10 Rappers In The 40 & Over Club That Still Got The Glow

There is no doubt to ~~some~~ most that if Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace were alive today, his crisp baritone flow would still be intact and potent as ever. In honor of Biggie’s 40^th birthday today, Hip-Hop Wired has compiled a list of so-called “old fogies” age 40 and over in the young man’s sport of Hip-Hop that still smash microphones on the regular.

You young whipper snapper rappers will be blessed to get a fraction of their longevity. Here are 10 rappers in the 40 and over club that still got the glow*.

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— Photo: CNN

*Really 13, but who’s counting?

Busta Rhymes – Bussa Bus hit the big 4-0 yesterday (May 20) and even with 21-plus years of experience on the resume, he’s still a prominent fixture in the game. The former Leaders Of The New School standout is now part of the YMCMB machine and still going strong with scene-stealing cameos and headlining shows.

Snoop Dogg – The Doggfather’s 20-year reign as a West Coast OG is nothing short of amazing. With 11 studio albums, including his classic 1992 debut Doggystyle, and over 20 mixtapes, the D-O-Double-G looks to stay relevant as long he feels like recording music as he approaches 41 this fall.

Raekwon – The Wu-Tang Clan’s Chef is still cooking up some marvelous sh-t! At 42, Raekwon has been dazzling audiences with his vivid tales of street life and one of the most commanding deliveries of all time in Hip-Hop. With the long-awaited Wu-Block LP with fellow old-head Ghostface Killah and the L.O.X., fans can count on Rae to keep building his legend.

Q-Tip – Last month, Tribe Called Quest front man and Queens native Q-Tip turned 42 on April 10 and a day later, the still fresh-faced MC and producer announced his signing to Kanye West’s ever growing G.O.O.D. Music imprint. Kamal’s upcoming fourth LP The Last Zulu is destined to be a smash with fans young and otherwise.

Ghostface Killah – Toney Starks enjoys legendary status in the game not only because of his Wu-Tang Clan affiliation, but for also having arguably the best solo LP of the first nine members of the mega-group in Supreme Clientele. Turning 42 on May 9, Big Ghostface is working on his 10^th solo LP Blue & Cream: The Wally Era and a possible release of the highly anticipated collaboration between Starks and mysterious metal-faced rapper MF DOOM this year.

Jay-Z – From 1996 until now, Jay-Z has owned the charts and the boardrooms as both an artist and savvy businessman. Even though Jigga can easily rest on his laurels, his recent smash collabo with Kanye West called Watch The Throne proves he’ll be around well past his 43^rd birthday this December.

E-40 – Forty Water’s major label debut way back in 1993 launched one of the most storied careers in Hip-Hop. E-Fizzle’s command of slang, unorthodox flow and his chameleon-like ability to rap to any track put before him is still astounding. 40 is going strong after releasing the triple album The Block Brochure: Welcome To The Soil this spring.

Method Man & Redman – New Jersey rap veteran Reggie “Redman” Noble has been wielding his punchline and pothead-heavy rhymes for 20 years and he’s not slowing down for anyone. Set to release Muddy Waters II: Even Muddier, a sequel to the 1996 classic, the Gilla House CEO is still a live show favorite alongside frequent collaborator Method Man. Speaking of; completing the Wu-Tang membership of the Geriatric B-Boy Club, the M-E-T-H-O-D Man may not be as active as others on the 40-and-over list, but 2012 looks to be a touch busier for the 41-year old with another Blackout album with Red and his fifth studio album Crystal Meth. The tall and handsome MC is also still gracing cameras as an actor, with a cameo in Red Tails and Jonah Hill comedy vehicle The Sitter.

Scarface – Face Mob is one of the most consistent rappers in the game and the Houston OG’s status cannot be questioned by anyone. After recently announcing his upcoming 12^th studio LP Rooted last month, 41-year-old Mr. Scarface looks to regale listeners with his gritty and honest street portrayals once more.

Ice Cube – Since 1988, Ice Cube has been a respected figure in the game and has done well for himself outside of music with movies, television shows and commercials. Cube announced at the top of May that he’ll be releasing his tenth solo record Everything’s Corrupt. The married father of four will turn 43 in June

Tech N9ne – Popular Kanas City motor mouth rapper Tech N9ne has quietly enjoyed one of Hip-Hop’s best career stretches with sell-out shows and a rabidly supportive fan base that spans the entire globe. With collaborations with young stars such as Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar, Tech proved he’s no slouch compared to the youthful spitters, even at 40.

Common – Com Sense turned 40 back in March, just months after his ninth studio LP The Dreamer, The Believer hit the shelves. The Windy City rap star splits his time between spitting bars and taking cues from directors as a serviceable actor as well. Common will have a role in an upcoming Disney film The Odd Life Of Timothy Green which sees a release this August.