Rappers Who Stepped Into the Comic Book World

Art and rap music have always gone hand in hand as a form of expression in hip-hop. The music has always been a soundtrack to the art. Groups like Wu-Tang Clan are an example of how they used a variety of mediums to connect to their fans.

In 1999, Wu-Tang Clan came out with a comic book titled, The Nine Rings of Wu-Tang. The comic takes on a fictional narrative of the nine group members saving the world in an imaginative society.

Since then, other rappers have been featured in comic books — here is a look at some of our favorites!

Major Lazer is an American electronic dance group that is known for its diverse palette mixing genres and collaborations with artists from Sean Paul, Pharrell Williams, Travis Scott, and more.

In 2022, Major Lazer came out with their comic book, Major Lazer: Year Negative One. The story takes place in Jamaica in 1984, society is at stake with drugs on the street and a villain trying to wipe out humanity out of greed. Major Lazer takes it upon themselves to prevent the end of the world.

West Coast rapper Vince Staples is well known for his joint ventures with musicians such as Mac Miller and Odd Future. Vince distinguishes himself from other tones and electric beats with his approach to music.

Vince released his comic book Limbo Beach in September of 2022. The narrative centers on an adolescent who sets out to learn the truth about both himself and a park.

Metro Boomin is a popular producer in the hip-hop industry, who has produced some of our favorite hits with new-age artists such as Gunna, 21 Savage, Drake, and more.

In 2022, Metro Boomin came out with his second studio album, “Heros and Villians,” where he used custom-made comics to help promote the project.

Although the project itself didn’t turn into a comic book, it showcases another example of how music and comic books can always come together to display art. A few rappers that are featured in the comic covers are Future, Young Nudy, and Don Toliver.

Throughout Metro’s career, he continues to use a combination of comic art and music for storytelling.

Lil Uzi Vert's rise to the charts happened in 2016 when he released Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World. A few hits on the album feature “Money Longer” and “You Was Right.” Lil Uzi is known for his vivid album art covers and his visuals in music videos.

In 2022, Lil Uzi takes it up a notch as a guest cartoon on a webtoon show called unOrdinary, where his single "Demon High," is featured.

Following the release of his business book The 50th Law with Robert Greene, 50 Cent released a graphic novel through SmarterComics, which breaks down the secrets to the "Get Rich or Die Trying" rapper's success.

Other rappers featured in or in comic books of their own include David Banner, Ghostface, and Method Man.