Rappers and Hip-Hop Stars From Missouri

Some of the biggest rap and hip-hop stars in the business just happen to come from the state of Missouri.

The world of hip-hop is well represented in Missouri and although Eminem is know for his Detroit thug style, Marshall Mathers was actually born in, and spent much of his childhood in, St. Joseph, Missouri, where he lived with his grandmother. 10 albums, a multitude of awards including grammys, and 15 film credits later, Eminem is one of the biggest performers on earth.

Rapper Nelly is a native of St. Louis. His 2002 smash 'Hot In Herre' was one of the biggest hits of the year and he ranks 4th by the RIAA on their list of best selling rap artists of all time. Nelly also was ranked 3rd by Billboard on their list of top artists of the decade in 2010. He's even done some acting, co-starring along with Adam Sandler in the 2005 film 'The Longest Yard.'

Another famous rapper, Tech N9ne comes from Kansas City. He's sold over two million albums and had his music featured in movies, on television and on video games. He even owns his own record label called 'Strange Music.'

Howard Baily Jr., better know as Chingy is another St. Louisan. In fact, he was Nelly's opening act in 2002. His debut single 'Right Thurrr' put him on the map in 2003 reaching #2 on the pop charts. Chingy scored three more top 10 hits after.

Yet another St. Louis born artist, Akon, has a resume as long as any with several hip-hop hits both as a solo artist and a guest artist.