Hip-Hop Heads Only: Who are your top 10 LYRICISTS right now?

[John-John Joe]

Im not Rap Musics biggest fan because mostly of all these rappers coming out and doing the same thing.
Their videos = Money, BMW or Merc's, Hot Women and some other guys just waving their hands while sitting with huge ass women.

I mean theirs no meaning in that.....

But its the other side of Rap Music I love......Im talkin abt the ones that sing something meaningful.

My list would be

1. Eminem, is it a bit shady indeed but at least he sings about LIFE.

2. Kanye West, ah love his videos, love his songs....good attitude, he deserved Best New Artist at the AMA's straight up.

3. Tupac, hes a mixed bag...he sang about emotional stuff at one time then comes up with a pimpin party track. Do For Love is prolly one of my fav rap songs of all time....just love that chorus.

4. Wardaft, a local rap act....Im tellin u these 3 can kick most of these Commercial Rappers. Their lyrics are just so awesome,
ex of lyrics
"If I had a sister and a brother would I fit in society, or would I just end up being the forgotten one in a drink and drive majority" (its about how his real sister and brother are so popular because all they do is party 24/7 and how he gets singled out because he doesnt jack it up)
Theirs some awesome awesome lyrics on their songs.

5. Nas, love the stuff Ive heard from him....his attitude is definitely great

6. Dr.Dre,Yeah hes more on the bang bang bling bling side, but still hes the Father of most of these Rappers out there.

7. Jadakiss, Very nice stuff....heard a few songs from him lately that sink inside u...

8. Muttzilla, another local act....their lyrics are on the inspirational side, sometimes a bit preachy but they got very smooth and shake your head beats.

9. P Diddy ....j/k......hmm prolly put The Fugees here....all of them got rap skills. Ready Or Not, frikkin awesome

10. Wu-Tang Clan....mostly Method Man....loved his stuff on Limp Bizkit's track....very funny and amusing.

Nice list, thanks for sharing.

[Dramacydal]

lyrically Immortal Technique and Cormega are the best rite now, followed by most members of the Wu-Tang Clan, Kweli, Mos Def and NAS.

[PiksS]

1. Nas
2. Cormega ( tnx K-dogg)
3. Eminem
4. Kanye West
5. Jadakiss
6. Talib Kweli
7. Mos Def
8. Obie Trice

[Boyk]

Hmmmmmm
my list always changes, but here gos:

1. Eminem, The ways he can mix words together is a beauty to listen to, and most the time he sings about real shit.

2. Nas, I still dont have any of his albums, but im gonna be buying em very soon.

3. DMX, I've always likied this guy, his rusty voice and his aggresiveness and heart in his songs ive always liked.

4. Twista, Hes worked hard for what hes got now, despite his mainstream film clips etc. the boy can rhyme words together faster than anyone.

5. Bone Thugs 'n' Harmony, I know they havent been heard for a few years now, but i love there music, it can be laid back and relaxing, yet inspiring at times also.

6. Andre3000, like everyone has said here, hes another lyrical genius when actually performing rap tunes.

7. Ludacris, i dont know why but ive always liked his flow and what he raps about, hehehe.

8. 50 Cent, i know i know, people are gonna luagh and shit at me, but when hes rapping properly, and not about 24's,Big T.V's and money and shit, he can be a heck of a rapper.

9. Xzibit, Once again, another rapper ive always liked, hes different, different voice, and a sorta different style, papparazzi is the shit imo.

10. Kanye West, ive only heard a little of this guy, but it was enough, will be looking to pick an album of his, even with a fucked up jaw, he still got skills.

[Ruff Ryder]

8. 50 Cent, i know i know, people are gonna luagh and shit at me, but when hes rapping properly, and not about 24's,Big T.V's and money and shit, he can be a heck of a rapper.

Doesn't that apply for any rapper.

Anyway, here my list goes. I don't get to hear a lot of Hip Hop so I'm pretty much on my own, and I'm east side in the fucking country one of like 4 black guys in my school.

1.)Nas-no doubt
2.)Kweli
3.)Mos Def
4.)Eminem-I know alot of people are just pissed at him about his color, or that scandal where he allegedly said "nigga" on some track about 500 years ago when he was freestyling on a cassette tape. Damn, he can't be racist or else he wouldn't be able to make it in the industry.
5.)Kanye West
6.)DMX-same reason as Laddas. X doesn't really rap about concious stuff all the time, but he is straight Streetz. I think he's more of the underrated rappers out there beacuse he doesn't have that club anthem all of the time. He is great and his voice is tight. Also you can find tracks on his CD's that are about what they should be.
7.) Outkast-He just has some funny ass lyrics period. Brings back alot of retro with his music.
8.)Jadakiss-one of my favorite rappers, even when he was a nobody. There were tons of people who didn't really respect him, or heard of him much but that voicemuch but that voice is just gangsta. Then he throws in tracks on his last is just gangsta. Then he throws in tracks on his last album like Why? and other real joints. Alot of the time him and D-Block would just be talking like killing someone or something, but those are all mostly street anthems.
9.)Common
10.) Jay-Z i guess. I can't think of who should fill this spot right now. Alot of people hate Jay and being a holder of some of his cd's, I kind of feel like hiding when they talk about him. He is just very popular.

About Lloyd Banks, I just like his flow. Some of his lyrics are great like "Don't confuse me with these suckers, when I spit you here more 'ooohs' than a Skip to My Lou move at the Rucker" or "...I'm in the hood with more straps than a Jansport."

[John-John Joe]

4.)Eminem-I know alot of people are just pissed at him about his color, or that scandal where he allegedly said "nigga" on some track about 500 years ago when he was freestyling on a cassette tape. Damn, he can't be racist or else he wouldn't be able to make it in the industry.

Well, if anyone is fronting on Eminem because of his race then that is really stupid. Had I posed this question even a year ago Em would have probably been number three on my list, the reason he's not there now? I feel he's gotten complacent and his rhymes are missing that edge that makes him so nasty.

Sure there are moments on Encore, mainly the intro where he completely destroys the mic but those moments are too far and in between frankly. Hey, it happens to everybody, you get the big house on the hill, mad bread in the bank and it's sure to change you. Give me that Eminem from"The Slim Shady LP" over this 2004 version any day of the week. The album was weak and surprisingly enough so were the lyrics. VERRY disappointing, he's one of my favorite MC's.

As far as "Foolish Pride" goes, the song where he said that racist stuff when he was 16, I'm not angry at Em. I mean, he's a 31 year old man now and this was recorded when he was a fuckin kid. And no offense to y'all young members, but y'all don't now shit about life yet! All he's shown me is that he has nothing but African Americans getting money with him, from D12 and Obie to 50 and G-Unit. Hearing the shit made me mad as fuck, but I don't hold it against him whatsoever.

[PiksS]

actually Encore album has the spirit of Marshall Mathers LP,then only difference is that on the Marshall Mathers LP he was on drugs ( XTZ or how do u call em )

[trubucksfan]

amen to the comment about the slimd shady LP Dre! that cd was crazy as hell, he had me rofl. all his new stuff is hard to relate to since its all about him. he was very edgy but at the same time some of his shit was downright crazy.people had never heard that stuff said before,or just didnt think it could be said. in the end i do just think his shock value has gone down, were used to him sayin controversial stuff so now its not even that big of a deal.

[XianeX]

1. Nas
2. Talib Kweli
3. Common
4. T.I.
5. Masta Ace
6. Eminem
7. Mos Def
8. Jay-Z
9. Fabolous
10. Lauryn Hill

[John-John Joe]

amen to the comment about the slimd shady LP Dre! that cd was crazy as hell, he had me rofl. all his new stuff is hard to relate to since its all about him. he was very edgy but at the same time some of his shit was downright crazy.people had never heard that stuff said before,or just didnt think it could be said. in the end i do just think his shock value has gone down, were used to him sayin controversial stuff so now its not even that big of a deal.

Yeah, a lot of my caucasian friends took it as me hating on him because of obvious issues tha have arisen within the last year or so. But, it's more about music than anything else. This following review of the album from a reputable website hit the nail right on the head:

http://www.hiphopsite.com/?I=1

[Colin]

Eminem was making fart jokes in "Just Lose It" and now he's better than Rakim? Alright...

[Ataraxia]

anyone heard eminem's - like toy soldiers....the videos been released.

[John-John Joe]

Eminem was making fart jokes in "Just Lose It" and now he's better than Rakim? Alright...

Rakim is the greatest MC of all time. Not Biggie, Tupac or whomever. The best to ever pick up the mic is "The Eighteenth Letter" Rakim Allah. As a kid, I got my hair cut like him, tried to copy his facial expressions, and I would respond to questions with a simple "Indeed" just like he did when he was talking to Eric B. at the end of "Paid in Full."

I must have been about 10 years old man, playing some Rakim in the crib and rhyming along with him while I looked in the mirror using my deodorant as a microphone.

Turn up the bass check out my melody, hand out a cigar
I'm letting knowledge be born and my name's the R
A.K.I.M. not like the rest of them I'm not on the list
Catch what I'm sayin I drop science like a scientist....

The good ol' days man....

[Username123]

Anyone hears Eminem's song called "Ass Like That" that song is soo funny. Anyway Rakim used to be good but now he is dead.

[John-John Joe]

Anyone hears Eminem's song called "Ass Like That" that song is soo funny. Anyway Rakim used to be good but now he is dead.

Dead? Are you speaking figuratively or literally? Because William Griffin is alive and well.....

Assuming you're speaking about his career being dead, well yeah it is. But much like Michael Jordan, you can't be on top forever. Right now Rakim's is in the twilight of his career, a Hip Hop Washington Wizard if you will.....

[Username123]

I meant to say that he is dead in his carear not in real life

[/quote]

[AlexC]

Lyricists eh?

1.)Immortal Technique
2.)NAS
3.)Masta Ace
4.)Jeru the Damaja
5.)Guru
6.)Talib Kweli
7.)Inspectah Deck
8.)Ali Vegas
9.)AZ
10.)Common

as for my favourite Rapppers all around:

1.) Jigga
2.) Jeru
3.) Masta Ace
4.) Biggie
5.) ODB

ahh yeah and there's only one choice for the best MC of all times:

The Notorious B.I.G.

[Little_Big_Man]

Of Course 2Pac is number one, but as far as right now

1) Jadakiss
2) Eminem
3) Fabolous
4) Ludacris
5) JayZ

These 5 right here have the best lyrical content. Their rhymes are so complex and whitty with well times punch lines. Fabolous and Jada are my favorites right now followed closely by Luda.

[John-John Joe]

Lyricists eh?

1.)Immortal Technique
2.)NAS
3.)Masta Ace
4.)Jeru the Damaja
5.)Guru
6.)Talib Kweli
7.)Inspectah Deck
8.)Ali Vegas
9.)AZ
10.)Common

as for my favourite Rapppers all around:

1.) Jigga
2.) Jeru
3.) Masta Ace
4.) Biggie
5.) ODB

ahh yeah and there's only one choice for the best MC of all times:

The Notorious B.I.G.

I'm really feeling your choices of lyricists right there. First off it's evident that you're about or over 25 years old, 'cause know way a young cat is taking about Masta Ace and Jeru.

Jeru? I feel bad for that dude, I really do. No one recognizes the fact that he dropped a Hip Hop classic with The Sun Rises in the East. Seems like when he and Primo fell out his career spiraled downward.

Biggie is a good choice for GOAT but the problem is that we don't have that much material from him. Sure we have two albums and various mixtape appearances but it's still lacking, you know? I really miss BIG man, and it pisses me off that cats have the audacity to say that Tupac was better. Hehehehehe, PUH-LEEZE!

[GloveGuy]

Biggie is a good choice for GOAT but the problem is that we don't have that much material from him. Sure we have two albums and various mixtape appearances but it's still lacking, you know? I really miss BIG man, and it pisses me off that cats have the audacity to say that Tupac was better. Hehehehehe, PUH-LEEZE!

My preference leans towards Tupac actually. Pac let you into his world, to the point where you could feel like you knew him -- his strengths, weaknesses, struggles...

Some might say that Biggie's overall lyrical flow was better, but I can't see either of them doing any of each other's work better. 2Pac's flow felt like pure poetry over his powerful lyrics.

I think, Dre, that you're more appreciative of lyrical talent and overall rapping skills, rather than I who is affected more so by lyrical power. Tupac's words just shot right out to me, and that's why I prefer him over B.I.G. However though, they are both great rappers, and it's a shame that they both died at such young ages.

[John-John Joe]

Biggie is a good choice for GOAT but the problem is that we don't have that much material from him. Sure we have two albums and various mixtape appearances but it's still lacking, you know? I really miss BIG man, and it pisses me off that cats have the audacity to say that Tupac was better. Hehehehehe, PUH-LEEZE!

My preference leans towards Tupac actually. Pac let you into his world, to the point where you could feel like you knew him -- his strengths, weaknesses, struggles...

Some might say that Biggie's overall lyrical flow was better, but I can't see either of them doing any of each other's work better. 2Pac's flow felt like pure poetry over his powerful lyrics.

I think, Dre, that you're more appreciative of lyrical talent and overall rapping skills, rather than I who is affected more so by lyrical power. Tupac's words just shot right out to me, and that's why I prefer him over B.I.G. However though, they are both great rappers, and it's a shame that they both died at such young ages.

Great post, I definitely respect your opinions Glove Guy. You're right Pac is powerful, very powerful. The problem lies in his rhyme schemes to me, constantly using the same couplets. His favorites? Enemy, Hennessey, Penetentiary and Remember me.

Damn you're right, lyircal talent and rapping skills are mega important to me. Good assessment, I'd never thought about it in that vein.

[John-John Joe]

Damn, I just peeped this shit underneath your name:

"Location: Home of the 2004 World Series Champs"

OUCH.

[XianeX]

I'm really feeling your choices of lyricists right there. First off it's evident that you're about or over 25 years old, 'cause know way a young cat is taking about Masta Ace and Jeru.

I'm 13 and I've heard and love Masta Ace so don't speak too soon. Though, I would of never escaped the real of mainstream had it not been for the Hip-Hop heads at BBB.net.

[AlexC]

Lyricists eh?

1.)Immortal Technique
2.)NAS
3.)Masta Ace
4.)Jeru the Damaja
5.)Guru
6.)Talib Kweli
7.)Inspectah Deck
8.)Ali Vegas
9.)AZ
10.)Common

as for my favourite Rapppers all around:

1.) Jigga
2.) Jeru
3.) Masta Ace
4.) Biggie
5.) ODB

ahh yeah and there's only one choice for the best MC of all times:

The Notorious B.I.G.

I'm really feeling your choices of lyricists right there. First off it's evident that you're about or over 25 years old, 'cause know way a young cat is taking about Masta Ace and Jeru.

Jeru? I feel bad for that dude, I really do. No one recognizes the fact that he dropped a Hip Hop classic with The Sun Rises in the East. Seems like when he and Primo fell out his career spiraled downward.

Biggie is a good choice for GOAT but the problem is that we don't have that much material from him. Sure we have two albums and various mixtape appearances but it's still lacking, you know? I really miss BIG man, and it pisses me off that cats have the audacity to say that Tupac was better. Hehehehehe, PUH-LEEZE!

yeh, jeru really did have some bad luck...I mean while the sun rises... was a 10/10 lp, wrath of the math was still classic material...people often tend to forget about wrath of the math...heroez for hire however was a 7/10 at best...only 99.9% stands out...he's just missing primos beats...and divine design is awful...those beat are craphouse...

ace is a legend...he has changed his style on every single lp and every single lp is a classic...disposible art being the ebst imo...

those two often get overlooked especially in the states...europe is another story anyway...

ohh and btw...i'm 18

[GloveGuy]

Damn, I just peeped this shit underneath your name:

"Location: Home of the 2004 World Series Champs"

OUCH.

Just peeped this in your profile:

Interests: Hip-Hop music, Yankee fan, NY Giants fan, LA Lakers fan, Kevin Smith movies, Ali G, Dave Chappelle, Black Cinema, The Wire, Streetball & Seinfeld.

OUCH.


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