hype man

American  

[hahyp man] / ˈhaɪp ˌmæn /

noun

1. (in rap music) a supporting performer who energizes and engages the audience and punctuates the rapper’s lyrics with shouted interjections.

   The show ran out of steam without a hype man to keep the crowd excited and the rapper on point.

2. an enthusiastic and vocal supporter or promoter of a person, group, or thing; booster.

   His antics from the bench have made this rookie college basketball’s most recognizable hype man.

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Etymology

Origin of hype man

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

Last year, Flav was named the official hype man for the U.S. bobsled and skeleton teams.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

I must have hesitated, because Joe, the sales representative, became my hype man: “Let’s do it,” he said.

From Slate • Jun. 22, 2025

Same with Gillie Da King, who became the team’s unofficial hype man during the 2024 season.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2025

Nate Radcliffe, a part-time employee and seemingly full-time hype man for the Langlois Market, is a big fan.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 3, 2023

We could all use a hype man like George Henry Lewes.

From New York Times • Aug. 13, 2023