- 1,938
- 11
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2007
http://rap.about.com/od/toppicks/ss/Top50Emcees.htm
Criteria for Selection
The following MCs were chosen mainly for their lyrical durability. The list does not reflect sales or mainstream success of these artists. Artists wereevaluated on a 25-point scale based on: originality, longevity, lyricism, social impact, flavor, battle skills, consistency, charisma, poetic value, substance,versatility, vocal presence, live performance, flow and delivery, among other factors.
Eligibility:
To be eligible, artists must have:
* a) attained a longevity time frame of 7 years or more
* b) i) released 2 solo albums or ii)1 solo album and 2 group albums or iii) 4 group albums
* c) been musically active between 1987 and 2007
50 - 46
50. Del the Funky Homosapien
Innovative and creative, Del made his mark as a key member of the Hieroglyphics crew and as a successful solo artist. The best part: he did without riding hiscousin (Ice Cube)'s coattail.
Best Album: I Wish My Brother George Was Here
49. Bun B
Bun, the pinnacle of UGK, oozes charisma and charm on the mic. His versatility has earned him the respect of peers and fans alike.
Best Album: Ridin' Dirty (w/ UGK)
48. Gift of Gab
As one half of the illustrious hip-hop duo Blackalicious, Gift of Gab garnered a religious following with his lyrics of fury.
Best Album: 4th Dimensional Rocketships Going Up
47. Prodigy
As Mobb Deep's lead-MC, P's knack for ear-grabbing lyrics earned him a rep as one of the most memorable MCs of the mid-90s. That was before the G-Unittattoos.
Best Album: The Infamous (w/ Mobb Deep)
46. Chino XL
Though more likely to be mentioned among the most underrated than among the greatest, Chino XL is one of the smartest lyricists hip-hop has ever had. His blendof sharp wit and self-deprecating humor always makes for a delightful listening experience.
Best Album: Here to Save You All
45 - 41
45. Biz Markie
The Clown Prince of hip-hop pumped fun and flavor into the art with his goofy, careening music style.
Best Album: Goin' Off
44. Guru
As the rapping half of Gang Starr (DJ Premier helmed the duo's production department), Guru played a major role in pumping substance and positivity intothe game. Extra credit goes to Baldhead Slick for being one of the premier jazz-rappers.
Best Album: Daily Operation
43. Beanie Sigel
With a distinctive delivery and a well-tested battle acumen, Beans managed to create a unique sound that has critics wondering if there's a special formulain the waters of Philadelphia.
Best Album: The Truth
42. DMX
Gruff, Rugged and Raw...call him GRR. Dark Man X imbued his career with the ever peculiar mix of spirituality and sentimentality.
Best Album: It's Dark & Hell Is Hot
41. Snoop Dogg
Not too many MCs have been able to create mainstream hits while still keeping it "G". Apart from possessing a smooth, flavor-filled flow, Snoop hasalso supplied some of the most captivating hooks hip-hop has ever witnessed.
Best Album: Doggystyle
40 - 36
40. Jadakiss
Jada's vocal presence is unarguably one of the best in the game. (That raspy voice, coupled with the trademark "Aha!!" cough, is unforgettable.)Throw in his penchant for punchlines, freestyle prowess, and unique delivery, and you're left with an emcee's emcee.
Best Album: Kiss of Death
39. Queen Latifah
A high-flying poet teeming with self-respect, Latifah laid the foundation for future femcees like Lauryn Hill and Da Brat.
Best Album: All Hail the Queen
38. Method Man
Besides being the first successful solo emcee to emerge from the Wu-Tang camp, Method Man is also widely celebrated for his crispy flow and flavor.
Best Album: Tical
37. Q-Tip
As A Tribe Called Quest's lead-MC, Tip helped pioneer the jazz-rap subgenre. And as part of the positivity-hinged Native Tongues, Tip managed to raise ahandful of socio-conscious discussions without ever raising his voice. That requires skill.
Best Album: Midnight Marauders
36. Busta Rhymes
One of the founding principles of emceeing is the ability to move the crowd. And who can say they've never been compelled to move to the beat byBusta's favorite grunt: "Whoo-HA!" Extra points for being the most energetic live performer in hip-hop history.
Best Album: Extinction Level Event (Final World Front)
35 - 31
35. Posdnous
At a time when gangsta rap was the order of the day, Posdnous and his De La cohorts crashed the party with a smile and some daisies.
Best Album: Stakes Is High(w/ De La Soul)
34. Raekwon
Although the "chef" in Raekwon the Chef has more to do with white meat than soul food, you can bet that Rae helped create the recipe for mafioso rapin the 90's. Apart from his obvious influence on many of today's emcees, this clansman is also the author of one of the best hip-hop albums of alltime, Only Built for Cuban Linx.
Best Album: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
33. Royce da 5'9"
Once friends with Eminem (the two formed Bad Meets Evil in the late 90s), Royce managed a string of classic cuts early in his career before imploding.
Best Album: Death Is Certain
32. Canibus
Canibus is well known for his scientific references and intricate rhyme schemes. Extra points for vocal presence and battle skills.
Best Album: Mic Club - The Curriculum
31. Kool Moe Dee
With his deadly combination of wit and grit, Kool Moe Dee helped set the manifesto for what would eventually become known as battle rap. Best Album: How YaLike Me Now
30 - 26
30. Ras Kass
That Ras Kass is one of the most intellectual MCs to have emerged in the mid-1990s is no longer news. Like the African king he adopted his name from, Ras holdsthe throne...as the Left Coast's best living lyricist.
Best Album: Soul on Ice
29. Talib Kweli
This Afrocentric MC uses hip-hop as a means to educate and elevate his community.
Best Album: Quality
28. Ghostface Killah
Deep-rooted in the Wu-Tang lyrical philosophies, Ghost is by far one of the most imaginative storytellers of our time.
Best Album: Supreme Clientele
27. AZ
AZ, who debuted on Nas' 1994 hit song "Life's a B***h," is arguably the most underrated lyricist ever. That's probably because he'sno innovator--and is way too grimy to sell out--but his "intelligent thug" persona sets him aside from his peers.
Best Album: Doe or Die
26. MC Lyte
This Brooklyn wordsmith is the complete package. She made her entrance by helping Sinnead O'Connor to a dance hit, throwing flames at a cheating boyfriend,and railing against copycat femcees, all at the same time.
Best Album: Lyte As a Rock
25 - 21
25. Big Pun
Despite his large frame, Big Pun's fun, fast and feisty rhymes kept him light years ahead of his peers. He was also the first solo Latino rapper to goplatinum. How's that for industry impact?
Best Album: Capital Punishment
24. Mos Def
Before he caught an acting bug, Mos Def made an indelible impression on hip-hop with lyrics so neat they made your parents boogie.
Best Album: Black on Both Sides
23. Big L
Gunned down at the age of 24 on February 15, 1999, the rest of Big L's talent followed him to the grave. But he left us with enough material to know thathe was one of the most auspicious storytellers in hip-hop history.
Best Album: The Big Picture
22. Masta Ace
As a member of the Juice Crew (along with Marley Marl, MC Shan, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, and Craig G), Masta Ace garnered notoriety as anunsung hip-hop vet. Still, his witty wordplay and lyrical influence earned him a spot among the greats.
Best Album: Disposable Arts
21. Pharoahe Monch
Through his panoramic vision and jarring imageries, Pharoahe Monch garnered a reputation as one of alt-hip-hop's eminent lyricists.
Best Album: Internal Affairs
20 - 16
20. Black Thought
Widely lauded for his raw and uncut rhymes--which have taken a political bent lately--Black Thought is, to paraphrase his bandmate ?uestlove, in a league byhimself. Bonus kudos for his enthralling live performances.
Best Album: Illadelph Halflife (w/ The Roots)
19. Common
An ingenuous street-corner poet, Common keeps hip-hop's flag flying high with his socially-aware lyrics.
Best Album: Resurrection
18. Lauryn Hill
People always say that the hip-hop of today is devoid of talented female MCs. Maybe it's because the standards established by Lyte, Latifah, and Lauryn,are almost unattainable.
Best Album: The Score(w/ Fugees)
17. GZA / Genius
Metaphor-heavy vignettes, Shaolin Sword-sharp lyrics, smooth flow...GZA is undeniably the most cerebral MC in the Wu family.
Best Album: Liquid Swords
16. Andre 3000
Before he caught the singing bug, Dre helped set OutKast's aesthetic bar so high even OutKast couldn't topple it.
Best Album: Aquemini
15 - 11
15. LL Cool J
LL's longevity has never been disputed--he hasn't been able to "Live Without His Radio" since 1985--and, unlike some of his peers, Cool J hasmanaged to reinvent his style over the years to reflect the current cultural landscape.
Best Album: Mama Said Knock You Out
14. Redman
Sometimes satirical, sometimes silly, Redman is one of the liveliest MCs of his era.
Best Album: Muddy Waters
13. Eminem
With his dark and dystopic recitals, Eminem is always as willing to lacerate others as himself. His intricate rhyme structure, experimental wordplay, andmeticulous phrasing make him one of the landmark MCs of the 21st century.
Best Album: The Marshall Mathers LP
12. Slick Rick
Despite myriad run-ins with the INS and jail stints, Ricky Walters managed to hold down the storytelling department like no other.
Best Album: The Great Adventures of Slick Rick
11. Ice Cube
Politically salient with an in-your-face delivery, Ice Cube developed a cult-like following by favoring substance over style.
Best Album: Death Certificate
10 - 6
10. Scarface
Only a handful MCs have managed to sustain their alignment with the streets regardless of success. 'Face is at the top of that list. His wistful ghettotales and poetic raps are constant reminders that Brad Jordan is the voice of the hood.
Best Album: The Diary
9. Chuck D
Lyrical, with a militant message, and a take-no-prisoners mic persona, Chuck D remains an influential figure in the rap game today.
Best Album: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
8. Kool G Rap
The next time your favorite emcee commits a double-homicide on wax, blame it on the notorious Kool G Rap. Why? He's the grandfather of hardcore hip-hop, ofcourse. Some of the grittiest street tales in rap have emerged from G Rap's rhyme book.
Best Album: wanted: Dead or Alive (w/ DJ Polo)
7. 2Pac
Undoubtedly the most influential of all time, 'Pac remains a transcendental MC that's often imitated but never duplicated.
Best Album: Me Against the World
6. Jay-Z
You wouldn't know it from the plethora of hustler-turned-trappers he's inspired, but Jay-Z is the paradigm of rags-to-riches street dreams. Forget hisflawless flow and nerve-wracking humor, that marketing plan was him.
Best Album: Reasonable Doubt
5 - 1
5. The Notorious B.I.G.
Lacking any real social message, Biggie possessed enough pizzazz to sway audiences young and old. Not to mention his seemingly effortless wit and ear-grabbingdelivery.
Best Album: Ready to Die
4. Nas
Some call him a street prophet for his poetic, conversational-style lyrics. An absolute master of lyrical extravaganza, Nas often paints a picture of urbanlife in his rhymes.
Best Album: Illmatic
3. Big Daddy Kane
The King of Swagger, Kane dazzled the rap world with his peculiar flair and flamboyant wardrobe. Countless others (including Jay-Z, Biggie, and Snoop) wouldlater adopt his player persona.
Best Album: Long Live the Kane
2. KRS-One
The Teacha transformed the violent brusque of ghetto life into a story of uplift and self-awareness, starting with BDP's incendiary debut, Criminal Minded.
Best Album: By All Means Necessary (w/ Boogie Down Productions)
1. Rakim
While others bragged about their guns, Rakim celebrated his swagger. A smooth, laid-back flow, intense lyricism, and positivity were his stately hallmarks.
Best Album: Paid in Full (Eric B. & Rakim)
Criteria for Selection
The following MCs were chosen mainly for their lyrical durability. The list does not reflect sales or mainstream success of these artists. Artists wereevaluated on a 25-point scale based on: originality, longevity, lyricism, social impact, flavor, battle skills, consistency, charisma, poetic value, substance,versatility, vocal presence, live performance, flow and delivery, among other factors.
Eligibility:
To be eligible, artists must have:
* a) attained a longevity time frame of 7 years or more
* b) i) released 2 solo albums or ii)1 solo album and 2 group albums or iii) 4 group albums
* c) been musically active between 1987 and 2007
50 - 46
50. Del the Funky Homosapien
Innovative and creative, Del made his mark as a key member of the Hieroglyphics crew and as a successful solo artist. The best part: he did without riding hiscousin (Ice Cube)'s coattail.
Best Album: I Wish My Brother George Was Here
49. Bun B
Bun, the pinnacle of UGK, oozes charisma and charm on the mic. His versatility has earned him the respect of peers and fans alike.
Best Album: Ridin' Dirty (w/ UGK)
48. Gift of Gab
As one half of the illustrious hip-hop duo Blackalicious, Gift of Gab garnered a religious following with his lyrics of fury.
Best Album: 4th Dimensional Rocketships Going Up
47. Prodigy
As Mobb Deep's lead-MC, P's knack for ear-grabbing lyrics earned him a rep as one of the most memorable MCs of the mid-90s. That was before the G-Unittattoos.
Best Album: The Infamous (w/ Mobb Deep)
46. Chino XL
Though more likely to be mentioned among the most underrated than among the greatest, Chino XL is one of the smartest lyricists hip-hop has ever had. His blendof sharp wit and self-deprecating humor always makes for a delightful listening experience.
Best Album: Here to Save You All
45 - 41
45. Biz Markie
The Clown Prince of hip-hop pumped fun and flavor into the art with his goofy, careening music style.
Best Album: Goin' Off
44. Guru
As the rapping half of Gang Starr (DJ Premier helmed the duo's production department), Guru played a major role in pumping substance and positivity intothe game. Extra credit goes to Baldhead Slick for being one of the premier jazz-rappers.
Best Album: Daily Operation
43. Beanie Sigel
With a distinctive delivery and a well-tested battle acumen, Beans managed to create a unique sound that has critics wondering if there's a special formulain the waters of Philadelphia.
Best Album: The Truth
42. DMX
Gruff, Rugged and Raw...call him GRR. Dark Man X imbued his career with the ever peculiar mix of spirituality and sentimentality.
Best Album: It's Dark & Hell Is Hot
41. Snoop Dogg
Not too many MCs have been able to create mainstream hits while still keeping it "G". Apart from possessing a smooth, flavor-filled flow, Snoop hasalso supplied some of the most captivating hooks hip-hop has ever witnessed.
Best Album: Doggystyle
40 - 36
40. Jadakiss
Jada's vocal presence is unarguably one of the best in the game. (That raspy voice, coupled with the trademark "Aha!!" cough, is unforgettable.)Throw in his penchant for punchlines, freestyle prowess, and unique delivery, and you're left with an emcee's emcee.
Best Album: Kiss of Death
39. Queen Latifah
A high-flying poet teeming with self-respect, Latifah laid the foundation for future femcees like Lauryn Hill and Da Brat.
Best Album: All Hail the Queen
38. Method Man
Besides being the first successful solo emcee to emerge from the Wu-Tang camp, Method Man is also widely celebrated for his crispy flow and flavor.
Best Album: Tical
37. Q-Tip
As A Tribe Called Quest's lead-MC, Tip helped pioneer the jazz-rap subgenre. And as part of the positivity-hinged Native Tongues, Tip managed to raise ahandful of socio-conscious discussions without ever raising his voice. That requires skill.
Best Album: Midnight Marauders
36. Busta Rhymes
One of the founding principles of emceeing is the ability to move the crowd. And who can say they've never been compelled to move to the beat byBusta's favorite grunt: "Whoo-HA!" Extra points for being the most energetic live performer in hip-hop history.
Best Album: Extinction Level Event (Final World Front)
35 - 31
35. Posdnous
At a time when gangsta rap was the order of the day, Posdnous and his De La cohorts crashed the party with a smile and some daisies.
Best Album: Stakes Is High(w/ De La Soul)
34. Raekwon
Although the "chef" in Raekwon the Chef has more to do with white meat than soul food, you can bet that Rae helped create the recipe for mafioso rapin the 90's. Apart from his obvious influence on many of today's emcees, this clansman is also the author of one of the best hip-hop albums of alltime, Only Built for Cuban Linx.
Best Album: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
33. Royce da 5'9"
Once friends with Eminem (the two formed Bad Meets Evil in the late 90s), Royce managed a string of classic cuts early in his career before imploding.
Best Album: Death Is Certain
32. Canibus
Canibus is well known for his scientific references and intricate rhyme schemes. Extra points for vocal presence and battle skills.
Best Album: Mic Club - The Curriculum
31. Kool Moe Dee
With his deadly combination of wit and grit, Kool Moe Dee helped set the manifesto for what would eventually become known as battle rap. Best Album: How YaLike Me Now
30 - 26
30. Ras Kass
That Ras Kass is one of the most intellectual MCs to have emerged in the mid-1990s is no longer news. Like the African king he adopted his name from, Ras holdsthe throne...as the Left Coast's best living lyricist.
Best Album: Soul on Ice
29. Talib Kweli
This Afrocentric MC uses hip-hop as a means to educate and elevate his community.
Best Album: Quality
28. Ghostface Killah
Deep-rooted in the Wu-Tang lyrical philosophies, Ghost is by far one of the most imaginative storytellers of our time.
Best Album: Supreme Clientele
27. AZ
AZ, who debuted on Nas' 1994 hit song "Life's a B***h," is arguably the most underrated lyricist ever. That's probably because he'sno innovator--and is way too grimy to sell out--but his "intelligent thug" persona sets him aside from his peers.
Best Album: Doe or Die
26. MC Lyte
This Brooklyn wordsmith is the complete package. She made her entrance by helping Sinnead O'Connor to a dance hit, throwing flames at a cheating boyfriend,and railing against copycat femcees, all at the same time.
Best Album: Lyte As a Rock
25 - 21
25. Big Pun
Despite his large frame, Big Pun's fun, fast and feisty rhymes kept him light years ahead of his peers. He was also the first solo Latino rapper to goplatinum. How's that for industry impact?
Best Album: Capital Punishment
24. Mos Def
Before he caught an acting bug, Mos Def made an indelible impression on hip-hop with lyrics so neat they made your parents boogie.
Best Album: Black on Both Sides
23. Big L
Gunned down at the age of 24 on February 15, 1999, the rest of Big L's talent followed him to the grave. But he left us with enough material to know thathe was one of the most auspicious storytellers in hip-hop history.
Best Album: The Big Picture
22. Masta Ace
As a member of the Juice Crew (along with Marley Marl, MC Shan, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, and Craig G), Masta Ace garnered notoriety as anunsung hip-hop vet. Still, his witty wordplay and lyrical influence earned him a spot among the greats.
Best Album: Disposable Arts
21. Pharoahe Monch
Through his panoramic vision and jarring imageries, Pharoahe Monch garnered a reputation as one of alt-hip-hop's eminent lyricists.
Best Album: Internal Affairs
20 - 16
20. Black Thought
Widely lauded for his raw and uncut rhymes--which have taken a political bent lately--Black Thought is, to paraphrase his bandmate ?uestlove, in a league byhimself. Bonus kudos for his enthralling live performances.
Best Album: Illadelph Halflife (w/ The Roots)
19. Common
An ingenuous street-corner poet, Common keeps hip-hop's flag flying high with his socially-aware lyrics.
Best Album: Resurrection
18. Lauryn Hill
People always say that the hip-hop of today is devoid of talented female MCs. Maybe it's because the standards established by Lyte, Latifah, and Lauryn,are almost unattainable.
Best Album: The Score(w/ Fugees)
17. GZA / Genius
Metaphor-heavy vignettes, Shaolin Sword-sharp lyrics, smooth flow...GZA is undeniably the most cerebral MC in the Wu family.
Best Album: Liquid Swords
16. Andre 3000
Before he caught the singing bug, Dre helped set OutKast's aesthetic bar so high even OutKast couldn't topple it.
Best Album: Aquemini
15 - 11
15. LL Cool J
LL's longevity has never been disputed--he hasn't been able to "Live Without His Radio" since 1985--and, unlike some of his peers, Cool J hasmanaged to reinvent his style over the years to reflect the current cultural landscape.
Best Album: Mama Said Knock You Out
14. Redman
Sometimes satirical, sometimes silly, Redman is one of the liveliest MCs of his era.
Best Album: Muddy Waters
13. Eminem
With his dark and dystopic recitals, Eminem is always as willing to lacerate others as himself. His intricate rhyme structure, experimental wordplay, andmeticulous phrasing make him one of the landmark MCs of the 21st century.
Best Album: The Marshall Mathers LP
12. Slick Rick
Despite myriad run-ins with the INS and jail stints, Ricky Walters managed to hold down the storytelling department like no other.
Best Album: The Great Adventures of Slick Rick
11. Ice Cube
Politically salient with an in-your-face delivery, Ice Cube developed a cult-like following by favoring substance over style.
Best Album: Death Certificate
10 - 6
10. Scarface
Only a handful MCs have managed to sustain their alignment with the streets regardless of success. 'Face is at the top of that list. His wistful ghettotales and poetic raps are constant reminders that Brad Jordan is the voice of the hood.
Best Album: The Diary
9. Chuck D
Lyrical, with a militant message, and a take-no-prisoners mic persona, Chuck D remains an influential figure in the rap game today.
Best Album: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
8. Kool G Rap
The next time your favorite emcee commits a double-homicide on wax, blame it on the notorious Kool G Rap. Why? He's the grandfather of hardcore hip-hop, ofcourse. Some of the grittiest street tales in rap have emerged from G Rap's rhyme book.
Best Album: wanted: Dead or Alive (w/ DJ Polo)
7. 2Pac
Undoubtedly the most influential of all time, 'Pac remains a transcendental MC that's often imitated but never duplicated.
Best Album: Me Against the World
6. Jay-Z
You wouldn't know it from the plethora of hustler-turned-trappers he's inspired, but Jay-Z is the paradigm of rags-to-riches street dreams. Forget hisflawless flow and nerve-wracking humor, that marketing plan was him.
Best Album: Reasonable Doubt
5 - 1
5. The Notorious B.I.G.
Lacking any real social message, Biggie possessed enough pizzazz to sway audiences young and old. Not to mention his seemingly effortless wit and ear-grabbingdelivery.
Best Album: Ready to Die
4. Nas
Some call him a street prophet for his poetic, conversational-style lyrics. An absolute master of lyrical extravaganza, Nas often paints a picture of urbanlife in his rhymes.
Best Album: Illmatic
3. Big Daddy Kane
The King of Swagger, Kane dazzled the rap world with his peculiar flair and flamboyant wardrobe. Countless others (including Jay-Z, Biggie, and Snoop) wouldlater adopt his player persona.
Best Album: Long Live the Kane
2. KRS-One
The Teacha transformed the violent brusque of ghetto life into a story of uplift and self-awareness, starting with BDP's incendiary debut, Criminal Minded.
Best Album: By All Means Necessary (w/ Boogie Down Productions)
1. Rakim
While others bragged about their guns, Rakim celebrated his swagger. A smooth, laid-back flow, intense lyricism, and positivity were his stately hallmarks.
Best Album: Paid in Full (Eric B. & Rakim)
