Hip hop has boasted some of the most impressive success stories when it comes to emcees making their dreams come true. From Cardi B to Jay Z, here are some of our favorite rappers who have come from modest beginnings to become some of the world’s biggest stars.

 

Jay-Z

The world knows Jay Z’s story so well it’s like a fable: a drug dealer from Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects rhymes so well that he raps himself into an entirely new career—and becomes hip hop’s first billionaire.

 

Cardi B

The proud Bronx native never shied away from being a stripper then parlaying her charismatic personality into a stint on Love & Hip Hop. Now, she’s one of rap’s biggest female voices and last year her debut album, “Invasion of Privacy” was the first one in history to have all of its songs certified platinum or higher.

 

50 Cent

On his debut album, “Get Rich Or Die Tryin,’” 50 Cent talked about his drug dealing past and a lifestyle so dangerous it led him to being shot nine times. Now, the mogul is an actor, television producer and businessman.

 

Big Sean

Big Sean famously rapped in front of his mentor Kanye West outside of a Detroit radio history in 2005. West would up signing the rapper to G.O.O.D. Music/ Def Jam—and the rest would be history.

 

Diddy

Big Sean famously rapped in front of his mentor Kanye West outside of a Detroit radio history in 2005. West would up signing the rapper to G.O.O.D. Music/ Def Jam—and the rest would be history.