomplishments by musicians from the previous year. Whitney Houston is the Big Winner winning 3 awards including Record of the Year and Album of the Year.-Award winners:*Record of the Year...

     – Dr. Dre
    Dr. Dre
    Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...

    for "Let Me Ride
    Let Me Ride
    "Let Me Ride" is the third single released by Dr. Dre from his 1992 album The Chronic. It experienced moderate success on the charts until it became a hit after Dr. Dre won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance during the Grammy Awards of 1994. Snoop Doggy Dogg is involved for a "Rollin' in...

    "
    • Paperboy
      Paperboy (rapper)
      Paperboy is an African-American rapper best known for his single "Ditty", which was on the Hot 100....

       – "Ditty
      Ditty (song)
      "Ditty" is a song by American rapper Paperboy. It was written by him , song producer Rhythum D and samples the band Zapp's R&B classic "Doo Wa Ditty " It was his most successful single, peaking at 10 on the Hot 100 and certified platinum by the RIAA on June 5, 1993."Ditty" was also nominated for...

      "
    • Sir Mix-A-Lot
      Sir Mix-a-Lot
      Anthony Ray , better known by his stage name Sir Mix-a-Lot, is an emcee and producer based in Seattle, Washington. The founder of the Nastymix record label, he debuted in 1988 with Swass...

       – "Just da Pimpin' in Me"
    • MC Lyte
      MC Lyte
      MC Lyte is an American rapper who first gained fame in the late-1980s becoming the first solo female rapper to release a full album with 1988's critically acclaimed Lyte as a Rock.-Early life:...

       – "Ruffneck"
    • LL Cool J
      LL Cool J
      James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...

       – "Stand By Your Man
      Stand By Your Man (LL Cool J song)
      Stand By Your Man is a song by American rapper LL Cool J, released as the final single from his fifth studio album, 14 Shots to the Dome. It was released on October 4, 1993 for Def Jam Recordings and produced by Marley Marl and LL Cool J...

      "

  • 1995
    Grammy Awards of 1995
    The 37th Grammy Awards were presented March 1, 1995. They recognized accomplishments by musicians from the previous year.-Award winners:*Record of the Year**Bill Bottrell & Sheryl Crow for "All I Wanna Do"*Album of the Year...

     – Queen Latifah
    Queen Latifah
    Dana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy...

    for "U.N.I.T.Y.
    U.N.I.T.Y.
    "U.N.I.T.Y" is a Grammy Award-winning song by rapper/actress Queen Latifah's 1993 album, Black Reign. The single, released on January 6, 1994, spoke out against the disrespect of women in society, addressing issues of street harassment, domestic violence, and slurs against women in hiphop...

    "
    • Coolio
      Coolio
      Artis Leon Ivey Jr. , better known by the stage name Coolio, is an American musician, rapper, actor and record producer.-Late 80s:He recorded two singles in the late 80s, titled "Watcha Gonna Do" and "You're Gonna Miss Me"...

       – "Fantastic Voyage
      Fantastic Voyage (Coolio song)
      "Fantastic Voyage" is a hip hop song by rapper Coolio from his debut album It Takes a Thief. The song later featured on the album Fantastic Voyage: The Greatest Hits...

      "
    • Craig Mack
      Craig Mack
      Craig Mack is an American Grammy nominated rapper, who gained fame on Puff Daddy's Bad Boy Entertainment record label in the 1990s. Although his first single was released under the name MC EZ in 1988, he is best known for his 1994 hit single "Flava In Ya Ear", which was released under his real name...

       – "Flava in Ya Ear
      Flava in Ya Ear
      "Flava in Ya Ear" is a single by Craig Mack. The original single was released first and the remix was followed soon after. It featured performances by labelmate The Notorious B.I.G. , Rampage, LL Cool J and Busta Rhymes. It also contains Puff Daddy as a promoter and brief appearances by Keisha Epps...

      "
    • Snoop Doggy Dogg
      Snoop Dogg
      Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...

       – "Gin and Juice
      Gin and Juice
      "Gin and Juice" is the second single by rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg from his debut album Doggystyle. A top 10 hit single on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, peaking at number eight, "Gin and Juice" was nominated for the 1995 Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance...

      "
    • Warren G
      Warren G
      Warren G , is an American West Coast rapper and hip hop producer. He is also Dr. Dre's half-brother.His biggest hit is the song "Regulate" with Nate Dogg released in 1994...

       – "This D.J.
      This D.J.
      "This D.J." was the second single released from Warren G's debut album, Regulate...G Funk Era. Released as the follow-up to Warren G's smash hit, "Regulate", "This D.J." was another success for Warren, becoming his second consecutive top 10 single in the US, peaking at 9 on the Billboard Hot 100...

      "

  • 1996
    Grammy Awards of 1996
    The 38th Grammy Awards were held on February 28, 1996. The awards recognized accomplishments by musicians from the previous year. Alanis Morissette was the night's big winner, scoring four trophies, including Album of the Year.-Award winners:...

     – Coolio
    Coolio
    Artis Leon Ivey Jr. , better known by the stage name Coolio, is an American musician, rapper, actor and record producer.-Late 80s:He recorded two singles in the late 80s, titled "Watcha Gonna Do" and "You're Gonna Miss Me"...

    for "Gangsta's Paradise
    Gangsta's Paradise (song)
    "Gangsta's Paradise" is a rap song by Coolio featuring L.V.. The song was released on the Coolio album Gangsta's Paradise, as well as the Dangerous Minds soundtrack in 1995. Coolio was awarded a Grammy for the song/album...

    "
    • Notorious B.I.G. – "Big Poppa
      Big Poppa
      "Big Poppa" is the Grammy nominated and Billboard Award winning second single off The Notorious B.I.G.'s Ready to Die released in 1994 and the single was released in 1995. The song was his first Top 10 hit, peaking at number 6 in the US. It features a sample of the song "Between the Sheets"...

      "
    • 2Pac – "Dear Mama
      Dear Mama
      "Dear Mama" is a hip hop song by American hip hop artist 2Pac. The track was produced by Tony Pizarro for 2Pac's third solo album, Me Against the World, which was released in 1995. The song was written by 2Pac as an ode to his own mother, Afeni Shakur....

      "
    • Skee-Lo
      Skee-Lo
      Antoine Roundtree , better known as Skee-Lo, is an American rapper. He is best known for his 1995 song, "I Wish", which became a top-40 hit in several countries....

       – "I Wish
      I Wish (Skee-Lo song)
      "I Wish" is a hip-hop song by rapper Skee-Lo released in 1995 as the first single from his debut album of the same name. The track peaked at #13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and at #15 in the United Kingdom...

      "
    • Busta Rhymes
      Busta Rhymes
      Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...

       – "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check
      Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check
      "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check" is Busta Rhymes' first solo single and was released in 1996 from his solo debut album The Coming. It peaked at #8 in the U.S. on April 20, 1996 and #2 in the UK. In the U.S., the song was released as a double A-side single with "Everything Remains Raw".The song's...

      "

  • 1997 – LL Cool J
    LL Cool J
    James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...

    for "Hey Lover
    Hey Lover
    "Hey Lover" is the Grammy Award winning first single released from LL Cool J's sixth album, Mr. Smith, featuring Boyz II Men. It was released on October 31, 1995 for Def Jam Recordings and was produced by The Trackmasters and LL Cool J...

    "
    • Coolio
      Coolio
      Artis Leon Ivey Jr. , better known by the stage name Coolio, is an American musician, rapper, actor and record producer.-Late 80s:He recorded two singles in the late 80s, titled "Watcha Gonna Do" and "You're Gonna Miss Me"...

       – "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)
      1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)
      "1, 2, 3, 4 " is a 1995 song recorded by American rapper Coolio. It was the third single from the album Gangsta's Paradise and was released in early 1996. Initially entitled "Sumpin' New", the song uses a sample from "Thighs High ", recorded in 1981 by American jazz trumpeter Tom Browne...

      "
    • Nas
      Nas
      Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...

       – "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)
      If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)
      "If I Ruled the World " is a 1996 hit hip hop single by Nas featuring Lauryn Hill of The Fugees. It is based on the 1985 hit of the same name by rapper Kurtis Blow and samples the beat of "Friends" by Whodini. The single was Nas's first Top 20 R&B hit, and was also nominated for a 1997 Grammy Award...

      "
    • Heavy D – Rock with You

  • 1998 – Will Smith
    Will Smith
    Willard Christopher "Will" Smith, Jr. , also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor, producer, and rapper. He has enjoyed success in television, film and music. In April 2007, Newsweek called him the most powerful actor in Hollywood...

    for "Men in Black
    Men in Black (song)
    "Men in Black" is a song by Will Smith from the movie Men in Black, in which he also starred. The song plays during the movie's closing credits...

    "
    • Busta Rhymes
      Busta Rhymes
      Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...

       – "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See
      Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See
      "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" is a song by American rapper Busta Rhymes from his second studio album When Disaster Strikes. Released as the lead single, the song includes samples from "Sweet Green Fields" by Seals & Crofts...

      "
    • LL Cool J
      LL Cool J
      James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...

       – "Ain't Nobody"
    • Missy
      Missy Elliott
      Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott , is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actressA five-time Grammy Award winner, Elliott, with record sales of over seven million in the United States, is the only female rapper to have five albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one...

       – "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)
      The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)
      "The Rain " is a 1997 hit song recorded by American rapper Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott. It was written and composed by Don Bryant, Bernard "Bernie" Miller, Elliott, and producer Timbaland for her debut album Supa Dupa Fly and contains a sample of Ann Peebles' 1974 single "I Can't Stand the Rain",...

      "
    • Notorious B.I.G. – "Hypnotize
      Hypnotize (The Notorious B.I.G. song)
      "Hypnotize" is the Grammy-nominated hip-hop song recorded by rapper The Notorious B.I.G. It was released as the first single from his album Life After Death in December 13, 1996. It was the fifth song to hit #1 posthumously for a credited artist....


  • 1999 – Will Smith
    Will Smith
    Willard Christopher "Will" Smith, Jr. , also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor, producer, and rapper. He has enjoyed success in television, film and music. In April 2007, Newsweek called him the most powerful actor in Hollywood...

    for "Gettin' Jiggy wit It
    Gettin' Jiggy Wit It
    "Gettin' Jiggy wit It" is a single by Will Smith from his album Big Willie Style. Released in early 1998 and co-written by Nas, it was Smith's first hit produced by Poke & Tone, who replaced his long-time partner Jazzy Jeff, though the record-scratching techniques of Jazzy Jeff can be heard in the...

    "
    • Busta Rhymes
      Busta Rhymes
      Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...

       – "Dangerous
      Dangerous (Busta Rhymes song)
      "Dangerous" is a hip hop song written by Lawrence Dermer, Trevor Smith, Rashad Smith, Henry Stone and Freddy Stonewall for Busta Rhymes second album When Disaster Strikes. The song is the album's fifteenth track, and was released as its second single, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100...

      "
    • Wyclef Jean
      Wyclef Jean
      Wyclef Jean is a Haitian musician, record producer, and politician. At age nine, Jean moved to the United States with his family and has spent much of his life in the country...

       – "Gone till November
      Gone till November
      "Gone till November" is the third single released from Wyclef Jean's debut solo album, The Carnival. It entered the UK Singles Chart at #3, its highest chart position, and went on to spend nine weeks on the chart. The song was also successful in the US, where it reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100...

      "
    • Jay-Z
      Jay-Z
      Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...

       – "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)
      Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)
      "Hard Knock Life " is a single from rapper Jay-Z's third album Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life. It samples the song "It's the Hard Knock Life" from the Broadway musical Annie. The song was produced by The 45 King and at the time of its release, was the most commercially successful Jay-Z single. The RIAA...

      "
    • Lauryn Hill
      Lauryn Hill
      Lauryn Noelle Hill is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress.Early in her career, she established her reputation as a member of the Fugees. In 1998, she launched her solo career with the release of the commercially successful and critically acclaimed album, The Miseducation of...

       – "Lost Ones"

2000s

  • 2000 – Eminem
    Eminem
    Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...

    for "My Name Is
    My Name Is
    "My Name Is" is a song by Eminem released in 1999. It is the debut single overall from his major label debut album, The Slim Shady LP. The song was ranked at #26 on "VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 90's". "My Name Is" also was ranked #6 on Q Magazine's "1001 Best Songs Ever"...

    "
    • Busta Rhymes
      Busta Rhymes
      Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...

       – "Gimme Some More
      Gimme Some More
      "Gimme Some More" is the first single by Busta Rhymes from his third solo album E.L.E. : The Final World Front. The song is often considered to be the very summit of Busta's complex, breathless, high-speed rhyming delivery most prominent in his early work. The track was produced by regular Busta...

      "
    • Q-Tip
      Q-Tip (rapper)
      Kamaal Ibn John Fareed , better known by his stage name Q-Tip, is an American hip hop artist, producer, singer, and actor from St. Albans, Queens, New York, part of the critically acclaimed group A Tribe Called Quest...

       – "Vivrant Thing
      Vivrant Thing
      "Vivrant Thing" is the first single released by Q-Tip on his debut solo album Amplified. The song is also featured in A Tribe Called Quest's 1999 compilation The Anthology. It was produced by Q-Tip himself, although Jay Dee was also in the credits...

      "
    • 2Pac
      Tupac Shakur
      Tupac Amaru Shakur , known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. Shakur has sold over 75 million albums worldwide as of 2007, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world...

       – "Changes"
    • Will Smith
      Will Smith
      Willard Christopher "Will" Smith, Jr. , also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor, producer, and rapper. He has enjoyed success in television, film and music. In April 2007, Newsweek called him the most powerful actor in Hollywood...

       – "Wild Wild West
      Wild Wild West
      Wild Wild West is a 1999 American steampunk action-comedy film directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, and starring Will Smith, Kevin Kline , Kenneth Branagh and Salma Hayek.Similar to the original TV series it was based on, The Wild Wild West, the film features a large amount of gadgetry...

      "

  • 2001 – Eminem
    Eminem
    Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...

    for "The Real Slim Shady
    The Real Slim Shady
    "The Real Slim Shady" is a hip hop song written by Eminem for his third studio album The Marshall Mathers LP . It was released as the lead single a week before the album's release...

    "
    • Common – "The Light
      The Light (Common song)
      ----"The Light" is the Grammy-nominated second single off Common's 2000 album Like Water for Chocolate. It is produced by Jay Dee and features keyboards performed by James Poyser. It samples "Open Your Eyes" as performed by Bobby Caldwell and the drums from "You're Getting a Little too Smart" by...

      "
    • DMX
      DMX (rapper)
      Earl Simmons , better known by his stage name DMX, is a multiplatinum American rapper and actor who rose to fame in the late 1990s. His stage name pays tribute to the Oberheim DMX drum machine, an instrument he used when he made his own rap beats in the 80's...

       – "Party Up (Up in Here)"
    • Mystikal
      Mystikal
      Michael Lawrence Tyler , better known by his stage name Mystikal, is an American rapper, and actor from New Orleans.-1993-1994: Early career:...

       – "Shake Ya Ass
      Shake Ya Ass
      "Shake Ya Ass", also known by its clean title, "Shake It Fast", is the second single released from Mystikal's fourth album, Let's Get Ready. It also featured Pharrell. It was released on July 18, 2000 and was produced by The Neptunes...

      "
    • Nelly
      Nelly
      Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr. , better known by his stage name Nelly, is an Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor. He has performed with the rap group St. Lunatics since 1993 and signed to Universal Records in 1999. Under Universal, Nelly began his solo career in 2000 with his debut album...

       – "Country Grammar"

  • 2002 – Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott
    Missy Elliott
    Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott , is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actressA five-time Grammy Award winner, Elliott, with record sales of over seven million in the United States, is the only female rapper to have five albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one...

    for "Get Ur Freak On
    Get Ur Freak On
    "Get Ur Freak On" is a hip hop song written by American rapper/singer Missy Elliott and her producer Tim "Timbaland" Mosley for Elliott's third studio album Miss E... So Addictive. Released as the album's first single in 2001, the track reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Missy...

    "
    • Afroman
      Afroman
      Joseph Edgar Foreman , better known by his stage name Afroman, is an American rapper who came to prominence with his singles "Because I Got High" and "Crazy Rap". "Because I Got High" circulated around the Internet before becoming a hit worldwide...

       – "Because I Got High
      Because I Got High
      "Because I Got High" is a Grammy-nominated song by American rapper Afroman from his album of the same name. The lyrics of the song describe how cannabis use is degrading his quality of life...

      "
    • DMX
      DMX (rapper)
      Earl Simmons , better known by his stage name DMX, is a multiplatinum American rapper and actor who rose to fame in the late 1990s. His stage name pays tribute to the Oberheim DMX drum machine, an instrument he used when he made his own rap beats in the 80's...

       – "Who We Be
      Who We Be
      "Who We Be" is a song by American rapper DMX and was released as the third single from his fourth studio album The Great Depression. peaked at 10 on the Hot 100. It was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance, but lost to "Get Ur Freak On" by Missy Elliott...

      "
    • Jay-Z
      Jay-Z
      Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...

       – "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)
      Izzo (H.O.V.A.)
      "Izzo " is a single released by Jay-Z from his sixth album The Blueprint. It is among his most popular singles. This was the second song released off The Blueprint, after the diss track "Takeover", but the lead single from it. The song reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S...

      "
    • Nelly
      Nelly
      Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr. , better known by his stage name Nelly, is an Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor. He has performed with the rap group St. Lunatics since 1993 and signed to Universal Records in 1999. Under Universal, Nelly began his solo career in 2000 with his debut album...

       – "Ride wit Me
      Ride wit Me
      "Ride wit Me" is the third single from Nelly's album Country Grammar. It features City Spud and was released on April 24, 2001.-Background:The song features a sound very similar to Get Down on It by the band Kool and the Gang...

      "

  • 2003 The award was broken down into male and female categories:
    • Grammy Award for Best Female Rap Solo Performance
      Grammy Award for Best Female Rap Solo Performance
      The Grammy Award for Best Female Rap Solo Performance was an honor presented to female recording artists at the 45th Grammy Awards in 2003 and the 46th Grammy Awards in 2004 for quality rap solo performances...

      Missy Elliott
      Missy Elliott
      Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott , is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actressA five-time Grammy Award winner, Elliott, with record sales of over seven million in the United States, is the only female rapper to have five albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one...

      for "Scream a.k.a. Itchin'"
      • Charli Baltimore
        Charli Baltimore
        Tiffany "Charli Baltimore" Lane is an American Grammy Award nominated female rapper. Her stage name is taken from Geena Davis's character in the film The Long Kiss Goodnight.-Musical career:...

         – "Diary"
      • Eve – "Satisfaction
        Satisfaction (Eve song)
        "Satisfaction" is a song by American rapper-songwriter Eve, released on February 25, 2003 as the second and final single from the album, Eve-Olution . Co-produced by Dr...

        "
      • Foxy Brown – "Na Na Be Like"
      • Lauryn Hill
        Lauryn Hill
        Lauryn Noelle Hill is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress.Early in her career, she established her reputation as a member of the Fugees. In 1998, she launched her solo career with the release of the commercially successful and critically acclaimed album, The Miseducation of...

         – "Mystery Of Iniquity"
    • Grammy Award for Best Male Rap Solo PerformanceNelly
      Nelly
      Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr. , better known by his stage name Nelly, is an Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor. He has performed with the rap group St. Lunatics since 1993 and signed to Universal Records in 1999. Under Universal, Nelly began his solo career in 2000 with his debut album...

      for "Hot In Herre
      Hot in Herre
      "Hot in Herre" is a popular song and single performed by the hip-hop artist Nelly, and was released in 2002 as the first single on his album Nellyville. The song's producers were The Neptunes...

      "
      • Eminem
        Eminem
        Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...

         – "Without Me
        Without Me
        "Without Me" is a rap song by American rapper Eminem. It was released as the lead single from his fourth studio album titled The Eminem Show in 2002, and re-released on his greatest-hits compilation album Curtain Call: The Hits in 2005....

        "
      • Jay-Z
        Jay-Z
        Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...

         – Song Cry
        Song Cry
        "Song Cry" is a song by American rapper Jay-Z and produced by Just Blaze. It was the fourth and final single from his sixth studio album The Blueprint...

      • Ludacris
        Ludacris
        Christopher Brian Bridges , better known by his stage name Ludacris, is an American rapper and actor. Along with his manager, Chaka Zulu, Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings...

         – "Roll Out (My Business)" Lyrics
      • Mystikal
        Mystikal
        Michael Lawrence Tyler , better known by his stage name Mystikal, is an American rapper, and actor from New Orleans.-1993-1994: Early career:...

         – "Bouncin' Back (Bumpin' Me Against the Wall)
        Bouncin' Back (Bumpin' Me Against the Wall)
        "Bouncin' Back " was the lead single released from Mystikal's fifth album, Tarantula.The song was Mystikal's third consecutive top-40 single produced by The Neptunes...

        "

  • 2004 The award was broken down into male and female categories:
    • Grammy Award for Best Female Rap Solo Performance
      Grammy Award for Best Female Rap Solo Performance
      The Grammy Award for Best Female Rap Solo Performance was an honor presented to female recording artists at the 45th Grammy Awards in 2003 and the 46th Grammy Awards in 2004 for quality rap solo performances...

      Missy Elliott
      Missy Elliott
      Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott , is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actressA five-time Grammy Award winner, Elliott, with record sales of over seven million in the United States, is the only female rapper to have five albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one...

      for "Work It"
      • Da Brat
        Da Brat
        Shawntae Harris , better known as Da Brat, is an American rapper and actress. Her debut album, Funkdafied, sold one million copies, making her the first female rapper to have a platinum-selling album.-Early life:...

         – "Got It Poppin'"
      • Lil' Kim
        Lil' Kim
        Kimberly Denise Jones , better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper and actress who was a member of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A.....

         – "Came Back for You"
      • MC Lyte
        MC Lyte
        MC Lyte is an American rapper who first gained fame in the late-1980s becoming the first solo female rapper to release a full album with 1988's critically acclaimed Lyte as a Rock.-Early life:...

         – "Ride Wit Me"
      • Queen Latifah
        Queen Latifah
        Dana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy...

         – "Go Head
        Go Head
        "Go Head" is the only single from Queen Latifah's greatest hits album She's A Queen: A Collection of Hits. The song was co-produced by R & B singer Tank. A video was shot for the song. The video's theme is Queen Latifah and a few of her friends riding on motorcycles. Lil Kim appears in the video...

        "
    • Grammy Award for Best Male Rap Solo PerformanceEminem
      Eminem
      Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...

      for "Lose Yourself
      Lose Yourself
      "Lose Yourself" is an Academy Award winning song by American hip-hop artist Eminem, released as the first single from the original soundtrack to the movie 8 Mile on October 22, 2002. It was written and produced by Eminem himself, along with longtime collaborator Jeff Bass, one half of the...

      "
      • 50 Cent
        50 Cent
        Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...

         – "In Da Club
        In da Club
        "In Da Club" is a hip hop song performed by rapper 50 Cent from his commercial debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin. The song was produced by Dr. Dre with co-production from Mike Elizondo. 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, and Elizondo wrote the song...

        "
      • Joe Budden
        Joe Budden
        -Early life:Budden was born in Spanish Harlem, but lived in Queens until he was 12 and from there moved to Jersey City, New Jersey. He is one of five boys...

         – "Pump It Up
        Pump It Up
        Pump It Up, commonly abbreviated as PIU or shortened to just Pump, is a music video game series currently developed by Nexcade and published by Andamiro, a Korean arcade game producer. The game is typically played on a dance pad with five arrow panels: up-left, up-right, bottom-left, bottom-right,...

        "
      • Ludacris
        Ludacris
        Christopher Brian Bridges , better known by his stage name Ludacris, is an American rapper and actor. Along with his manager, Chaka Zulu, Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings...

         – "Stand Up
        Stand Up (Ludacris song)
        "Stand Up" is a song by Ludacris, released as the second official single in 2003, and taken from his fourth album Chicken-n-Beer. It was his first number-one single, with production by Kanye West and co-production by Ludacris himself....

        " Lyrics
      • Sean Paul
        Sean Paul
        Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques , who performs under stage name Sean Paul, is a Jamaican pop rap and reggae singer.-1973–1996: Early life:...

         – "Get Busy
        Get Busy
        "Get Busy" is a 2002 Dancehall song by Jamaican dancehall reggae toaster Sean Paul, from his album Dutty Rock. The song was one of the many hits from the jumpy handclap riddim known as the Diwali Riddim, produced by then-newcomer Steven "Lenky" Marsden, and was the only song that never made the...

        "

  • 2005 – Jay-Z
    Jay-Z
    Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...

    for "99 Problems
    99 Problems
    "99 Problems" is the third single released by American rapper Jay-Z in 2004 from The Black Album. Throughout the song Jay-Z tells a story about dealing with a racist cop who wants to illegally search his car, dealing with rap critics, and dealing with an aggressor...

    "
    • Eminem
      Eminem
      Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...

       – "Just Lose It
      Just Lose It
      "Just Lose It" is the first single from Eminem's fifth studio album Encore and was later included on his 2005 compilation album, Curtain Call: The Hits. The song caused controversy as its lyrics and music video parodies Michael Jackson, who was being accused of child molestation at the time. The...

      "
    • Kanye West
      Kanye West
      Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...

       – "Through the Wire
      Through the Wire
      "Through the Wire" is a hip hop song performed by rapper Kanye West from his debut album The College Dropout . Released in 2003 as the album's lead single, it peaked at number fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100...

      "
    • Lloyd Banks
      Lloyd Banks
      Christopher Charles Lloyd , better known by his stage name Lloyd Banks, is an American rapper and member of the rap group G-Unit. Raised in South Jamaica, Queens, he dropped out of high school in 1998. G-Unit released two albums, Beg for Mercy in 2003 and T.O.S. in 2008...

       – "On Fire"
    • Twista
      Twista
      Carl Terrell Mitchell , better known by his stage name Twista, is an American rapper. He is known for once holding the title of fastest rapper in the world according to Guinness World Records in 1992, being able to pronounce 598 syllables in 55 seconds...

       – "Overnight Celebrity
      Overnight Celebrity
      "Overnight Celebrity" is the second single off Twista's 2004 album Kamikaze. The song was produced by Kanye West. It contains a sample of the Lenny Williams song "Cause I Love You"...

      "

  • 2006 – Kanye West
    Kanye West
    Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...

    for "Gold Digger
    Gold Digger
    "Gold Digger" is a song recorded by American rapper Kanye West featuring guest vocals by Jamie Foxx. Released as the second single from West's second album, Late Registration, "Gold Digger" peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 on September 6, 2005, becoming West's and Foxx's second...

    "
    • 50 Cent
      50 Cent
      Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...

       – "Disco Inferno
      Disco Inferno (50 Cent song)
      "Disco Inferno" is the first single from 50 Cent's second album, The Massacre. Although not as big as a global success as "In da Club", the lead single from his first album, "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'", it was still a success in America, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.-Background:Released in...

      "
    • Common – "Testify
      Testify (Common song)
      "Testify" is the fourth single from rapper Common's 2005 album Be. Clocking in at just above two and a half minutes, it is the second shortest track on Be . It is produced by Kanye West, whose beat heavily utilizes vocal samples from "Innocent Til Proven Guilty" by Honey Cone. Spence D...

      "
    • Eminem
      Eminem
      Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...

       – "Mockingbird"
    • T.I.
      T.I.
      Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....

       – "U Don't Know Me
      U Don't Know Me (T.I. song)
      "U Don't Know Me" is a 2004 rap song recorded by T.I. from his third album, Urban Legend. It made it to #23 in the United States. T.I. here addresses individuals who claim to be the author of his success or else wish to leech off of it. T.I. reminds his audience that his present staying power is...

      "

  • 2007 – T.I.
    T.I.
    Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....

    for "What You Know
    What You Know
    "What You Know" is a Grammy Award-winning multi platinum hip-hop song by the Southern hip-hop artist T.I., and the first official single from his 2006 album King. The song also serves as the theme song to the 2006 film ATL in which T.I. stars. The song peaked at number three in the US and was...

    "
    • Busta Rhymes
      Busta Rhymes
      Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...

       – "Touch It
      Touch It
      "Touch It" is a rap/hip-hop song by Busta Rhymes which contains a sample from "Technologic" by the electronic band Daft Punk. Released as an official single on May 13, 2006, it was the first single from Rhymes' Aftermath/Interscope debut, The Big Bang...

      "
    • Missy Elliott
      Missy Elliott
      Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott , is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actressA five-time Grammy Award winner, Elliott, with record sales of over seven million in the United States, is the only female rapper to have five albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one...

       – "We Run This
      We Run This
      "We Run This" is the third U.S. single from rapper Missy Elliott's 2005 album The Cookbook, and the lead single from her 2006 compilation Respect M.E.. It samples elements from the The Sugarhill Gang version of The Shadows' song "Apache" and was released in early 2006 in the U.S., where it peaked...

      "
    • Lupe Fiasco
      Lupe Fiasco
      Wasalu Muhammad Jaco , better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco , is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, Lupe is the CEO of 1st and 15th Entertainment. He rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his critically acclaimed debut album, Lupe Fiasco's Food...

       – "Kick, Push
      Kick, Push
      "Kick, Push" is the Grammy nominated first single released from Lupe Fiasco's debut album, Food & Liquor. It has been referred to as "a needle in hip hop's haystack of complacent songs."...

      "
    • Mos Def
      Mos Def
      Dante Terrell Smith is an American actor and Emcee known by the stage names Mos Def and Yasiin Bey. He started his hip hop career in a group called Urban Thermo Dynamics, after which he appeared on albums by Da Bush Babees and De La Soul. With Talib Kweli, he formed the duo Black Star, which...

       – "Undeniable"

  • 2008
    50th Grammy Awards
    The 50th Annual Grammy Awards took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on February 10, 2008. Kanye West received the most nominations, with eight. Amy Winehouse was the big winner, winning a total of five awards. Herbie Hancock's River: The Joni Letters won Album of the Year,...

     – Kanye West
    Kanye West
    Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...

    for "Stronger
    Stronger (Kanye West song)
    "Stronger" is a song by American hip hop artist Kanye West, released as the second single from his third studio album Graduation. It was produced by West and contains an extended outro co-produced with Mike Dean...

    "
    • Common – "The People
      The People (Common song)
      "The People" is a song by American rapper Common, released as the lead single of his seventh studio album Finding Forever. It made its first appearance on Kanye West's Can't Tell Me Nothing mixtape. The song features production by West and contains background vocals provided by soul singer Dwele...

      "
    • 50 Cent
      50 Cent
      Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...

       – "I Get Money
      I Get Money
      "I Get Money" is the third single from 50 Cent's third album, Curtis. This song was #14 on Rolling Stones list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007.-Production:...

      "
    • Jay-Z
      Jay-Z
      Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...

       – "Show Me What You Got
      Show Me What You Got
      For the song by Powerman 5000, see Show Me What You Got "Show Me What You Got" is a single by rap artist Jay-Z from his album Kingdom Come.-Song information:...

      "
    • T.I.
      T.I.
      Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....

       – "Big Things Poppin' (Do It)"

  • 2009
    51st Grammy Awards
    The 51st Annual Grammy Awards took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA on February 8, 2009. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss were the biggest winners of the night, jointly winning five awards including Album of the Year and Record of the Year...

     – Lil Wayne
    Lil Wayne
    Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...

    for "A Milli
    A Milli
    "A Milli", abbreviated occasionally as "Milli", is the second official single, and the official street single from Lil Wayne's sixth studio album, Tha Carter III.-Background:...

    "
    • Jay-Z
      Jay-Z
      Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...

       – "Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)...
      Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)...
      "Roc Boys ..." is the second single from Jay-Z's tenth studio album, American Gangster. The song is produced by Diddy and two of his producers known as LV and Sean C from his production team, The Hitmen. It features additional vocals by Beyoncé and Kanye West. The song samples "Make the Road by...

      "
    • Lupe Fiasco
      Lupe Fiasco
      Wasalu Muhammad Jaco , better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco , is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, Lupe is the CEO of 1st and 15th Entertainment. He rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his critically acclaimed debut album, Lupe Fiasco's Food...

       – "Paris, Tokyo
      Paris, Tokyo
      "Paris, Tokyo" is a Grammy-nominated second single from Lupe Fiasco's second studio album Lupe Fiasco's The Cool. It was first presented at the 2007 Lollapalooza in Chicago.The single was officially serviced to radio stations as of April 3rd, 2008 according to Lupe Fiasco's MySpace blog. The...

      "
    • Nas
      Nas
      Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...

       – "N.I.G.G.E.R. (The Slave and the Master)
      N.I.G.G.E.R. (The Slave and the Master)
      "N.I.G.G.E.R. " is a Grammy nominated song by the rapper Nas from his untitled 2008 studio album. The song contains samples from "We're Just Trying to Make It" by The Persuaders....

      "
    • Snoop Dogg
      Snoop Dogg
      Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...

       – "Sexual Eruption
      Sexual Eruption
      "Sexual Eruption" , is a single from Snoop Dogg's ninth solo album Ego Trippin. It is produced by Shawty Redd and Snoop Dogg sings most of the song using Auto-Tune . The video's style visually references the style of Roger Troutman, as part of its retro imagery...

      "

2010s

  • 2010
    53rd Grammy Awards
    The 53rd annual Grammy Awards were held on February 13, 2011, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. They were broadcast on CBS with a rating of 26.6 million viewers. Barbra Streisand was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year two nights prior to the telecast on February 11. Nominations were...

     – Jay-Z
    Jay-Z
    Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...

    for "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)
    D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)
    "D.O.A. " is a song written by American rapper Jay-Z. It was produced by No I.D. The song was released as a digital download on June 23, 2009, and as the first single from Jay-Z's 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3. The song made its world premiere on the New York radio station Hot 97 on June 5...

    "
    • Eminem
      Eminem
      Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...

       – "Beautiful
      Beautiful (Eminem song)
      "Beautiful" is the third and final official single from American rapper Eminem. It was released on May 12, 2009 on iTunes as a digital download. "Beautiful" entered the UK Singles Chart on May 17, 2009 at #38 and re-entered at #31 due to massive airplay and was released as the third UK single after...

      "
    • Drake
      Drake (entertainer)
      Aubrey Drake Graham , who records under the mononym Drake, is a Canadian recording artist and actor. He originally became known for playing Jimmy Brooks on the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation....

       – "Best I Ever Had
      Best I Ever Had (Drake song)
      "Best I Ever Had" is the first single from Canadian rapper Drake's first EP So Far Gone. It first became prominent from the release of Drake's third mixtape of the same name. In 2009, the song was named the "Hot Rap Song" of the year by Billboard. The song's popularity helped Drake decide to...

      "
    • Kid Cudi
      Kid Cudi
      Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi , better known by his stage name Kid Cudi , sometimes stylized KiD CuDi, is an American rapper, singer and actor. He first gained major attention after the release of his debut mixtape A Kid Named Cudi. In 2009, his single "Day 'n' Nite" reached the top five of the...

       – "Day 'N' Nite
      Day 'n' Nite
      "Day 'n' Nite" is the debut single by alternative hip hop artist Kid Cudi. It was produced by Dot da Genius and released February 2008 as a single, but was leaked in December 2007 and was featured by many blogs in mid-November 2008...

      "
    • Mos Def
      Mos Def
      Dante Terrell Smith is an American actor and Emcee known by the stage names Mos Def and Yasiin Bey. He started his hip hop career in a group called Urban Thermo Dynamics, after which he appeared on albums by Da Bush Babees and De La Soul. With Talib Kweli, he formed the duo Black Star, which...

       – "Casa Bey"

  • 2011
    53rd Grammy Awards
    The 53rd annual Grammy Awards were held on February 13, 2011, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. They were broadcast on CBS with a rating of 26.6 million viewers. Barbra Streisand was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year two nights prior to the telecast on February 11. Nominations were...

     – Eminem
    Eminem
    Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...

    for "Not Afraid
    Not Afraid
    Not to be confused with Eminem's Not AfraidNot Afraid is the debut studio album by Christian pop rock singer Stephanie Smith. It was released on May 27, 2008 through Gotee Records...

    "
    • "Over
      Over (Drake song)
      "Over" is a song by Canadian recording artist, Drake. The song serves as the lead single from his debut album, Thank Me Later. It was written by Drake with Boi-1da, and produced by the latter and Al Khaaliq. The single was released for digital download on March 8, 2010. The song is midtempo hip-hop...

      " – Drake
      Drake (entertainer)
      Aubrey Drake Graham , who records under the mononym Drake, is a Canadian recording artist and actor. He originally became known for playing Jimmy Brooks on the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation....

    • "How Low
      How Low
      "How Low" is a song by American rapper Ludacris. It is the lead single from his seventh studio album, Battle of the Sexes. The song premiered at the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, which took place on October 10, 2009. However, the ceremony was aired on October 27, 2009...

      " – Ludacris
      Ludacris
      Christopher Brian Bridges , better known by his stage name Ludacris, is an American rapper and actor. Along with his manager, Chaka Zulu, Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings...

    • "I'm Back
      I'm Back (song)
      "I'm Back" is a single by American rapper T.I. that is featured on the album No Mercy and also as an iTunes & Amazon MP3 deluxe edition bonus track...

      " – T.I.
      T.I.
      Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....

    • "Power
      Power (Kanye West song)
      "Power" is a single by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West, released as the lead single from his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The song features additional vocals by Dwele and is co-produced by Kanye West and Symbolyc One...

      " – Kanye West
      Kanye West
      Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...


Category facts

  • Most wins in this category (including male & female solo wins)
    • 1. Eminem
      Eminem
      Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...

       – 4 wins
    • 2. Missy Elliott
      Missy Elliott
      Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott , is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actressA five-time Grammy Award winner, Elliott, with record sales of over seven million in the United States, is the only female rapper to have five albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one...

      - 3 wins
    • 3. LL Cool J
      LL Cool J
      James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...

      , Will Smith
      Will Smith
      Willard Christopher "Will" Smith, Jr. , also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor, producer, and rapper. He has enjoyed success in television, film and music. In April 2007, Newsweek called him the most powerful actor in Hollywood...

      , Jay-Z
      Jay-Z
      Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...

      , Kanye West
      Kanye West
      Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...

      - 2 wins

  • Most nominations in this category (Including Male & Female Solo Nominations)
    • 1. Eminem
      Eminem
      Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...

      - 8 nominations
    • 2. Jay-Z
      Jay-Z
      Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...

       – 7 nominations
    • 3. LL Cool J
      LL Cool J
      James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...

      , Missy Elliott
      Missy Elliott
      Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott , is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actressA five-time Grammy Award winner, Elliott, with record sales of over seven million in the United States, is the only female rapper to have five albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one...

       & Busta Rhymes
      Busta Rhymes
      Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...

      - 5 nominations
    • 4. Queen Latifah
      Queen Latifah
      Dana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy...


      Kanye West
      Kanye West
      Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...


      T.I.
      T.I.
      Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....

      - 4 nominations
    • 5. Nelly
      Nelly (entertainer)
      Nelly Artin Kalfayan better known as Nelly is an Egyptian actress, singer, comedienne, dancer, television personality, and all-around entertainer.-Family background:...

      , Common, MC Hammer
      MC Hammer
      Stanley Kirk Burrell , better known by his stage name MC Hammer , is an American rapper, entertainer, business entrepreneur, dancer and actor. He had his greatest commercial success and popularity from the late 1980s until the mid-1990s...

      , Will Smith
      Will Smith
      Willard Christopher "Will" Smith, Jr. , also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor, producer, and rapper. He has enjoyed success in television, film and music. In April 2007, Newsweek called him the most powerful actor in Hollywood...

       & Coolio
      Coolio
      Artis Leon Ivey Jr. , better known by the stage name Coolio, is an American musician, rapper, actor and record producer.-Late 80s:He recorded two singles in the late 80s, titled "Watcha Gonna Do" and "You're Gonna Miss Me"...

      - 3 nominations

  • Most nominations without a win
    • 1.Busta Rhymes
      Busta Rhymes
      Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...

      - 5 nominations
    • 2. Common
      Ludacris
      Ludacris
      Christopher Brian Bridges , better known by his stage name Ludacris, is an American rapper and actor. Along with his manager, Chaka Zulu, Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings...

      - 3 nominations
    • 3. Lupe Fiasco
      Lupe Fiasco
      Wasalu Muhammad Jaco , better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco , is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, Lupe is the CEO of 1st and 15th Entertainment. He rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his critically acclaimed debut album, Lupe Fiasco's Food...

      , Mos Def
      Mos Def
      Dante Terrell Smith is an American actor and Emcee known by the stage names Mos Def and Yasiin Bey. He started his hip hop career in a group called Urban Thermo Dynamics, after which he appeared on albums by Da Bush Babees and De La Soul. With Talib Kweli, he formed the duo Black Star, which...

      , Nas
      Nas
      Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...

      , Snoop Dogg
      Snoop Dogg
      Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...

      , 50 Cent
      50 Cent
      Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...

      , DMX
      DMX (rapper)
      Earl Simmons , better known by his stage name DMX, is a multiplatinum American rapper and actor who rose to fame in the late 1990s. His stage name pays tribute to the Oberheim DMX drum machine, an instrument he used when he made his own rap beats in the 80's...

      , Drake
      Drake
      - People :* Drake ** Notably Sir Francis Drake , an English sea captain and politician of the Elizabethan era* Drake * Drake , stage name of Aubrey Drake Graham, Canadian recording artist and actor- Places :...

      , 2Pac, Monie Love
      Monie Love
      Simone Riscoe , better known by her stage name Monie Love, is an English emcee and former radio personality in the United States...

       & The Notorious B.I.G.
      The Notorious B.I.G.
      Christopher George Latore Wallace , best known as The Notorious B.I.G., was an American rapper. He was also known as Biggie Smalls , Big Poppa, and The Black Frank White .Wallace was raised in the Brooklyn borough...

      - 2 nominations
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