It’s fair to say that the genre has a close association with drugs and alcohol. Lyrics are littered with references to the likes of weed, cocaine, alcohol and more and with that comes a lifestyle that can swallow you up if you’re not careful.

While many rap artists like to boast about their sex, drugs and rock and roll lifestyle, it’s landed many in prison, many broken, battered and bruised, and a number even six-feet under.

However, there are also a number of stars, particularly in the mainstream, who have gone the other way, checking into a drug rehabilitation centre, getting their lives back on track sober, and then going on to fill arenas right across the globe.

But who are the five biggest rappers who have gotten clean and gone on to greatness?

1. Eminem

Arguably the most successful rapper of all time, Eminem has had an incredibly successful career after overcoming a long history of substance abuse. His hit single “Lose Yourself” even references his struggles with drugs and alcohol in its chorus. Eminem has been open about how he was able to win his battle with addiction, citing his family and faith as the major factors in his success.

2. Kanye West

Kanye West has had a tumultuous few years, but his difficult journey also included a successful sobriety journey. Kanye has spoken publicly about his struggles with alcohol and drug abuse in the past, and in 2019 he revealed that he is now a year sober. He credits his family, his faith and his newfound dedication to sobriety as the driving force behind his success.

3. Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar is one of the most critically acclaimed rappers of this generation, and he has also achieved sobriety in recent years. Kendrick has spoken about how he faced challenges when he first tried to get sober, but his hard work and dedication eventually paid off. He now credits his sobriety as a major contributor to his success.

4. Lupe Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco has always been a passionate artist, but he has also had a long battle with substance abuse. He was able to get sober in 2012, and has since opened up about his struggles and how he was able to overcome them. Since then, he has been open about the importance of sobriety and how it has helped him better himself as an artist.

5. T.I.

T.I. has had a long and successful career in music, but he has also faced some serious struggles with addiction. He was able to turn his life around in 2011, and since then he has been open about his sobriety journey. T.I. has even gone on to salute Eminem for the help he gave T.I. in entering recovery.