Have you ever wondered why so many popular rappers seem to have ‘Lil’ as a part of their stage name? As it turns out, this is more than just a simple stylistic choice, as the moniker may have some truth.
Many popular ‘Lil Insert Name Here’ rappers tend to be – well – rather little. The exception to this rule is Lil Peep (may he rest in peace), who was 6’1.”
Just for fun, here are some of the most popular rappers ranked by height – from the lil’est to the tallest.
1. 42 Dugg: Surprisingly Short at 5’1” (156 cm)
This 29-year-old rapper shocked fans when they found out he stood just above five feet tall, as he appears much taller in photos.
42 Dugg performing on stage at Story nightclub in Miami on November 26, 2021 (Credit: Seth Browarnik / Startraksphoto)
A close collaborator of Lil Baby and Yo Gotti, 42 Dugg was incarcerated at the young age of 15 and spent six years in prison. During his time there, he found himself in solitary confinement several times, where he took the time to practice his lyricism.
At 5’10,” Sean Combs (a.k.a. Puff Daddy) towers over 42 Dugg (Credit: Seth Browarnik / Startraksphoto)
After finally being released at 22, he quickly found success with his mixtapes Young and Turnt, Young and Turnt, Vol. 2, and Free Dem Boyz. 42 Dugg sometimes references his height in his lyrics, but in a way that is only truly funny if you know how tall he is.
For example, in “Been Turnt,” 42 Dugg claims he could steal a man’s girlfriend because the man has a “height on ‘em ‘bout four two.” Since 42 Dugg is a bit taller than that, perhaps he could.
2. Lil Uzi Vert: A Mere 5’4” (163 cm) in Stature
Lil Uzi Vert, who updated their pronouns to they/them in July 2022, stands at a mere five feet and four inches.
But honestly, it surprised us that Symere Bysil Woods was that tall! Perhaps it’s just because of that iconic video where the rapper proclaims it’s only their “third day out here” that skewed our perception.
Lil Uzi Vert at the 2022 BET Awards on June 26, 2022 (Credit: Xavier Collin / ABACA / INSTARimages)
Though considered short, Lil Uzi Vert has found massive success, earning both commercial and critical acclaim for their albums and mixtapes, including Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World and Luv Is Rage 2.
At 5’4,” Lil Uzi Vert looks tiny next to rapper Future (Credit: Seth Browarnik / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
Lil Uzi Vert keeps a positive, upbeat attitude and even pokes fun at their height while still proclaiming that they are very rich. In “Myron,” Lil Uzi Vert raps, “I stand on my money then my height, it turn to 9’10.”
3. Kendrick Lamar: Compact Power at 5’6” (168 cm)
Not impeded by his height in the slightest, Kendrick Lamar is one of the most critically celebrated rappers of the 21st century.
Kendrick Lamar performing at the Glastonbury Festival on June 26, 2022 (Credit: Yui Mok / PA Images / INSTARimages)
His first major-label debut album released in 2012, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, set the stage for his astronomical success to come.
Currently, Kendrick Lamar has won 17 Grammy Awards, 11 MTV Video Music Awards, 6 Billboard Music Awards, 4 American Music Awards, and even a Pulitzer Prize. With 29 wins, he is also the most awarded artist in BET Hip Hop Awards history.
Though Kendrick Lamar doesn’t place his height front and center in his lyrics, he doesn’t need to. His words speak for themselves.
4. Lil Durk: Standing Tall at 5’7” (170 cm)
Another ‘Lil’ rapper, Lil Durk, stands well under six feet at five feet and seven inches. He is well known for songs like “Viral Moment,” “3 Headed Goat,” and “Backdoor,” and for his feature on Pooh Shiesty’s “Back in Blood.”
Lil Durk making an appearance at the Givenchy show during Paris Fashion Week on June 22, 2022 (Credit: Laurent Zabulon / ABACA / INSTARimages)
Like some other rappers on this list, the rapper has had some legal troubles in the past. He draws upon these experiences in his lyrics.
Also, as in other rappers with ‘Lil’ in their stage names, we wonder if Lil Durk’s moniker was inspired by his slightly less-than-average height.
5. Eminem: A Formidable 5’8” (173 cm) Presence
Eminem is one of the most celebrated rappers of our generation. At five feet and eight inches, his stage presence makes him seem larger than he actually is.
Performing at the 2013 Reading and Leeds Festival, Eminem shows off his larger-than-life presence on stage (Credit: Adam Sorenson / Barcroft Media / Startraksphoto)
The 51-year-old rapper has been honored in Rolling Stone’s lists of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.
He has won accolades, including 15 Grammy Awards, 17 Billboard Music Awards, 8 American Music Awards, and so much more.
Eminem standing between a much taller Jake Gyllenhaal and 50 Cent at the Southpaw New York premiere on July 20, 2015 (Credit: Kristin Callahan / ACE / INFphoto)
An average American man stands at roughly five feet and nine inches. Though Eminem is slightly shorter than that, his aura and illustrious career make him seem larger than life.
6. DaBaby: Average Height, Extraordinary Controversy at 5’8” (173 cm)
Not a baby, but DaBaby, this American rapper formerly known as Baby Jesus stands at five feet and eight inches. It’s a common height among the rappers on this list.
The “Rockstar” rapper recently came under fire for his “Beatbox Freestyle” lyrics, which referenced dancer and singer Jojo Siwa as a “b*tch.”
DaBaby at the 2021 BET Awards on June 27, 2021 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Siwa’s fans quickly came to her defense, pointing out that the former Dance Moms star is actually two inches taller than DaBaby.
Fortunately, the rapper took to Twitter to clear up this misconception, claiming that he and his daughter were big fans of Siwa and the lyric was merely wordplay.
DaBaby’s semi-apology seemed sincere, but some fans still think that he’s scared of Siwa. One person tweeted, “You just afraid because she taller than you. Get off…”
7. NBA YoungBoy: More Than His 5’8” (173 cm) Frame
Also known as NBA Youngboy (or even just YoungBoy), he has quickly become one of the most streamed artists on Spotify. It’s a massive achievement for someone as young as the 24-year-old rapper.
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A frequent collaborator of the late Juice WRLD (who stood at only five feet and seven inches), NBA YoungBoy’s career has been marred by a number of legal issues that began as early as 2016.
Though NBA YoungBoy’s stage name wasn’t inspired by his height, it was inspired by his age. Perhaps he will grow into an NBA OldMan in his later years.
8. Lil Baby: Not Just Average at 5’8” (173 cm)
An amalgamation of the “Lil” and “Baby” themed rap monikers, Lil Baby stands at a solid five feet and eight inches.
Lil Baby performing at the Wireless Festival at Finsbury Park on July 9, 2022 (Credit: James Manning / PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
The 29-year-old rapper got his name from his mother, who often called him “baby.” His friends teased him incessantly by calling him “Lil Baby,” but the name just stuck.
Lil Baby is not remarkably short (and certainly not a baby at 29 years old), but with memorable hits like “Drip Too Hard” and “Yes Indeed,” he has a presence that makes him seem much taller than he is.
9. Kanye West: Larger Than Life at 5’8” (173 cm)
Kanye West feels larger than life despite standing only five feet and eight inches out of all the rappers on this list. As one of the top-selling musical artists in the world, Kanye West has won 24 Grammy Awards and a bevy of other accolades.
Kanye West at the Donda 2 Listening Party at LoanDepot Park in Miami on February 23, 2022 (Credit: Walik Goshorn / Media Punch / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
As of late, he has been in the news for more negative things than positive ones, but his expansive discography has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the music industry.
His legendary albums, “Late Registration,” “Graduation,” “808s & Heartbreak,” “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” and “Yeezus,” will leave a lasting mark in the hip-hop world for years to come.
10. Travis Scott: A Towering 5’10” (178 cm) in the Spotlight
Finally reaching the taller half of this list, Travis Scott stands five feet and ten inches. This would make him tall enough to see the crowd screaming for help at his infamously deadly Astroworld festival performance.
Travis Scott at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards on May 15, 2022 (Credit: Startraksphoto)
In recent years, the 32-year-old rapper’s personal life as Kylie Jenner’s boyfriend has overshadowed his musical career. However, despite his misgivings, Travis Scott still has an impressive discography.
11. Drake: Surprisingly Tall at 6’0” (183 cm)
Is it just us, or is it surprising that Drake is actually six feet tall? The former Degrassi star gives us serious short-guy energy (no offense).
Despite the hilarious “Drake the type of guy…” memes that clown the rapper so hard that any non-famous person could never recover, Drake still manages to be one of the most successful musical artists in the 21st century.
Drake posing with his trophies at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards press room (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
Over the years, Drake has sold over 170 million records worldwide, earning himself a record 34 Billboard Music Awards and many other accolades.
12. Post Malone: Standing Strong at 6’0” (183 cm)
28-year-old Post Malone stands at a very reasonable six feet, even when frequently performing barefoot.
Nevertheless, this quirky rapper has earned a name and a sizeable fortune for himself with hits like “White Iverson,” “Congratulations” featuring Quavo, “Sunflower” featuring Swae Lee, and “Rockstar.”
Post Malone performing at the Rolling Loud Music Festival in Miami on July 24, 2021 (Credit: INSTARimages)
Post Malone has 10 Billboard Music Awards, 9 Grammy nominations, 3 American Music Awards, and 1 MTV Video Music Award. If he continues the track he’s been going on, we’re sure Post Malone will have more awards on the horizon.
13. Tyler, the Creator: Taller Than He Seems at 6’1” (185 cm)
Tyler, the Creator is another rapper who seems much taller than he actually is, despite already standing at six feet and one inch.
The 33-year-old first found success with his 2009 and 2011 releases—“Bastard” and “Goblin,” respectively—alongside the rap collective Odd Future.
Tyler, the Creator, showcasing his sartorial sense at the Louis Vuitton show during Paris Fashion Week on January 20, 2022 (Credit: Abaca / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Though Tyler, the Creator began his career with angry, violent, horror-inspired lyrics, he has since translated this anger into more beautiful, soulful releases like “Flower Boy” and “Igor.”
Now, he has dipped his talented toes into fashion, with his clothing and lifestyle brand GOLF becoming wildly popular within the fashion and music communities. The brand has even released nail polishes and perfumes, showing the rapper’s business savvy and creativity.
14. Lil Nas X: Commanding Presence at 6’2” (188 cm)
Standing at six feet and two inches, Lil Nas X wears many hats. Some could argue that he is a pop star or a country music singer, but he seamlessly weaves hip-hop and other genres together in a skillful and successful manner.
Lil Nas X adding a stylish boost to his height in platform boots at the 2021 Variety Hitmakers event (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images / INSTARimages)
Though he first rose to notoriety with “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X has since released many other notable hits, including “Panini,” “Rodeo,” and “That’s What I Want.”
The 25-year-old rapper has made waves as the most nominated artist at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards and the first openly gay Black artist to win a Country Music Association Award.
15. Future: A Dominating 6’2” (188 cm) Figure in Rap
One of the most popular pioneers of “mumble rap,” Future stands out in a crowd for far more than his height of six feet and two inches.
This Georgia native has been a staple on hot rap playlists since 2014 and frequently collaborates with other artists like Drake, Young Thug, and Metro Boomin.
Future blending in with the décor at the Gekko Grand Opening in Miami on August 10, 2022 (Credit: Seth Browarnik / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
Despite Future’s impressive discography, which includes hits like “F*ck Up Some Commas,” “Low Life,” “Mask Off,” “Life Is Good,” and “Way Too Sexy,” he has won fewer accolades than his peers.
Future has been nominated 85 times for various prestigious awards, including the Grammy Awards, BET Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. Award Wins: Despite the many nominations, Future has only won 6 awards.
16. Jack Harlow: Impressive Stature and Talent at 6’2 ¼” (188 cm)
Jack Harlow is a 26-year-old rapper with an impressive height of six feet two and one-fourth inches. Despite his towering size, Harlow’s success in the music industry is not solely attributed to his physical stature.
After his song “Whats Poppin” went wildly viral on TikTok, earning more than 135 million plays on the platform, Harlow’s profile quickly became larger-than-life.
Jack Harlow attends Harper’s BAZAAR Global ICONS Portfolio and Bloomingdale’s 150th Anniversary at Bloomingdale’s on September 9, 2022, in New York City (Credit: John Nacion / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
His 2020 debut album, Thats What They All Say, became a smash hit and is now certified platinum. The rapper has since collaborated with a number of the rappers on this list, including DaBaby, Kanye West, and Lil Nas X.
Jack Harlow made his acting debut in the 2023 American sports comedy film White Men Can’t Jump. Basketball (and basketball) movies usually feature tall athletes, and Harlow rightfully reprises a role originally played by Woody Harrelson, who is four and one-fourth inches smaller at five feet, ten inches.
17. MGK (Machine Gun Kelly): A Towering Talent at 6’3.5″ (191.8 cm)
Born Richard Colson Baker but known by his stage name MGK (formerly Machine Gun Kelly), this towering figure hailing from Houston, Texas, is not just your average rapper.
Standing at an impressive 6 feet and 3 ½ inches, the 33-year-old American rapper commands attention on and off the stage. His height isn’t just a physical attribute; it’s a symbol of his larger-than-life presence in the industry.
MGK (Machine Gun Kelly): Towering at 6’3½”, his height mirrors his monumental influence in music and film (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
With a genre-blending style that merges alternative rock with hip hop, his chart-topping hits like “Sail,” “Till I Die,” and “Wild Boy” demonstrate the importance of musical innovation in the world of rap.
Beyond the mic, MGK’s silver screen ventures solidify his status as a multifaceted talent. His versatility and charisma are showcased in films such as the romantic drama Beyond the Lights, the techno-thriller Nerve, and the horror film Bird Box.
18. G Eazy: Reaching New Heights at 6’3.75″ (192.4 cm)
Gerald Earl Gillum, better known as G-Eazy, doesn’t just dominate the rap game with his undeniable talent – he towers over the competition, with a towering height of 6 feet and three ¾ inches.
From his early beginnings in Oakland, California, to his breakthrough with hits like “I Mean It” and “Me, Myself & I,” the 34-year-old record producer’s career trajectory has been monumental.
Rap artist G-Eazy stands tall at 6 feet 3¾ inches, towering both literally and figuratively in the music world (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
With multiple albums reaching impressive chart positions, including “These Things Happen” and “The Beautiful & Damned,” he’s proven that size isn’t the only thing that matters in hip-hop, but it sure doesn’t hurt.
Beyond his musical achievements, G-Eazy’s romantic escapades, including his relationship with Halsey, immortalized in the platinum hit “Him & I,” have added layers to his fame.
19. Waka Flocka Flame: Setting Records at 6’ 4″ (193 cm)
Waka Flocka Flame, originally Juaquin James Malphurs, isn’t just a towering presence in the rap game – he’s a force to be reckoned with, standing tall at 6 feet and 4 inches.
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, the 37-year-old burst onto the scene with hits like “O Let’s Do It” and “No Hands,” which received diamond certification by the RIAA.
Waka Flocka Flame stands noticeably taller than Tammy Rivera, with a height difference accentuating his stature of 6 feet 4 inches compared to her 5 feet 1 inch (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
His debut album “Flockaveli” soared to number six on the Billboard 200, setting the stage for his continued success with follow-up projects like “Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family.”
With a stature as towering as his record-breaking hits, Waka Flocka Flame demonstrates that size is a significant factor in hip-hop.
20. Snoop Dogg: An Iconic 6’4” (193 cm) in the Music World
At 52 years old, Snoop Dogg remains one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. He is also one of the tallest – standing at an impressive height of six feet and four inches.
Snoop Dogg towering over everyone at the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards on June 5, 2022 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
The Californian rapper infuses beach culture and his love for marijuana into each of his projects. He has become a popular public figure with many demographics, even listing homemaker Martha Stewart as a close friend.
Throughout his illustrious career, Snoop Dogg has towered over his peers both in terms of height and success. He has been nominated for an astounding 98 awards, winning 27 of them.
21. 2 Chainz: Reaching Towering Achievements at 6′ 4.25″ (193.7 cm)
Hailing from College Park, Georgia, 2 Chainz, born Tauheed K. Epps, stands as a titan of the industry, captivating audiences with hits like “Duffle Bag Boy,” towering at 6 feet and four ¼ inches.
The 46-year-old American rapper rose to fame as one-half of the duo Playaz Circle before carving out his solo career. For fans of Atlanta hip-hop and beyond, 2 Chainz stands tall as an icon of the genre.
2 Chainz, standing a towering 6 feet 4¼ inches, matches his impressive stature with his monumental success in the hip-hop industry (Credit: Brandi Benton / Startraksphoto)
An impressive stature matches his towering achievements, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance for his feature on Chance the Rapper’s “No Problem.”
By teaming up with hip-hop heavyweights such as Lil Wayne and Drake, 2 Chainz has demonstrated that success in hip-hop has limitless possibilities. He has also extended his influence beyond his musical achievements, gracing screens as the host of Vice TV’s “Most Expensivest.”
22. Dave East: Dominating Music and Movies at 6’ 4.75″ (194.9 cm)
David Lawrence Brewster Jr., known as Dave East, doesn’t just stand tall at 6 feet and four ¾ inches – he towers over both the rap game and Hollywood.
Discovered and signed by rap legend Nas with his label Mass Appeal Records, the 35-year-old American rapper’s ascent to fame has been meteoric since his breakthrough mixtape “Black Rose” caught the industry’s attention.
Dave East stands out not only for his height of 6 feet 4¾ inches but also for his towering presence in both the rap industry and Hollywood (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Beyond music, Dave East has successfully ventured into acting, with notable roles in films like the Netflix movie Beats and his portrayal of Method Man in the Hulu series Wu-Tang: An American Saga highlighting his acting chops.
Dave East continues to raise the bar through his songs and movie roles, proving that size and skill go hand in hand in entertainment.
23. Kia Shine: Ruling the Rap Game at 6′ 5″ (195 cm)
Professionally known as Kia Shine, Nakia Shine Coleman isn’t just a towering figure at 6 feet and 5 inches; he’s a giant in the rap game, hailing from Memphis, Tennessee.
With his breakout single “Krispy” leading his debut album “Due Season,” the 49-year-old rapper and songwriter has impacted the music scene.
Kia Shine towers at 6 feet 5 inches, his impressive height mirroring his significant impact and accolades in the rap industry (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
As co-CEO of Rap Hustlaz, alongside rapper Jack Frost, and collaborations with heavyweights like Mike Jones, Nelly, and Jim Jones showcase his influence and versatility.
Despite not being the most mainstream name, his towering height is matched only by his towering achievements in hip-hop. His accolades speak volumes, including a Grammy nomination and multiple BMI awards, earned in part for his work on Drake’s “Best I Ever Had.”
24. Yung Gravy: Towering at 6’6” (198 cm) with Unique Charm
Although Yung Gravy isn’t considered to be the crème-de-la-crème of rap (considering the success of some of the rappers on this list), we had to include him simply because he is absolutely massive at a height of six feet and six inches.
Yung Gravy’s music is smooth and often features satirical, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, as well as samples from classic songs.
Yung Gravy with his girlfriend, Addison Rae’s mom Sheri Nicole Easterling, at the 2022 MTV VMAs at Prudential Center on August 28, 2022, in Newark, New Jersey (Credit: John Nacion / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
Currently, the 28-year-old rapper has found a lot of success on the video-sharing app TikTok, where he has established himself as a lover of MILFs. You can see many videos of fans tagging Yung Gravy in videos of their hot moms.
He surprised everyone when he showed up with Addison Rae‘s mom Sheri Nicole Easterling on the VMAs red carpet. She is 16 years older than him.
“I’m from the furthest north it gets, she’s from the furthest south it gets,” Yung Gravy said of meeting Easterling online. “I’m into MILFs and she’s kind of the queen of MILFs, so I figured it was just a perfect match.”
Yung Gravy towers over his much shorter and older girlfriend, Sheri Nicole Easterling (Credit: John Nacion / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
“They’re more experienced. They are an under-serviced community. I’d like to say and they deserve more attention, so I thought that’d be the one,” he told ET about his preference for older women.
“And I’ve noticed that people really have started giving MILFs more attention since my music dropped.”
At least we know that if his career doesn’t take off, he can live a long and fruitful life as someone’s stepfather.