[ATI's List] The 40 Greatest MC's of All Time (co-signed by fellow HHB members!)

[A_T_I]

I compiled a list of the top 40 emcees EVAR (IMO of course), and also, got diff HH members to co-sign pretty much all of my picks to further agree with the talent of these rappers.

I will post
40-26 today
25-11 tomorrow
10-1 sunday!

Exceptions due to a lack of me hearing enough of their material: Jeru Da Damaja, KRS-One, Large Professor, Del da Funky Homosapien, Q-Tip.......more will be added as I remember

Honorable Mention (just missed the list/better meshing within a group):
-Erick Sermon
-Posdnuos (De La Soul)
-Boots Riley (The Coup)
-Immortal Technique
-R-Mean
-Hasan Salaam
-MC Zion
....more will be added

Things considered:
-discography (album quality)
-natural talent (seen usually at peak of artist's career)
-artistic impact/influence (a little bit)
-lyrical ability, songwriting, ability to put together great albums
-flow, lyrical technique & style, voice, literary devices
-etc.

let the list begin!

[A_T_I]

40. Brother Ali

You listen to career-spanning material from certain artists, and yet you know nothing about them. When hearing the rhymes of Brother Ali, you are as much a part of the music as he is, as you take away a certain part of Ali's biography each time you tune in to his albums. Taking pride in his uniqueness as an albino, American Muslim, Brother Ali is the symbol of hope for those who believe there is none. Ali never depends on gimmicky themes, and his "realness" is so interesting, so vivid, and so intense, it's a shame that more rappers aren't this brutally honest.
MIC CHECK: Shadows on the Sun, Champion EP, The Undisputed Truth

[Co-Signer: Rebel INS {CF}] Ali has everything needed to be named among the greats- clever and fresh rhymes, and a hard hitting flow. Ali's honesty makes him stand out from the crowd and is head and shoulders above most MCs in the game today.



39. Classified

The self-proclaimed Canadian rap superstar who's still broke, Classified's hustle is unmatched- 11 albums in 13 years? That's no joke. Even better, Class continues to come into his own as an emcee album after album, representing Canadian hip-hop through blue-collar rhymes which touch on issues important to the average Joe. Witty rhymes, a strong flow, and self-production to boot, Classified is diverse without being commercial, smart without being preachy, and believable without being corny. He's got this Canadian rap shit on lock.
MIC CHECK: Trial & Error, Boy-Cott-In The Industry, Hitch Hikin' Music



38. Big L

When you have rappers left and right being called great emcees based largely upon "swagger," it reminds me of a time when rappers actually had to have some raw talent to go with it. Case and point- Big L; the smooth cat ready to whip out sharp punchlines at any given moment combined lyrical talent with a laid-back swagger that is the inspiration for many of the so-called "lyricists" out today. He was original, not corny (insert commercial punchline rapper here), and using Lord Finesse's blueprint, Big L's career was promising, but unfortunately, cut short. It didn't take him long to make an impact.
MIC CHECK: Lifestylez of da Poor & Dangerous, The Big Picture, D.I.T.C. (group)

[Co-Signers: Baller & Hotnikelz] Big L is surely one of the best punchline rappers ever, and not only did he affect a generation after him, but he himself had the ability to be one of the greatest emcees of all time if he had the chance to live out a longer career.



37. Ras Kass

A gifted lyricist with no problem with tackling difficult issues, Ras Kass' career has been a story of brilliance held back by uncertainty. Ras' debut album and releases thereafter have featured memorable tracks about politics, history, racial intolerance, and other intriguing subjects, but his eye-brow-raising choice in production combined with his indecision to stay in a particular lane has bogged down his ability to climb the ranks of top-flight emcees. Take the good with the bad, or so they say.
MIC CHECK: Soul on Ice, Rasassination, Van Gogh

[Co-Signer: Nokturnal] Being bred from the West, Rassy shows that the Left Coast has the lyrical haven that many say it lacks. Being one of the most lyrical MCs of our era, Ras Kass proves to all that multi-syllabic rhyme schemes, hard-hitting punchlines, and complex concepts are ingredients that result in a gifted MC, regardless of which coast they hail from.



36. Canibus

Often a victim of his own lyrical complexity, Canibus' career has been filled with a continuously interesting turn of events, from the often talked about beef with LL Cool J to his surprisingly outstanding pairing with underground producer Stoupe (Jedi Mind Tricks). Although ‘Bis has taken a few losses over the years, he still has an interesting discography, most of it strong enough to illustrate the lyrical talent many attribute to him. His seemingly complex subject matter goes over the heads of most, but the uniqueness with which ‘Bis delivers his rhymes has earned him an equally unique legacy.
MIC CHECK: 2000 B.C., Mic Club, Rip The Jacker

[Co-Signer: Hotnikelz] If there ever was a category for "Genius Rap," Canibus would be the G.O.A.T. He can rap one bar and have you thinking about it for days, its just unfortunate that skills don’t necessarily translate to sales.



35. The Notorious B.I.G.

Taken from the rap game at such an early age, the hip-hop community never got to fully analyze the talent of B.I.G. With just two solo albums to work off of, it's difficult to put Biggy in a top-tier status, with just 1 excellent album to his credit, but his debut disc, mixed with his Bad Boy raps and other guest features do show the impact of his rhymes, which are still sampled and recycled to this day. We'll never know what Big's album trend would have looked like (Diddy made sure of that), but the glimpse we did had of his music was pretty bright to say the least.
MIC CHECK: Ready to Die, Life After Death, No Way Out (Puff Daddy)

[Co-Signed By: GoodMusicFan805] A city once composed of silenced MC's now turns into the blueprint for roaring leadership thanks to one. This individual lacks the common rapper figure BUT makes up highly with lyrical wordplay being used in a way that is so appealing (no homo to all u lames). The Notorious B.I.G.'s first CD Ready to Die shifted the mood from G-funk to grimmey like that. Songs like "Machine Gun Funk," "Everyday Struggles," and "Unbelievable" proved to be very rhythMIC while "Warning," "Me and My Bitch," and "Suicidal Thoughts" have you feeling like you are the director, and can perfectly view how things are being played out. Club joints like "Big Poppa" and "Juicy" are that of a celebration to Hip Hop and if Hip Hop was a person then either of those two would serve as his/her ringtone!!




34. O.C.

Steering away from the more standard street rhymes of his colleagues, O.C. chose instead to analyze the purpose and credibility of "studio gangsters" and also, analyzed the state of the hip-hop game, clearly envisioning the commercialization of hip-hop which we see today. A varied list of subject matter, smooth production, and some great wordplay and punches, O.C. has something for every fan of quality hip-hop.
MIC CHECK: Word...Life, Jewelz, Starchild

[Co-Signer: Calligraphy/CC] O.C. is the inventor- at one time the prince of New York, this legendary punchline/wordplay artist collaborated with some of the best and his masterpiece Word...Life is one of the highest rated albums of all time. O.C.'s blueprint still serves as an inspiration to rappers today.



33. Tupac

Let's face it- no list, mine included, is going to have an affect on the legacy of Pac, it is already set in stone. And even for a fan who isn't and likely never will be sold on Pac's "GOAT" status, it is necessary to acknowledge and appreciate the emotion and effort that is heard through Tupac's top musical achievements. Inconsistency was certainly an issue for Pac, but on his A-game, his music is virtually undeniable.
MIC CHECK: 2Pacalypse Now, Me Against The World, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory

[Co-Signer: Dat Wigga Alan] No matter what color you are or where you came from, you feel like you could relate to Pac; the emotion is there, the feeling, and everything he is trying to describe is so vivid. The dude has moved more people with his words than any other artist.



32. Method Man

Although not the Wu's outright best emcee, Method Man is often the crew's most notable and versatile emcee. Drawing in mainstream and underground fans alike, Meth's hardcore and light-hearted rhymes showcases not only Meth's talent, but illustrates the marketable character that made his commercial transition expected and deserved. Meth not only had breakthroughs on his own, but gelled his talents easily with top-notch artists such as Mary J. Blige, Redman, and his Wu comrades, displaying a group and solo artist mentality that is rarely seen.
MIC CHECK: (Wu-Tang) 36 Chambers, Tical, Blackout! (w/Redman)

[Co-Signer: DMXruff] Method Man is a rapper who appeals to everybody- guys and women, using a raspy voice that opened it up for guys like Ja and DMX. He was the first of the wu to breakout as a real star and with all the talent they had that is a huge accomplishment. His song variety is incredible and he is an artist who is even better live.



31. M-1

One half of the inspirational group Dead Prez comes one of the top political voices heard in hip-hop- M-1. Clearly an emcee with a sole focus, M-1 never wastes time making music that isn't important to him and to his audience- continuously addressing political and social concerns through some real "pro-black-man-rap" stylings, M has not only made intellectual hip-hop, he's made it entertaining. One could only wish Dead Prez dropped more often and more diversely (and with less white-man bashing).
MIC CHECK: Let's Get Free, Revolutionary But Gangsta, Confidential



30. Vakill

Va's limited discography is both a gift and a curse. Yes, this small output of music makes it difficult to compare him to proven veterans in the game, but Va is batting a perfect 2/2. Growing with each release, Vakill's creative punchlines and narrative-raps will have your head-spinning (out of sheer brilliance), and although his flow isn't standout, it is solid enough to consider Va one of hip-hop's best kept secrets.
MIC CHECK: Kill 'Em All, The Darkest Cloud, Worst Fears Confirmed

[Co-Signer: Baller] Vakill is on an other planet lyrically and he's the punchline king hands down. He brings his 'A' game every verse like it was his last.



29. K-os

The closest it comes to a male Lauryn Hill, K-os has to be one of the best emcees you've never heard of. Granted, few Americans know of the Canadian emcee, but those who have come across the eclectic stylings of K-os have been undoubtedly impressed- not only does he deliver soulful singing on his albums, but his subdued, insightful raps are even better. Tackling racial lines and dated conventions of hip-hop along with delivering every-day man raps about love and family, K-os can't be placed in any single box of musical genre; but if anything, that is only a testament to his great talent. His career consists of three very different albums, which all stand far above most rap releases this decade, as K-os has delivered a near-classic, classic, and near-classic streak of LP's which mesh unique sounds of rock, jazz, pop, r&b, and rap with lyrics that make K-os Canada's hip-hop gift to the US.
MIC CHECK: Exit, Joyful Rebellion, Atlantis



28. Slick Rick

Known for being the great story-teller in hip-hop, Slick Rick delivers a particular style of hip-hop which is simplistic, yet thoroughly engaging, crafting stories in the forms of tracks that allow the audience to create their own interpretations of Rick's humor-drenched words. Master of The Art of Storytelling and a one-of-a-kind artist who doesn't need your respect, but deserves it.
MIC CHECK: The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, The Ruler's Back, The Art of Storytelling

[Co-signer: Shyne] You will never find a rapper who paints a picture with his words better then MC Ricky D. Just peep his first album The Great Adventures of Slick Rick- each track is like a different chapter in a 12-chapter story book. Not to mention he’s possibly THE most bitten rapper in hip hop history, you can't go a year without hearing his famous words. Slick Rick truly is The Ruler.



27. Royce Da 5'9"

Royce Da 5'9" nearly reaches the top half of this list without even harnessing all of his potential. Yes, he's that good...when he wants to be. Under the shadow of Eminem in his own city, Royce has had some incredible highs and regrettable lows in his career thus far, but when focused, Royce's ability to frame complex rhymes to chronicle his life and street-conscious narratives have impressed lyrical-minded hip-hop fans. A consistently strong flow and a good ear for production to boot, it is surprising that Royce hasn't been able to craft that one undeniable classic album to etch his greatness in stone. Let's hope that same fact will ground Royce and motivate him to do better. The potential is endless, the outcome of banking in on it could be a sight (or sound) to behold.

MIC CHECK: Rock City (Version 2.0), Death Is Certain, The Bar Exam (mixtape)

[Co-Signer: Hotnikelz] Royce Da 5'9" is the best emcee rapping today. He has the combination of swagger and lyricism that not many rappers can match.



26. Mos Def

It is almost saddening to place Mos so low on this list, considering his natural talent could have had been gunning for the top spot. That talent, which shimmered with Blackstar and on his first solo, is probably still there, but Mos is too talented for his own good. Placing his focus elsewhere, his newer music has been scattered and occasionally disappointing, but his duo and solo debuts showcase one of the best flows of all time, accompanied by witty and replay-worthy lyrics.
MIC CHECK: Blackstar, Black on Both Sides, The New Danger

[Co-Signer: Forceful] Mos Def has got to be one of the most diverse lyricists of our time. His first LP is a classic in every sense of the word and his presence in hip-hop has helped shape the mold for today's conscious emcees.

[A_T_I]

25. LL Cool J

LL's career has basically been a Jekyll & Hyde situation, but if I can fog out most of the last decade of LL's career, I'm sure other's can as well. LL Cool J's confidence, charisma, and character made him an impressive force in the game during his prime, and his battle-tested nature, combined with his ability to recover from weak performances solidify his position as a top-tier emcee. The face of acceptable "love raps", Cool J should really be coaching today's young emcees...it seems almost every good album these days gets bogged down by whack "chick songs".
MIC CHECK: Radio, Mama Said Knock You Out, Phenomenon

[Co-Signer: Shyne] LL has been rapping longer then most of us have been alive and has countless classics under his belt. From the underground to the mainstream radio, LL has had it all on lock at one time or another, you’ll never find a more relevant mc in the game.



24. Inspectah Deck (Rebel INS)

The most underrated Wu member, Inspectah Deck, known mainly for his immaculate vocabulary and dictionary long list of monikers/nicknames, has an undeniable confidence which not only helped him stand out on Wu collective LP's, but has allowed him to gather his own collection of classic solo material. His solo debut is overlooked when rating top Wu albums, and his ability to deliver aggressive rhymes on an intellectual level further demonstrates the greatness that is INS.
MIC CHECK: 36 Chambers (Wu-Tang), Uncontrolled Substance, The Movement

[Co-Signer: Rebel INS] There are dozens of MCs people talk about being most slept on, but forget all the others, Deck is the true most slept on of all time. Dude has dozens of classic verses, and is definetly the star of 36 Chambers to me. He owned every verse he had on all the Wu solos in 94-97, and a RZA-produced INS album would have been a top 5 LP of all time!



23. Prodigy

Jay-Z ribbing and G-Unit signing aside, Prodigy is one of the best gangster rappers of his era. Both with Mobb Deep and on his own, Prodigy delivered a darkness in his rhymes that was difficult to ignore. Holding back nothing describing the state of the hood with a subtly powerful voice and flow, P worked a style left of the mainstream and was still able to make himself a notable and prominent figure in the classic-filled era of 90's New York hip-hop. Prodigy continues to rebound well after artistic disappointments, constantly attempting to find new sounds to mesh with the root strengths of his material, keeping him relevant years past his prime.
MIC CHECK: (Mobb Deep) The Infamous, (Mobb Deep) Hell on Earth, Return of the Mac

[Co-Signer: Mewtwo] P could be considered a great because of the way he make you visualize what he's talking about.



22. One Be Lo

With much emphasis in hip-hop now being placed on flashy production, we tend to pay less attention to those emcees who use less engaging beats in order to emphasize their lyrical ability. One such artist, the tenacious One Be Lo, is simply put, one of the most interesting lyricists in hip-hop today. Each time you listen to his lyrics, you are able to detect something new, his rhymes filled with double-meanings, political quips, punchlines, and auto-biographical bars. One Be Lo loses nothing by putting substance over style, as the game is still in need of meaningful content to compliment radio-friendly hip-hop.
MIC CHECK: (Binary Star) Masters of the Universe, S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M., S.T.I.L.L.B.O.R.N.

[Co-Signer: Shyne] It doest matter if you One Be Lo, One Man Army, or just half of Binary Star, one thing we can all agree on calling him is a dope artist (with 2 near classic solo albums and one of the best underground albums of all time as apart of the group Binary Star).



21. Masta Ace

Masta Ace is part of a hip-hop cycle that has circled almost to perfection. Influenced by the narrative-heavy rhymes of Slick Rick, Masta Ace transitioned him emceeing into story-telling mode in the recent years of his career, and in doing so, also lade the foundation for the vocal style later adopted by Eminem, who himself has great success in the game. Mean with the pen game, crafting both fictional characters and stories, as well as first-person-narratives, Masta Ace embodies the "nobody can defeat me but me" mentality perfectly. By finding faults in himself though rhyme, Masta Ace has been able to grow as an emcee and view the hip-hop game through a less cynical lens, helping him remain a staple in the hip-hop underground for nearly two decades.
MIC CHECK: Take a Look Around, Disposable Arts, A Long Hot Summer

[Co-Signer: Baller] Masta Ace is one of the realest Mc's i've ever heard. He spills his heart out on every track and the music turns out great.



20. Lord Finesse

The funkiest emcee on this list, Lord Finesse is an rapper with the uncanny ability to put together songs with line after line of memorable rhymes. Constantly clever with his use of similies and other literary devices, Finesse also harnessed an effortless flow that worked well with his jazzy, swinging production. Able to fit female-friendly songs, comedic stylings, and battle raps all on an album without sacrificing quality or integrity, Lord Finesse is an example of a subject-crossing artist missing from hip-hop today.
MIC CHECK: Funky Technician, Return of the Funky Man, The Awakening

[Co-Signer: Baller] Finesse is one of my all time favorite artists. He inspired Big L and most of these punchline rapping cats. A living legend and deserves more respect then he gets.



19. Scarface

One of the first recognizable rappers to rhyme over cinematic production (irony isn't it?), Scarface not only held down the South for many years with the Geto Boyz and as a solo artist, but his best material, including The Diary, helped pave the way for emcees around him. A quieter rebel than say Tupac, Scarface was no less effective lyrically; but over time, Scarface has progressed like a real MC should. Now analyzing the effects of street-life from a more serious, experienced perspective, Face continues to put together dramatic 16 bars which tread the line between fiction and real life. The ability to evoke feeling is important in a great rapper, and Scarface not only does that, but he dictates it, carefully putting together songs to illustrate distinct emotions which transcend rap music.
MIC CHECK: Mr. Scarface Is Back, The Diary, The Fix

[Co-Signer: Young Gunna] He has so much classic material, and he's the king of da south. Definitely one of the greatest artists of all time.



18. Black Thought

It's no surprise that The Roots are heralded as hip-hop's best live act- throughout his tenure with the group, the vocals of front-man Black Thought have served as the band's most lively instrument. Blessed with a flow that commands immediate attention, Black Thought has always been one to paint images with his words, and as he has progressed, Black has turned towards covering more dark, serious material in his lyrics, and continues to aid The Roots in being a hip-hop staple. It's that consistency that leads to the overlooking of Black Thought as a top-caliber rapper, and there are few emcees who can constantly drop quality rap for so long, much less hang with the best (only?) band in the game. There is always the interesting notion of Black Thought dropping a solo album, but when your production crew is as good as The Roots, why bother.
MIC CHECK: (All w/The Roots) Illadelph Halflife, Things Fall Apart, Game Theory

[Co-Signer: Nas-Illmatic/Marc] The dubious leader of The Roots, Black Thought is congratulated for the use of his intricate and complex lyrics. Despite his solo album being abandoned, he still remains as one of hip-hop's politically-aware lyricists.



17. Lauryn Hill

Blessed with talent seemingly too great for a single artist to possess, Lauryn Hill's career has been as unique as the performer herself. True, she has dropped off the map for years now, and even when she is talked about, it isn't in a good way, but before going haywire, Lauryn represented female hip-hop to the fullest, dropping three very different projects that showcased the immense lyrical ability and sharp skill on the mic that put her counterparts, male and female, to shame. Continued success would have made Lauryn a sure-fire top 10 emcee on this list, and thankfully, the beautiful, and sometimes harsh reality of life painted by Hill through her rhymes resonates with us even when she isn't focused enough to remind us herself.
MIC CHECK: (The Fugees) The Score, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, MTV Unplugged No. 2.0

[Co-Signer: Shyne] Lauryn Hill can out rap AND out sing 90% of the game right now. She was the shining star on the Fugee’s classic 2nd album The Score and her solo album is one of the best hip hop and R&B albums you’ll ever hear.



16. Ice Cube

However extreme and over-exaggerated Ice Cube's lyrics may appear to be, the variety of subjects Cube touched upon in his music is legendary for an artist in the many times redundant sub-genre of gangsta rap. Whether voicing concern about black opression in the poverty-stricken streets of South Central L.A., attacking the leaders of "white America," or describing the dangerous on-goings of West Coast gang-related activity, Ice Cube cut loose on the mic, infusing his personal style into his hard-hitting songs. That sense of individuality and uniqueness demonstrated both as a member of N.W.A. and as a successful solo artist helped Ice Cube become a symbol for impactful and controversial gangsta rap music, and solidified his place as one of the kings of West Coast hip-hop.
MIC CHECK: (N.W.A.) Straight Outta Compton, AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, Death Certificate

[Co-Signer: Raided X] Ice Cube in my opinion, is the dopest MC the Hip Hop has ever seen on the West and probably is one of the top 3 most influential rappers in Hip Hop alone. And still remains one of the best niggas out there.



15. Talib Kweli

Consistently one of hip-hop's best performers, Talib Kweli simply seems unable to craft music that isn't good. His Blackstar opening with friend Mos Def is a backpacker's dream, and each of his five solo albums have offered an alternate version of the common themes and ideas consistently presented in his work. Lyrics which will catch the attention of the conscious and gangster crowd's alike mixed with a consistent flow and the ability to come up with new concepts under his somewhat limited themes have made Talib Kweli somewhat of a transitional emcee, able to blend the important aspects of 90's hip-hop with the more recent sounds of today. Expressing the powerful connection between hip-hop, soul, and gospel music, while touching on the streets, politics, and the state of the game, Talib Kweli is certainly pointed to as one of the emerging "legends" in hip-hop, and has found a comfortable niche between the mainstream and underground hip-hop scenes of today.
MIC CHECK: (Reflection Eternal) Train of Thought, Quality, Eardrum

[Co-Signer: Pineapple/newyork] Talib Kweli is one of the greatest in hip hop because he has a different swagger when he steps to the mic with an unusual flow and amazing lyrics, not to mention his unbelievable consistency.



14. Big Daddy Kane

BDK is a veteran example of how an emcee can garner attention for themselves depending on themselves and themselves only. Big Daddy Kane has a recognizable voice and a quick flow which more than makes up for the lack of shimmer in the old-school production. Setting down the style that rappers like Jay-Z adopted, Daddy Kane also had a good dose of swagger both on and off the mic which didn't come off as overly-egotistic or contrived. Adopting a smooth, laid back, and many times positive take on the rap game, Big Daddy Kane is remembered fondly as a pioneer of the late 80's/early 90's hip-hop movement.
MIC CHECK: It's A Big Daddy Thing, Looks Like a Job For, Daddy's Home

[Co-Signer: Dopeman] When I listen to rappers like Big Daddy Kane, it amazes me that today's rappers think they're "the best rapper alive." I can't think of one rapper who is on today's "hip hop" magazine covers that can outdo Kane. This man took metaphors, similes, multi-syllabics, rhythm, and competition and annihilated them.



13. Eminem

It's hard to define Eminem's place among hip-hop's great emcees, not only because of his relative minor status, but because Eminem does not like to be placed in a box. And it shows in his music, which is at times unbelievably excellent, others, not so much, but it's the good (or bad depending on what wordplay you're using) times that hip-hop fans tend to want to remember anyway. Eminem took rap music, and shook it at it's core, assisting in its color barrier-defying nature, and commercializing rap music to a new level (good for new artists, bad for the art). Thankfully, Eminem's amazing success in the rap game was for the most part deserved, as he has displayed lyrical genius throughout his career. And for all of his shortcomings and inconsistencies, Em' at his peak still managed to drop some of the best hip-hop music ever, and has carved out a special space for himself in hip-hop history.
MIC CHECK: The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show

[Co-Signer: Smithilberry/Zany] Eminem does extremely well for himself commercially without selling out and is known for being one of the greatest freestylers. Eminem being gimmicky is untrue- he paints humorous yet somehow serious pictures at the same time in the minds of his listeners.



12. CL Smooth

Blessed to be paired with one of the best producers of all time, CL Smooth ensured that he and Pete Rock would be remembered as legends, complimenting Pete Rock's soulful sound with intricate song writing that has rarely, if ever, been matched since. Even some odd years later as a solo artist, CL Smooth puts together songs without flaw- strong verses cut based off of detailed observances or recollections, a limber flow, hooks (both catchy and unsung), and an overall effortless delivery that makes virtually everything CL puts out seem good. Is "T.R.O.Y." the best hip-hop song of all time? Probably (the beat didn't hurt either).
MIC CHECK: (w/Pete Rock) Mecca and the Soul Brother, (w/Pete Rock) The Main Ingredient, American Me

[Co-Signer: Nas-Illmatic/Marc] Most distinguished partnering with Pete Rock, CL Smooth is known for his idealistic lyrics and lack of vulgarity in his lyrics. His signature hit was the legendary “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)” which was about a friend who past away in 1990.



11. Chuck D

The epitome of an emcee with "mic presence," Chuck D's legendary status is, like his music, undeniable. A riveting voice as demanding as his lyrical presence, Chuck D took a more conscious, yet equally stellar route than the N.W.A.'s in attacking the power systems of the United States, thus becoming a perennial political voice in hip-hop. The front-man of Public Enemy lead the group in writing several classic albums, crafting tracks that were relevant to all people, yet included messages of black empowerment and hope for the lower class. As strong as PE's album already were, Chuck D's ability to translate their great music into amazing stage performances demonstrates why Chuck D is an example of a true emcee, if there is ever was one.
MIC CHECK: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, Fear of a Black Planet, Muse Sick-n-Hour Mess Age

[Co-Signer: Rebel INS {CF}] Chuck D is an MC but also a visionary. Public Enemy came out of no where, all guns blazing, but had something a lot of other acts at the time didnt have - a message. Years before we saw Kanye getting 'political' in an interview, Chuck D was the power house that told us to Fight The Power ! Will go down in history as one of the all time greats, rightly so too.

[A_T_I]

10. Ghostface Killah

Art is often to said to mean different things to different people, and the music of Wu-Tang emcee Ghostface Killah can surely be evidence for that saying to hold true. After all, with his constant use of metaphors and extended verses which are brilliant without any sense of direction, there are many reasons to like and respect Ghost. Perhaps it's his honest sensitivity illustrated in his more sober songs, maybe its the instant energy Ghost gives off on a hard-hitting number, or for some, Ghost's excellence may lie in his ability to rhyme off just about anything he wants and make it sound special. Many artists can learn from the musical experimentation of Ghostface; never one to try to recreate the same sound twice, Ghost has constantly been able to reinvent a "signature sound" for himself, and strangely enough, is still putting out some of his most satisfying music many years after his entrance into the hip-hop game.
MIC CHECK: Ironman, Supreme Clientele, Fishscale

[Co-Signer: Rebel INS] Is Ghost the most consistent emcee out? Probably. Many rappers have tried and failed to steal his sound and flow, but Ghost has reminded unique over the years and has stayed true to his roots, and is still droppin’ dope shit even to this day.



9. Jay-Z

Arguably the most talked about and debated emcee on the list, Jay-Z's crossover appeal has earned him a diverse following who have stood by Jigga through the good times and the bad. His confidence, charisma, and impeccable flow have allowed Jay to display flashes of brilliance throughout his career, and while his albums haven't always come out up to par, Jay-Z at his best creates some of the best hip-hop in the game. Always one to come up with his best work with his back against the wall, Jay-Z has continuously allowed his music to evolve, creating a Mafioso classic over glossy production on Reasonable Doubt, a more light-hearted, soul-infused project with The Blueprint, and a top-of-the-chain type LP with The Black Album. Jay-Z's career has a something-for-everyone feel to it, and if you're still one of the few who's not feeling the music, it doesn't make a difference, Jay-Z already feels he's the best.
MIC CHECK: Reasonable Doubt, Unplugged, The Black Album

[Co-Signer: Just Blaze] Jay-Z should be considered one of the greatest, mainly for the fact that he basically freestyles everything he records. Not to mention he has the BEST flow over the best beat selection EVER in hip-hop. Oh yeah, Reasonable Doubt- top 5 all time, weather you like it or not.



8. Kool G Rap

One of the east-coast's most important emcees in history, Kool G Rap invented what most rapper's are trying to do today. Evidently, several of the rappers mentioned on this list themselves are student's of G Rap- student's of his flow, of his varying lyrical techniques, and of his dark themes. The king of mafioso rap before it was commercialized, Kool G Rap's discography is as solid as they come, and although his albums don't differ much in underlying topic matter, G Rap's music encorporates certain key elements that he rarely strays from, and for good reason. His vibrant street narratives and innovative song writing techniques have helped shaped the way rappers approach gangster story telling, and even
MIC CHECK: Wanted: Dead or Alive, Road to the Riches, Roots of Evil

[Co-Signer: Nokturnal] Not only did he shape the format and deliverance of Hip-Hop as a genre, but he incorporated the street poetry into Hip-Hop that still is relevant to this day. He put a spin on a genre that has since thrived off of his fingerprints.



7. AZ

Blessed with possibly the greatest flow of all time, AZ has spent most of his career in relative obscurity, re-enforcing the notion that he is the most underrated rapper of his era. One of the most naturally gifted emcees on the list, AZ's ability to jam pack a multitude of ingenious lyrics into compact verses and songs has helped him produce one of hip-hop's most consistent discographies. And although his debut album and show-stealing verse on Illmatic often prove to be unreachable landmarks, AZ continues to show flashes of brilliance years later.
MIC CHECK: Doe or Die, Aziatic, A.W.O.L.

[Co-Signer: Fase/Hi-Tek] His flow and use of instrumentals makes you feel like you really listening to some raw New York hip hop. His multi syllable rhyme scheme is highly impressive and he's versatile with his lyrics.



6. Common

One of the best conscious rapper in the history of rap music, Common Sense has had a musical career which is no shot of legendary. Musically, Common doesn't seem capable of taking a loss- album wise, he carries an unparallel record of 7-0, never even venturing into whack territory artistically. Lyrically, Common has always represented for the less-privileged and the spiritually-minded, and has always found ways to pen real-life stories that connect to global issues (the mark of a true artist). Common has also thrived when hip-hop has fallen, crafting some of his best work in the ring-tine rap era, and has been rewarded with newfound popularity among the masses. Always better late than never.
MIC CHECK: Resurrection, Like Water For Chocolate, Be

[Co-Signer: Rebel INS] Definitely top 20, I mean the guy has more classics than most rappers have albums! Most rappers fall off too, not Comm Sense, he keeps getting better and better all the time.

[Co-Signer: Deep South] A man with a discography that's worth every single album, an emcee that always finds shit to rap about, with class and intelligence. Common could easily hold his home town down on his own.



5. Pharoahe Monch

Dropped his Organized Konfusion debut in 1991, and simply put, he hasn't missed a beat since- literaly and figuratively. With infinite flows and dense lyrics, Pharoahe Monch is the perfect example of a "rap poet"- saying a whole lot with very few words, Monch has never been one to waste even a single bar. A discography which includes two solid album sandwhiched between three classic-esque drops, Monch's diverse songwriting and constant experimentation with his craft puts him in his own league. Yeah, he's pretty damn unique.
MIC CHECK: Organized Konfusion, Stress: The Extinction Agenda, Desire

[Co-Signer: Shyne] Monch is damn near THE perfect mc. He has classic albums (both solo & as half of the group 'Organized Konfusion'), mind-blowing verses, amazing lyrics, and most of all...THE best flow of all time, bar none. Monch has it all, yet is still criminally slept on. His real fans know the deal though, regardless of if he's lighting up the radio with hits like 'Simon Says' or keeping the underground ablaze with concept tracks like "When the Guns Draw," Monch is and always will be the king of the underground.



4. Andre 3000

The most musically-adventurous emcee on the list, Andre 3000 is also easily one of the best. The star of the legendary duo Outkast, Andre 3000 is a prime example of why great lyricists aren't confined to the East coast. Constantly going way left of the norm, Andre 3000 wasted few bars tackling played issues of fame and fortune, instead choosing to work off his southern-accented voice and craft songs that were both lyrically strong and commercially infectious. Dre 3000 also had a knack for flowing over beats in new and interesting ways, using unconventional sped up and stop-and-start methods that aided in making him one of the more recognizable emcees in hip-hop. Andre 3000 is certainly an artist ahead of his time; hip-hop fans are constantly waiting for new material from Dre, but many times it seems like he's still waiting for us to catch up to what he's already delivered.
MIC CHECK: ATLiens, Aquemini, Stankonia

[Co-Signer: Hotnikelz] Has there ever been a more unique mc than Andre 3000? Even when he’s singing, he's nice, but once he gets to emceeing, there aren’t many who can come close to matching his rap skills.



3. GZA

Equally, if not more adept than Rakim at delivering sharp rhymes using a completely laid-back flow, GZA has mastered various skills of emceeing- constantly using wordplay, metaphors, and other literary devices to describe New York street life, or put whack emcees on notice, GZA is widely known for having amazing creativity in his songwriting, which can be seen by analyzing GZA's usage of the word "sword" as a metaphor throughout his career. Standout verses with the Wu, and three solo albums, the worst of which is a near-classic, GZA's talent is so crystal clear, and there really isn't part of emceeing where the genius hasn't excelled. A larger solo discography surely would have strengthened his case for a GOAT consideration, but when the end result is so great, it's hard to ask for anything more from GZA.
MIC CHECK: Liquid Swords, Beneath The Surface, Legend of the Liquid Sword

[Co-Signer: Forceful] GZA has to be on the most underrated influential artists of the past decade. Everything the guy puts out is classic or damn-near it and his storytelling ability tops all other rappers, bar none. He knows his lyrical strengths, and knows exactly how to execute them on the mic.



2. Nas]

Inches away from the eternal crown, there is no way Nas' legacy can be effectively summed it up in a few lines. After all, Nas has already written his own description in the form of a famed discography, which includes what is arguably the best hip-hop album of all time, and countless other LP's that quenched the hip-hop community's thirst for lyrical, yet accessible hip-hop. The deepest emcee of his era, Nas has always had all areas covered, moving between Mafioso raps, street narratives, conscious rhymes, and uplifting, positive hip-hop, all the while finding ways to remain relevant in the mainstream without dumbing down his content. Hip-hop music, like any other, is meant to have an impact, to move people, and Nas' rhymes have the ability to be meaningful beyond the point of entertainment, as the various messages incorporated in his songs convey truth and emotion like no other.
MIC CHECK: Illmatic, It Was Written, God's Son

[Co-Signer: DaDizzle] Introducing his signature poetic style as one of hip-hop's most profound lyricists, he has become one of the better MCs in the game, dropping arguably the best rap album ever made with Illmatic and representing a continuation of the hip-hop tradition by staying true to his legendary lyrics, only with "One Mic".

[Co-Signer: HipHopKnowledge] One of the most lyrical and creative rappers ever, you have to consider Nas one of the best ever. Fourteen years and still hasn't fallen off, dropping solid album after solid album, a perfect LP and near-classic included.



1. Rakim

Is the creator always greater than the creation? In this case, undoubtedly. The pioneer of the modern-age flow, as well as several aspects of lyrical complexity, Rakim not only came up many techniques used by modern-day emcees, but he perfected them before anyone else even had a chance. Experimenting with internal rhyming and multi-rhyming schemes, Rakim's laid back personality on the mic made what he did seem even more remarkable. With the most natural flow and lyrics which covered themes and subjects from various sub-genres of rap music, Rakim set the standard for emceeing so high that there have only been a handful of emcees since who can be considered even close to his level. With punchline and metaphorical quotables for days, Rakim's catalog of albums is so strong that some consider his second, third, and even fourth best albums to be up to par with his debut, which is widely considered the best rap album of all time. In this case, the originator is the king.
MIC CHECK: Paid In Full, Don't Sweat The Technique, The 18th Letter

[Co-Signer: CC/Calligraphy] Rakim was an innovator, a pioneer in the rap game. His lyrics and flow were ahead of his time, and he still is levels ahead of the game today. With bars like ''I was a fiend...before I became a teen....I melted microphones instead of cones of ice cream,'' he solidified his state among the great hip hop lyricists.

[Co-Signer: Pete Rock SS50] When I think of Rakim I think of originality, complexity and I Ain’t No Joke. Everybody else back in the day had about the same kind of flow. He brought the flow that 95% of the game uses now, and it's kind of sad to see a lot of rappers not put him as there favorite, because he is the greatest.


..........................

[Chobie]

This Is A Fuckin Joke!

You've put artists like Royce above BIG and Pac?! Nah man, this shit has really pissed me off! To think people actually consider that little of BIG now?

Shit is rediculous.

[I am God]

the list is so far wack.

[Skinny11]

i think u should put all eyez on me on 2pacs "mic check"

[A_T_I]

Originally Posted by Chobie

This Is A Fuckin Joke!

You've put artists like Royce above BIG and Pac?! Nah man, this shit has really pissed me off! To think people actually consider that little of BIG now?

Shit is rediculous.

Big only has 1 great album, nuff said

[RaidedX]

Should have just put the whole shit up at once dawg.

I cant wait to see but theres too many co-signs from Hotniks. Who dont know shit about Hip Hop . . . lol I agree wit the list so far.

[Chobie]

Originally Posted by A_T_I

Big only has 1 great album, nuff said

Ready to Die and Life After Death are bothin A* classics.

[A_T_I]

Originally Posted by Chobie

Ready to Die and Life After Death are bothin A* classics.

no they're not, sorry

[Chobie]

I swear, iff you're gonna have artists like Royce in this list you better have Prodigy.

[A_T_I]

Originally Posted by RaidedX

Should have just put the whole shit up at once dawg.

I cant wait to see but theres too many co-signs from Hotniks. Who dont know shit about Hip Hop . . . lol I agree wit the list so far.

aight, good to hear, I might put the whole list up by tomorrow if possible....and nikz' is far less ignorant than he pretends to be, lol

[A_T_I]

Originally Posted by Chobie

I swear, iff you're gonna have artists like Royce in this list you better have Prodigy.

i may as well leak 1 secret, Prodigy is indeed on the list

[Chobie]

WHEAY! Respect gone back up!

[Not an account]

[Co-Signer: Hotnikelz]
u gotta be joking me^


uriah is a piece of shit, who knows nothing...and he wants to be like u a.t.i

and he sadly fails



he should shoot his daughter, then blow his own head off


so there will be 2 less dumb fuckers on the surface of the earth



(NO HATE)

[A_T_I]

wow, that was a lil harsh b

dude knows more about hip-hop than 95% of the posers on this site

[Not an account]

Originally Posted by A_T_I

wow, that was a lil harsh b

dude knows more about hip-hop than 95% of the posers on this site

A.T.I...I CAN RESPECT UR OPINION...BUT URIAH IS A POSER OF HIP HOP HEADZ..HES AN ASSHOLE.....A DICK HEAD, AND I MENT WHAT I SAID


HES A PEICE OF STUPID SHIT..HE THINKS HES FUNNY, ON THE INTERNET ALL DAY TALKING TO LIL KIDS YOUNGA THEN HIM , AINT HE POSE TO BE WATCHIN HIS DAUGHTER?????????? FUCKIN GEEK STAYS IN HIS CHAIR WITH IS GEEK ASS GLASSES LISTING TO TIMBO AND BUBBA SPARXX



he reall should do what i said

[Rebel INS {CF}]

dope list so far geee lookin forward to the rest

[Chobie]

Originally Posted by Not an account

HES A PEICE OF STUPID SHIT..HE THINKS HES FUNNY, ON THE INTERNET ALL DAY TALKING TO LIL KIDS YOUNGA THEN HIM , AINT HE POSE TO BE WATCHIN HIS DAUGHTER?????????? FUCKIN GEEK STAYS IN HIS CHAIR WITH IS GEEK ASS GLASSES LISTING TO TIMBO AND BUBBA SPARXX

Quoted for the truth.

Probably still lives in his mothers basement.

[bamalam mcbarker]

why the hell is 2pac so low on the list

[Chobie]

Trust me, you gonna garner a lot of hate from this list.

[A_T_I]

Originally Posted by Chobie

Trust me, you gonna garner a lot of hate from this list.

lol, I''m aware, most of it will be underserved and unexplained I expect

[DarkHeaven...]

Respect List

But smfh @ Big L,Royce, being in top 50.

[DarkHeaven...]

No

R.A. Rugged Man