I always like having this discussion...and it really just comes down to which era of hip hop you grew in. I'm only going to name solo rappers and not groups. So here's my list.
1) Jay Z (Say what you want but he's the only consistent rapper to ever release hit after hit after hit since 94) His first album (Reasonable Doubt) is no doubt the best album EVER! He's lyrically one of the best, very witty, and can change up his flow at any time making him versatile (unlike Jadakiss).
2) Tupac (Probably the realist rapper ever) He had the entire West Coast behind him when he got into it with Biggie Smalls. Was not afraid to call out other rappers in his songs and dis them. Again, the realist rapper ever. Tupac also had alot of range, not only could he get you pumped up to go into a moshpit ("Holler if you here me"), he could also make you call your mom and tell her you love her ("Dear Mama"). Favorite Album: All Eyes on Me
3) Nas (Arguably one of the best lyricist) His debut album, Illmatic, is also one of the best albums in hip hop. He followed that up with It Was Written which was also a classic. Few of his albums were not up to par but overall he's creative and music always tells a story (missing from today's rappers).
4) Notorious B.I.G (Hands down King of Hip Hop) I would have Biggie higher on the list but unfortunately he did not have a substantial discography. First rapper to really bring the "Player" into hip hop and rapping about Versace and Poppin Bottles. Not only that, but seems that no one argued with him as being the King of hip hop. Everyone respected him. Best Album: Life After Death
5) Eminem (Yes, Eminem) He threw a wrench in the game with his style of rhyming and lyrics. He caught everyone off guard and has two of the highest selling albums (Marshall Mathers; Eminem Show) of all time. Just about every feature he's done he's dominated the other rappers on it (including Jay Z). Best Album: Marshall Mathers
Honorable Mention:
6) Big Pun (no argument here, BEST LYRICIST) No other rapper achieved so many songs and features in the short amount of time he did it in (fact). Was also the first Latin rapper to go platinum (Sorry Fat Joe). Favorite album: Capital Punishment
7) Lil Wayne (Like it or not; lil wayne will be around for a while) He is by far leading the new school of hip hop. Every track he's on, every mixtape he puts out, he's definately holding it down. His rock n roll songs aren't bad either.
Top 5 Best Rap Groups:
1) Wu Tang Clan
2) Beastie Boys
3) OutKast
4) The Roots
5) The L.O.X
Honorable mention:
6) Clipse
Let's here it, agree or disagree, let's talk hip hop.
1) Jay Z (Say what you want but he's the only consistent rapper to ever release hit after hit after hit since 94) His first album (Reasonable Doubt) is no doubt the best album EVER! He's lyrically one of the best, very witty, and can change up his flow at any time making him versatile (unlike Jadakiss).
2) Tupac (Probably the realist rapper ever) He had the entire West Coast behind him when he got into it with Biggie Smalls. Was not afraid to call out other rappers in his songs and dis them. Again, the realist rapper ever. Tupac also had alot of range, not only could he get you pumped up to go into a moshpit ("Holler if you here me"), he could also make you call your mom and tell her you love her ("Dear Mama"). Favorite Album: All Eyes on Me
3) Nas (Arguably one of the best lyricist) His debut album, Illmatic, is also one of the best albums in hip hop. He followed that up with It Was Written which was also a classic. Few of his albums were not up to par but overall he's creative and music always tells a story (missing from today's rappers).
4) Notorious B.I.G (Hands down King of Hip Hop) I would have Biggie higher on the list but unfortunately he did not have a substantial discography. First rapper to really bring the "Player" into hip hop and rapping about Versace and Poppin Bottles. Not only that, but seems that no one argued with him as being the King of hip hop. Everyone respected him. Best Album: Life After Death
5) Eminem (Yes, Eminem) He threw a wrench in the game with his style of rhyming and lyrics. He caught everyone off guard and has two of the highest selling albums (Marshall Mathers; Eminem Show) of all time. Just about every feature he's done he's dominated the other rappers on it (including Jay Z). Best Album: Marshall Mathers
Honorable Mention:
6) Big Pun (no argument here, BEST LYRICIST) No other rapper achieved so many songs and features in the short amount of time he did it in (fact). Was also the first Latin rapper to go platinum (Sorry Fat Joe). Favorite album: Capital Punishment
7) Lil Wayne (Like it or not; lil wayne will be around for a while) He is by far leading the new school of hip hop. Every track he's on, every mixtape he puts out, he's definately holding it down. His rock n roll songs aren't bad either.
Top 5 Best Rap Groups:
1) Wu Tang Clan
2) Beastie Boys
3) OutKast
4) The Roots
5) The L.O.X
Honorable mention:
6) Clipse
Let's here it, agree or disagree, let's talk hip hop.
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