Before They Were Stars: Today’s Hottest Rappers

Seth Poppel Yearbook Library

Who Am I?

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Kanye West

At this point we could write a novel about Kanye West about his music to his Twitter rants and his love life but we'll stick with music. West has dropped seven studio albums including Watch the Throne with Jay-Z. His last, Yeezus received critical acclaim.

Who Am I?

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Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj is one of the biggest lady rappers in the game. Proving her undeniable skills on her mixtapes, Minaj's debut studio album Pink Friday hit number 1 on the US Billboard 200. Her third studio album The Pinkprint dropped in November 2014. Remember when she outdid Kanye, Jay-Z AND Rick Ross on "Monster?" We do!

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Who Am I?

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Jay-Z

Jay-Z's been ruling the rap game since the late 90s with hits like "Hard Knock Life" and "Big Pimpin." He's still at it with his collaboration with Kanye West and his latest album Magna Carta Holy Grail. Pro-tip: marrying the biggest pop star in the world doesn't hurt your reputation. Jay toured with wife, Beyonce last year.

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Drake

The former tween star of Degrassi hit the scene hard in 2009 with his EP So Far Gone after he signed with Lil Wayne's Young Money label. He's had three hugely successful albums including his latest Nothing Was the Same. He's collaborated with just about everyone and coined YOLO which swiftly took over vocabularies everywhere.

50 Cent (Curtis Jackson) 9th. Grade Posed Photo 1990 Catherine and Count Basie Junior High School 72 Credit: Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Who Am I?

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50 Cent

50 Cent has provided the world with hits like "In Da Club" and "21 Questions" that we've all danced to while in "da club." His latest album Animal Ambition came out last year. Beyond being a savvy businessman, 50 also, according to GQ, is a pretty good life coach.

Eminem aka Marshal Mathers, Freshman Yearbook Photo

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Eminem

Marshall Mathers aka Eminem has had an often fraught time in the spotlight. He's had hit albums and introduced himself to America by simply saying "Hi My Name Is.." But sometimes his lyrics have stirred up controversy. His latest album The Marshall Mathers LP 2 hit shelves in 2013.

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Big Sean

Big Sean hit the scene with his mixtapes and collaborations with Kanye's GOOD music. He released his first studio album in 2011 with his second Hall of Fame in 2013. He just dropped his latest earlier this year. Sean more than proved himself with his verse on Drake's "All Me."

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Ice-T

Ice-T was known for his rapping in the 80s and 90s including his '91 album O.G. Original Gangster which is said to define gangster rap. His last album was released in 2006, but Ice-T has been fueling rumors that another album will hit soon.

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Missy Elliott

Missy Elliott's always "worked it!" Before her debut album Supa Dupa Fly was released in 1997, Elliott produced and wrote for Aaliyah, SWV and 702. She's released six studio albums with tons of hits. Elliott stole the show from Katy Perry during this year's Super Bowl Halftime performance. Missy we need you back asap!

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Who Am I?

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Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne's been rapping since a very young age first in the group Hot Boys and then solo. He released his first album at 17 but didn't really hit it big until Tha Carter in 2004. He's had tons of hits since then and recently went on tour with Drake.