41 Best Rappers Over 40

Missy Elliott

Born: July 1, 1971 (age 52)

Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott got her start with Sista, an R&B girl group, in the 1990s. After joining the Swing Mob collective, she wrote and produced music for an array of artists, including Aaliyah.

With that, the stage had been set for her solo career, which began in earnest in 1997. Her first album, Supa Dupa Fly, landed her a top 20 hit with “Sock It 2 Me.” It became the most successful debut for a woman rapper at the time.

Elliott is also a Grammy Award winner and one of the best-selling female rappers.

Elliott’s heyday was from 1997 to 2005, with six studio albums, though she continues to release EPs and make guest appearances.

50 Cent

Born: July 6, 1975 (age 48)

50 Cent began his rise to the top in 1996. The journey there, however, would prove tumultuous. He recorded his debut album Power of the Dollar in 2000. Unfortunately, he was penetrated by nine bullets during a shooting in May. The release had to be canceled, and 50 Cent was dropped from his label too.

But he made a strong comeback with a mixtape in 2002, impressing Eminem in the process. Eminem promptly signed him to Shady Records, and 2003’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’ did everything his first album was supposed to do and more.

50 Cent has also endured bankruptcy and was released from Interscope Records in recent years. The rise and fall journey continues. His last studio album was 2014’s Animal Ambition.

RZA

Born: July 5, 1969 (age 54)

RZA is known as the leader of the Wu-Tang Clan, having produced most of their albums, and even albums for its respective members. RZA is also a founding member of Gravediggaz, a horrorcore group.

His trademark production style, incorporating soul samples with minimal beats is well-known and highly regarded.

RZA has four solo studio albums – Bobby Digital in Stereo, Digital Bullet, Birth of a Prince, and Digi Snacks. His most recent release is a collaborative project with DJ Scratch – 2022’s Saturday Afternoon Kung Fu Theater.

Tech N9ne

Born: November 8, 1971 (age 52)

Tech N9ne has sold over two million albums and has had his music featured in various TV shows, movies, and video games.

While he hasn’t found mainstream success as a solo artist, he has been featured on tracks by the likes of Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, and many others.

Tech N9ne has nevertheless maintained a prolific release schedule from 1999 to the present day, with 16 studio albums, not to mention many side project releases.

Ice-T

Born: February 16, 1958 (age 65)

Ice-T started as an underground rapper in the 80s. Securing a record contract in 1987, he would release Rhyme Plays, his debut album. Having founded his own record label, he would release Power in 1988. It went platinum. Many of his subsequent releases would all go gold.

In 1990, Ice-T would also co-found the heavy metal band Body Count. Body Count has released seven studio albums to date.

Ice-T’s last solo release was in 2006, but he remains active with Body Count and other collaborative projects, even at “retirement age.”

Redman

Born: April 17, 1970 (age 53)

Redman is best known for his work with Method Man, as well as being a member of the Def Squad (Def Squad’s version of “Rapper’s Delight” might be the definitive one).

In addition to his work as a rapper, Redman also starred in films and sitcoms alongside Method Man – you might remember How High or Method and Red.

Despite his status, Redman’s “crib” is one of the humblest MTV had ever seen. It seems Redman prefers a simple private life. MTV Cribs says their episode with Redman is among the most referenced for its complete lack of affluence.

Redman has released eight solo albums and has also participated in several collaborative releases.

Ludacris

Born: September 11, 1977 (age 46)

Ludacris would get his start as a DJ before forming Disturbing tha Peace in the late 1990s. Before the millennium, he released his debut album, Incognito, which was re-released as Back for the First Time, once he signed with Def Jam Recordings.

His next three albums would all be certified multi-platinum, and Ludacris would remain on a steady release schedule until 2010. His latest release is from 2015, Ludaversal.

Lil Wayne

Born: September 27, 1982 (age 41)

Lil Wayne is considered one of the most influential rappers this side of 40, and his career still seems to be on the up and up right now (we’re still not sure about that “guitar playing” though).

He got his career underway in 1995, signing with Cash Money Records as the youngest of any artist on the label. He was utilized as the flagship artist of Cash Money until he split ways with them in 2018.

Lil Wayne’s solo breakthrough would come in 1999 with Tha Block is Hot, and his fourth and fifth albums would ultimately help him reach a wider audience and gain critical acclaim.

Lil Wayne has remained prolific since 1999, releasing 13 albums between then and 2020. The Carter VI is rumored to be coming next.

Sean Price

Born: March 17, 1972 (died aged 43)

Sean Price was originally a part of the underground Boot Camp Clik, before forming Heltah Skeltah, which would release three studio albums.

In 2001, Price would be featured in Grand Theft Auto 3, and his first solo album, Monkey Barz, in 2005, was met with critical acclaim.

Price continued to release new music, make TV appearances, and was even slated to work with Ill Bill on a collaborative album. He would, unfortunately, meet his untimely and mysterious death in 2015 (he died in his sleep is all we know).

Raekwon

Born: January 12, 1970 (age 53)

Raekwon found success as a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Raekwon would launch his solo career in 1995 with Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… which is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever made.

His subsequent releases were met with mixed reviews, but Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II was considered a very worthy sequel to the original.

Raekwon’s last solo record was The Wild in 2017.