Top 5 Best Rappers of All Time

in Lists Music by Bravo — September 20, 2009 |

We chose the following MC’s strictly based on their lyrical talent. All of these MC’s bring something different to the game, diversifying what hip-hop has now become. These artists were rated based on longevity, social impact, swagger, poetic value, lyricism, originality, consistency, delivery, and much more.

5. Jay-Z

This Brooklyn raised MC started in the mid 1990’s with the release of Reasonable Doubt, which set the foundation for the rest of his career. He is by far one of the most financially successful rappers in the game, selling 26 million album copies, and still counting. Just as he says “I’m not a businessman, I’m a business–man.” He’s dominated the game ever since the passing of 2Pac and Biggie, and has led strong for the last 10 years. No matter how many years pass, he will still sell out Madison Square Garden in a heartbeat.

Favorite Quote: “But I can’t teach you my swag, you can pay for school but you can’t buy class, School of hard knocks I’m a grad, and that all-blue Yankee is my graduation cap”

Favorite Album: Reasonable Doubt

4. Nas

Growing up in the Queensbridge housing projects in New York City, Nas was forced into a tough life. Quitting school at a young age, he still managed to maintain his literacy skills, which is prominent in his lyrics. Nas actively expresses what he’s seen through his lyrics, which enables this poetic genius to paint the picture of urban life with his clever and smooth lyrics.

Favorite Quote: “Life’s a bitch, but god forbid the bitch divorce me”

Favorite Album: Illmatic

3. Notorious B.I.G

His hypnotizing delivery, unique voice, and strong lyrical presence instantly put Biggie at the forefront of the rap game. He only released 3 albums, but it was enough to make him a legend in most people’s eyes. His career was cut short when he was gunned down in Los Angeles, CA on March 14^th, 1997.

Favorite Quote: “Damn right I like the life I live cuz I went from negative to positive and it’s all”

Favorite Album: Ready to Die

2. Rakim

The best rapper of all time with a laundry list of punch lines, a smooth style, and a positive lyrical influence. He’s continued to re-invent himself as a superior lyricist, releasing a consistent number of albums since 1986, and ultimately laying down the standards for other hip-hop artists for decades to come.

Favorite Quote: “I start to think and then I sink, into the paper like I was ink. When I’m writing, I’m trapped in between the lines, I escape when I finish the rhyme”

Favorite Album: Paid in Full

1. 2Pac

The most poetically inclined rapper of all time, 2Pac mesmerized us with his strong voice, smooth flow, and laundry list of rock solid albums and hit songs. Unfortunately, his career was cut short when he was gunned down in Las Vegas on September 13^th, 1996.

Favorite Quote: “If you can make it through the night, there’s a brighter day”

Favorite Album: All Eyez on Me

We all have our favorites, but I’m from California so I grew up listening to 2Pac, Dr.Dre, Snoop, Zion I, Mac Dre, and the rest of the west coast rappers. Overall, New York has produced some the best rappers, which is why they dominate this list. I’ve provided 12 more of my favorite rappers below, that didn’t make the list. Add your top 5 choices in the comments below.

Honorable Mentions

• Mos Def
• Common
• Talib Kweli
• Andre 3000
• KRS One
• Eminem
• Lil Wayne
• Big L
• Mac Dre
• Ice Cube
• Big Daddy Kane
• Lupe Fiasco

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Tags: 2pac 5 best rappers best rapper list best rappers jay-z nas notorious big rakim whos the best rapper