Why do hip-hop artists use stage names?
A majority of hip-hop artists use a stage name instead of their birth name or “government name.” Other celebrities use stage names, but it is almost a requirement in hip-hop. Kendrick Lamar is a notable exception, although he did start with a stage name.
In hip-hop origins, some of the first hip-hop artists and fans were affiliated with gangs, which commonly dole out fake names to create a bond and help mask themselves when involved in illegal activities.
Having a rap name also gives the artist another persona they can separate from the rest of their life. It also creates a brand, which carries the music, the dancing, the record deals, the endorsements, the clothing lines and any other business dealings.
The origins of the names varied from pop culture or drugs to foreign languages or slang and can change at any moment.
Christopher Wallace or Biggie Smalls got his name from the movie “Let’s Do It Again,” and then he changed it to Notorious B.I.G. after he was sued. Ab-Soul is short for absolute, and also places emphasis on soul. Jay-Z’s first nickname was Jazzy, so he adapted the name to honor his mentor Jaz-O and give a nod to the subways in Brooklyn.
Pusha T was short for “push a ton,” which is exactly what he did as a drug dealer. Waka Flocka Flame liked the Muppets as a kid, especially Fozzie who always said “waka waka.” His friend added the Flame at the end when his rap skills improved. Wiz Khalifa comes from the Arabic word for successor, which his grandfather passed down to him.
Some are more obvious, like 2 Chainz wearing two chains around his neck. Or how Eminem’s rap name came from the initials of his real name Marshall Mathers.
