100+ Rap Trivia Questions and Answers to Test Your Knowledge

I’m a huge fan of rap music, and I’ve always found that rap trivia is one of the best ways to settle debates at parties or just show off your hip-hop knowledge. A few months ago, I organized a music night with friends, and our rap trivia section was the highlight of the evening – even my friend who swore he knew “everything about Tupac” was surprised by a few questions!

In this article, I’ve put together over 100 rap trivia questions covering everything from old-school pioneers to today’s chart-toppers. Whether you’re looking to challenge your friends, spice up a party, or just test your own knowledge, these questions will definitely get the conversation flowing.

Old School Rap Trivia (1970s-1980s)

Let’s take it back to where it all began! The foundations of hip-hop were laid in these crucial decades, with pioneers creating the blueprint for everything that followed. My dad introduced me to these classics on vinyl, and I’ve been hooked ever since. These questions cover the trailblazers who started it all.

Who is often credited as the “Godfather of Hip Hop”? Answer: DJ Kool Herc
What 1979 song by the Sugarhill Gang is widely considered the first commercially successful rap song? Answer: “Rapper’s Delight”
What was Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s groundbreaking 1982 song about inner-city life? Answer: “The Message”

Which early female rapper was known as the “Queen of Rap” and released “Ruffneck” in 1993? Answer: MC Lyte
What group did Ice Cube originally belong to before going solo? Answer: N.W.A.
Which rap group featured Run, D.M.C., and Jam Master Jay? Answer: Run-D.M.C.

What was the name of the first rap album to hit #1 on the Billboard 200? Answer: “Licensed to Ill” by Beastie Boys
Which pioneering female rap group released “Push It” in 1987? Answer: Salt-N-Pepa
What legendary rap group included Flavor Flav and Chuck D? Answer: Public Enemy

Who was the first solo female rapper to have a platinum-selling album? Answer: MC Lyte
Which 1988 album by N.W.A. sparked massive controversy for its explicit content? Answer: “Straight Outta Compton”
What early rap hit by Run-D.M.C. was a cover of an Aerosmith song? Answer: “Walk This Way”

Which rapper was known as the “Human Beatbox”? Answer: Doug E. Fresh
What was the name of LL Cool J’s debut album released in 1985? Answer: “Radio”
Which early female rap trio featured DJ Spinderella? Answer: Salt-N-Pepa

What was Rakim’s DJ’s name in their influential duo? Answer: Eric B.
Which Beastie Boys album featured the hits “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” and “No Sleep till Brooklyn”? Answer: “Licensed to Ill”
What was the name of the first nationally syndicated hip-hop radio show, hosted by Mr. Magic? Answer: “Rap Attack”

Which 1989 album by De La Soul featured innovative sampling and a unique positive style? Answer: “3 Feet High and Rising”
What rap group released the influential album “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” in 1988? Answer: Public Enemy

If you enjoy these thoughtful questions about hip-hop’s roots, you might also appreciate our collection of philosophical questions that make for great conversations!

Golden Age Hip-Hop Trivia (1990s)

The ’90s are widely considered hip-hop’s golden age, when the genre exploded in popularity and artistic innovation. I remember trading CDs with friends in middle school, each of us defending our favorite rapper like our lives depended on it! These questions cover the era’s legendary artists and classic albums.

Who won the infamous East Coast vs. West Coast rivalry of the mid-1990s? Answer: Neither – both Tupac and Biggie were killed
What was The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut album? Answer: “Ready to Die”

Which Wu-Tang Clan member released the solo album “Liquid Swords”? Answer: GZA
What was the real name of Tupac Shakur? Answer: Lesane Parish Crooks (later legally changed to Tupac Amaru Shakur)
Which female rapper’s debut album “Supa Dupa Fly” revolutionized hip-hop in 1997? Answer: Missy Elliott

What Dr. Dre album introduced the world to Snoop Dogg? Answer: “The Chronic”
Which 1993 album by the Wu-Tang Clan featured 9 MCs? Answer: “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)”
What Nas album is frequently cited as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time? Answer: “Illmatic”

Which rap group included Q-Tip and Phife Dawg? Answer: A Tribe Called Quest
What was the name of Jay-Z’s 1996 debut album? Answer: “Reasonable Doubt”
Which rapper, known for songs like “Juicy” and “Hypnotize,” was killed in March 1997? Answer: The Notorious B.I.G.

What groundbreaking album did Lauryn Hill release in 1998? Answer: “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”
Which rapper founded Death Row Records with Dr. Dre? Answer: Suge Knight
What was the name of Tupac’s final album released during his lifetime? Answer: “All Eyez on Me”

Which hip-hop group featured Big Boi and André 3000? Answer: OutKast
What rap album won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1999? Answer: “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”
Which rapper was known as “The God MC” and “King of New York”? Answer: Jay-Z

What was the name of Snoop Dogg’s debut album? Answer: “Doggystyle”
Which rap group released the album “The Score” in 1996? Answer: Fugees
What famous West Coast rapper was originally in the group N.W.A. before launching a successful solo career? Answer: Dr. Dre

Which rap collective included Talib Kweli and Mos Def? Answer: Black Star
What was DMX’s debut album released in 1998? Answer: “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot”
Which female rapper was part of Junior M.A.F.I.A. before going solo? Answer: Lil’ Kim

If you’re looking for more questions to spark conversations with someone special, check out our collection of deep questions to ask a girl that can lead to meaningful discussions!

2000s Rap Trivia

The 2000s saw rap continue to evolve and dominate mainstream culture. This was when I really got into making my own mixtapes (well, playlists) and following all the beefs and collaborations. From Eminem’s rise to Kanye’s breakthroughs, this decade had it all!

Which rapper starred in the semi-autobiographical film “8 Mile”? Answer: Eminem

What was the name of 50 Cent’s breakthrough album released in 2003? Answer: “Get Rich or Die Tryin'”
Which rapper’s 2004 debut “The College Dropout” changed the sound of mainstream rap? Answer: Kanye West
What supergroup consisted of Eminem, Royce da 5’9″, Joell Ortiz, and others? Answer: Slaughterhouse

Which rap group released the hit “Ms. Jackson” in 2000? Answer: OutKast
What Lil Wayne album released in 2008 sold over a million copies in its first week? Answer: “Tha Carter III”
Which female rapper had hits with “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It”? Answer: Missy Elliott

What was T.I.’s breakthrough album released in 2003? Answer: “Trap Muzik”
Which rapper founded Shady Records with his manager Paul Rosenberg? Answer: Eminem
What year did Eminem win an Academy Award for the song “Lose Yourself”? Answer: 2003

Which rapper’s album “The Blueprint” was released on September 11, 2001? Answer: Jay-Z
What was the name of Nelly’s debut album featuring “Country Grammar”? Answer: “Country Grammar”
Which rapper had the hit “In Da Club” in 2003? Answer: 50 Cent

What was the name of Kanye West’s 2007 album that competed with 50 Cent’s “Curtis” for sales? Answer: “Graduation”
Which rapper’s “The Marshall Mathers LP” became the fastest-selling solo album in U.S. history at the time? Answer: Eminem
What was the name of Jay-Z’s supposed “retirement” album? Answer: “The Black Album”

Which female rapper released “Pink Friday” in 2010? Answer: Nicki Minaj
What Kanye West album featured the singles “Stronger” and “Good Life”? Answer: “Graduation”
Which rapper released “The Documentary” in 2005? Answer: The Game

What was the name of Ludacris’ major-label debut album? Answer: “Back for the First Time”
Which rap group included Phife Dawg, Q-Tip, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad? Answer: A Tribe Called Quest

Looking for fun conversations with your partner? Explore our list of fun and silly questions to ask your boyfriend to keep things light and entertaining!

Modern Rap Trivia (2010s-Present)

Modern rap has transformed into numerous subgenres, from trap to melodic rap to drill. I remember the first time I heard Drake—I was convinced he was going to change the game, and well, looks like I was right! These questions cover the innovative artists defining today’s hip-hop landscape.

Which rapper’s mixtape “So Far Gone” launched his career before he signed with Young Money? Answer: Drake
What is Kendrick Lamar’s hometown? Answer: Compton, California

Which rapper has the record for most simultaneous Billboard Hot 100 entries? Answer: Drake
What was the name of Cardi B’s debut studio album? Answer: “Invasion of Privacy”
Which rapper founded the label Dreamville Records? Answer: J. Cole

What Kendrick Lamar album won the Pulitzer Prize for Music? Answer: “DAMN.”
Which female rapper had a hit with “Bodak Yellow” in 2017? Answer: Cardi B
What was the title of Travis Scott’s 2018 album? Answer: “Astroworld”

Which rapper featured on the remix of Lil Nas X’s record-breaking “Old Town Road”? Answer: Billy Ray Cyrus
What is Post Malone’s real name? Answer: Austin Richard Post
Which rapper’s album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” was described as a “short film by Kendrick Lamar”? Answer: Kendrick Lamar

What was the name of J. Cole’s 2014 album that went platinum with no features? Answer: “2014 Forest Hills Drive”
Which rapper founded the lifestyle company YEEZY? Answer: Kanye West (now legally known as Ye)
What was the name of Megan Thee Stallion’s debut mixtape? Answer: “Fever”

Which rapper had a hit with “Sicko Mode” featuring Drake? Answer: Travis Scott
What was the name of Tyler, The Creator’s 2019 Grammy-winning album? Answer: “IGOR”
Which female rapper released “The Pinkprint” in 2014? Answer: Nicki Minaj

What was the name of Juice WRLD’s breakthrough hit? Answer: “Lucid Dreams”
Which rapper had the 2018 hit “God’s Plan”? Answer: Drake
What is DaBaby’s real name? Answer: Jonathan Lyndale Kirk

Which rapper released the album “Flower Boy” in 2017? Answer: Tyler, The Creator
What was the name of Roddy Ricch’s breakthrough hit in 2019? Answer: “The Box”
Which rapper’s real name is Jacques Bermon Webster II? Answer: Travis Scott

Want to connect more deeply with your partner? Check out our list of serious questions to ask your boyfriend for meaningful conversations.

Rap Records and Achievements

Let’s talk about the record-breakers and history-makers! I’m always amazed at the commercial and cultural milestones rap artists continue to achieve. My jaw literally dropped when I heard about some of these accomplishments—the numbers are staggering!

Which rapper has won the most Grammy Awards? Answer: Jay-Z (24 Grammy Awards as of 2023)

What was the first rap song to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100? Answer: “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice
Which rapper has sold the most albums of all time? Answer: Eminem
What rap album holds the record for longest charting hip-hop album on the Billboard 200? Answer: Eminem’s “Curtain Call: The Hits”

Which rapper became the first billionaire in hip-hop? Answer: Jay-Z
What was the fastest-selling digital album in iTunes history when released? Answer: “Recovery” by Eminem
Which rapper has the most #1 albums on the Billboard 200? Answer: Jay-Z

What song holds the record for most weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100? Answer: “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
Which female rapper was the first to have a diamond-certified single? Answer: Cardi B (for “Bodak Yellow”)
What rap album won the first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 1996? Answer: “Poverty’s Paradise” by Naughty by Nature

Which rapper has appeared on the most Hot 100 songs? Answer: Drake
What was the first rap video to air on MTV? Answer: “Rock Box” by Run-D.M.C.
Which Wu-Tang Clan album was limited to a single copy that sold for millions? Answer: “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin”

What female rapper had the longest-running #1 hit by a solo female rapper? Answer: Nicki Minaj (with “Super Freaky Girl”)
Which rapper set a record by performing “Rap God” with 4.28 words per second? Answer: Eminem

Curious about testing your knowledge in other areas? Our math trivia questions offer a fun way to challenge your numerical skills!

Rap Culture and Terminology

Rap isn’t just music—it’s a rich culture with its own language, fashion, and traditions. I remember trying to decode lyrics with friends back in the day, learning all the slang and references. These questions explore the cultural aspects that make hip-hop so influential and distinctive.

What does MC stand for in hip-hop? Answer: Master of Ceremonies
What does the term “bars” refer to in rap? Answer: Lyrics or verses

What is a “cypher” in hip-hop culture? Answer: A freestyle rap circle
What does “flipping a sample” mean? Answer: Taking a portion of an existing song and reworking it
What is “battle rap”? Answer: A competition where rappers take turns freestyling against each other

What does the term “flow” refer to in rap? Answer: The rhythm and rhyme pattern of a rapper’s lyrics
What is a “hype man” in hip-hop? Answer: Someone who supports the main performer by hyping up the crowd
What does “spitting” mean in rap culture? Answer: Rapping or delivering lyrics

What is “scratching” in hip-hop? Answer: A DJ technique of moving a vinyl record back and forth on a turntable
What is the “golden era” of hip-hop generally considered to be? Answer: The mid-1980s to the mid-1990s
What does “dropping bars” mean? Answer: Delivering impressive rap lyrics

What is a “mixtape” in hip-hop culture? Answer: A self-produced or unofficial release, often free
What is “freestyling”? Answer: Improvising rap lyrics on the spot
What are the “four elements” of hip-hop culture? Answer: DJing, MCing (rapping), breaking (breakdancing), and graffiti art

What does “ghostwriter” refer to in rap? Answer: Someone who writes lyrics for another rapper without public credit

Looking for deep and meaningful conversations? Explore our collection of deep topics to talk about for thought-provoking discussions!

Why Rap Trivia is Perfect for Music Lovers

Rap trivia isn’t just fun—it’s a journey through one of the most influential musical genres of our time. I love how these questions can spark discussions about artists’ influence, lyrical content, and the evolution of the genre. Last summer, what started as a quick trivia game with my cousin (who’s convinced Drake is the GOAT) turned into a three-hour deep dive into hip-hop history!

These questions are perfect for road trips, parties, or anytime you want to challenge your rap-loving friends. They combine entertainment with education about the cultural impact of rap music, and you might be surprised how much you learn along the way.

Wondering what other interesting topics you could discuss with friends? Check out our collection of interesting topics to talk about for more inspiration!

Final Thoughts

Whew! That was quite the journey through rap history, wasn’t it? From the pioneers who laid the foundations in the 1970s to today’s chart-topping stars, these questions cover the incredible evolution of hip-hop over the decades.

I hope these trivia questions not only test your knowledge but also inspire you to dig deeper into the rich culture and history of rap music. Maybe you’ll rediscover some classics or find new artists to appreciate!

So, how did you do? Were you dropping knowledge like a veteran MC, or did you discover some surprising facts about your favorite artists? Either way, these questions are perfect for your next game night, road trip, or just to challenge your friends who claim to be hip-hop experts.

If you enjoyed these rap trivia questions, be sure to check out our other music trivia collections. And remember, in the immortal words of Rakim, “It ain’t where you’re from, it’s where you’re at!”

Want to spark interesting conversations with someone you’re interested in? Check out our guide on topics to talk about with your crush for inspiration!