Move the Crowd: Raps' Top Hype Men

“The District” prides himself on his adlib capabilities when his favorite songs are in rotation. I must admit, he can play hype man with the best of them. I don’t know if he can get it rockin’ like the crowd in the picture above, but this got me to thinking...Who are the best? Take a look at my list of top hype men in rap.

Spliff Star


Did you know that Spliff Star was once an artist on Flipmode Records? He turned in his dreams of a successful solo career and has been rocking the mic alongside Busta Rhymes since 1996.

Memphis Bleek


Sure he had a few solo albums, but let’s be serious. The only time you have seen Memphis Bleek on stage in the 2000’s has been to help out childhood pal Jay-Z. He is one of the few hype men however, who can say that he had number one hits of his own.

Diddy


Find me a Badboy track that doesn’t have Diddy’s signature adlibs in the background. He makes sure you know what record label you’re listening to. Whether he’s hyping up Peach Ciroc in the club or one of hip-hop's top artist on stage, Diddy is one of the best. You can’t even imagine a Biggie song like “Big Poppa” without him on the track.

Flavor Flav


The OG of hype men is more than just a reality TV star who wears obnoxiously large clocks around his neck. His stage presence complimented Chuck D’s militant lyrics in an unusual pairing, and made Public Enemy a legendary rap group.

Who’s Your Favorite?


I’ve told you who I think are the best. Who do you think does the best job of adding something extra to a song? Is there anyone that I missed? Is Diddy overrated? Feel free to let me know in the comments section.