10 greatest rappers

Captain Awesome · 02-28-2010, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matious

Mos Def is a great lyricist. Listen to Black Star

He's a good lyricist but he's not a great lyricist, at least, not one of the top ten lyricists of all time.

Jester · 02-28-2010, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Awesome

He's a good lyricist but he's not a great lyricist, at least, not one of the top ten lyricists of all time.

It's pretty hilarious how often you underestimate the value of lyrical content. It's like all you take into account is how advanced someone's technique is, and that's what determines how great someone is; nothing else.

Captain Awesome · 02-28-2010, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jester

It's pretty hilarious how often you underestimate the value of lyrical content. It's like all you take into account is how advanced someone's technique is, and that's what determines how great someone is; nothing else.

In your mind maybe. Tell me why does the content of Mos Def's lyrics(not the techniques he uses but what he actually talks about) justify him being one of the top ten rappers of all time?

There are rappers out there who far surpass him lyrically(in terms of technical ability) and with the content of their topics. As well as flow, delivery, rhyme schemes etc

He's good. But he's not great.

Sparky · 02-28-2010, 03:58 PM

Quote:

The new moon rode high in the crown of the metropolis
Shinin, like who on top of this?
People was hustlin, arguin and bustlin
Gangstas of Gotham hardcore hustlin
I'm wrestlin with words and ideas
My ears is picky, seekin what will transmit
the scribes can apply to transcript, yo
This ain't no time where the usual is suitable
Tonight alive, let's describe the inscrutable
The indisputable, we New York the narcotic
Strength in metal and fiber optics
where mercenaries is paid to trade hot stock tips
for profits, thirsty criminals take pockets
Hard knuckles on the second hands of workin class watches
Skyscrapers is collosus,
the cost of living is preposterous,
stay alive, you play or die, no options
No Batman and Robin,
can't tell between the cops and the robbers,
they both partners, they all heartless
With no conscience, back streets stay darkened
Where unbeliever hearts stay hardened
My eagle talons STAY sharpened, like city lights stay throbbin
You either make a way or stay sobbin,
the Shiny Apple is bruised but sweet and if you choose to eat
You could lose your teeth, many crews retreat
Nightly news repeat, who got shot down and locked down
Spotlight to savages, NASDAQ averages
My narrative, rose to explain this existance
Amidst the harbor lights which remain in the distance

Mos Def-respiration

Anyway you look at it, technically or lyrically, thats a pretty ****ing solid verse.

anticipation · 02-28-2010, 08:14 PM

@CA: How can you seriously have Hilltop Hoods on your top ten list and then get mad at me for having Nas and Mos Def on mine? Souls of Mischief is head-and-shoulders above Hilltop Hoods by any criteria, as are Mos Def AND Nas.

khfreek · 02-28-2010, 09:08 PM

Since this seems an appropriate thread: is Big L really as good as people make him out to be? I've heard he's the best ever from a few people now.

Berkeleyboy · 02-28-2010, 09:08 PM

In no particular order:

Rakim/Big Daddy Kane/Kool G Rap (tie)
KRS ONE
Chill Rob G
Melly Mel
Zeb Lov X/MF Doom/Viktor Vaughn/ King Geedorah (Same Guy)
Lyrics Born
Gift of Gab
Mykah Nyne/Aceyalone
Wise Intelligent
Killah Preist
Jay-Z/Nas
Pac/Biggie

is that more than 10?

Captain Awesome · 03-01-2010, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matious

Anyway you look at it, technically or lyrically, thats a pretty ****ing solid verse.

I didn't say he wasn't good. I said he's not one of the top ten of all time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by anticipation

@CA: How can you seriously have Hilltop Hoods on your top ten list and then get mad at me for having Nas and Mos Def on mine? Souls of Mischief is head-and-shoulders above Hilltop Hoods by any criteria, as are Mos Def AND Nas.

Nas is overrated trash. His lyrical ability is above average and no more. He's just another gangster rapper who happens to be a little more adept in lyricism than most. There's dozens of gangster rappers out there who are lyrically superior. Again, Mos Def is good (I never said he wasn't) but he isn't top ten material.

Nas and Mos def combined couldn't even touch the skill of the hilltops.

Captain Awesome · 03-01-2010, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khfreek

Since this seems an appropriate thread: is Big L really as good as people make him out to be? I've heard he's the best ever from a few people now.

I personally don't like his music but he is undeniably talented.

Sparky · 03-01-2010, 04:39 PM

Captain Awesome, i actually agree with you about nas, at least anything post illmatic.

But you seem to be very narrow minded when it comes to what constitutes lyrical ability.

Eminem may sometimes have a killer flow, but he has some of the most boring content of ANY MC.

He recycles the same cliche's over and over. His mom. His daughter Hayden. Killing prostitutes. Which wouldn't be a problem, but it always just ridicule and ends up sounding completely the same.

He also terrible choruses, even compared to most mainstream hip hop.
Why does eminem's lyrical content make him one of the best ever?

02-28-2010, 09:08 PM	#116 (permalink)
khfreek What a guy Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brentwood, TN Posts: 2,123	Since this seems an appropriate thread: is Big L really as good as people make him out to be? I've heard he's the best ever from a few people now. __________________ last.fm

02-28-2010, 08:14 PM	#115 (permalink)
anticipation Music Addict Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 3,565	@CA: How can you seriously have Hilltop Hoods on your top ten list and then get mad at me for having Nas and Mos Def on mine? Souls of Mischief is head-and-shoulders above Hilltop Hoods by any criteria, as are Mos Def AND Nas.

02-28-2010, 09:08 PM	#117 (permalink)
Berkeleyboy Groupie Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Berkeley, Ca Posts: 16	In no particular order: Rakim/Big Daddy Kane/Kool G Rap (tie) KRS ONE Chill Rob G Melly Mel Zeb Lov X/MF Doom/Viktor Vaughn/ King Geedorah (Same Guy) Lyrics Born Gift of Gab Mykah Nyne/Aceyalone Wise Intelligent Killah Preist Jay-Z/Nas Pac/Biggie is that more than 10?

03-01-2010, 04:39 PM	#120 (permalink)
Sparky not really Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 5,223	Captain Awesome, i actually agree with you about nas, at least anything post illmatic. But you seem to be very narrow minded when it comes to what constitutes lyrical ability. Eminem may sometimes have a killer flow, but he has some of the most boring content of ANY MC. He recycles the same cliche's over and over. His mom. His daughter Hayden. Killing prostitutes. Which wouldn't be a problem, but it always just ridicule and ends up sounding completely the same. He also terrible choruses, even compared to most mainstream hip hop. Why does eminem's lyrical content make him one of the best ever?