12 Cool Rappers Born with Lame Names

It’s no wonder many rising rap stars take a stage name when they hit the big time. When you hear these rappers’ real names, you won’t be surprised why they chose a hipper moniker to go by. From Herb to Marshall, these singers probably took a beating on the playground and on the streets of their ‘hood. Sorry, mama, but some of these names are too lame for fame.

1. Tupac Shakur

Everyone has heard of Tupac, one of the greatest names in ’90s rap, and knows of his untimely demise. What people don’t know is that his real name was Lesane Parish Crooks. Crooks might have had some street cred, but Lesane, not so much. Growing up with that name was probably tough in his East Harlem neighborhood, so it’s not surprising he decided to invent something different for his stage persona. He chose to rechristen himself with the name of an 18th-century Peruvian revolutionary. The name’s even better when abbreviated to 2Pac.