They defined a glossary of slang words and spoke their unique language, attracting fans to learn and represent it too. For instance, R.Z.A., G.Z.A., Ol’ Dirty B, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna make up Wu-Tang. The Wu-Tang Clan is a New York hip-hop group and cultural movement representing East Coast styles consisting of many rappers. In 2012, The Source ranked him Number 1 on their list of the Top 50 Lyricists of All Time. Rakim’s lyrical genius helped set a precedent for complex lyrics and the use of metaphors to paint his musical masterpieces.Ģ. Their album, Paid in Full, is on various rap album best lists. and Rakim put out four albums together, while Rakim dropped three solo albums. He pioneered using internal and multisyllabic rhymes, both techniques in flow style.Īccording to rapper Kool Moe Dee, Rakim is the inventor of “flow.’ First, it was called rhyming and cadence but is now called flow. The hip-hop community recognizes him as one of the greatest skilled and influential rappers ever.

However, there is no contesting the lyrical superiority of Rakim, and for that reason, he made the top ten.Īmerican rapper Rakim is the other half of the first DJ/MC duo, Erik B. Several rap artists from the Golden Age of Hip-Hop are deserving, including KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, Salt-N-Pepa, LL Cool J, and Run D.M.C. Rap music would not be as revered as it is today without the contributions of these ten musical geniuses. These artists have greatly influenced and defined hip-hop culture and are still heavily impacting current rap artists. However, these rappers are all deserving of their rankings for different reasons.

Hip-Hop is subjective and encapsulates many different flow rhythms, rhyme schemes, and regional dialects.Īs a result, it is impossible to satisfy everyone regarding who made our top ten. and Tupac Amaru Shakur's Rap Gods’ stature and make space for other frontrunners to grace this list. 10 Best Rappers of All Time Image Credit: Shutterstock. and Tupac Amaru Shakur leading the pack with great reason, they are LEGENDS. We know everyone comes to these best rappers of all time lists and expects to see The Notorious B.I.G. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest

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