The only one I care about in any way shape or form would probably be embarrassed that I like him. Chuck D. I'm gonna stop listening to Alice In Chains right now...
Chuck D is one of the all-time greats. Why in hell you would be embarrassed to like him is a mystery to me. He's a highly intelligent individual and represented hip-hop when hip-hop represented intelligence.
Here's what Public Enemy is surrounded by on my phone. Portishead and some others are stuff I saw here and downloaded for shits and grins.
I'm not embarrassed, I've got something of a man crush on that dude. For example, he talks about Farrakhan and says something like don't judge until you hear the man. I haven't heard him and I'm not judging. I don't agree with tons of things he says, agree with tons of others. The important part is that I respect him greatly.
This is a tough list. There is a difference between "the best", and my favorites. Some people may be really great rappers, but not connect with me, like Eminem. He's great, but he doesn't really do anything for me. With that said, here are my favorites. Top 10 in no particular order: Guru Rakim Jay-Z MF Doom Sean Price Kendrick Lamar Old Dirty Bastard KRS-One Melle Mel Killer Mike
Prunes list isn't bad. Im a souls of mischief fan I'd also say that Del has got to be one of the best. And as Dviss said NAS is on point.
It's so hard to make a list... because is it strictly on rhymes? The music? Impact on the game? While someone like Dre and Puffy might not be considered the best at writing rhymes, their impact on the game is undeniable.
Best joke rapper....hahaha I used to play this song when I worked at Dots Cafe. No one ever realized that it was a joke.
The first hip-hop album that I ever actually sat down and listened to was "The Eminem Show" when I was in High School. A friend of mine popped it into my CD player one day when we were driving somewhere, and said "dude, you gotta listen to this. I think you'll like it". Been hooked on Shady's work ever since, though I don't follow every song or album. The music on that album just spoke to me. The first song I ever listened to from it was "Cleanin' Out My Closet". My mother and I were at each other's throats at the time, so I could relate to the song.
I lied earlier. Sean Price is my number 1. I just like the guy. He was like a gangster MF Doom, but not afraid to make fun of himself occasionally. RIP.
As a middle aged white guy my favorites are: Chuck D (enough that I went to see Prophets of Rage) Killer Mike Eminem There are probably some great ones out there I've never heard of. Don't listen to a lot of rap, but like the political stuff (Public Enemy) the most.
Music fans try to make these discussions too complicated. Which rappers do you enjoy listening to most? That's your top rapper list.
