For those of you not in the know, or not near a TV or Internet this weekend, it finally happened: Jay-Z and Beyoncé gave birth to what is soon to be the most famous heir in hip-hop history: Blue Ivy Carter. Young Blue's middle name allegedly is for her mom and pop's birthdays (both being on the fourth of the month). That being said, since Blue is the latest in a long line of interesting names selected by hip-hop and R&B artists, we're going to highlight some of our favorites over time.
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5. Blue Ivy Carter: C'mon, you thought we'd make a list and not include the latest member on it? The offspring of Jay-Z and Beyoncé HAD to be on this list; not only is she slated to be the biggest tycoon in music since Frances Bean Cobain, but she's certainly going to be one of the coolest as well. Combine this with the alleged reasoning behind her middle name, I wouldn't be surprised if blue (though a friend of mine astutely pointed out that the most famous Blue before little Carter was the old dude in Old School) becomes more than a color, but a trending name in 2012.
Writer's note: Talk about a quick turnaround! Jay-Z already wrote a song and used his little girl in a track, click here for the tune.
4. Egypt Daoud Dean: Child to Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, young Egypt won't be uprising against her famous parents any time soon, unlike what happened in the country she was named for this past spring. I don't see this one taking on the popularity Blue may, but either way, it's definitely one of the more elaborate names for a child, and one can only infer her mom and dad have an affinity for pyramids and the Middle East.
3. Seven Sirius Benjamin: Unless you are George Costanza, what other couple would you expect to name their child Seven? But the parents are Erykah Badu and Andre 3000, so are you surprised? Did you really expect them to name their son Michael Thomas Benjamin? If so, then you really aren't familiar with Seven's parents or followed their careers or exploits.
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2. Monroe and Moroccan Cannon: If I had either of these names, I'd want to be shot out of a cannon. Proud parents Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon picked one name that would have been acceptable in ye olden times, or in the early part of the 20th Century . . . however, Moroccan? At least they could have went the Keys/Beatz route and named their child after a country instead of a people. But that being said, maybe they have a certain love for all things Moroccan, right? [Editor's note: It's been reported he was named after a room in the couple's home.]
And the No. 1 obscure child name in hip-hop and R&B is . . .
1. Denim Cole and Diezel Ky Braxton Lewis: In the greatest WTF names, do parents Toni Braxton and Keri Lewis have a certain fondness for jeans, or are they purposely trying to get their kids picked on during their formative years. Braxton hasn't explained why she named her kids after this type of outerwear, but we can only guess it's due to her affinity for her favorite fashion material.
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Daniel Kohn is a writer based in Southern California. With bylines in an assortment of outlets, Kohn primarily specializes in music with other interests ranging from sports to food. As a transplant, Kohn loves the beautiful weather and is glad he no longer has to deal with brutal winters. If you see him, say hi and of course, he’s always willing to down a beer or two…if you’re paying.