18 Short Rappers Who Dominated the Music Industry

Have you ever wondered how tall your favorite rapper is? Plenty of hip hop stars are on the short side. Here are 18 short rappers who made it big.

From Big Boi to Eazy E, these hip hop artists’ modest heights don’t always match their larger-than-life personalities. In fact, many of the most successful and talented rappers happen to be shorter men.

Shortest Rappers

Read on for more detailed info about each artist.

Eazy-E Height: 5’3″

Born as Eric Lynn Wright, at only 5’3″, this west coast rapper had an out sized influence on the world of hip hop. To this day, he is called “The Godfather of Gangsta Rap” (even though he was the shortest major hip hop star of all time).

After a short-lived solo career – no pun intended – Eazy-E formed N.W.A. with Dr. Dre and Ice Cube.

The trio created the notorious album Straight Outta Compton (1988). Their lyrics tackled many socio-political issues, including gang violence and police brutality.

It’s still regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, as well as one of the most influential. In 2017, it was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress for its historical and cultural significance.

Though Eazy-E passed away from HIV/ AIDS at only 30 years old, his legacy continues to thrive. Rest in power.

Eminem Height: 5’8″

The blonde rapper is 5’8″. Eminem (aka Marshall Mathers) is an inch below average American male height.

He’s cemented his place as one of the most successful hip hop artists of all time with his complex rhyme schemes and humorous lyrics.

Eminem has cited several acts for influencing his work, including Big Daddy Kane, The Beastie Boys, and Ice-T. His most popular tracks include “My Name Is” (1999), “Lose Yourself” (2002), and “River” (2018).

Eminem remains unchallenged as the most influential white rapper. He’s also the best selling rapper of all time. As of 2019, Eminem has an estimated net worth of $210 million.

Lil Wayne Height: 5’5″

Know professionally as Lil Wayne, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., is another man of short stature. Lil Wayne is 5’5″. Of course, he makes no secret of his sleight frame. “Lil” is right there in his moniker.

The lyricist had his first number one single, “Lollipop”, in 2008. In September of 2018, he released the long-anticipated album Tha Carter V.

Debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, it had the second-largest streaming week for an album ( the largest went to Drake’s Scorpion).

Lil Wayne has repeatedly stated his desire to retire and focus on his family after finishing Tha Carter V. With a net worth of $120 million, he can afford to take a break.

Lil Jon Height: 5’6″

Born in an Atlanta suburb, Jonathan Smith (aka Lil Jon) is 5’6″ tall. Lil Jon’s fun-loving personality hasn’t changed much since childhood.

His parents allowed him to throw parties in the family’s basement to hone his DJ skills. The house gatherings were very popular with local teens.

His good-time anthems include favorites like “Get Low” (2002), “Snap Yo Fingers” (2006), and “Turn Down for What” (2013). The short rapper is credited with popularizing the crunk style of rap for a new generation.

Kendrick Lamar Height: 5’6″

Like a few other popular hip hop artists, Kendrick Lamar hails from Compton, California. Lamar is 5’6″ tall.

He is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and successful rappers of his generation.

His song “All the Stars” (2018) was nominated for an Academy Award. Though he didn’t win the Oscar, Lamar can comfort himself at home with his thirteen Grammy awards.

His album DAMN. won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, making it the first ever non-classical or jazz winner.

MadeinTYO Height: 5’4″

Atlanta-based hip hop artist MadeinTYO (born Malcom Jamaal Davis) is one of the shortest rappers we know of, reportedly standing at just 5’4″. The rapper’s stage name is pronounced “Made in Tokyo”.

Due to his parents’ military lifestyle, he spent most of his teen years in Japan, graduating from Nile C. Kinnick high school in Yokosuka.

Davis is best known for his singles “Uber Everywhere” (2016) and “Ned Flanders” (2018). He’s cited Pharrell, Gucci Mane, and M.I.A. as musical influences.

Big Boi Height: 5’6″

The rapper Big Boi is 5’6″. He is best known for his work alongside Andre 3000, the other half of hip hop duo Outkast. The two met at a visual and performing arts magnet school in East Point, Georgia.

Big Boi was born Antwan Andre Patton in Savannah, Georgia. His most popular tracks include Outkasts’ “Hey Ya” (2003) and “Shutterbugg” (2010). As of 2019, Big Boi has an estimated net worth of $55 Million.

Bow Wow Height: 5’7″

The artist formerly known as Lil’ Bow Wow released his first rap album at only thirteen years old. Now he’s all grown up and 5’7″ tall.

The child rapper has transitioned to the acting field, with roles in feature films like Johnson Family Vacation (2004) and  The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006).

More recently, he starred as Brody Neslon in CSI: Cyber (2016). He is currently a cast member on the reality series Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta. 

Pitbull Height: 5’7″

Miami’s favorite rapper Pitbull is reportedly 5’7″ tall. Also known as Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull has created rap, reggaeton, and pop music. 2009’s “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” was the track that launched him to mainstream popularity.

When he re-branded himself a pop singer, he had his first number one single with “Give Me Everything” (2011). The Cuban-American rapper and songwriter has a net worth of $80 Million.

DJ Khaled Height: 5’7″

The Palestinian-American hip hop artist DJ Khaled is 5’7″ tall. His 2016 Album Major Key was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Album. It featured two of his most popular singles, “I’m The One” and “Wild Thoughts”.

He is also known for his use of social media, specifically Snapchat. In 2016, he live-streamed the birth of his son, Asahd Tuck Khaled, on the platform.

Ludacris Height: 5’8″

Ludacris, born Christopher Brian Bridges, is 5’8″ tall. In the early 2000s, Ludacris helped popularize the “Dirty South” rap genre for a mainstream audience.

His most memorable tracks include “Area Codes” (2001) and “Stand Up” (2003). The Atlanta-based rapper also achieved critical success when he won a Grammy, alongside Usher and Lil Jon for “Yeah!” (2004).

More recently, Ludacris was featured on Carrie Underwood’s single “The Champion” (2018). The unlikely duo won a CMT Music Award for their collaboration.

In addition to his music career, Ludacris is a prolific actor. He’s been in feature films such as Crash (2004) and Gamer (2009). In the acting world, he’s best known for his portrayal of Tej Parker is The Fast and the Furious series.

Kanye West Height: 5’8″

Perhaps the most famous short rapper, American artist Kanye West is 5’8″ tall. He began his music career producing for other artists, including several on this list (Ludacris, T-Pain, and Lil Wayne).

Though a talented producer, he is best known for his own songs. Singles like “Gold Digger” (2005), “Stronger” (2007), and “Heartless” (2008) earned him commercial and critical success.

Outside of his hip hop career, West makes headlines with controversial statements and erratic behavior. In 2018, he opened up about his struggles with mental health, specifically with bipolar disorder.

Aside from his music career and eccentric personality, West works as a fashion designer. He has collaborated with Adidas, Louis Vuitton, and Nike. In addition, he designs his own line, Yeezy. West is a busy guy. As of 2019, he has an estimated net worth of $250 Million.

T-Pain Height: 5’8″

Born Faheem Rasheed Najm, T-Pain is reportedly 5’8″ tall. He is famous for hit singles like “Bartender” (2007) and “Can’t Believe It” (2008).

His most successful effort was 2008’s Flo Rida collaboration “Low”. T-Pain shares two Grammy Awards with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx.

Big Sean Height: 5’8″

At 5’8″, Big Sean isn’t as tall as his name implies. The west coast rapper is known for hits like “I Don’t F*** with You” (2015) and Bounce Back (2017).

Fortunately, his short stature doesn’t impede his romantic life at all. He’s been with some of the world’s most beautiful women, including actress Naya Rivera, pop singer Ariana Grande, and music artist Jhene Aiko.

In 2018, Grande famously wrote “So Cute. So Sweet. (Can still get it.)” next to a photo of Big Sean in her music video for “thank u, next“.

Ice Cube Height: 5’8″

At 5’8″ American rapper Ice Cube is just an inch below average height. He was born O’Shea Jackson Jr. in Los Angeles, CA. Ice Cube is known as one of the founders of gangster rap.

After leaving N.W.A. in 1989, Ice Cube began his successful solo career. His most popular singles include “It Was a Good Day” (1992), “Why We Thugs” (2006), and “Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It” (2008).

In addition to his rap career, Ice Cube is an accomplished screenwriter and actor. His feature film roles include Boyz in the Hood (1991), Friday (1995), and Ride Along (2014). Ice Cube’s screenwriting credits include Friday, The Players Club (1998), and Janky Promoters (2009).

Ice Cube has an estimated net worth of $160 Million.

T.I. Height: 5’8″

Atlanta-based hip hop artist T.I. was born Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. His height is 5’8″. T.I. is known for popularizing the “trap” genre of rap music, which continues trending today.

His most successful tracks include “Whatever You Like” (2008) and “Big S*** Poppin'” (2007). He’s also a record producer, and the Co-CEO of his own label imprint, Grand Hustle Records.

As of 2019, T.I.’s net worth is valued at $65 Million.

Tyga Height: 5’7″

Another Compton-born rapper, Tyga is reportedly 5’7″ tall. His recent single “Taste” (2018) peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

He’s also famous for his relationship history. He shares a son with ex-fiancee, model Blac Chyna. Additionally, he dated reality TV personality Kylie Jenner between 2014 and 2017.

Mac Miller Height: 5’7″

Born Malcolm James McCormick, the Pittsburg native was 5’7″ tall. The hip hop artist struggled with depression and substance abuse until his death in 2018. He was 26.

The white rapper’s commercially successful tracks included “Donald Trump” (2011) and “Weekend” (2015). He dated singer Ariana Grande from 2016 to May 2018, four months prior to his fatal overdose.

Grande referenced Miller in “thank u, next” singing “wish I could say “Thank you” to Malcolm/ ‘Cause he was an angel”. During his life, Miller cited Lauryn Hill, Outkast, and Beastie Boys as musical influences.

After his untimely death, The Mac Miller Circles Fund was created to provide resources to under-served youth programs. The fund focuses on the arts and community building in Miller’s honor.

Height Isn’t Everything

You can’t control your height, but that doesn’t mean being short has to hold you back from accomplishing great things.

Whether it’s in the music industry, Hollywood, the business world or sports arena, shorter men often rise above their taller counterparts.