Top 50 MCS of Our Time: 1987-2007

[the game is a foot]

Originally Posted by Master Zik

What does Wyclef trump Ice Cube in?

Fugees - The Score. Now what other classics does he have?

How are ppl in here trying to discredit Ice cube of all ppl?

Now I know how Joe Budden feels...

I stated in plain English that I'm not discrediting Cube's accomplishments as a successful rap artist.

Someone on a previous page asked people to list their top 50 and I did so basing mines primarily on lyrical ability, not on bs "rap statistics" usedto compile the list on the first page. And out of the 50 rappers I name, y'all want to cast stones at ONE slot I list Cube at??? If you feel some kind ofway then live up to the task and list your own top 50.

People make it seem like being a hip-hop pioneer automatically exempts that individual from being measured up against any contemporary (modern) rapper of equalor greater talent and skill set.

Also a lot of y'all are misinterpreting the whole Wyclef comment. ScottHallWithAPick misinterpreted what I said and ran off in a completely different direction. All I was implying was that lyrically the art of rapping hasadvanced passed what it was 15 years ago. And I never said 'Clef has more "classic" material than Cube. I made an example sayingthat in the "hits" department, 'Clef is a heavyweight. Does that make him and dudes like 50 Cent a top 50 MC? HELL NO!

There's a difference between being a rapper and an MC. When I think about dudes like Ice Cube, I think hands down top 5 or 10 greatest "rapartist" ever. "Top MC"? Top 40 arguably.

 

[niketalker23]

Originally Posted by retr0sxual

Mos at 24 is a joke.

QFE

 

[joseph camel jr]

Originally Posted by DipsetGeneral

Originally Posted by boricuachulo321

Originally Posted by DipsetGeneral

Big Pun.. no no no... He CANT spit better than anyone on that list. ON THE REAL... & cam'ron DEF should be on that list... anywhere from 40 +.
SOMEONE give me something Pharoe Monch was famous for. Please..

You need the Pun to dis you if your whole steez is unofficialI'll come and get you and let the desert eez tounge kiss youWith one pistol and two clips, I'll make your crew do flipsLike acrobatics, I'm charismatic, my gat is magicIt makes rappers disappear, whipser in your earCrystal clear, come here, let me kiss your tearsEverything you fear is here, you ain't got to search furtherThe first murder's the worst now I thirst further for reverse birthEvery verse hurts, every curse word's already more offending Than Eddie Murph's worstI thirst for blood like a vampire, any man claimin' his game's tighterIS A GOD DAMN LIAR!I set 'em on fire, retire your train of thoughtDrain a quart of blood out your brain and leave you insane in the darkThe king of New York!  Lays his crown in the Boogie DownAnd sprays the town, with a Mac hoodied downI'm no joke! (Yuh!!) I soak your face with a sweeperDying disgrace, I'll face your death through the speakerListen, it's obvious you havent listened to Pun in either a long time, or you have absolutely NO clue what you're talking about. You dont even know who Pharoe Monch is. Go sit down, please...

EVERYBODY on that list can spit a line 5X + hotter than that.. (maybe im reaching)... but SERIOUSLY who is Pharohoe Monch is... Fo Real...
Cam'ron is MORE influential than BIG PUN.. and a better ARTIST period..

Wropng on both assertions, and you don't know who Pharoahe Monch is? Then no offense but your opinion doesn't hold much weight here.

 

[scotthallwithapick]

Originally Posted by The Game is a Foot

Originally Posted by Master Zik

What does Wyclef trump Ice Cube in?

Fugees - The Score. Now what other classics does he have?

How are ppl in here trying to discredit Ice cube of all ppl?

Now I know how Joe Budden feels...

I stated in plain English that I'm not discrediting Cube's accomplishments as a successful rap artist.

Someone on a previous page asked people to list their top 50 and I did so basing mines primarily on lyrical ability, not on bs "rap statistics" used to compile the list on the first page. And out of the 50 rappers I name, y'all want to cast stones at ONE slot I list Cube at??? If you feel some kind of way then live up to the task and list your own top 50.

People make it seem like being a hip-hop pioneer automatically exempts that individual from being measured up against any contemporary (modern) rapper of equal or greater talent and skill set.

Also a lot of y'all are misinterpreting the whole Wyclef comment. ScottHallWithAPick misinterpreted what I said and ran off in a completely different direction. All I was implying was that lyrically the art of rapping has advanced passed what it was 15 years ago. And I never said 'Clef has more "classic" material than Cube. I made an example saying that in the "hits" department, 'Clef is a heavyweight. Does that make him and dudes like 50 Cent a top 50 MC? HELL NO!

There's a difference between being a rapper and an MC. When I think about dudes like Ice Cube, I think hands down top 5 or 10 greatest "rap artist" ever. "Top MC"? Top 40 arguably.

That's the thing, Until that club song Ice Cube was never known for hits. Neither is Wyclef really but that's another story. But Ice Cube is known forhis body of work and he painted pictures of Los Angeles back in the early 90s and thats what a MC does. He paints a picture for the crowd and or audience.That's why I got confused cause by comparing Clef to Cube you meant to say Cube is a heavyweight in the hits category and I NEVER think of Cube like thatso I have to assume you mean he has more classics.

 

[harlem on the rise]

This list is AWFUL...

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-Unit tattoos.
Best Album: The Infamous (w/ Mobb Deep)

IMO he should be somewhere in the top 30... Prodigy has ALOT of amazing verses, and Mobb Deep have made some GREAT music...

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 blend of sharp wit and self-deprecating humor always makes for a delightful listening experience.
Best Album: Here to Save You All

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

Whoever made this list lost ALL credibility @ thispoint... Its known among hip hop fans that Biz doesnt write his %%%%, and even if he did he STILL wouldnt belong ANYwhere near this list...

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
Based on his first 2 albums... He deserves to be in the top 25

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 has also supplied some of the most captivating hooks hip-hop has ever witnessed.
Best Album: Doggystyle
Snoop & DMX may have had the WORST Fall Off's in hip hop history...

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 rap in 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 all time, Only Built for Cuban Linx.
Best Album: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
No Way... If ANYTHING he could be 49 or 50...

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

Canibus is TRASH... Royce is coo, but he doesnt belong on this list...

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's no 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

Another rapper that belongs NOWHERE near this list....

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 by himself. Bonus kudos for his enthralling live performances.
Best Album: Illadelph Halflife (w/ The Roots)
Black Thought is better than Prodigy?? No Way... Thought belongs somewhere in the 35-45...

The top 15 is right.. The order is *%!+%@ up tho...

15. Chuck D
14. Ghostface
13. Slick Rick
12. LL Cool J
11. Kool G Rap
10. Scarface
9. Ice Cube
8. Eminem
7. Big Daddy Kane
6. KRS One
5. 2Pac
4. Jay Z
3. Rakim
2. The Notorious B.I.G.
1. NaS

 

[mossman75]

Black Thought is head & shoulders above Prodigy

 

[five30]

Based on their criteria, which most of you probably didn't read, I guess it's an ok list.

 

[scotthallwithapick]

Originally Posted by mossman75

Black Thought is head & shoulders above Prodigy

 

[mosthated770]

camron is trash... give up fanboys....

 

[harlem on the rise]

Originally Posted by ScottHallWithAPick

Originally Posted by mossman75

Black Thought is head & shoulders above Prodigy

As an MC?? you kiddin me??... Black Thought = Guru... with the Roots
Prodigy would rap CIRCLES around Black Thought...

 

[mossman75]

Originally Posted by Harlem On The Rise

Originally Posted by ScottHallWithAPick

Originally Posted by mossman75

Black Thought is head & shoulders above Prodigy

As an MC?? you kiddin me??... Black Thought = Guru... with the Roots
Prodigy would rap CIRCLES around Black Thought...

come on now


Black thought would toast Prodigy on the mic

Even when Prodigy was at his best(95-9 Black Thought still was better

But a Prodigy from 2000 to now

Black Though is easily the better MC


Plus i never heard a wack verse from Black Thought

 

[scotthallwithapick]

Originally Posted by Harlem On The Rise

Originally Posted by ScottHallWithAPick

Originally Posted by mossman75

Black Thought is head & shoulders above Prodigy

As an MC?? you kiddin me??... Black Thought = Guru... with the Roots
Prodigy would rap CIRCLES around Black Thought...

Lost generation, fast paced nation
World population confront they frustration
The principles of true hip-hop have been forsaken
It's all contractual and about money makin
Pretend-to-be cats don't seem to know they limitation
Exact replication and false representation
You wanna be a man, then stand your own
To MC requires skills, I demand some shown
I let the frauds keep frontin
And roam like a celluar phone far from home
Givin crowds what they wantin
Offical hip-hop consumption, the 5th thumpin
Keepin ya party jumpin with an original somethin
Yo, I dedicate this to the one dimension-al
No imagination, excuse for perpetration
My man came over and said, "Yo we thought we heard you"
Joke's on you; you heard a bitin-++% crew but um..

 

[harlem on the rise]

Originally Posted by ScottHallWithAPick

Originally Posted by Harlem On The Rise

Originally Posted by ScottHallWithAPick

Originally Posted by mossman75

Black Thought is head & shoulders above Prodigy

As an MC?? you kiddin me??... Black Thought = Guru... with the Roots
Prodigy would rap CIRCLES around Black Thought...

Lost generation, fast paced nation
World population confront they frustration
The principles of true hip-hop have been forsaken
It's all contractual and about money makin
Pretend-to-be cats don't seem to know they limitation
Exact replication and false representation
You wanna be a man, then stand your own
To MC requires skills, I demand some shown
I let the frauds keep frontin
And roam like a celluar phone far from home
Givin crowds what they wantin
Offical hip-hop consumption, the 5th thumpin
Keepin ya party jumpin with an original somethin
Yo, I dedicate this to the one dimension-al
No imagination, excuse for perpetration
My man came over and said, "Yo we thought we heard you"
Joke's on you; you heard a bitin-++% crew but um..

Thats hist BEST verse... He has no other verse in his ENTIRE career that is really worth mentioning... Especially in a convo of the Greatest MCs...

P's verse on Shook One's >*

Thats not countin %@!! like "Start Of Your Ending", "Eye For An Eye"... "Temperture's Rising", 3rd verse to "Hell OnEarth", 1st verse on "G.O.D. Father Part 3"... "Where Ya Heart At"... "Quiet Storm"...

Prodigy's lyrical performance on The Infamous alone is better than ANY lyrical performance Black Thought has put togeather... & Ever will puttogeather....

 

[scotthallwithapick]

Originally Posted by Harlem On The Rise

He has no other verse in his ENTIRE career that is really worth mentioning... Especially in a convo of the Greatest MCs...

Ok I understand you like P more. But comparing him to Guru? Saying he has no other verse mentioning?

 

[skinsfan61687]

DMX needs to drop somethin hard sooon... stop messin wid that crack

 

[mossman75]

LOL Black Thought got that heat



I'm from the side of town
Where shots get sprayed around
Where the expectancy rate be twenty-eight around
Downtown battleground where cops parade around
Have your whole view of life beyond jaded
How everybody sick of breaking down, tryin' a make it out
Hand over fist the only way to get the paper down
People tired of gettin' pushed around, gettin' gangsta now
Discipline the only way to bring some kinda change around
Chain cirgarette smokin' with bad nerves
And brothas with bad lungs from smokin' mad herb
Whoever in the dark is unseen and heard
Let's submerge, I can feel something close we on the verge
Talkin' bout, to my street sweepers, hotel housekeepers
And my people spillin' this out through jail house speakers
Some people rather use than might than use heaters
Some people rather lose they life than lose freedom




^Black Thought NEVER fell off, he got it



Prodigy is A__ on the mic, ever since Infamy dude has been trash, half the time he doesn't even rhyme

 

[51and3rd]

Originally Posted by boricuachulo321

Originally Posted by 51and3rd

List is fubar..... hate him or love him but Waynes Carter series puts him in the top 25 I dont care what you say and twista is not all that live.... he raps fast.... ok.

TOP 25????

Name 25 people off that list that Wayne is better than....

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


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


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


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


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


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


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. 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)

 

[we get live]

^ You're *!#%$%@ buggin'.

And Wayne is one of my favorite dudes out.

 

[dopeboy908]

lil wayne the best ever duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh knooo dat

 

[atransta]

P's verses on the Infamous and hell on earth >>>> black thought

 

[dopeboy908]

who loves lil wayne here lmk

 

[airuphere23]

P puts out trash now compared to how he used to rap. I agree Prodigy's lyrics USED TO BE on point, but dude fell off so hard.....I don't know how dudescan defend this guy.

 

[harlem on the rise]

Originally Posted by 51and3rd

Originally Posted by boricuachulo321

Originally Posted by 51and3rd

List is fubar..... hate him or love him but Waynes Carter series puts him in the top 25 I dont care what you say and twista is not all that live.... he raps fast.... ok.

TOP 25????

Name 25 people off that list that Wayne is better than....

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 his cousin (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-Unit tattoos.
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 blend of 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 into the 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 formula in 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 has also supplied some of the most captivating hooks hip-hop has ever witnessed.
Best Album: Doggystyle

40 - 36


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 a handful 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 by Busta'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 rap in 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 all time, 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 Ya Like 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 holds the throne...as the Left Coast's best living lyricist.
Best Album: Soul on Ice


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


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 go platinum. 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


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 an unsung 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 by himself. 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


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 has managed 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


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. 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 ghetto tales 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, of course. 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)

 

[illmatic34]

Dude forgot Dylan...SMH

 

[sonoftony]

i respect the list but Pun should be at least top 5 .

and i also think cam deserves a spot on the list just off social impact.