161+ Hip Hop Trivia Facts That Will Surprise You

Ready to test your hip-hop knowledge? You might think you know everything about this popular music genre, but there’s always more to learn.

Many fans struggle to find fresh and exciting trivia to share with friends or to challenge their expertise. Get ready to impress with these surprising and little-known facts about hip-hop culture, history, and artists.

From the early days of DJing and breakdancing to the rise of rap superstars and beyond, this collection of 161+ hip-hop trivia facts will surely expand your understanding and appreciation of the genre.

Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, you’ll find something new and fascinating in this list.

Let’s dive in and explore the rich and diverse world of hip-hop!

Hip-Hop Trivia Questions & Answers

1. Who is credited with coining the term “hip-hop”?– DJ Kool Herc

2. Which rapper’s real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.?– Snoop Dogg

3. What year was the first commercial hip-hop record released?– 1979

4. Which hip-hop group is known for their hit song “Insane in the Brain”?– Cypress Hill

5. Who was the first female rapper to have a number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100?– Lauryn Hill with “Doo Wop (That Thing)” in 1998

6. Which rapper’s debut album was titled “Get Rich or Die Tryin'”?– 50 Cent

7. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in the Bronx in the 1970s?– Breakdancing

8. Which rapper is known for wearing a clock around his neck?– Flavor Flav

9. What is the real name of the rapper known as Biggie Smalls?– Christopher Wallace

10. Which hip-hop group is composed of members Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White?– A Tribe Called Quest

11. Who is the first rapper to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song?– Eminem for “Lose Yourself” from the movie 8 Mile

12. Which rapper’s real name is Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones?– Nas

13. What is the name of the record label founded by Jay-Z?– Roc-A-Fella Records

14. Which hip-hop duo is known for their hit song “Ms. Jackson”?– Outkast

15. Who is the first rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame?– Jay-Z

16. What is the name of the hip-hop collective founded by Tyler, The Creator?– Odd Future

17. Which rapper’s real name is Amethyst Amelia Kelly?– Iggy Azalea

18. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Los Angeles in the 1970s?– Locking

19. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Rapper’s Delight”?– Big Bank Hank of The Sugarhill Gang

20. Who is the first female rapper to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?– Queen Latifah

21. Which rapper’s real name is Tauheed Epps?– 2 Chainz

22. What is the name of the hip-hop collective founded by RZA, GZA, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard?– Wu-Tang Clan

23. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Gangsta’s Paradise”?– Coolio

24. Who is the first rapper to have an album go diamond (sell over 10 million copies)?– MC Hammer with “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em”

25. Which rapper’s real name is Shawn Corey Carter?– Jay-Z

26. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in New York City in the 1970s?– Popping

27. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Gin and Juice”?– Snoop Dogg

28. Who is the first rapper to win a Pulitzer Prize?– Kendrick Lamar for his album “DAMN.”

29. Which rapper’s real name is Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn?– Future

30. What is the name of the hip-hop group composed of Will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and formerly Fergie?– The Black Eyed Peas

31. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Party Up (Up in Here)”?– DMX

32. Who is the first rapper to have an album debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart?– Snoop Doggy Dogg with “Doggystyle” in 1993

33. Which rapper’s real name is Michael Sargent?– Waka Flocka Flame

34. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Brooklyn in the 1980s?– Krumping

35. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Just a Friend”?– Biz Markie

36. Who is the first rapper to have an album go platinum in its first week of release?– 2Pac with “All Eyez on Me” in 1996

37. Which rapper’s real name is Chancelor Bennett?– Chance the Rapper

38. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Fresno, California, in the 1970s?– Popping and locking

39. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Just Another Day”?– Queen Latifah

40. Who is the first rapper to have an album sell over one million copies in its first week of release?– Eminem with “The Marshall Mathers LP” in 2000

41. Which rapper’s real name is DeAndre Cortez Way?– Soulja Boy

42. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Chicago in the 1990s?– Footwork

43. Which rapper is known for his hit song “The Choice Is Yours (Revisited)”?– Black Sheep

44. Who is the first female rapper to have an album sell over one million copies?– Lauryn Hill with “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” in 1998

45. Which rapper’s real name is Radric Davis?– Gucci Mane

46. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Los Angeles in the 1990s?– Clowning

47. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See”?– Busta Rhymes

48. Who is the first rapper to have an album sell over two million copies in its first week of release?– 50 Cent with “The Massacre” in 2005

49. Which rapper’s real name is Ermias Asghedom?– Nipsey Hussle

50. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Memphis in the 1980s?– Gangsta Walking or Buckin’

    (ADD AN IMAGE OF HIP-HOP TRIVIA QUESTIONS)

51. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Me Myself and I”?– De La Soul

52. Who is the first rapper to have a number-one album in three consecutive decades?– Jay-Z (1990s, 2000s, 2010s)

53. Which rapper’s real name is Kimberly Denise Jones?– Lil’ Kim

54. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Oakland in the 1990s?– Turfing

55. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Gimme Some More”?– Busta Rhymes

56. Who is the first rapper to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album?– DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince for “Parents Just Don’t Understand” in 1989

57. Which rapper’s real name is Juaquin James Malphurs?– Waka Flocka Flame

58. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Brooklyn in the 1990s?– Flexing

59. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Can’t Touch This”?– MC Hammer

60. Who is the first rapper to be featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine?– LL Cool J in 1986

61. Which rapper’s real name is William Michael Griffin Jr.?– Rakim

62. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Chicago in the 1980s?– Juke

63. Which rapper is known for his hit song “OPP”?– Naughty by Nature

64. Who is the first rapper to have an album debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in three consecutive decades?– Jay-Z (1990s, 2000s, 2010s)

65. Which rapper’s real name is Clifford Joseph Harris Jr.?– T.I.

66. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Atlanta in the 1990s?– Crunk

67. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Tennessee”?– Arrested Development

68. Who is the first rapper to have an album sell over one million digital copies?– Eminem with “Recovery” in 2010

69. Which rapper’s real name is O’Shea Jackson Sr.?– Ice Cube

70. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in New Orleans in the 1990s?– Bounce

71. Which rapper is known for his hit song “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)”?– Pete Rock & CL Smooth

72. Who is the first rapper to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year as the lead artist?– Lauryn Hill for “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” in 1999

73. Which rapper’s real name is Todd Anthony Shaw?– Too $hort

74. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Harlem in the 1980s?– Harlem Shake

75. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Fantastic Voyage”?– Coolio

76. Who is the first rapper to have a number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 in three consecutive decades?–Diddy (1990s, 2000s, 2010s)

77. Which rapper’s real name is Curtis James Jackson III?– 50 Cent

78. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Miami in the 1980s?– Miami bass

79. Which rapper is known for his hit song “I Got 5 on It”?– Luniz

80. Who is the first rapper to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group?– DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince for “Parents Just Don’t Understand” in 1989

81. Which rapper’s real name is James Todd Smith?– LL Cool J

82. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Detroit in the 1990s?– Jit

83. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Jump Around”?– House of Pain

84. Who is the first rapper to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance?– Will Smith for “Men in Black” in 1998

85. Which rapper’s real name is Earl Simmons?– DMX

86. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Los Angeles in the 2000s?– Jerkin’

87. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Funky Cold Medina”?– Tone Lōc

88. Who is the first rapper to have an album spend 10 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 chart?– MC Hammer with “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em” in 1990

89. Which rapper’s real name is Daniel Dwayne Simmons III?– Diggy Simmons

90. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Chicago in the 2000s?– Footworking

91. Which rapper is known for his hit song “My Philosophy”?– Boogie Down Productions

92. Who is the first rapper to have an album that spent 20 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 chart?–MC Hammer with “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em” in 1990

93. Which rapper’s real name is Tariq Trotter?– Black Thought

94. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Oakland in the 1980s?– Hyphy

95. Which rapper is known for his hit song “The Power”?– Snap!

96. Who is the first rapper to have an album spend 30 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 chart?– M.C. Hammer with “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em” in 1990

97. Which rapper’s real name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr.?– Common

98. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in New York City in the 2000s?– Litefeet

99. Which rapper is known for his hit song “U Can’t Touch This”?– MC Hammer

100. Who is the first rapper to have an album spend 40 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 chart?– No rapper has achieved this feat as of 2023.

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101. Which rapper’s real name is Jermaine Lamarr Cole?– J. Cole

102. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Atlanta in the 2000s?– Snap dancing

103. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)”?– Digable Planets

104. Who is the first rapper to have an album that spent 50 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 chart?– No rapper has achieved this feat as of 2023.

105. Which rapper’s real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.?– Lil Wayne

106. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Chicago in the 2010s?– Bopping

107. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Cha Cha Cha”?– MC Lyte

108. Who is the first rapper to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance?– LL Cool J for “Mama Said Knock You Out” in 1992

109. Which rapper’s real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III?– Eminem

110. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Los Angeles in the 2010s?– Ratchet

111. Which rapper is known for his hit song “I’m Bad”?– LL Cool J

112. Who is the first rapper to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?– Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five in 2007

113. Which rapper’s real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar?– Cardi B

114. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in New York City in the 2010s?– Litefeet 2.0

115. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Here We Go (Live at the Funhouse)”?– Run-DMC

116. Who is the first female rapper to be featured on the cover of XXL magazine?– Foxy Brown in 1997

117. Which rapper’s real name is Sean John Combs?– Diddy (formerly known as Puff Daddy, P. Diddy)

118. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Chicago in the 2000s?– Footwork 2.0

119. Which rapper is known for his hit song “I Need Love”?– LL Cool J

120. Who is the first rapper to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album as a solo artist?– Eminem for “The Slim Shady LP” in 2000

121. Which rapper’s real name is Onika Tanya Maraj?– Nicki Minaj

122. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in New Orleans in the 2000s?– Sissy Bounce

123. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Night of the Living Baseheads”?– Public Enemy

124. Who is the first rapper to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song?– Eminem featuring Rihanna for “Love the Way You Lie” in 2011

125. Which rapper’s real name is Melissa Arnette Elliott?– Missy Elliott

126. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Memphis in the 2000s?– Memphis Jookin

127. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Crossover”?– EPMD

128. Who is the first rapper to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration?– Eve featuring Gwen Stefani for “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” in 2002

129. Which rapper’s real name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers?– A$AP Rocky

130. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Dallas in the 2010s?– D-Town Boogie

131. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Mama Said Knock You Out”?– LL Cool J

132. Who is the first rapper to win the BET Award for Best Female hip-hop Artist?– Nicki Minaj in 2010

133. Which rapper’s real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz?– Wiz Khalifa

134. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Atlanta in the 2010s?– Yiking

135. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Don’t Sweat the Technique”?– Eric B. & Rakim

136. Who is the first rapper to win the BET Award for Best Male Hip-hop Artist?– Kanye West in 2008

137. Which rapper’s real name is Kanye Omari West?– Kanye West

138. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Houston in the 2000s?– Screaming

139. Which rapper is known for his hit song “The Humpty Dance”?– Digital Underground

140. Who is the first rapper to win the MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video?– Arrested Development for “Tennessee” in 1992

141. Which rapper’s real name is Christopher Brian Bridges?– Ludacris

142. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Philadelphia in the 2000s?– Shabooya Roll

143. Which rapper is known for his hit song “I Wish”?– Skee-Lo

144. Who is the first rapper to win the American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist?– MC Hammer in 1991

145. Which rapper’s real name is Inga DeCarlo Fung Marchand?– Foxy Brown

146. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in St. Louis in the 2010s?– Pop, Lock & Drop It

147. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Rump Shaker”?– Wreckx-n-Effect

148. Who is the first rapper to win the Soul Train Music Award for Best Rap Album?– Heavy D & the Boyz for “Big Tyme” in 1990

149. Which rapper’s real name is Keith Farrelle Cozart?– Chief Keef

150. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Baltimore in the 2000s?– Baltimore Club

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151. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Mind Playing Tricks on Me”?– Geto Boys

152. Who is the first rapper to win the Billboard Music Award for Top Rap Artist?– 50 Cent in 2003

153. Which rapper’s real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus?– Offset (of Migos)

154. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in New Jersey in the 2010s?– Jersey Club

155. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Summertime”?– DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

156. Who is the first rapper to win the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist?– Arrested Development in 1993

157. Which rapper’s real name is Austin Richard Post?– Post Malone

158. What is the name of the hip-hop dance style that originated in Chicago in the 2010s?– Drill Dancing

159. Which rapper is known for his hit song “Have You Seen Her”?– MC Hammer

160. Who is the first rapper to win the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Hip-Hop Artist?– Nicki Minaj in 2012

161. Which rapper’s real name is Jacques Berman Webster II?– Travis Scott

Conclusion

As we’ve explored these 161+ surprising hip-hop trivia facts, it’s clear that this genre is more than just music – it’s a cultural movement that has shaped generations.

From the pioneers who laid the foundation to the modern-day artists pushing boundaries, hip-hop has always been about creativity, self-expression, and storytelling.

By delving into these fascinating facts, we gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the artists, music, and culture.

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, take pride in your knowledge and continue to explore the incredible world of hip-hop.

Share these trivia gems with others, spark meaningful conversations, and keep the passion for this groundbreaking genre alive.

hip-hop’s influence is undeniable, and its legacy will continue to inspire and innovate for future generations.