We’ve put together a list of our top five favorite rappers who have served their country.
5. Canibus
Canibus is the only rapper on this list to serve after his music career ended.
Let’s address this straight away: Canibus should have won the rap battle against LL Cool J. While LL came out strong in “4,3,2,1,” Canibus delivered a knockout blow with “Second Round Knockout.” Back then, many overlooked it.
Moving on from his rap career, which was marked by disappointment and a feud with Eminem, Canibus enlisted in the army. Assigned as a Calvary Recon Scout, the New York native faced a swift dishonorable discharge for marijuana use.
Our Favorite Canibus Track: “Second Round Knockout”
Our Favorite Canibus Album: Can-I-Bus
4. No Malice
It looks like No Malice was prepared for some back in the day.
You’re likely familiar with Pusha-T, the artist behind “The Story of Adidon” and DAYTONA. But before his solo career, he was part of The Clipse with his brother, formerly known as Malice and now as No Malice. Together, they released two critically acclaimed albums, Hell Hath No Fury and Lord Willin’.
Before their rise in the music scene, however, No Malice enlisted in the army. In 1992, with his fiancée pregnant and needing to support her creatively, the Virginia Beach native completed basic training in Ft. Dix, N.J., followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in Ft. Belvoir, VA. After two years of service, he was honorably discharged. That’s when he began “Grindin'” towards a music career.
Favorite No Malice Track: “Mr. Me Too” (as The Clipse)
Favorite No Malice Album: Lord Willin‘ (as The Clipse)
3. Nate Dogg
What would hip-hop hooks be without Nate Dogg?
Nate Dogg, a dearly missed hip-hop legend, left an indelible mark with his guest features on albums by Dr. Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and others. But did you know he once served in the Marine Corps? Leaving high school and home at 17, he enlisted and was stationed at Camp Schwab in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Assigned to the Matériel Readiness Battalion of the 3rd Force Service Support Group, he played a crucial role in supplying ammunition across the Pacific. After three years as an ammunition specialist, he was discharged in 1989, marking the beginning of “The Next Episode” in his life.
Favorite Nate Dogg Track: “Regulate” with Warren G
Favorite Nate Dogg Album: G-Funk Classics, Vol. 1 & 2
2. Freddie Gibbs
Freddie Gibbs’s stay in the army was shorter than Kevin Hart.
Freddie Gibbs is probably my favorite rapper on this list. The Gary, Indiana native is masterful at putting together high-quality bodies of work while also delivering explosive verses. Ironically, he has a connection to people who deal with actual explosives.
To avoid jail time for a gun charge, Freddie enlisted in a boot camp at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Unfortunately, his military career was short-lived, as he was dishonorably discharged for smoking on some oooh wee. This experience, however, has given Freddie “Something To Rap About.”
Favorite Freddie Gibbs Track: “1985”
Favorite Freddie Gibbs Album: Alfredo
1. Ice-T
Mr. Gangsta Rap spent some time serving his country.
When you think of gangsta rap, especially on the West Coast, you think of Ice-T. In the ’80s, he was a hard-hitting rapper who kept it 1000 about street violence. However, did you know he also served in the army?
During his four years of service, before his honorable discharge, Ice-T completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, followed by advanced training at Fort Benning, GA. I guess he was used to waking up at “6’N the Mornin’.”
Favorite Ice-T track: “Colors”
Favorite Ice-T album: O.G. Original Gangster
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
