16 Hip Hop Artists From North Carolina Who Have Changed the Game

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop in 2023, we take a look back at so many of the artists from right here in North Carolina, who have helped change the genre.

Artists like J. Cole, Petey Pablo, 9th Wonder, and even Fred Durst, have left huge marks on the industry.

North Carolina has plenty of prestige in the Hip Hop world, but most of it came quietly. The state has deep roots in soul and R&B music, with legends of the industry like John Coltrane, Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, Ben E. King, Gladys Knight and so many more having Tar Heel ties.

As we moved into more recent history, artists like Fantasia Barrino, Jodeci, Jermaine Dupri, and more have had connections to our great state.

Despite the majority of the attention in the South going to the scene in Georgia, North Carolina hasn't been a slouch in the rap game.

I want to celebrate artists from my state who have contributed to the genre celebrating 50 years this year. So often we hear J. Cole, and rightfully so as he cultivated a dynamic legacy within Hip Hop. With Dreamville he has built what is set to be one the most impactful brands Hip Hop has ever seen. Still, so many other artists from our state have contributed to Hip hop in massive ways. Let us not forget their flowers.

The pride of Fayetteville, J. Cole has become among the top names in the industry, with Grammy nominations and career success others could only dream of.

Cole did his dreaming so much that he created a whole movement around Dreamville, and now has one of the fastest-growing hip hop festivals in the country tied to the brand.

MC Sha-Rock, is considered the "first female rapper."

If Rapsody isn't in your top five you have never listened to her flow.