Brian Josephs
Happy Birthday, Proof!
Oct. 2 is the day we celebrate the birthday of a deceased great. This time, it's Detroit's Proof, one of the best lyricists to come out of the city and one of Eminem's closest friends. He would've been 42 years old today.
Happy Birthday, Jeezy!
The patron saint of the hood and the hustle celebrates his birthday today (Sept. 28). His name is Jeezy and he turns 38 years old.
Happy Birthday, Christina Milian!
Another one of the aughts' pop stars celebrates her birthday today (Sept. 26). This time, it's Christina Milian, who turns 34 years old.
Happy Birthday, T.I.!
T.I., better known as Tip these days, has still maintained his OG status through his mid-30s, a prison sentence and a name change. The rapper formerly known as T.I. turns 35 years old today (Sept. 25).
Happy Birthday, Mystikal!
Mystikal, the NOLA rapper famous for "Shake It Fast," turns 45 years old today (Sept. 22).
Happy Birthday, Red Cafe!
Red Cafe has long been one of the underground MCs who reps Brooklyn, N.Y., to the fullest. Born Jermaine Denny, Red Cafe turns 39 years old today (Sept. 19).
Happy Birthday, Xzibit!
Today (Sept. 18) is X to the Z's special day. Xzibit, born Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, turns 41 years old.
Happy Birthday, Lord Jamar!
Lord Jamar, a member of the great New York-based rap group Brand Nubian, turns 47 years old today (Sept. 17).
Happy Birthday, Flo Rida!
Flo Rida is one of the most derided working rappers. To some, he's sold out the art form for money and doesn't make "real" music. Say what you will, but the man makes hits. Flo Rida, from Florida, turns 36 years old today (Sept. 16).
Happy Birthday, CyHi the Prynce
Although there's really about four G.O.O.D. Music artists relevant in the mainstream (Big Sean, Pusha T, John Legend and Kanye West himself), the label's list of current and former artists runs deep. CyHi the Prince is one of the rappers who once proudly worked under the label's banner. Born Cydel Young, CyHi turns 31 years old (Sept. 15).