Best rappers of all time

Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive. Complex is proud to present the Best Rapper Alive, Every Year Sincea comprehensive look back at every year of rap and which MC moved the crowd the most.

The ranking was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop music 's inception and was compiled by the magazines' respective editorial boards. To determine the rankings, the boards created a list of criteria based on a rapper's artistry, achievements, and cultural influence. It received criticism due to its exclusion of rappers who are not based in North America , as well as the omission of dancehall and reggaeton artists. Billboard and Vibe presented the first set of rappers on January 11, , and ten more rappers were announced over the course of three weeks. The top rankings were unveiled on February 8, , which crowned Jay-Z the greatest rapper of all time and Nicki Minaj the greatest female rapper of all time. It sparked multiple debates within the hip hop industry, many of whom criticized the publications and artists featured in the premier positions. Billboard initially created a list of the 10 greatest rappers of all time in November , with the top position held by The Notorious B.

Best rappers of all time

Ranking musicians is an impossible task, of course, because everyone brings their own criteria and preferences. For example, we recently tried to rank the greatest American rock bands , and we realized there was no perfect science. Rap is so much more about the way something makes you feel, which makes it very hard to judge and quantify. How exactly does one define greatness? Is it your personal favorite rapper, or is it more based on accomplishments and influence? How much do we factor technical ability relative to storytelling? What weight is given to flow compared to popularity? We all had our own definitions so we had to really just trust our gut here. What about collectives? Rap groups e. We will revisit this at a later date.

The top rankings were unveiled on February 8,which crowned Jay-Z the greatest rapper of all time and Nicki Minaj the greatest female rapper of all time. Spitting cautionary tales of cocaine addiction over the beat from Liquid Liquid's "Cavern," Mel's booming baritone made a powerful case for his continued relevance. But still, despite all of the accolades you can give him during that period, he just wasn't the top lyricist, best rappers of all time.

Finally, a definitive list of the best rappers of all time, ranked by fans all over the world. From old school to the current top rappers putting out today's biggest hip hop hits , this list counts down rap's best lyricists and game changers in history. Famous rappers from all cities, dead or alive, and all races, from white and Black to Asian and Hispanic, are all vying to be crowned the greatest rapper ever. What makes a rapper great? There are a number of differing good definitions and philosophies. Popular rapper J.

They need to have been on the scene long enough to prove they can stay consistent, too. Finally, at the end, there are still more rappers who have what it takes but need a bit more time for refinement and maturity. Does skill earn you money, or just respect? The answer might surprise you. Some may scoff at this placement on the list, but Lil Wayne is deserving. He actually popularized, and some might argue, invented the use of analogies instead of similes in his wordplay along with his Young Money labelmates, which plays out more like a joke with a punchline than anything else.

Best rappers of all time

Pimp C might not have been the most successful rapper, and he might not have had the longevity he died prematurely after an overdose on lean , but his influence is undeniable — Frank Ocean and Big Sean count themselves as disciples. For proof of his genius, you don't need to look any further than "Big Pimpin'," the Jay Z track he and fellow U. In just eight bars, Pimp C snatches ownership from Hov.

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Most importantly, he turned heads by simply rapping his ass off. The man was an expert at rapping, and he could wow from any angle. Complex Music Newsletter. Young and New School Rappers. As one of the most prolific and successful artists in hip-hop history, this New Orleans native's versatile flow and inventive wordplay have earned him a legion of dedicated fans and countless accolades over the past two decades. Known for his introspective, everyday-man approach to rap, the Inglewood-born lyricist delves into subjects such as racism, black history, and his love for hip hop and music, all while maintaining a strong thematic focus in his projects. Texas Rappers. His intricate rhyme schemes and thought-provoking subject matter have garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success over a career spanning more than two decades. The accusation was shocking but more so was the imminent validity. Fans continue to catch on to his album, XXX , and he keeps slaughtering guest spots. Only one year prior to the release of Get Rich or Die Tryin ' , no one could have predicted 50's rise.

Ranking musicians is an impossible task, of course, because everyone brings their own criteria and preferences. For example, we recently tried to rank the greatest American rock bands , and we realized there was no perfect science. Rap is so much more about the way something makes you feel, which makes it very hard to judge and quantify.

As the frontman of Naughty by Nature, Treach helped to perfect the hip hop success blueprint that was laid down by LL Cool J a few years before. Worst of All Time. Eminem made his debut, simultaneously scaring and charming America with his immensely skilled shock raps. The rap community welcomed this long-missed hardcore approach to the music with open arms, but DMX was more than a contrarian alternative to the popular hip-hop of time. One cannot understate the importance of this feud in both rappers' success and ultimate undoing. By this stage of his career, there should be no doubt anymore that Lupe Fiasco is one of the greatest rappers of all time. The sound of Coloring Book —and of Chance the Rapper, writ large—is one of openness. Most importantly, he turned heads by simply rapping his ass off. Over a decade into his prolific career, Future Hendrix is more commercially relevant than ever: the ATL trap legend became the only artist to appear on the Hot every week throughout Even when he took a years-long hiatus after Do What Thou Wilt , fans waited patiently for his return, because the Black Hippy poet brings a level of transparency and charisma to the game few MCs can rival. It worked.