Rappers Who’ve Had Major Weight Loss Transformations

From Fat Joe to Missy Elliott to Megan Thee Stallion, these emcees have shed a lot of pounds.

Photo: Getty Images Michael Reaves

Major rap stars have had noticeable weight loss transformations—and it’s been a big trend recently. Many speculate that some of our favorite artists, from Busta Rhymes to Megan Thee Stallion to Missy Elliott, have taken drastic actions to shed pounds—including semaglutides—but they all have attributed their appearance to a change in diet and exercise. Here are some of our favorite before and afters.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
The Internet Split After Amerie’s Tiny Desk Concert

Busta Rhymes

Photo: Instagram Photo: Instagram

Over the years, Busta Rhymes has undergone intense personal training to shed belly fat and achieve a slimmer frame.

Megan Thee Stallion

Photo: The Daily Mail Photo: The Daily Mail

The “Bigger In Texas” emcee has shared her workout routines on social media.

Fat Joe

Image: YouTube Image: YouTube

Fat Joe accredits diet and exercise to shedding nearly 200 pounds.

Missy Elliott

Image: E! News Image: E! News

Missy Elliott disclosed that she previously suffered from Graves’ Disease, which is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. While focusing on her health, she lost weight through exercise and diet.

Rick Ross

Photo: ABC News Photo: ABC News

Over the years, Rick Ross’ weight has fluctuated but at one point he lost over 100 pounds.

Gucci Mane

Photo: X/Twitter Photo: X/Twitter

When Gucci Mane had a dramatic change in his appearance, he was accused online of having a clone.

50 Cent

Photo: Page Six Photo: Page Six

Last year after losing nearly 50 pounds, 50 cent was accused of using Ozempic to lose weight. He immediately dismissed the claims.

Ice Spice

Photo: Life & Style Photo: Life & Style

Ice Spice has been accused of using Ozempic after looking thinner, which she vehemently denied.

Mase

Screenshot: YouTube Screenshot: YouTube

Rapper Mase 70 pounds last year, which he attributed to a drastic change in his diet.

Action Bronson

Photo: Business Insider Photo: Business Insider

Back in 2020, Action Bronson lost over 125 pounds—and attributed the weight loss to the birth of his son.

Timbaland

Photo: Metro Photo: Metro

In 2020, Timbaland lost 130 pounds over the span of 4 years.

Scarface

Image: Blackfacts.com Image: Blackfacts.com

Scarface from the Geto Boys had a slew of health problems—and lost 100 pounds to take back control of his life.

N.O.R.E

Image: Getty/Instagram Image: Getty/Instagram

Following a noticeable weight loss last year, N.O.R.E.—like Gucci Mane—also battled clone allegations.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Why It Is So Hard to Believe These 15 Public Figures Face Accusations of Racism

Why It Is So Hard to Believe These 15 Public Figures Face Accusations of Racism

While the typical face of supremacy is well-known, there is a growing, complex wave of leaders, commentators, and politicians who have been accused of racism—even though they look just like us …
The Ultimate Nipsey Hussle Playlist

The Ultimate Nipsey Hussle Playlist

Seven years after his passing, we’re commemorating the life and legacy of “Neighborhood Nip” with the essential tracks every self-made hustler needs to have on rotation …
Inside FKA Twigs, Shia LaBeouf's Relationship Drama

Inside FKA Twigs, Shia LaBeouf’s Relationship Drama

From the beginning of their relationship in 2018 to now, FKA twigs and Shia LaBeouf have been embroiled in a legal and public back and forth. Let’s dig into the latest! …
Amber Rose Wants White People to Be Able to Say the N-Word Without Consequence...Here's Why

Amber Rose Wants White People to Be Able to Say the N-Word Without Consequence…Here’s Why

Amber Rose says she allows her kids to curse because they have free speech, AND that white people should say the N-word…and the backlash was swift …
Why 'Paradise' Season Two Finale Has Fans So Shook!

Why ‘Paradise’ Season Two Finale Has Fans So Shook!

The season two finale of Sterling K. Brown’s ‘Paradise’ has folks all over social media talking—and for good reason. Let’s get into it! …
NBA Player Fired Over Anti-LGBTQ Pride Month Comments Sparks Free Speech Debate

NBA Player Fired Over Anti-LGBTQ Pride Month Comments Sparks Free Speech Debate

In a heated debate over religion vs. policy, the Chicago Bulls just waived Jaden Ivey for speaking out about the NBA’s pride nights …
Why Every Black American Must Watch the Birthright Citizenship Fight This Week

Why Every Black American Must Watch the Birthright Citizenship Fight This Week

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on President Trump’s attempt to axe the 14th Amendment, guaranteeing citizenship for the descendants of slavery …
Tisha Campbell Explains Why She'll Always 'Protect' Martin Lawrence, But the Internet Has Questions

Tisha Campbell Explains Why She’ll Always ‘Protect’ Martin Lawrence, But the Internet Has Questions

Tisha Campbell may have more positive feelings for her former costar Martin Lawrence now, but some folks online aren’t buying it. Let’s get into why! …
House Democrat Seeks Reparations for Immigrants Impacted By Trump's Policies

House Democrat Seeks Reparations for Immigrants Impacted By Trump’s Policies

Rep. Pramila Jayapal calls for reparations for immigrant families tramatized by Trump’s mass deportation policy …
Black Virginia Family Finds Army Discharge Papers That Unlock a Mother's Secret WWII Legacy

Black Virginia Family Finds Army Discharge Papers That Unlock a Mother’s Secret WWII Legacy

Stacy Brown and her family had no idea that her mother was one of more than 800 women assigned to the only all-Black female battalion during World War II …
What it Cost My Family to Find My Cousin in a Country That Often Forgets Black Women

What it Cost My Family to Find My Cousin in a Country That Often Forgets Black Women

For Black people, uncertainty in America is a frequent state of existence because we are categorically less safe …
Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect Did This Wild Thing Just Months Before Allegedly Committing Crime

Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect Did This Wild Thing Just Months Before Allegedly Committing Crime

More information about the woman charged with shooting at Rihanna’s home have been released and it’s truly disturbing! …
Florida’s Rooney Rule Challenge is Rooted in White Supremacy – and Legal Fiction

Florida’s Rooney Rule Challenge is Rooted in White Supremacy – and Legal Fiction

OPINION: The ongoing legal challenge to Florida’s Rooney Rule, a policy designed to promote diversity in the hiring of state college coaches and athletic directors, must be understood not as a legitimate legal argument, but as an act of legal fiction rooted in white supremacy …
Top 5 Black Disney TV Shows, Movies That Deserve Anniversary Specials

Top 5 Black Disney TV Shows, Movies That Deserve Anniversary Specials

While many fans are happy about the recent ‘Hannah Montana’ anniversary special, let’s take a look at some Black Disney shows that are deserving of one, too! …
A Running List of Everything President Trump Is Planning to Name After Himself

A Running List of Everything President Trump Is Planning to Name After Himself

From $100 bills with Trump’s signature on it to renaming buildings in his honor, here’s everything President Trump has named or renamed after himself …
The Four Black Women Coaches Who Took Their Teams to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Women's Tournament

The Four Black Women Coaches Who Took Their Teams to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Women’s Tournament

By the time there were 16 teams left in the Women’s NCAA Tournament, four of them were coached by Black women. How did they do? …
This Black Woman Is The Most Gorgeous Barber on TikTok

This Black Woman Is The Most Gorgeous Barber on TikTok

Folks on TikTok are loving this Black barber, who’s not only great at her job, but looks like a model too …
After Tyler Perry Attempts to Pay TSA Works Himself, DHS Officially Steps In

After Tyler Perry Attempts to Pay TSA Works Himself, DHS Officially Steps In

To help ease financial pain on TSA amid the government shutdown, billionaire Tyler Perry stepped in… and then, this happened …
How Carlos Boozer's Twin Sons, Duke Basketball Stars Cameron and Cayden, Saved Their Big Brother's Life

How Carlos Boozer’s Twin Sons, Duke Basketball Stars Cameron and Cayden, Saved Their Big Brother’s Life

Conceived to save their brother’s life, ex-NBA star Carlos Boozer’s twins Cameron and Cayden are living proof that some wins don’t show up on a scoreboard …
Kerry Washington Shares the Marriage Move That Has Made Her Relationship Last

Kerry Washington Shares the Marriage Move That Has Made Her Relationship Last

Kerry Washington is usually private about her marriage to former NFL-star and actor Nnamdu Asomugha. But now she’s opening up like never before! …