Written by Lauren Schwartzberg (@laurschwar)
RELATED: Pictures of Rapper's Mothers
RELATED: Pictures of Rapper's Fathers
Written by Lauren Schwartzberg (@laurschwar)
RELATED: Pictures of Rapper's Mothers
RELATED: Pictures of Rapper's Fathers
Chance the Rapper
Mother's name and occupation: Lisa Bennet - Housing Liaison at Illinois Attorney General's Office
Father's name and occupation: Ken Bennett - Regional Representative for the US Secretary of Labor
The Bennett's are employed to improve Chicago from all angles. Lisa covers housing as a Liaison for the city's Attorney General, while Ken supports the workingman as regional representative of the U.S. Secretary of Labor. With a family already deep in the bureaucracy, maybe that's why Chance took to the streets to effect change. Now everything's good.
Kanye West
Mother's name and occupation: Donda West - Professor at Chicago State University
Father's name and occupation: Ray West - Christian Counselor
Alliteration, allusion, and complex rhyme schemes are all in Kanye's blood. He grew up learning the basics from his mother Dr. Donda West. Dr. West was the Chair of the English Department at Chicago State University before she became 'Ye's manager (Sadly, she passed away in 2008).
Meanwhile, what about Kanye's natural ability to dominate the media? Maybe that comes from his dad Ray West who was one of the first black photojournalists at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution before he became a Christian Counselor. Maybe he preaches the gospel of Yeezus now?
Earl Sweatshirt
Mother's name and occupation: Cheryl Harris - Professor at University of California Los Angeles
Father's name and occupation: Keorapetse Kgositsile - Poet
The story for Earl is strikingly similar to Kanye's story. His mom Cheryl Harris is a Law Professor at UCLA specializing in civil rights law. Meanwhile, his dad Keorapetse Kgositsile is a poet and South African political activist. While his father was not a part of his life growing up, it seems like Earl was destined for greatness.
Drake
Mother's name and occupation: Sandi Graham - Teacher
Father's name and occupation: Dennis Graham - Musician
What happens when a schoolteacher makes a baby with the drummer for Jerry Lee Lewis? Drake! His parents divorced when he was five and the former Degrassi star grew up in Canada with his mother. However, he still stayed in touch with his father who lived in Memphis.
Nicki Minaj
Mother's name and occupation: Carol Maraj - Accounting Clerk/Foreign Exchange Teller/Gospel Singer.
Father's name and occupation: Robert Maraj - Employee of American Express
It's no wonder that Nicki Minaj is an expert at playing different roles. Her mom Carol lived two lives as an accounting clerk and a foreign exchange teller before moving on to her third as a professional Gospel singer. Her dad, Robert (who allegedly burned down the family house) worked for American Express.
Pharrell Williams
Mother's name and occupation: Carolyn Williams - Teacher
Father's name and occupation: Pharaoh Williams - Handyman
Before the Neptunes, BBC, and blond hair, Pharrell lived the simple life with Carolyn and Pharoah Williams. Although neither taught him futuristic beat construction, Carolyn, a teacher (of course) helped out with schoolwork, while Pharoah, a handyman, probably taught young P a thing or two about house repairs. But none of that matters because yo, his dad's name was Pharoah! How awesome is that?
Rick Ross
Mother's name and occupation: Tommie Roberts - Nurse
With recent health issues, Rozay might have to move back in with his mom Tommie Roberts if he's not too careful. She's a nurse. But hey, if this rap thing doesn't work out, Rozay can always go back to his old job.
King L
Mother's name and occupation: Melanie Johnson - Teacher
According to King L's manager Larro, L's mother, Melanie Johnson, was a day care teacher. So while she was busy taking care of the kiddies at day care, King L was on the streets learning the drill.
Andre 3000
Mother's name and occupation: Sharon Benjamin - Realtor
Father's name and occupation: Lawrence Benjamin - Collection Agent
Before he teamed up with Big Boi to form OutKast and really put Atlanta hip-hop on the map, Andre's mom Sharon was a realtor and his dad Lawrence was a collection agent. Clearly, you don't have to follow the family business when you can rap as well as Andre. Just don't tell your parents you heard it from us.
Mac Miller
Mother's name and occupation: Karen Meyers - Photographer
Father's name and occupation: Architect - Mark McCormick
Photographer Karen Meyers and architect Mark McCormick raised a nice Jewish boy from Pittsburgh. He grew up and became Mac Miller. Good for him.