Well, I have to say that's a good thing as new and up and coming artistes generate the much-needed buzz and keep the legacy going that was started by former Hip-Hop bigwigs like; E-sir, K-Rupt, The Mashiftas, Chris Kantai, Kalamashaka, Bamboo, Ukoo Flani and others.
But over the last decade, Kenya has become a hotbed of some of the dopest and most celebrated rappers. Not only male artistes but also femcees who have proved that even lasses are good at this game, giving their male counterparts a run for their money.
Some of the top and most popular female rappers in Kenya include; Femi One, Wangechi, Njeri, Kush Tracey, Sosuun, Notiflow, Xtatic, Nazizi, just to mention a few. Femi One nailed it back in 2016 when she dropped her hit beef track Pilau Njeri, taking shots at her fellow femcees.
Has anything peculiar crossed your mind about the male rappers in this music genre? Let's be honest guys.
If you haven't, let me break it down for you and let you in on a secret I unraveled. Most of these top rappers are actually luo's.
So, how about we take a look at some of these renowned Hip-Hoppers who make Luo land the origin of some of the best rappers in Kenya.
1. Octopizzo
He's one of the most renowned male rappers in Kenya, real name, Henry Ohanga, known for his hit songs such as; Utanisho, Ivo Ivo, Vile Inafaa, Prezidential and many others. He is also a humanitarian ambassador with UNCHR for refugees.
2. Khaligrap Jones
His real name is Brian Robert Ouko and over the years, he's proved to be one of the best Hip-Hop artistes in Kenya, growing from dropping diss tracks to mature rap songs. He's managed to achieve 1 Million views on YouTube for his Micasa Sucasa hit song with his rapper girlfriend Cashy.
3. Juliani
Though he's been on a music hiatus for months now, Julius Owino aka Juliani is no doubt one of the most celebrated Hip-Hop rappers in Kenya and East Africa as a whole. Some of his hit songs include; Utawala, Bahasha Ya Ocampo, Mtaa Mentality and many more.
4. Vicmass Luodollar
He's one of the most talked about new rappers in the game, known for his 2016 hit song Bank Otuch and he's not about to stop anytime soon. Vicmass, real name, Ochieng Victor Ondeye, has other songs under his name, like; Simbe Adek, Pesa, Asante Sana and Ndesna Bwoyo.
5. Jua Cali
This veteran rapper is one of the artistes who has shaped the Kenyan rap industry and being in the game for more than a decade, he deserves every respect and accolades. Jua Cali goes by the name Paul Julius Nunda to his friends and family. You may remember him from songs like; Bidii Yangu, Saf Sana, Ngeli Ya Gengi, Geti Kali etc.
6. Big Pin
Big Pin Jatelo may no longer be active in the Kenyan Hip-Hop scene but his rap skills and lyrical talent earned him honor and admiration as one of Kenya's best rappers back in the day. Real name, Chrispin Mwangale, Big Pin has given his fans songs like; Natafuta, Terramoss, Talk To You with Amani, You, Bamba with the late K-Rupt and E-Sir.
7. Kenrazy
The former Grandpa member has been in the rap scene for a minute and years later, he still drops songs that become smash hits in the 254. Kenrazy's real name, Aketch Barbanas Oluoch is also husband to top femcee Sosuun. Some of his hit songs include; Hivo Ndio Kunaendanga, Mbilikimo Mkora, Shida Mbili with Visita and Rudia.
8. Timmy Tdat
There's no doubt that this Inaweza hitmaker is one rapper who makes the ladies go wild with excitement when he steps on stage. Though his songs are mostly ratchet, he seems to be getting a lot of attention from both female and male fans, who even give him the moniker name, King Timmy.
