Hip Hop has always been a melting pot of cultures, and Hispanic artists have played a vital role in shaping the sound, style, and spirit of the genre. From the block parties of the Bronx to stages around the world, rappers of Latinx origin have carried stories of identity, resilience, and celebration into the music, helping to define its past and expand its future.

These artists reflect a wide range of experiences. Some earned recognition as lyrical heavyweights, proving that technical mastery knows no cultural boundaries. Others brought regional influences to the forefront, from West Coast Chicano rap to Miami’s party anthems. Many have also moved fluidly between English and Spanish, bridging communities while demonstrating that Hip Hop has never been confined to one language or neighborhood.

Honoring their contributions means more than tallying record sales or chart positions. It’s about recognizing how these voices embody pride, authenticity, and heritage, all while opening doors for the next generation. As the rap universe continues to evolve, the presence of Latinx rappers ensures the genre remains as diverse, dynamic, and boundary-breaking as the people who create it.

This celebration — in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month — recognizes the pioneers who laid the foundation, as well as the modern frontrunners continuing to push the culture forward.

1. Fat Joe

Bronx-raised of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, Fat Joe turned D.I.T.C. roots into Terror Squad leadership, championing Big Pun and Remy Ma while delivering “What’s Luv?,” “Lean Back,” and “All the Way Up.” An entrepreneur and unmistakable New York voice.

2. Kap G

Kap G, a Mexican-American rapper from Atlanta, broke through with “Girlfriend” in 2016, blending trap beats with bilingual bars. Known for repping his culture proudly, he’s collaborated with Pharrell and Chris Brown while aiming to dismantle stereotypes and open doors for Latinos.

3. Cypress Hill

South Gate trailblazers Cypress Hill — featuring Cuban and Mexican heritage — pushed boom-bap into psychedelic territory and the mainstream. In addition to going multi-platinum with “Insane in the Brain” and Black Sunday, they were the first Hip Hop group to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

4. Joell Ortiz

Brooklyn-born Puerto Rican MC Joell Ortiz parlayed Unsigned Hype and XXL Chairman’s Choice buzz into a lasting career as a lyricist. A Slaughterhouse alumnus, he’s delivered The Brick, House Slippers, and potent collaborations throughout.

5. Cardi B

As a Bronx-raised rapper of Dominican and Trinidadian heritage, Cardi B exploded from media to chart dominance. Her debut, Invasion of Privacy, won a Best Rap Album Grammy, while smashes like “Bodak Yellow,” “I Like It,” “WAP,” and “Up” cemented a fearless voice.

6. Baby Bash

Baby Bash, a Bay Area–to–Houston connector with Mexican roots, blended smooth pop-rap and West Coast flair into crossover hits. “Suga Suga” and “Cyclone” powered his rise, while collaborations from Latino Velvet to Paul Wall underline a career built on hooks, hustling, and cultural pride.

7. N.O.R.E.

Queens-bred with Puerto Rican roots, N.O.R.E. rose first in Capone-N-Noreaga, then solo with the platinum N.O.R.E. and hits like “Superthug” and “Nothin’.” A reggaetón bridge-builder through “Oye Mi Canto,” he’s also reinvented himself as co-host of REVOLT’s acclaimed “Drink Champs” podcast.

8. Snow Tha Product

San Jose–born and Mexican American talent Snow Tha Product is celebrated for rapid-fire bilingual flows and independent grind. From Unorthodox to To Anywhere, she’s earned acclaim, MTV honors, and Latin GRAMMY nods while balancing activism, acting roles, and unapologetic representation of her culture.

9. Frost

Originally known as Kid Frost, Arturo Molina Jr. made history with Hispanic Causing Panic and the anthem “La Raza,” often credited as the first Chicano rap hit. A West Coast pioneer, he paved the way for Latino artists while mentoring future talents.

10. BIA

Massachusetts-born with Puerto Rican and Italian roots, BIA carved her lane blending trap swagger with global appeal. Breakouts like Russ’ “Best on Earth” and her For Certain smash “Whole Lotta Money” (with a Nicki Minaj remix to boot) positioned her as a sharp, stylish frontrunner.

11. That Mexican OT

Texas-born Virgil René Gazca, better known as That Mexican OT, blends Southern rap grit with Mexican cultural flair. His breakout “Johnny Dang” put him on the Billboard Hot 100, while Lonestar Luchador showcased a dynamic mix of freestyle bravado and regional pride.

12. Angie Martinez

Known as “The Voice of New York,” Angie Martinez balanced rap stardom with her groundbreaking radio career. After hits like “If I Could Go,” she retired from music, cementing her legacy as a trusted broadcaster and cultural voice for Hip Hop.

13. Pitbull

Miami’s Pitbull — aka Mr. Worldwide — evolved from a reggaeton/crunk upstart to crossover hitmaker behind “I Know You Want Me,” “Give Me Everything,” and “Timber.” A prolific collaborator, he parlayed fame into several ventures and major brand deals.

14. Big Pun

Bronx titan Big Pun fused blistering multisyllabics with Latin pride. Discovered by Fat Joe, his debut, Capital Punishment, became the first platinum solo rap album by a Latino. Known for “Still Not a Player” and other classics, he tragically died in 2000.

15. Chino XL

Bronx’s own Derek Chino XL earned acclaim for his sharp wordplay, fearless name-drops, and the cult-classic debut, Here to Save You All. Blending rap with acting roles, he remained a lyrical force through Ricanstruction and beyond, leaving an enduring underground legacy. He passed in 2024.