[Chronic Diarrhea]

This thread got me thinking:[url:10f7b]http://forum.ebaumsworld.com/showthread.php?t=68087&page=1&pp=15[/url:10f7b]

Now I'll be the first to admit that I don't know much about rap, it's not my deal, but a lot of people put the pop rappers, people like Jay-Z. I don't really understand that, because most of the guys I know who really know rap want to vomit on people like him. So what makes a rapper one of the top ten of all time? Is it the ability to come up with unique rhyming styles, or is it the cultural influence? A lot of people recognize Eminem's rhyming ability, for example, but don't like how he caters to the pop side. Others think guys like Dr. Dre, Snoop, BIG, and Tupac are better deserving because of their influence (east coast vs. west coast). Even some like 50 Cent because he has street cred. I really don't know, maybe Tripper can answer it.

[Stammer]

1) Promoe
2) BIG
3) Mos Def
4) Dr.Dre
5) Tupac

Meh, the only ones I consistently like listening to.

Edit:

To take a swing at your question, it's all based on prefrence really. Some people think Jay-Z is a bad representation of Rap others like him more than say BIG, or Snoop. I think it's personal prefrence and whats "in".

[KTOG]

IMO its all about lyricism. A good comparison would be Wu-Tang vs. Lil Jon and the East Side Boys. Wu Tang is derived on complex rhymes and great content while Lil Jon is derived on more simple and carnal matters, cliche mottos and sexual lyrics. Music like Lil Jon and Jay Z is nothing more than 'Pop' music, lyrics that are out there to please the masses and simple minded.

[Merlin122]

1.) saul williams

2.) ghost face killah

3.) cannibus

4.) methodman

5.) red man


i don't listen to much rap eek:

[anti]

guru.

Originally Posted by KTOG

IMO its all about lyricism

agreed

[Machette]

top ten oOo: 's of all time

[Stammer]

Originally Posted by Machette

top ten oOo: 's of all time

1)_reiben

rock:

[jujumantb]

Its tough to put a list like that together..

notables IMO would be..
KRS-1
Black Thought
Tribe
De La Soul
Mos Def
Talib
Common

I'm sure there are plenty others that deserve a mention, but these are guys I have listened to extensively and feel they do things with the genre that others dont, with lyrics and beats and influence. So often I can reflect on their lyrics, its like a great painting... gives a new dimension to just listening to music.

Slug
Murs
Eyedea
MF Doom
Brother Ali

I'd put these guys on, I feel their lyrics are on par easily with the artists above, but I'm hesitant to put underground on the list especially since there are probably hundreds of guys just like these I've never heard of that are just as talented.

Pac and Pun have their place, but I dont know if I'd even give em top 10 for my criteria of best rappers, I have never been moved by any of their stuff.

[Jin-Roh]

Vanilla Ice

[geRV]

Originally Posted by Machette

top ten oOo: 's of all time

biggrin:

[Michael]

Originally Posted by KTOG

nothing more than 'Pop' music, lyrics that are out there to please.

rappers like jay-z and lil jon are there to entertain those who listen to hip hop. they're not there to tell life stories and struggles and all that other stuff thats been done over too many times. they're solely there for the sake of entertainment and IMO they've done that. they're good rap entertainers. the rappers that dislike jay-z and others like him are probably those who aren't as successful in that field and aren't good at what they do in some aspects. jealousy is ugly.

[Eight Ace]

Bob Dylan

[KTOG]

Originally Posted by M79

rappers like jay-z and lil jon are there to entertain those who listen to hip hop. they're not there to tell life stories and struggles and all that other stuff thats been done over too many times. they're solely there for the sake of entertainment and IMO they've done that. they're good rap entertainers. the rappers that dislike jay-z and others like him are probably those who aren't as successful in that field and aren't good at what they do in some aspects. jealousy is ugly.

Exactly, it takes less skill therefor they aren't the best rap artist.

[Akuma]

slipknot

[Bleuachdu]

Kool Keith