For one of his most critically acclaimed LPs, "Makaveli," Pac took on a new identity borrowed from Italian philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli.
Jim Jones
While Jimmy didn’t take his name from anyone in particular, some of his foes have taken him to task for consciously taking Jim Jones as a stage name. Jim Jones was the founder of the Peoples Temple, an organization responsible for one of the largest mass suicides in history.
Irv Gotti
Born Irv Lorenzo, this producer took on the last name of legendary mafia boss, John Gotti.
Gotti
One half of Rockland (R. Kelly’s label) act Boo & Gotti, this spitter also took on John Gotti’s last name.
Yo Gotti
Add the Memphis rapper to the list of artists who have added the Gotti name to their monikers.
Noreaga
Nore got his name from Panamanian military dictator Manuel Noriega.
Capone
The Queens MC took his name from legendary Chicago (by way of Brooklyn) gangster Al Capon
Cassidy
The MC born, Barry Adrian Reese is the latest in a long line of famous Cassidys. The name was first made famous by Butch Cassidy, a legendary train and bank robber in the 1900s.
50 Cent
Fif got his moniker from a Brooklyn stick-up kid who allegedly robbed rappers like LL Cool J and Rakim back in the ‘80s.
Nipsey Hussle
The young Cali MC put his own spin on late great comedian Nipsey Russell's name.
Sporty Thievz
Taking pride in the group’s feel for spitting cinematic rhymes, one third of Sporty Thievz branded himself Marlon Brando after the Oscar-winning actor.
Nas
Shifting from his illmatic persona for "It Was Written," Nas dubbed himself Escobar after notorious Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar.
Styles P
The P actually stands for 'Pinero', a combination of Styles’ two favorite actors, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.
Rick Ross
William Roberts took his rap name from reputed Los Angeles drug trafficker Freeway Ricky Ross. Ross was sentenced to life in prison back in 1996, but his time was reduced and he was released last September. Ross is now suing the rapper for stealing his name.
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