Have you ever wondered how tall your favorite rapper is? Plenty of hip-hop stars are on the short side. Here is a list of short rappers who made it big.
When you watch your favorite rapper in concert or on TV, they are larger than life, commanding the stage. However, if you ever meet them up close in person, you might be surprised that they might be of modest height. After all, height isn’t a mark of the lyrical genius of short rappers.
Are you curious about which famous rappers belong to the modest-height community? These mainstream superstars certainly don’t let their stature hold them back.
From Big Boi to Tyga, these prolific 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.
Here’s the Modest Man’s list of rappers whose talent transcends their physical appearance.
The Short List of the Shortest Rappers
If you don’t have much time on your hands, we’ve compiled this quick list of rappers who fall at or under the 5’8” mark. You can organize this list in ascending or descending order based on name or height. After you check out the list, be sure to read a bit more about each hip-hop artist below.
| Name | Height |
|---|---|
| Eazy-E | 5'3" |
| Eminem | 5'8" |
| Lil Wayne | 5'5" |
| Lil Jon | 5'6" |
| Kendrick Lamar | 5'6" |
| MadeinTYO | 5'4" |
| Big Boi | 5'6" |
| Bow Wow | 5'7" |
| Pitbull | 5'7" |
| DJ Khaled | 5'7" |
| Ludacris | 5'8" |
| Kanye West | 5'8" |
| T-Pain | 5'8" |
| Big Sean | 5'8" |
| Ice Cube | 5'8" |
| T.I. | 5'8" |
| Tyga | 5'7" |
| Mac Miller | 5'7" |
| Too $hort | 5’7” |
| Ja Rule | 5’6” |
| Jermaine Dupri | 5’4” |
| Lil Uzi Vert | 5’4” |
| Nelly | 5’8” |
Read on for more detailed info about each artist.
Short Rappers: Get To Know More About Them
Do you want to learn more about your favorite short rapper? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Now that you know where they land on the height chart, here’s a little more information about your favored lyricists.
1. Big Boi Height: 5’6”
View this post on Instagram
Big Boi is a rapper who is 5’6”. He is best known for his work alongside Andre 3000, the other half of the 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 2024, Big Boi has an estimated net worth of $55 Million.
2. Big Sean Height: 5’8”
View this post on Instagram
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 and pop singer Ariana Grande. He is currently partnered with Jhene Aiko, with whom he shares a son.
3. Bow Wow Height: 5’7”
Shad Moss is the artist formerly known as Lil’ Bow Wow, now just Bow Wow. He released his first rap album at only thirteen years old; now, he’s all grown up and 5’7″ tall.
In 2016, Bow Wow announced he was retiring from rapping but would release one more album. His last album is yet to be released.
The child rapper has transitioned to the acting field, with roles in feature films like Johnson Family Vacation (2004) and CSI: Cyber (2016). Most recently, you can find him in F9: The Fast Saga, as well as a handful of made-for-television movies.
4. DJ Khaled Height: 5’7”
View this post on Instagram
The Palestinian-American hip-hop artist DJ Khaled is 5’7″ tall. He has 133 music award nominations and 20 wins, including one Grammy and one American Music Award.
Khaled is more than just a rapper. He’s also a skilled record producer, author, music record label owner, and actor. He is also involved in philanthropic causes and supports organizations making strides in AIDs, tuberculosis, and malaria care and awareness.
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.
5. Eazy-E Height: 5’3
View this post on Instagram
Born as Eric Lynn Wright, at only 5 ‘3″, this West Coast rapper had an outsized influence on the world of hip hop. To this day, he is called “The Godfather of Gangsta Rap,” he’s also the shortest rapper to grace this list.
After a short-lived solo career, 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.
Straight Outta Compton is still regarded as one of the greatest and most influential albums of all time. In 2017, the Library of Congress selected it for preservation because of 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.
6. Eminem Height: 5’8”
View this post on Instagram
The blonde rapper is 5’8″. Eminem (aka Marshall Mathers) is an inch below average American male height.
With his complex rhyme schemes and humorous lyrics, he’s cemented his place as one of the most successful hip-hop artists of all time.
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 2024, Eminem has an estimated net worth of $250 million.
7. Ice Cube Height: 5’8”
View this post on Instagram
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 (1995), The Players Club (1998), and Janky Promoters (2009).
Ice Cube is an avid sports fan and a well-known supporter of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers. He’s also a huge fan of the Las Vegas Raiders. In 2017, Ice Cube launched the Big3, a 3-on-3 basketball league.
As of 2024, Ice Cube has an estimated net worth of $160 Million.
8. Ja Rule Height: 5’6”
View this post on Instagram
Ja Rule, born Jeffrey Bruce Atkins Sr., made waves in the hip-hop scene in the 2000s. His knack for blending gangsta rap with pop resonated well for fans of both music genres. As a modest man at 5’6”, he has sold over 30 million records across the globe. Some of his most popular songs include “Always on Time” featuring Ashanti, “Put It on Me,” and “Livin’ It Up.”
Ja Rule made a transition to acting in 2001. Likely, you’ve seen him in films such as Scary Movie 3, Assault on Precinct 13, and the original Fast and the Furious.
9. Jermaine Dupri Height: 5’4”
View this post on Instagram
Jermaine Dupri may be one of the shortest rappers on this list at 5’4”, but he is arguably one of the most talented. He was raised in music as the son of Columbia Records executive Michael Mauldin.
He discovered the duo Kris Kross and helped to write and produce their most successful song, “Jump.”
Aside from record producing, he’s also a rapper, songwriter, and record executive. He’s also highly rewarded. He’s award-winning with a few Grammy awards under his belt and countless other nominations.
10. Kanye West Height: 5’8”
View this post on Instagram
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.
With a staggering 24 Grammy wins, he shares the title of most Grammys won by a rapper with Jay-Z.
Aside from his music career and eccentric personality, West is a fashion designer. He has collaborated with Adidas, Louis Vuitton, and Nike and designs his own line, Yeezy. West is a busy guy. As of 2024, he has an estimated net worth of $400 Million.
11. Kendrick Lamar Height: 5’6”
View this post on Instagram
Like a few other popular hip-hop artists, Kendrick Lamar is from Compton, California, and is 5’6″ tall.
He is widely regarded as one of the most skilled, influential, and successful rappers of his generation. His album DAMN. won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, making it the first ever non-classical or jazz winner.
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 seventeen Grammy awards. Additionally, when Rolling Stones revised their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, they included three of his works.
12. 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.
13. Lil Uzi Vert Height: 5’4”
View this post on Instagram
Lil Uzi Vert certainly doesn’t have the tenure some of the other artists on this list have but they have certainly made their mark. Their style of rap is considered avant-garde and labeled emo-rap or punk rap.
Not surprisingly, their musical influences are broad. Lil Uzi Vert grew up listening to Wiz Khalifa, the Ying Yang Twins, Marilyn Manson, Paramore, and more.
Don’t let Lil Uzi Vert’s 5’4” stature fool you. They have produced 3 studio albums, 15 music videos, and more than 50 singles. Additionally, each of these 3 albums reached platinum status.
In December 2023, Lil Uzi Vert announced that they were retiring from music to focus on designing women’s fashion.
14. Lil Wayne Height: 5’5”
View this post on Instagram
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. However, since then, he’s a few new albums, including Funeral and his first greatest hits album, I Am Music.
15: Ludacris Height: 5’8”
View this post on Instagram
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 in The Fast and the Furious series.
16. Mac Miller Height: 5’7”
View this post on Instagram
Born Malcolm James McCormick, the Pittsburg native was 5’7″ tall. The hip hop artist struggled with depression and substance abuse until he died 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.
17. MadeinTYO Height: 5’4”
View this post on Instagram
Atlanta-based hip hop artist MadeinTYO (born Malcom Jamaal Davis) is another one of the shortest rappers on this list, 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.
18. Nelly Height: 5’8”
View this post on Instagram
Born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. in Austin, TX, Nelly stands at the taller end of the modest man spectrum at 5’8”. He is a well known rapper, singer, and actor from the Y2K era.
In an era of West Coast vs East Coast rap, Nelly bucked the trend as a rapper from the Midwest.
His roots are evident in his music, which features a country twang – Take “Country Grammar” for example. Or, most recently his collaboration with Florida Georgia Line on the song “Lil Bit.”
Like other short hip-hop artists on this list, Nelly crossed from music to film with a handful of movies. He starred in The Longest Yard and appeared in CSI:NY and the reboot of 90210.
Nelly is an award winning artist with three Grammys and nine Billboard Music Awards.
19. Pitbull Height: 5’7”
View this post on Instagram
Miami’s favorite rapper, Pitbull, is reportedly 5’7″ tall. Also known as Mr. Worldwide or Mr. 305, 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). Pitbull also is co-owner of the NASCAR team, Trackhouse Racing and an investor in the Cilantro Taco Grill chain.
The Cuban-American rapper and songwriter has a net worth of $100 Million as of 2024.
20. T-Pain Height: 5’8”
View this post on Instagram
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).
T-Pain popularized the creative use of auto-tune to give vocals an electronic-style sound.
His most successful effort was 2008’s Flo Rida collaboration “Low.” T-Pain shares two Grammy Awards with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx and was nominated for various other awards.
21. T.I. Height: 5’8”
View this post on Instagram
Atlanta-based hip hop artist T.I. (also known as TIP) 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 to trend 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. T.I. holds three Grammys and over 30 music award nominations.
He has also branched out to film and has penned two novels.
22. Too Short Height: 5’7”
View this post on Instagram
Standing at 5’7”, Too Short (born Todd Anthony Shaw) is a pioneer of West Coast rap. He’s an “old school” rapper as he bagan recoding in the 1980s.
His recordings express social and political issues, and he typically raps about street survival, drug culture, and pimping.
Surprisingly, Too Short has never won a major award like a Grammy. However, his contributions to hip-hop are undeniable.
In addition to his musical offerings, he gives back to his community as a mentor at Youth UpRising, supporting at-risk youths.
23. Tyga Height: 5’7”
View this post on Instagram
Another Compton-born rapper, Tyga (Michael Ray Nguyen-Stevenson), is reportedly 5’7″ tall. His stage name is a backronym for Thank You God Always.
He has several chart topping singles, including “Taste,” “Rack City,” and “Hot Girl Summer.”
Aside from music, he’s co-owner of the fashion line Last Kings, which he shares with his cousin, Demetrice Jackson.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Short Rappers
We’ve covered the most popular rappers, but you may still have questions. In case you do, here are the most common queries on the topic of rappers of modest height.
Who is the tallest rapper alive?
As of 2024, the tallest rapper is Lil Wop (Louis McPherson), who is 6’8”. Other tall mainstream rappers include Snoop Dogg (6’4”), Wiz Khalifa (6’4”) and 2 Chainz (6’5”).
Who is the shortest rapper now?
One of the shortest rappers living hit the 5’4” benchmark, including MadeinTYO.
What Rapper is 5’8”?
Many rappers are 5’8”, including Eminem, Ludacris, Kanye West, T-Pain, Big Sean and others.
Wrapping up the Short Rappers List: Height Isn’t Everything
These short rappers are proof that you can’t control your height. But that doesn’t mean being short has to hold you back from accomplishing great things. This list features many award winners, artists turned actors, and men who make a difference in their communities.
Whether it’s in the music industry, Hollywood, the business world, or the sports arena, shorter men often rise above their taller counterparts.
Are there any other hip hop artists you want to see on this list? Did anyone’s height surprise you? Let us know in the comments below.
How is Jermaine Dupri not on this list???
Where in the @%#$%(! is Lil Wayne
Wheres kamala?
That picture is kendrick sampson not kendrick lamar and big boi aint even on hey yah
where tf my boi x?
I’d hate to correct you all, but none of you have not seen Little Women Atlanta, as I do not see any of the rappers on that show, on your list, and if you look into it, there are some fantastic rappers that have and still are on that show, female and male. To top it off their all shorter than the shortest one on your list. It really would have brought some great attention to these amazing rappers, but I guess you don’t think outside the box.
I can’t believe there was no mention of the legend that was Bushwick Bill of the Geto Boys
How you make a short list without Too Short?
Amen!
Do your thing little short guys.
Masta Chi is pretty sure he’s like 5”2 Asian cat
damn what about like tory lanes
what about lil Uzi hes short af
you missed out bushwick bill, the shortest rapper ever
I’ve got a relatively niche question about gloves and contrast. Assuming that I have a light complexion and tend to wear dark jackets, should I wear lighter or darker gloves? I’ve heard that roughly matching your shoes with your pants has an elongating effect, and I’d imagine that gloves might do something similar with your arms. At the same time, though, could it perhaps visually extend your sleeves instead, giving the impression that they’re too long?
This is an excellent question for the private Facebook group 😉
https://www.facebook.com/groups/modestmen/