The hip-hop world is rife with bizarre rap names, with the prefix “Lil” being one of the better-known staples of the genre. A constant in the game, Lil has permeated the culture and beyond, holding a longer shelf life than many of its bearers. So how did three little letters end up becoming one of the most sustained and far-reaching trends in hip-hop? And who was the first “Lil” rapper?
Unlike what some more recent bearers of the name might suggest, “Lil” has no bearing on talent, or lack thereof. Instead, it’s a common nickname on the streets, which made its way into hip-hop as early as 1988 when Houston rapper Lil’ Troy first rocked the moniker.
However, hip-hop historians will point to the commercial success of Lil’ Kim and fellow Junior M.A.F.I.A. in the mid-’90s as the true beginning of the Lil craze. Over 20 years later, everyone from country-trap rappers to Internet-famous cats call the name their own.
In a world saturated with rappers Lil by name, we wanted to create our own definitive list, starting with the worst and ending with the best.
Here are the top 15 “Lil” rappers, ranked from worst to best.
15. Lil Dicky
While his standing in hip-hop is contested, Lil Dicky’s place on this list is purely skill-related — he managed to hold his own on a track alongside rap royalty Snoop Dogg, and that alone merits a mention. Dicky’s contention is not a matter of talent, but rather one of intent; While he can deliver a rhyme flipping the stereotype of the rapper on its head, he often does so disrespectfully.
After all, this is the same guy who admitted he “started rapping simply to get attention comedically.” It’s clear in the content of his satirical raps that he doesn’t love hip-hop; he loves what hip-hop’s capable of doing for him. Lil Dicky is an unashamed example of someone cashing in on his white privilege in a historically black art form. But hey, he can rap, right?
14. Lil Pump
Yes, Lil Pump has become a meme and troll. Yet, his music at its best felt…
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