Who is the best rapper of all time?

This position names Jay-Z as the greatest rapper of all time. It argues that he took rap from the streets into the boardroom — that his music and the business empire he built around it carried the genre to an entirely new level of cultural and commercial reach.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.