The 15 Current Kings Of Ad-Libs

Imagine a hip-hop song without a single ad-lib, just straight rhyming for three minutes and 30 seconds without a single pause for a laugh or a cool catch phrase. Sounds pretty uneventful, right? Ad-libs are as much a fiber in the fabric of rap as the actual rapping itself.

Over time we’ve had some artists who delivered amazing ad-libs. From Biggie’s “Baby baby!” and Pimp C’s “Chuuuch!” to Master P’s “Uhhhhhh!” and Diddy’s “Take that!” ad-libbing is an integral part of hip-hop history whether we choose to accept it or not.

For the sake of conversation, let’s focus in on the best ad-libbers of the moment. Some are known more for their ad-libs than their actual songs, while others are just that good at both rhyming and ad-libbing that we can’t decide which we like more. Check out our picks for the best ad-libbers in the game right now.

Jay Z
Jay Z’s ad-libs have dramatically changed over the years. From “Young!” (he’s not really young anymore so that is bound to stop) to “Sha’boy!” and “Hov!” there are a ton to choose from. We’ll salute him for the “Yes!” though. That one’s a constant.

Rick Ross
At this point in time, Rick Ross’ grunts are legendary. If you don’t smile when you Rick Ross say “Ruhhh!” then you have no soul. Add to that “Rozay!” “Ross!” and “Bawse!” and you have a power circle of Ricky Rozay noises.

2 Chainz
Pick your poison when it comes to 2 Chainz’s ad-libs. Not in the mood to speak English? Just say “Scrrr!” Feel like you need to validate something? “TRUUUUU” And lastly, “2 Chainz!” but reserve that for its owner.

A$AP Rocky
When A$AP Rocky slows down his voice to make that “Uwh!” ad-lib, it transforms into this ode to DJ Screw (at least that’s how we perceive it). Of course, there’s his extended ad-lib of “I be that pretty muthafucka,” though that’s more of a catch phrase anyway.

Pusha T
There is no better way to express pleasant disgust than with Pusha T’s “EGHCK!” It’s like shock, awe and arrogance wrapped into one lovely sound, that when anyone but Pusha T attempts to replicate, they sound like they’re projectile vomiting.

Kanye West
Kanye always sounds like he’s hard of hearing after his bars. He’s like, “HUH?” like he just dropped some knowledge and he’s waiting for a reply. Like, “What was that?” No one ever responds though. Who’s going to argue with Kanye, HUH?

Big Sean
Big Sean’s “Oh God!” is slowly moving up the ranks in cool ad-lib culture. It’s also religious so any monotheist can use it. If you’re a polytheist, just switch it to “Oh Gods!” Sean won’t mind.

Juicy J
While we might never forgive Juicy J for making Miley Cyrus a thing in hip-hop, we can thank him for his ad-libbing skills. “We trippy mane!” is something of a legacy now, opening doors for other ad-libs like “Turnt up!” and “Turnt down for what?”

Chief Keef
It’s often hard to know what the hell Chief Keef is saying most days of the week, but we do know his ad-libs quite well. “Nawww!” “Bang! Bang!” and his laugh are current staples.

Black Hippy
The most active members of Black Hippy currently have some of the best ad-libs out right now. From Ab-Soul’s “Soulo!!!!” to ScHoolboy Q’s “Woooo!!” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Du du!” or “Ya bish” there are so many to choose from. We must not forget the shared Black Hippy ad-lib of “Yawk! Yawk! Yawk!” too.

French Montana
French Montana’s “HANNNHH” might sound like a flock of geese are getting hit by a tractor-trailer, but there’s some charm to that. At least when he says it. When you say it, you sound ridiculous.

Lil Wayne
Most of Lil Wayne’s ad-libs are about himself and his posse. “Weezy F Baby” and “Young Mula, Baby!” are just a few, but it’s always about crew love with Lil Wayne.

Jadakiss
Jadakiss’ laugh is legendary. That “A-Ha!” is even more popular than the Norwegian Pop band it’s spelled after. If anyone else laughed like that in real life, they’d be jumped.

Jeezy
Take your pick: the “Ayyyy” to “Yeaahhhh” and “Haaaaa.” So much to say about Jeezy’s ad-libs, and only one of them is an actual word.

Birdman
An oldie but a very relevant goodie. If you do Birdman’s bird call outside of your window, a sparrow will fly right up to your window sill. It’s a fact.