Rap is a music genre that has evolved over time into one of the most popular forms of music the world over. And to excel at the rap game requires style, a way with words and lyrics, verbal gymnastics, ability to entertain, and many other skills. So who has the best rap game? Who has done the most for the craft? Who has had the biggest impact on our hearts and minds?
Jay Z is the best rapper
The King of the royal family of rap, Jay Z has took rap from the hood and into the boardroom. His music and his empire has taken Rap to a whole new level.
Jay Z built an empire
Jay Z was the first to move from rapper to proper business mogul, giving new visibility and power to rappers who were now no longer "just" the talent.
Distinctive flow, semi-autobiographical lyrics, and a true storyteller, Biggie took rap places that we didn't know it could go. He made the complex sound smooth and easy, difficult technique never getting in the way of the music.
Biggie was a storyteller
Biggie used stories and semi-autobiographical material in his music, so listeners didn't just enjoy the rhythms but followed along in the narrative journey.
His lyrics and style caught the ear of Dr. Dre, and soon would redefine what we were all listening to. Often shocking, Eminem had us questioning free speech and decency through his music.
Eminem broke down cultural barriers of rap
Rap is a product of African-American culture. In 1999, Eminem proved that other cultures could successfully participate in the genre, and helped bring the music to more diverse audience.
Nas' discography is as deep as they come. Illmatic is considered one of the best hip-hop albums of Nas' generation, if not of all time. Nas' is considered the second coming of legendary artist Rakim, and Nas' albums are frequently cited as influences by an up-and-coming generation of rappers.
Nas defeated Jay Z with diss track “Ether”
After years of feuding between Nas and Jay Z, the former released his diss track, "Ether." The public subsequently crowned him the winner of their battle.
With a talent to combine details of his life in rhyme, Kendrick's success from his albums is representative of uniqueness. He is versatile and forward in his creativity, making him the rap industry's best artist.
Kendrick Lamar is a master of triple and quadruple-time rhythms
The rhythm of a rap determines the song's tone. It drives the music and establishes a mood. Kendrick Lamar raps with a rhythmic talent that naturally controls the flow of the song.
Kendrick Lamar is a unique showman with his various voices
Kendrick Lamar uses his voice to add emotion and depth to his art. In a way that most artists cannot, Lamar uses his skill and vocal range to tell stories.
Rising through the ranks of rap music during the "Golden Age of Hip-Hop", Rakim emerged as rap powerhouse with a distinctive style and laid-back flow. His lyrical superiority set him miles ahead of other hip-hop heavyweights of the time such as Run DMC.
Rakim was the first great rapper
Rakim broke new ground in the golden age of hip hop with his unique style and flow. Other artists borrowed and developed this style for the next two decades.
André 3000 is one of the most unique rappers to grace the mic. With critically acclaimed albums like Stankonia and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below and his ability to craft deep and meaningful songs over popular hip-hop beats, André 3000 has cemented his legacy as one of the best rappers of all time.
André 3000 creates quality, unique content.
André 3000 hasn't released much content since parting ways with Big Boi, what he has released is rich and full of artistry. Even when he is just featured, André 3000 is constantly stealing the spotlight.
Shakur's poetic and motivational lyrics make him the most influential rapper of his time. He employed various techniques in producing sounds to deliver his unique artistry. His music addressed issues within the Black community as well as the stigma against them, which resonated with young audiences.
Tupac created an incredible amount of material in his short career.
Tupac was tragically murdered in 1996, but he had already left his mark on the hip hop world by then. The quantity and quality of music that Tupac created in his 6 short years as a rapper is nothing less than extraordinary.
