17 Best Rappers From Kentucky

R. Prophet

R. Prophet spent his childhood in Oakland, California, before relocating to Louisville in 1985. While studying at Western Kentucky University, he formed the group Nappy Roots with several classmates.

The group had several smash hits, including Headz Up, Awe Naw, and Po’ Folks, and followed up their platinum-certified debut album with a gold album. After the group went their separate ways, R. Prophet continued rapping and had a relatively successful solo career, which includes the hit with Mannie Fresh, Run Tell the DJ to Crank it.

DBenzo

Born and bred in Lexington, DBenzo is the latest in a long line of artists pushing the boundaries of rap and R&B. DBenzo brings a sonically unique take on what’s becoming somewhat of a signature of Kentucky artists. It’s steeped in track music but with memorable and soulful melodies that stick with you long after the song ends.

Since arriving on the scene in 2020, DBenzo has regularly dropped singles to an engaged and growing audience. His latest, Gang Events featuring Icewear Vezzo, has his fanbase clamoring for a full-length project, which we expect soon.

BBlasian

This Louisville artist arrived in 2017 with his single Change, and he hit the ground running. BBlasian has built a broad following on Soundcloud, offering several singles and a full-length album, Dif, which featured a collaboration with superstar Kentucky rapper Jack Harlow.

BBlasian capitalized on the success of his debut with several singles throughout 2020 and 2021, and he’s poised to release his latest effort, an EP titled BLK & ASN, in 2022.

Wuntayk Timmy

Louisville native Wuntayk Timmy is another in a long line of lyrically gifted Kentucky emcees with a lot on their mind. He’s one of the more complex artists on this list, and much of his music sounds like it’s built to stand the test of time rather than cater to the trends of the moment.

Timmy’s first release, 2017’s Me, That’s Who!, announced his arrival, and he followed the album with another, Rest When I’m Rich, in 2018. He’s released several mixtapes since, and his latest offering, Mr. Rap, which is an acronym for Make Rappers Rap Again, Please, is sure to solidify him among the elite rappers of Kentucky.

Jack Harlow

If there’s one Kentucky rapper that’s been on every fan’s mind since he arrived with 2020’s breakout hit What’s Poppin,’ Jack Harlow has put the state on his back and helped shine a light on some of the incredible talent that’s bubbling up in Kentucky.

Jack didn’t waste much time getting started and used a Guitar Hero microphone to record his first raps. His first mixtape was available in middle school, and throughout high school, it wasn’t uncommon to perform sold-out shows at area venues like The Mercury Ballroom and Headliners.

After graduating, Jack continued to write and record, working at Chik-Fil-A to supplement his income. It wasn’t long before Jack linked up with DJ Drama; since then, he’s been on fire. First came collaborations with stars like Bryson Tiller and EST Gee, and then, the meteoric success of What’s Poppin.’

Harlow has followed his initial success with two more albums, That’s What They All Say and Come Home, The Kids Miss You, to commercial acclaim, and he’s netted Billboard and MTV Video Music Awards for his recent work. Still only 24 years old, the young Louisville native has yet to miss.

Static Major

Ok, so Static Major isn’t a rapper, but he’s done a lot for the black music scene, some of which influenced rap music. This Louisville, Kentucky native was one of the state’s most prolific artists and songwriters in hip-hop history. He caught his first break as a songwriter, penning Ginuwine’s breakout hit Pony. Shortly after, he joined the R&B group Playa and continued to keep his pen sharp, writing for artists ranging from Ginuwine to Aaliyah to Lil Wayne.

Sadly, Static passed too young at age 33 from complications of a medical procedure. He left behind a rich catalog of songs, many of which received posthumous releases. After his passing, collaborations with Drake, Jack Harlow, Lil Wayne, and David Banner were released. He may no longer be with us, but Static Major will be remembered as one of Kentucky’s prolific performers.

Bryson Tiller

Again, more R&B than rap, but another standout performer hailing from Louisville. The Don’t crooner has been one of the biggest names in R&B since releasing his hit album T R A P S O U L in 2014. The record helped catapult Tiller to national stardom, and he captured several BET and BMI awards on his way to the top, along with three Grammy nominations.

After a sophomore slump following the underwhelming response to his follow-up album, True to Self, Tiller returned with another hit, this time with the help of Rihanna and DJ Khaled. Emboldened by the success of Wild Thoughts; Tiller released 2020’s Anniversary and 2022’s Serenity, both to commercial and critical acclaim. Today, he’s one of R&B’s biggest stars.

Top Rappers From Kentucky, Final Thoughts

Not since Atlanta in the early 00s has a state had such a prolific run of excellent new artists. From EST Gee and Bryson Tiller to Rubi Rose and Jack Harlow, many of the best Kentucky rappers are proud to call this state their home.