rappers who changed names and dumbed down to get deals

[sleazy_j]

Madeintyo

after Jamaal Davis didn't catch on


Young Jeezy

after years of sounding like Trick Daddy didn't work out


Mike Jones

originally known as Sache



Future

when he went by Meathead


Yo Gotti

used to be the fast spitting Lil Yo



coincidentally a southern thing.


edit: i just realized the glaring omission of spark master tape, as he has eminem's management now.

[step one]

Didn't Lupe Fiasco start out doing gangsta stuff and then switched up to make really deep and meaningful songs like Go Go Gadget Flow?

[Blockhead]

Mos def rapping like Akinyele was my shit though...

[drizzle]

Wiz tried to be a badass before he was a stoner

[EMCEE DARTH MALEK]

jay z

[sleazy_j]

Most of them dudes didn't change their names and will admit to their old styles. Madeintyo up in interviews acting like he just started rapping yesterday. Same with jeezy, his whole gimmick in 2004 was "I don't know how to rap", while he damn well knew how to emulate Trick Daddy. Also, Mike Jones was telling people he'd only been rapping for 6 months after he changed names from a failed rap career three years prior.

[KhillA]

Theres only two phone numbers that I have memorized and Mike Jones is one of them.

[david111]

i don't think these are all "dumbed down"

[ScholarWenis]

That guy Jekill from Mannish changed his name to 13 and delivered some great singles on ABB Records, BUT, then he changed his name to "Hollywood Kev" and started putting out garbage. I can't find any songs right now, but I remember they were terrible.

[battlecatmeowstab212]

Theres only two phone numbers that I have memorized and Mike Jones is one of them.

Who?

[KhillA]

Mike Jones