17 Best Jamaican Rappers

Canibus

Germaine Williams, better known as Canibus, made a big splash during the 1990s and rose to fame with his 1998 debut album Can-I-Bus. Born in Jamaica and later moving to New York, Canibus became famous for freestyling and his musical understanding. 

Once Canibus got started, there was no slowing him down. He went on to release a vast catalog of music, including 13 solo albums and dozens of collaborations.

Canibus has worked with famous other rappers like Cloak N Dagga and Sharpshooterz and is widely regarded as one of the best M.C.s of all time. Plus, his lyrics are next-level good, touching on the mundane and emotional.

Joey Badass

Joey Badass is a Jamacian-American rapper whose portfolio stretches beyond music to acting and singing. Although he's from New York City, Joey Badass's heritage is Jamaican, and you can hear that influence in many of his songs.

His album Summer Knights shows a tremendous amount of range and is one of his most noteworthy compilations if you’re looking to get a taste of his particular talent. All-Amerikkkan Badass is another excellent album, touching on political and social issues. Although lesser known than others on our list, we're sure we'll see much more of Joey Badass.

Buju Banton

Born Mark Anthony Myrie, Buju Banton is a reggae/rap fusion musician who rose to fame in the dance halls of Jamaica. His sound is catchy and clever and combines several different elements of rap and reggae. It also influenced American rap greats of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Buju Banton hit the scene internationally around the same time with a whimsically-named album called Stamina Daddy. Mr. Mention is another favorite album, and although it's not very well-known internationally, it's one of the top albums ever sold in Jamaica.

Beenie Man

Born Moses Anthony Davis but better known by his stage name, Beanie Man, he rose to fame around the same time as Buji Banton. A local legend in his native Kingston, Beanie Man began his career as a Jamaican dancehall deejay.

Beginning his musical career early, Beanie Man learned how to make it big in the music business from his musically-inclined family. As a result, his music was predominantly popular in Jamaica, with songs like “Too Fancy” hitting the charts in the early 1980s.

Although Beenie Man didn’t reach international fame, he's still a great artist to include in your Jamaican rap discography.

XXXTentacion

Lesser-known but incredible XXXtentacion only had a promising career that was cut short when he was murdered in his early 20s.

XXXTentacion, originally named Jahseh Onfroy, was a Jamaican-American Floridian who fused American rap with more traditional Jamaican beats for a classic, calm, and unique style. You can hear his song's here.

Patra

Jamaican men aren't the only people to hit it big in the rap world. Patra was one of the top dancehall voices in Jamaica, gaining recognition as deejay “Lady Patra.” She was well-known in Jamaica for several years before earning international fame.

In 1994, she collaborated with Shabba Ranks on his song “Family Affair” before releasing her own album, Queen of the Pack. “Think About It” became one of the album's singles, dominating the rap charts in the early 1990s.

will.i.am

Will.i.am, born William James Adams Jr, is a rapper, singer, actor, writer, producer, and one of the founding members of hip hop group The Black Eyed Peas, who rose to fame in the early 2000s.

Not only is will.i.am featured on Black Eyed Peas tracks, but he also produces some of their music and is one of the group's founding members. While you may have some Black Eyed Peas songs on your current playlist, will.i.am’s solo work is equally impressive.

Among his solo albums, Lost Change and Must B 21 capture the rap sound of the early 2000s, while the album #Willpower has a slightly different, more evolved sound. In addition to his work, will.i.am has collaborated with David Guetta, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Miley Cyrus, among others.

Top Jamaican Rappers, Final Thoughts

With unique musical styles and original beats, Jamaica has produced some of the most talented and innovative rappers on the planet. So put these top American-Jamaican rappers on your playlist, and you’ll find yourself singing their catchy tunes all day long.

You won't be disappointed and might walk away with a greater appreciation and understanding of this music genre and how today's rappers and mumble rappers found their inspiration.