Just wondering since I'm from the old school, who you consider the 5 greatest rappers of all time. I'm talking the whole package, lyrics, beats, flow, voice, success, presence and whatever else you wanna measure an artist by. So someone like Biggie who had a unique voice and great flow, can make the list even if he wasn't the most original when it came to lyrics. I'm not as up or as interested in today's rappers I admit so my list will be skewed to the 90's. Anyways lets have yours with or without reasons. My Top 5 2Pac - unique in every way, I never get tired of his songs. I didn't love them all, but he was so prolific he made a ton of great songs. No one touches him in my books, he's the MJ of rapping Jay-Z - Solid rapper, great voice, superb beats and probably the most commercially successful rapper over the longest period of time as well. Nas - Great lyrics, great voice, a little too hit and miss at times with some songs, but when he hits, it's a classic. Illmatic is without a doubt the best first album by a rapper of all time. The Beastie Boys - Blew up when I was in HS, These guys have been successful for over 20 yrs. Liscensed to Ill, Paul's Boutique and Check your Head Dr. Dre - Whether being in N.W.A, releasing the Chronic, producing Snoop Dogg, Eminem and to an extent 2Pac, dude is an icon in the rap industry. Really shoulda put out more of his own stuff but still love what he did put out. Honorable Mentions: Kanye West, Notorious B.I.G, Redman, Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy, Rakim, KRS-One, Mobb Deep, OutKast So that's my list, really feel strongly about the top 4, kinda so-so on Dre. What's your list?
Nas - I-L-L-M-A-T-I-C Jay-Z - I respect him because he has a 90s classic (Reasonable Doubt) and also a millenium classic (The Blueprint). That's kinda rare imo. Sick wordplay and flow. And of course, look what he's done as a businessman also. Andre 3000 & Big Boi (OutKast) - totally unique style, ATLiens is my second-favourite album of all-time. There aren't so many classic artist from the south, but OutKast definitely is. Notorious B.I.G. - I think his flow is one of the best I've ever heard. Also one of the best lyricists hip hop has seen. 2Pac - although I'm not a very big fan of his music anymore, he probably influenced hip hop culture the most.
soooo basically what I'm seeing is that there are no great rappers who are in their prime today? guess the confirms my thoughts about today's rap scene.
I guess, being older I was curious to see what the younger generation who got into hiphop mostly this decade thought.
Well that's really an intelligent thing to say. ;D But Celting Fan, as I recall you started listening to hip hop when you were a teenager and you're older know, tell me this, do people eventually get over hip hop when they're older? I just can't picture myself listening to rap music when I'm 30 or smth. ;D Especially when most young rappers rhyme and sound like Lil' WeeeeZZZZyyy cash $$$$$$$
I'm in my 30's and still listen to it. Good hip-hop is good hip-hop. The only difference I've noticed is I don't have the time to search out the latest underground rappers anymore. Most of the hip hop I listen to is from the 90's. I do appreciate the latest Jay Z album though.
The marketing and hype isn't there anymore for today's better rappers. I'm not sure who to blame for it. Does the music industry dictate what consumers want? Or do consumers dictate the music out there these days?
Alright and I didn't mean to offend any 30+ guys who listen to hiphop, I mean even Jay said that because of his age, he isn't able to listen to so much hip hop anymore cause the industry atm is garbage. He said that sometimes he listens to bands like Kings of Leon etc, cuz it's more like grown men music. At least that's how I understood that article...
No offense taken. I like listening to the same songs because it brings back great memories, beats are classic, and the lyrics are very good. I will check those groups out BasX thanks.
Rakim Chuck D Mos Def Zach de la Rocha Black Thought It's probably too subjective, but I like MC's that push the boundaries of their genre and aren't content to do the same thing over and over again. Except for Rakim. He does his thing so awesomely that he gets a pass.
man I loved eric b and rakim, but has he done much this decade? Yeah I've been that out of touch. and yeah as you mentioned hitting your 30's does mean you listen to less hip hop.. generally speaking, but I've noticed I'm more particular in all genres. It's because the longer you're around the more and more you've already seen most of it. Movies are the same way. For me when I listen to current stuff, it's more upbeat to put in a mix rather than some hardcore hip hop, or an artists entire album.
