NEW YORK, July 17, 2025 — Many of music’s biggest stars, celebrated for their ties to cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, or New York, hail from surprisingly different — and sometimes distant — places. From Tupac Shakur’s East Harlem birthplace to Nicki Minaj’s Trinidadian roots, these artists’ origins often diverge from their fan-touted hometowns.
Discover the unexpected birthplaces of 13 popular Hip Hop and R&B artists.
- Many well-known Hip Hop and R&B artists were not born in the cities they are most associated with.
- Artists like Tupac Shakur and Nicki Minaj have international or distant birthplaces that contrast with their celebrated careers.
- This list explores 13 artists whose origins may surprise fans.
Unexpected Origins in Music
Fans often connect artists to the cities that shaped their careers. However, a closer look reveals that many beloved Hip Hop and R&B musicians were born far from their adopted musical homes, spanning continents and cultures.
Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur, a symbol of West Coast rap, was actually born in East Harlem, New York. His early years included studies at the Baltimore School for the Arts before his influential move to California.
Pusha T
While widely associated with Virginia Beach, Pusha T was born in the Bronx, New York. His family’s relocation south occurred when he was young, but his New York origins connect him to Hip Hop’s foundational scene.
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj helped define Queens, New York’s rap identity, but she was born in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago. She moved to the United States as a child and frequently references her island heritage in her music.
The Weeknd
The Weeknd, known for his global sound, was born in Toronto, Canada, to Ethiopian immigrant parents. His career gained significant traction in the U.S., though his birthplace is distinct from his musical rise.
J. Cole
J. Cole is strongly associated with Fayetteville, North Carolina, but he was born in Frankfurt, West Germany, on a U.S. military base. His family later moved to North Carolina, where his music career began.
Ella Mai
The “Boo’d Up” singer Ella Mai, often linked to Los Angeles, was born in London, England. She moved to Queens, New York, at age 12, where she faced bullying for her accent before eventually returning to the U.K. after graduating high school.
Latto
Latto proudly represents Clayton County, Georgia, but her birthplace is Columbus, Ohio. Her family moved to Georgia when she was a child, significantly influencing her sound and identity.
Slick Rick
Hip Hop storyteller Slick Rick was born in London, England. He moved to the Bronx, New York, as a child, where he later rose to prominence during rap’s golden age.
SZA
While associated with New Jersey and California’s TDE, SZA was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Her Midwestern beginnings are a significant, though often less highlighted, part of her musical journey.
21 Savage
21 Savage’s distinctive Atlanta sound is globally recognized, yet he was born in London, England. His U.K. citizenship came to public attention in 2019 following an ICE detention regarding visa issues.
Lizzo
Lizzo, who proudly reps Houston and found her stride in Minneapolis, was born in Detroit. The Grammy winner’s Motor City origins are often overlooked, despite her formative years in Houston and later artistic development in Minneapolis.
French Montana
French Montana is a proud representative of the Bronx, but he was born in Casablanca, Morocco. He immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager, learning English by watching rap videos, which heavily influenced his musical career.
6LACK
6LACK’s sound is closely tied to Atlanta’s alternative R&B scene, but he was born in Baltimore, Maryland. His family moved to Atlanta when he was young, where he cultivated his signature melodic style.
These artists demonstrate that while geography shapes many stories, passion and talent can transcend birthplace, proving that in Hip Hop and R&B, it’s often about where you take your music.
