How to Come up With a Rapper Name

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You'll know your rapper name when you hear it. In the meantime, try to seek inspiration from your past and your present. Listen to other rapper names that you hear, and consider modeling yourself after another rapper that you admire. There is no right or wrong way to do this! Get creative, and pick a name that defines you. Remember that you can always change it.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Brainstorming

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  1. Your rapper name may sound fairly different depending on where you come from and what sort of rapping you do. Your name should reflect how you want to come across: dangerous, or goofy, or thoughtful, or clever. Think about your identity.
    • Consider the sorts of names that other rappers in your area use. You don't need to copy anyone else – but you might be wise to get familiar with the "scene" that you want to break into.
  2. Include the first letter of your name, or twist your name into something entirely different. Make your rapper name something that sounds like your real name, but differs enough to distinguish you. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Get creative!
    • Consider Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers. His rapper name is based on his initials: "M and M." [1]
    • Lil Wayne's real name is Dwayne Michael Carter. He just took the "D" out of Dwayne to make it Wayne! [2]
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  3. Snoop Dogg's mother was the one to bestow him with his rapper name: Snoopy (of Peanuts fame) was his favorite cartoon character growing up, and his mother started calling him after the character. When Snoop got into the rap game, he decided to use his childhood nickname to give himself a unique stage presence. [3]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Looking for Inspiration

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  1. The Internet is brimming with free word generators, and some of them are specifically designed to come up with rapper names. [4] Even if you don't go with exactly what the algorithm gives you, a generator might set you on the right track.
    • You might even be able to find rapper name "quizzes" online that tell you which sort of rapper name you should choose.
  2. Choose a name, word, or place from your childhood. Name yourself after something that is ever-present in your life. You have the chance to define your name, but you also want your name to define you – so pick something that reflects the way that you are living.
  3. Talk to friends, family, and other rappers to see if they have any ideas. The people that you see everyday are the ones who observe and know you the best – so there's a good chance that they'll at least put you on track to finding your ideal rap name.
    • Just say, "I'm trying to come up with a good rapper name. Do you have any ideas?"
    • Look for perspective on how you come across. Ask, "How do I come across when I rap?"
  4. This doesn't necessarily mean that you should call yourself "C-Diddy" if you love P-Diddy. Study the stage names of rappers that you admire, and think about why their name suits them so well. Use a similar structure or a similar lyrical device. Read about how famous rappers picked their names. [5]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Trying Out the Name

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  1. You don't have to stick to a name just because you say it out loud – especially if you're just starting out. Say your name at the beginning of a rap to see how it sounds. If you reference yourself in the flow of your rap, make sure to refer to yourself by your new rapper name. Ensure that it's catchy – something that people will remember.
    • Record yourself and listen over the tapes. If you like the way that it sounds, then keep it. If you don't like the way that it sounds, then try to come up with something else.
  2. Perhaps there are several aspects of your personality that come through when you rap. Try to stick to one "stage name" – but feel free to reference "characters" and versions of yourself when you rap. Eminem, for instance, often refers to himself as "Slim Shady" to express the rougher, meaner side of his personality. [6]
  3. If you're having trouble deciding, ask someone you trust for his or her advice. Ask a friend, a sibling, or another rapper. You don't have to take anybody's advice – but it might help you solidify your own opinion.
  4. Sometimes, the best way to form an opinion on something is to try it out. You can always change your rapper name if doesn't stick!
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Become a Rapper with this Expert Series

So, you want to become a rapper? You're going to need to learn how to write lyrics, freestyle, and more. Fortunately, we've got you covered with these expert articles.
1
Start Rapping
2
How to Write Rap Song Lyrics: Structure, Techniques, & Tips
3
Freestyle Rap
4
Become a Better Rapper
5
Become a Professional Rapper
6
Write Rap Rhymes

Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I'm new in the industry and very shy, what can I do to remove this shyness?
    Community Answer
    Talk to people, as many people as possible, especially people you don't know that well. The more you put yourself out there, the easier it becomes. Practice your rhymes with your friends and make some YouTube videos. Don't worry, everybody's shy at first.
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    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 69
  • Question
    I am only a teenager, so is "Too Young" or "2Yang" a good name?
    Kalij2020
    Community Answer
    I think they sound good! Plus you could mess around with capitalization, like "2YaNG."
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    Not Helpful 17 Helpful 97
  • Question
    My name is Naveen Dhiman. What should I use as a stage name?
    Young $lim
    Community Answer
    How about Daveen, as a combination of your last name's first letter and your first name?
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      Tips

      • Pick a name that you're sure about. If you start making a name for yourself, then you will have to stay with it for the most part. Unless, of course, you're Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Diddy or Diddy Dirty Money – or Snoop Lion.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Don't feel fake if you use a rap name generator. Many famous rappers, including Post Malone, used name generators, so you shouldn't feel bad.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • You could base your name on your real name or a childhood nickname. Just modify it to be unique. For example, Robert could become Lil Rob or D-Bug.
      • Choose a name that reflects your rap style and identity. If you do humorous raps, pick a fun name. For conscious rap, choose something deeper.
      • Ask friends and family if they have ideas for a good rapper name for you. People who know you can suggest names matching your personality.
      • Try out names by saying them in songs you record. See what feels right and gets remembered. You can always change it later.
      • Pick a name inspired by your life story, interests, or role models. What defines you? Let that guide your rapper name.
      • Using a rap name generator online might spark ideas, even if you don't go with what it gives you exactly.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about becoming a rapper, check out our in-depth interview with Greg James Blount .

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.kidzworld.com/article/460-singer-eminem-biography
      2. ↑ http://www.biography.com/people/lil-wayne-369134
      3. ↑ http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.16173/title.snoop-dogg-recalls-first-time-getting-high-origin-of-his-rap-name
      4. ↑ http://www.myrapname.com/
      5. ↑ http://mentalfloss.com/article/63314/how-12-famous-rappers-picked-their-names
      6. ↑ http://www.eminem.net/slim_shady/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To come up with a rapper name, try using your real name for inspiration. For example, the rapper Eminem used the first letters of his first and last name, Marshall Mathers, to come up with his rap name. You could also try reviving a childhood nickname to come up with something unique to you. The rapper Snoop Dogg was inspired by his mother calling him Snoop as a child after the cartoon character Snoopy. If you have a specific style of rap you’re aiming for, such as thoughtful or funny lyrics, try to relate this to the name you choose by using descriptive words like smiling or angry. Another option is to choose something that’s a big part of your life, such as your home town or previous career. If you’re still struggling to come up with a name, try using an online name generator, which will create a name using 2 or 3 random words. For tips on how to test out your rapper name, keep reading!

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      • MG Kishore

        Jun 12, 2020

        "I read this article when my rap lyrics were approved by a music director and I was about to choose a name. This ..." more
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