20+ iconic Asian rappers: Rising stars making waves in hip-hop
Asian rappers have made significant contributions to the hip-hop industry and have gained recognition for their music in recent years. Some of the iconic Asian rappers include Jay Park, Rich Brian, Keith Ape and Epik High. They have built strong fan bases at home and also reached international audiences, shaping today’s music and culture.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Jay Park founded AOMG in 2013 and H1GHR MUSIC in 2017, helping grow Korean hip-hop globally.
- Rich Brian released Dat $tick in February 2016, becoming the first Asian artist to top the iTunes hip-hop chart.
- Keith Ape gained worldwide attention in 2015 with It G Ma.
Iconic Asian rappers
We strive to provide our readers with valuable insights and information through our various rankings and lists. In creating this list of iconic Asian rappers, we have considered various factors such as the rappers' album sales and chart performance, fan base and popularity and critical acclaim and fan reviews.
| Name | Place of birth | Major hits |
| Jay Park | Seattle, Washington, United States | Mommae, All I Wanna Do, GANADARA |
| MC Jin | Miami, Florida, United States | Learn Chinese, HK Superstar |
| Rich Brian | Jakarta, Indonesia | $tick, edamame, Glow Like Dat |
| Keith Ape | Seoul, South Korea | It G Ma, Gospel, Achoo! |
| Epik High | Seoul, South Korea | Umbrella, Born Hater, Love Love Love |
| Suboi | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Đời, N-Sao? |
| Awkwafina | Stony Brook, New York, United States | Pockiez, Ghost, Green Tea |
| Divine | Mumbai, India | Mere Gully Mein, Apna Time Aayega |
| Higher Brothers | Chengdu, China | Midsummer Madness, Made In China, Tequila Sunrise |
| Vava | Ya’an, Sichuan, China | My New Swag, Life's a Struggle |
| Dumbfoundead | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Safe, Harambe, Cool and Calm |
| Zeebra | Tokyo, Japan | Street Dreams, Mr. Dynamite, Neva Enuff |
| G-Dragon | Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea | Crooked, Untitled, 2014, Heartbreaker |
| Tiger JK | Seoul, South Korea | Reset, Timeless, First Love |
| Beenzino | Seoul, South Korea | Dali, Van, Picasso, Aqua Man |
| Awich | Naha, Okinawa, Japan | GILA GILA, Queendom |
| Lexie Liu | Changsha, Hunan, China | Manta, Mulan |
| KOHH | Oji, Kita, Tokyo, Japan | It G Ma, Hikouki, Paris |
| China Mac | Brooklyn, New York, United States | First Day Home, Going Down, Mo Money Mo Problems |
| J-Hope | Gwangju, South Korea | Chicken Noodle Soup, More, Arson |
| Suga | Daegu, South Korea | Daechwita, Haegeum, People Pt.2 |
| CL | Seoul, South Korea | The Baddest Female, Lover Like Me |
| Gloc-9 | Binangonan, Philippines | Upuan, Sirena, Simpleng Tao |
1. Jay Park
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Jay Park
- Date of birth: 25 April 1987
- Age: 38 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Seattle, Washington, United States
Jay Park is a member of the Seattle-based b-boy crew Art of Movement (AOM) and founder of the independent hip-hop record labels AOMG, H1ghr Music and More Vision. Jay Park is considered one of the most influential artists in hip-hop and is known for his hit tracks, including Mommae, All I Wanna Do, and Joah.
2. MC Jin
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Jin Au-Yeung
- Date of birth: 4 June 1982
- Age: 43 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Miami, Florida, United States
MC Jin gained prominence in the U.S. through BET’s “Freestyle Friday” and became one of the first Asian-American rappers to sign with a major U.S. hip-hop label. His notable songs include Learn Chinese, Senorita and Complicated.
3. Rich Brian
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- Full name: Brian Imanuel Soewarno
- Date of birth: 3 September 1999
- Age: 27 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Jakarta, Indonesia
Rich Brian is one of the Asian male rappers to have become famous in 2016 with his viral song Dat $tick. According to The Jakarta Post, he was the first Asian rapper to reach No. 1 on the iTunes hip hop chart. Rich Brian is signed to 88rising and is known for hits like Glow Like Dat and History.
4. Keith Ape
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Dongheon Lee
- Date of birth: 25 December 1993
- Age: 31 years old (as of September 2025)
- Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
Keith Ape is best known for his viral 2015 hit It G Ma, which was called the “Korean trap anthem.” He is also recognised for his energetic performances and collaborations with international artists, such as Waka Flocka Flame, A$AP Ferg, and Dumbfoundead.
5. Epik High
Source: Getty Images
- Members: Tablo, Mithra Jin, DJ Tukutz
- Origin: Seoul, South Korea
- Year of debut: 2003
- Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Epik High is a South Korean hip hop group formed in 2001. The group has three members: Tablo, Mithra Jin, and DJ Tukutz. As per Billboard, they became the first Korean act to perform at Coachella in 2016, helping bring Korean hip hop to the world stage. Some of their most popular songs include Fly, Born Hater, Fan, and Love Love Love.
6. Suboi
Source: UGC
- Full name: Hàng Lâm Trang Anh
- Date of birth: 14 January 1990
- Age: 35 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Suboi, dubbed "Queen of Hip Hop" in Vietnam, is among the famous female Asian rappers. She gained international recognition in 2016 when she rapped for U.S. President Barack Obama during his visit to Vietnam. Her music often explores themes of life, society and women’s voices. Some of her well-known songs include N-Sao?, Đời, and Cho Không.
7. Awkwafina
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- Full name: Nora Lum
- Date of birth: 2 June 1988
- Age: 37 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Stony Brook, New York, United States
Awkwafina rose to stardom with her 2012 viral rap song and then released her debut album, Yellow Ranger (2014). Her other songs include NYC Bitche$ and Pockiez. Awkwafina has also pursued an acting career.
8. Divine
Source: UGC
- Full name: Vivian Fernandes
- Date of birth: 2 October 1990
- Age: 34 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Mumbai, India
Divine is one of India’s most famous rappers and a pioneer of “gully rap,” which represents the street culture of Mumbai. He rose to fame in 2015 with his hit song Mere Gully Mein alongside Naezy. Divine is also the co-founder of the Gully Gang Entertainment label. Some of his other popular songs include Jungli Sher, Kohinoor, and 3:59 AM.
9. Higher Brothers
Source: UGC
- Members: MaSiWei, DZknow, Psy.P, Melo
- Origin: Chengdu, China
- Year of debut: 2016
Higher Brothers is a Chinese hip hop group which became popular with their song Made in China in 2017, which gained global attention. Signed under 88rising, they have worked with international artists such as Rich Brian, ScHoolboy Q, and Snoop Dogg. Their popular songs include WeChat and Open It Up.
10. Vava
Source: UGC
- Full name: Mao Yanqi
- Date of birth: 29 October 1995
- Age: 29 years old (as of September 2025)
- Place of birth: Ya’an, Sichuan, China
Vava gained fame after competing in the Chinese rap show The Rap of China in 2017. According to Warner Music Group, she has since become one of the country’s most recognised female rappers, with numerous hit tracks including My New Swag, Life’s a Struggle, and No Love. Her music mixes Mandarin rap with pop and electronic sounds.
11. Dumbfoundead
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Jonathan Edgar Park
- Date of birth: 18 February 1986
- Age: 39 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Dumbfoundead started his career in the 2000s as a battle rapper in Los Angeles, and has since become one of the most prominent East Asian American rappers. He has released numerous hit songs, including Safe, Korean Jesus, and Harambe. Dumbfoundead has recorded four studio albums, including Take the Stares and We Might Die.
12. Zeebra
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- Full name: Hideyuki Yokoi
- Date of birth: 2 April 1971
- Age: 54 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Tokyo, Japan
Zeebra is one of the most popular rappers in Japan. He started his career in the 1990s with the group King Giddra and later went solo, releasing numerous hit songs such as Mr. Dynamite and Street Dreams. Zeebra is often considered the pioneer of Japanese rap.
13. G-Dragon
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- Full name: Kwon Ji-yong
- Date of birth: 18 August 1988
- Age: 37 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
G-Dragon, often known as the "King of K-pop", is one of South Korea’s most famous rappers and the leader of the group BIGBANG, which went on to become one of the best-selling boy bands in the world. He is best known for his hit songs such as Heartbreaker, Crooked, Untitled, and his recent 2025 hit, TOO BAD.
14. Tiger JK
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- Full name: Seo Jung-kwon
- Date of birth: 29 July 1974
- Age: 51 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
Tiger JK is widely recognised for his pioneering role in bringing Korean hip-hop into the mainstream, according to Ableton. He is the founder of the Korean hip-hop group Drunken Tiger, and a member of the South Korean hip-hop trio MFBTY. Tiger JK has released two studio albums, Enter the Tiger and Drunken Tiger X: Rebirth of Tiger JK.
15. Beenzino
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Lim Sung-bin
- Date of birth: 12 September 1987
- Age: 38 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
Beenzino is among the popular Asian rappers, known for his smooth flow and stylish music. He first gained prominence in 2008 as part of the duo Jazzyfact. His first solo album, 24:26, was released in 2012 and featured popular songs like Aqua Man and Boogie On & On. He is also known for his 2013 hit single Dali, Van, Picasso.
16. Awich
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Akiko Urasaki
- Date of birth: 16 December 1986
- Age: 38 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Awich started writing music as a teenager and was inspired by rapper Tupac. She released her first EP, Inner Research, in 2006 and has since become famous for hits like GILA GILA and LONGINESS REMIX. Awich has also collaborated with international artists, including RZA and FERG.
17. Lexie Liu
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Liu Yuyu/Liu Boxin
- Date of birth: 21 December 1998
- Age: 26 years old (as of September 2025)
- Place of birth: Changsha, Hunan, China
The Chinese rapper is known for her multilingual and genre-blending music, which combines elements of pop, R&B, and hip-hop. She first rose to fame on reality TV shows before launching her solo music career. Her famous songs include MORE, Manta, Mulan from her debut EP, POP GIRL and LIKE U.
18. KOHH
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Yūki Chiba
- Date of birth: 22 April 1990
- Age: 35 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Oji, Kita, Tokyo, Japan
Yuki Chiba became a prominent figure in the country's hip-hop scene during the 2010s. He has released numerous hits, including It G Ma, Hikouki, Young Forever, and If I Die Tonight. His most widely recognised albums include DIRT, MONOCHROME, and Untitled. The rapper has also worked with major artists, such as Frank Ocean and Keith Ape.
19. China Mac
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Raymond Yu
- Date of birth: 5 February 1981
- Age: 44 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States
China Mac's music reflects his past gang involvement, time in prison, and path toward redemption. He founded his own label, Red Money Records, and released his debut album MITM (Made in the Mac) in 2017. His 2020 single They Can’t Burn Us All was part of his advocacy against anti-Asian hate.
20. J-Hope
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Jung Ho-seok
- Date of birth: 18 February 1994
- Age: 31 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Gwangju, South Korea
J-Hope, best known as a member of BTS, gained recognition as a solo artist with his 2018 mixtape Hope World and his 2022 album Jack in the Box. His strong flow, dance skills, and global influence make him one of the notable Asian rappers in hip-hop today.
21. Suga
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- Full name: Min Yoon-gi
- Date of birth: 9 March 1993
- Age: 32 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Daegu, South Korea
Suga debuted as a member of the South Korean boy band BTS in June 2013. He has also released solo projects, including the mixtapes Agust D (2016) and D-2 (2020), and the album D-Day (2023). His famous songs include Daechwita, Haegeum, and People Pt.2.
22. CL
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Lee Chae-rin
- Date of birth: 26 February 1991
- Age: 34 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
CL first rose to fame as the leader and main rapper of the K-pop girl group 2NE1, which became one of the most popular South Korean girl groups worldwide and one of the best-selling girl groups. She began her solo career in 2013 with The Baddest Female and has released hits like Lifted, Lover Like Me and Rosario with Epik High and ZICO.
23. Gloc-9
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Aristotle Condenuevo Pollisco
- Date of birth: 18 October 1977
- Age: 48 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Binangonan, Philippines
Gloc-9 is one of the most influential and iconic rappers from the Philippines. He is best known for his fast-flowing chopper vocal style, which has made him one of the best-selling and most successful hip-hop artists in the Philippines, per Daily Tribune. The rapper has released several hit songs, including Sirena, Upuan, and Hari Ng Tondo and over ten studio albums.
Who is the greatest Asian rapper?
There are numerous Asian rappers regarded as the greatest, including Rich Brian, Divine, Mc Jin, Awich and Tiger JK.
What is Filipino rap called?
Filipino rap is commonly referred to as Pinoy hip hop or Filipino hip-hop.
Who is the biggest Chinese rapper?
Higher Brothers and Vava are regarded as the greatest Chinese rappers.
Who are some of the most iconic female Asian rappers?
Some notable female Asian rappers include M.I.A., CL, Suboi, Awkwafina, Vava and Lexie Liu.
Asian hip hop has become increasingly popular, with artists from diverse backgrounds making their mark on the global music scene. Iconic Asian rappers such as Jay Park, Rich Brian, Keith Ape and Epik High have brought fresh sounds, global recognition, and new opportunities for Asian voices in hip hop.
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Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
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