10 Rappers Whose Real Names are nothing Youd Expect

Part of being successful in the entertainment industry is having a name that’s catchy and cool.  As childish as it may sound, a name can really make or break a person’s career. In the hip-hop world, names are especially important for a number of reasons, but mainly because, no matter what style of hip-hop a person performs, nobody wants a name that’s going to be deemed as ‘corny.’ However, you’d actually be surprised to know just how many rappers have names that they probably got made fun of for in school.  Names that you can easily see why they’ve chosen NOT to use. For that reason, there are very few rappers who use their real name or any variation of it. Here are 10 rappers whose real names are nothing you’d expect.

Rick Ross

If you didn’t know better, you might actually think that Rick Ross’ real name was Rick Ross.  After all, it does seem a little bizarre that someone’s stage name would actually be someone else’s real name – but that’s the case with Ross whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II. While Ross’ name is decent, and he probably could have come up with something else, he chose to go with Rick Ross after the former drug king pen of the same name.

(Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Beats by Dr. Dre)

2 Chainz

Rapper 2 Chainz (but I got me a few on!) has a very interesting history with names.  Initially, his stage name was actually Tity Boi – which he changed for obvious reasons – and although 2 Chainz doesn’t seem much better, it’s been a hit so far.  However, his birth name, Tauheed Epps is far less exciting than both of those names.

(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Future

Atlanta-based rapper, Future, has become pretty popular over the last few years. The nickname, “The Future,” was given to him by members of the hip-hop collective Dungeon Family.  However, his actual name is Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn.  Yeah, if he had chosen to use that name, his future probably wouldn’t have been too bright.

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)

Iggy Azalea

At this point, you’ve probably heard Iggy Azalea call herself I.G.G.Y so much that you may be thinking her real name actually has something to do with the names Iggy or Azalea. However, that isn’t the case – AT ALL.  Iggy Azalea’s given name is Amethyst Amelia Kelly.  While that name may have a nice ring to it while being announced at a school graduation, it probably wouldn’t have the same effect being announced at an award show. If you thought it was hard to find things to rhyme with Iggy Azalea, try finding something cool to rhyme with Amethyst.

(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for VEVO)

Fabolous

If you’ve ever listened to Fabolous’ music, especially at the beginning of his career, you’ll know that he really loves his name.  Somehow, he’s managed to spell it out in several songs, and never miss a beat – EVER. However, Fabolous’ real name is anything but fabulous.  Born John David Jackson, Fab’s name actually sounds more fit for a school principal than a rapper.

(Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images)

Fetty Wap

Fetty Wap is one of the hottest new rappers on the scene.  His song, “Trap Queen,” has become an instant hit and he seems to be making his way to the top. However, if you’ve ever heard some of his sounds outside of “Trap Queen,” you’re probably familiar with the fact that Fetty is one of those rappers that has several AKAs (ZooVer, Zoovie, Mr. 1738) but ironically, with all of the other names he often refers to himself as – none of them have anything to do with his real name. Fetty Wap was actually born Willie Maxwell, which is a lot less mix tape worthy than the name he chose.

(Getty Images)

Wale

Wale is unique in more ways than one.  Not only is he one of the few rappers – celebrities in general – to use just one name, but his stage name actually has something to do with his birth name. Born Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, to Nigerian parents, Wale decided to cut his first name short and turn it into his stage name.

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Ice Cube

Ice Cube may not rap much anymore, but he’s one of the most legendary dudes in the game.  However, you may be wondering why – unlike other artists who have transitioned into other careers – Ice Cube still never uses his real name.  Perhaps it’s because he was born O’Shea Jackson.  While that’s a perfectly good name, it definitely wouldn’t have given him ANY street cred, and that probably wouldn’t have been a good thing for his career.

(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Akon

Lately, Akon has been focusing more on his business ventures than his career as an artist.  But when he first his the scene more than a decade ago, rapper/singer Akon had everybody singing along to his hit single “Locked Up” like they’d gone to jail too.  While Akon’s stage name is incredibly easy to remember, his birth name is a whole different story.  Born Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Bongo Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, to parents from Senegal, Akon had no choice but to go with something much shorter.

 (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta)

Tupac

Throughout his life and career, it was widely believed that Tupac’s real name was Tupac Amaru Shakur (hence the stage name Tupac). However, after his death in the fall of 1996.  Records indicated that Tupac’s birth name was (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images), and that his mother – whose name is also different from her birth name – changed Pac’s name at some point in his life.

(Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Coachella)

Lead  (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

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