Your Top Rappers

bloodyghost

Who are your favorite rappers? Do you like them for their lyrical ability? Stylization of their music? Tell us about it. Feel free to criticize others picks but make sure you have good reasons and keep it friendly.
Here are some of my favorites.
1. Earl sweatshirt
Earl is a former member of Tyler the Creator’s group Odd Future, and is considered to be one of the most solid lyricists of recent times. His flow is generally slow and packs a lot of interesting references, wordplay, and an emotion of narcissism and dreariness that helps you understand his outlook on life while still keeping you engaged.
2. XXXTENTACION
This is kind of a big jump from Earl Sweatshirt, and this is also a controversial pick. I enjoy XXXTENTACION not really as much for his lyrical content as much as his stylization, production, and energy he brings in his delivery. He has shown himself to be extremely versatile and he knows how to bring his emotion to his audience. He changes a lot between projects, so I would say my favorite tracks/albums are Look At Me! and R.I.P. Roach from the “Revenge” album the entire “Ghetto Christmas Carol” album, and tracks $$$ and Floor 555 from the “?” album.
3. 6 Dogs
6 Dogs is a somewhat well known rapper in the SoundCloud cloud rap scene. His flows are amazing and catchy, and his instrumentals are really dreamy and pleasing to the ear. I don’t really have a lot of in depth insight into why I enjoy 6 Dogs, but I sure do.
4. Killy
Killy is an up and coming Toronto rapper who is among the XXL Freshman choices this year. His unique voice and stylization, use of super catchy ad libs, and production make him a different listen.

I’ll be listing more later, but I have to run. Looking forward to hearing about your guys picks!

FamousZAmos

Oh boy

I can safely say without a doubt Eminem is lyrically the greatest rapper. Is he the "best"? Maybe not. Does his music convey a greater meaning and supersonic lyrics? Yes. His rhyme schemes are also incredibly clever.

Of course, drake is another good choice with such interesting lyrics as "she say do you love me I tell her only partly I only love my bed and my momma I'm sorry" drake is pretty good

I'm too white to go much deeper into like hardcore rap, personally can't stand 6ix9ine and the like

Zesk

Let me start. I am gonna choose Remy Ma

I really like Remy Ma, first of all she lots of other female rappers pretend to be gangster but she is actually gangster and crazy. She did 6 years in prison, shes also not new, she was big in the 2000's and won best female rapper back then on BET. Also, she started out as a battle rapper, shes definately the best female freestyler. She can ride a beat well, and she delivers every bar with violence and brutality. I love that she pays homage, and I can't wait for her new album.

Cardi B

Everyone knows I like her, I run a stan account for her, She rides a beat REALLY well, she has catchy lyrics, she has memorable lyrics "Say little B-" "Why would I hop in some beef, when I could just hop in the porche" yada yada, she has really good beats too, shes on the top of the game and I can't wait.

Saweetie

Okay saweetie, she is really lowkey and she just released an album that is good. You guys may know her from ICY GRL but I like her song B.A.N better, shes really good, she has good flow but her lyrics arent the catchies, the best part about her is that she doesn't rap about how good her man gave her head and all that sexual stuff and I really think there needs to be more of that.

Pmx728

1. Joyner Lucas -By far the best lyrics and messages. His flow and visuals are also unreal. he can also kill anyone on their own track.

2. XXXtentacion- His songs really bring out their intended emotion wether than be angry, sad, or just hype you up. Love almost all of his songs, especially RIP Roach, Infinity, and Gospel.

3. Ugly god/lil dickey- his songs are funny and entertaining

4. Ski mask the slump God - great flow, thats about it

5. Hopsin- Great lyricist

6. 6lack- has a cool vibe. decent lyrics. decent flow. I love his part in the song Spar.

7 Chance the Rapper- Acid Rap album was fire.

8. Vic Mensa- lyricist, the man can freestyle. His songs aren't always the most catchy though

9. Miguel Guerro- Christmas mixtape was firrreeee bro

SpongeyStar

9. Miguel Guerro- Christmas mixtape was firrreeee bro

~ @Pmx728

same

bloodyghost

-snip snop-
~ @Pmx728

Good picks. Love Ski Mask the Slump God, but more a fan of his features on others tracks. His tape and old singles don’t resonate with me as much.
I’m not really big into the whole foreign rap thing, but my sister is a pretty big fan and she introduced me to some foreign rap I really enjoy.
The group Higher Brothers is actually an outfit from China, and they rap mostly in Chinese. Their flows are really offbeat but still super catchy, and although i can’t understand the lyrics, I still feel the energy they bring. At first the foreign language is a turn off to people who don’t understand, but once you embrace it it’s really enjoyable. Ski mask is on a song with Higher Brothers called “Flo Rida”, it’s worth a listen.

Also Keith ape is the same way for me. He’s Korean (he uses a good bit of English but mainly Korean) but he still conveys his tones well and his flows are really cutthroat and engaging. (He’s on the song Gopsel with XXX as Pmx mentioned)

bloodyghost

To go even more controversial, I really enjoy a lot of material from Lil B. He’s like Ugly God for me in a way. He over exaggerates some of the stereotypical tropes of rap music in a way where you aren’t sure if he is being serious or not. The difference is that Lil B takes the aspects of exaggeration and takes them seriously. He takes things that sound ridiculous and goes for them without any sort of obvious “lol jk”. I can’t really describe it as well as this article does https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-dumb-brilliance-of-lil-b

From a lyrical standpoint, he is bad to the point he is brilliant. He deliberately makes mistakes or just says random bs when he can’t think of what to say. It kind of embodies a sort of blissful narcissism of technical proficiency not mattering and for music to be his direct flow of consciousness.

Kling

SHAHMEN
When it's talked about rappers being slept on he is at the top of my list, his voice is raw as well as his lyrics. It does not matter what I'm doing he has music to vibe which also reminds me of GURU with his story telling, banger they brought out last year:
https://youtu.be/sMPmcJ54_IM

GANG STARR
The combination of Guru and DJ Premier are my favourite from the 1990's, I still listen to Nas, NWA, Snoop, 2pac, Jay Z, Notorious BIG, Rakim and many others but the story telling of Guru with DJ Premier beats are amazing. If it was not for Solar, Guru would still to this day possibly spitting bars and leading the new generation to a better light much like Nas is doing with Ezri and other young artists. My favourite from them is:
https://youtu.be/lH3hrtp1T84

TEE GRIZZLEY
One of a few up coming rappers that talk about getting in trouble with the law and has the facts to prove it, not only that but his rising fame last year was crazy (thanks to the assistance of Lebron James featuring him on IG) but definitely will be among the top of this generations Detroit rappers and won't be a bust like Lil Yatchy when he drops his album. He really gets rappers to step up when featuring on his music for example Yatchy spat actual bars in D to an A which I find remarkable and is my favourite song Yatchy has been involved in but from Tee Grizzley it has to be Beef:
https://youtu.be/kPuFUeeBpmU

FLATBUSH ZOMBIES
They are the strongest rap group today, you can @ me with Migos, OVO, ASAP, OF and any others, I am a fan of rappers individually from those groups except OVO since they are straight trash but Flatbush Zombies are the only group to bring out music collectively yearly that is lyrically good and you can still vibe to. After seeing Migos in July I will have my opinion on which group performs better live but imo it will be Flatbush their stage presence is insane. People love DMX bark but peep Meech right here it's so cold at 3:15 https://youtu.be/pxplVYIN1Fc

LIL PEEP
He was in his own lane and did not change to increase his popularity to become mainstream. He was a bridge between rap and indie rock, punk, pop punk ect that I'd listen to through some shit years. He got me into listening to the rest of the gothboiclique and Lil Tracy better be getting a spot on the freshman list this year, he has been under the radar for too long now. Vibe heavy to:
https://youtu.be/3rkJ3L5Ce80

RZA
I am still ecstatic since the day I bought my tickets that I will be able to see the living legend when Wu-Tang Clan come to the UK this year, he also was part of another group that not many know called Gravediggaz which was music made with the members alter egos that pioneered horrorcore using dark humor. My favourite song from him is when part of GraveDiggaz: Gravediggaz - Here Comes The Gravediggaz

VINCE STAPLES
He is the only rapper today that could possibly charge people to watch interviews, they are as entertaining as his music. Even though it's been 3 years since he released Norf Norf the beat and flow still gets me bumping every time and goes hard. He is quite silent about what he knows on the street but when asked it's clear he knows what goes on. His newest song Opps is pretty heavy and I hope he links up with Kendrick because I strongly believe he is one of a few that can match him on a track, people always talk about how as soon as Kendrick joins a track it becomes his Vince would stand toe to toe. Keen to see him live in July and hit up the song I was on about: Vince Staples - Norf Norf (Explicit)

CHILDISH GAMBINO
The man of many talents which lists songwriter, actor, director, producer, comedian and more. Just about everything he has released I have loved especially when he changed genre for Awaken My Love that really made a ginger like myself have the experience to feel what it's like to have a soul, really warming music. I am amped to see him at Lovebox Festival this year and hope he does both rap and soul music, I cutting peoples achilles heels to get to the front. How Redbone got beaten by 24k is preposterous but besides that there is tonnes of music but if I had to tie it down to one it will be heartbeat because it really shows both his rapping and singing capabilities at an early stage: Childish Gambino - Heartbeat (Last.fm Sessions)

I'm just going to leave it there but there is many more I could list and the reasons why so I will just post artists with links to a song or two of each with a few words, there is going to be listens that are light and hard so click with caution.

MAC MILLER - fun vibe
Mac Miller - Dang! (feat. Anderson .Paak)
Mac Miller - The Spins

Snoop Dogg - Made G music and would like to see him do a project with Vince, hopefully tighten up ties between a few LB Crips
Dr. Dre - The Next Episode ft. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate Dogg
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg - Nuthin' But A G Thang

XXXTENTACION - versatile
XXXTENTACION - SNOW
Xxxtentacion - Vice City

BIG FLOCK - Drill rapper currently jailed, may switch up but hope he blows up like Tee
Big Flock - Courage (Official Video) | Dir. @SkinnyEatinn
2HypeMike & Big Flock - Body Bag [Prod. By MK]

SKI MASK THE SLUMP GOD - unique flow and most songs are just fun
Ski Mask The Slump God - Catch Me Outside (Dir. by @_ColeBennett_)
Ski Mask The Slump God "Poltergeist" (WSHH Exclusive - Official Audio)

2PAC - only like a few songs, my top though
2pac- Still Ballin

Mr. Short Khop - great flow, underrated OG rapper
Mr. Short Khop - Dollaz, Drank & Dank ( Uncensored ) HQ [ Ft. Kokane ]
Ice Cube - My Loved One ''Uncensored'' HQ [ Ft. Mr. Short Khop ]

POUYA - needs to do more music like this, overlooked atm
Pouya x Ghostemane - 1000 Rounds [Music Video]

FAMOUS DEX - starting strong this year
Famous Dex - Japan (Prod. JGramm) [Official Lyric Video]
Famous Dex - Pick It Up feat. A$AP Rocky [Official Video]

ASAP ROCKY - LSD favourite music video and a Lana Del Rey feature
A$AP Rocky - L$D (LOVE x $EX x DREAMS)
ASAP ROCKY - Ridin' (feat. Lana Del Rey)

G EAZY - mostly think he is for generic white girls but he has a few good songs
G-Eazy - Far Alone ft. Jay Ant (Official Music Video)
G-Eazy - Acting Up ft Devon Baldwin

TYGA - awoken from the Kardashian curse
Tyga "Dubai Drip" (Ric Flair Drip Remix) (WSHH Exclusive - Official Music Video)

6LACK - someone broke his heart damn, great music
6LACK - Prblms (Official Video)
6LACK - Cutting Ties (Audio)

CHANCE THE RAPPER - strictly only like him featuring on these songs otherwise trash
Supa Bwe - Fool Wit It Freestyle (Ft Chance The Rapper)
Supa Bwe - Fool Wit It Freestyle (Ft Chance The Rapper)

LIL DICKY - every song is hilarious
Lil Dicky - Save Dat Money (ft Fetty Wap, Rich Homie Quan) LYRICS
Lil Dicky freestyle - Westwood

AZ - tight rapper from back in the day
az - the format (prod. dj premier)

NAS - Story telling is great
Nas - Nas Is Like
Patience

TECH N9NE - Spits bars and flow fast
Tech N9ne Ft. Mackenzie Nicole – Habanero
Tech N9ne - Worldwide Choppers ( Busta Rhymes, Yelawolf, Twista..)

J.I.D - Young Kendrick Lamar sound
J.I.D - NEVER
J.I.D - D/vision ft. Earthgang

Ezri - usually talks of leaving the street
Ezri - be right back (Official Video)
Ezzy ft. Machine Gun Kelly - Never Been Told (The Land)

GZA - Dissed 50 cent and he didn't respond because he know his career would be in jeopardy
GZA- Paper Plate (50 Cent Diss) New Exclusive With Lyrics

CAM'RON - Stupid niggas go fuck wit them chicks, Im the 3rd little piggy Ima fuck wit them bricks. Funniest yet favourite bar of all time and he dishes a diss so mean to Jay Z it would have ended his career if social media was huge back then
Cam'ron Performs 'The Roc (Just Fire)' With Just Blaze (BC Fest)
Cam'ron - Swagger Jacker (Jay-Z Diss)

DANZEL CURRY - unfortunetly memes damaged his career but dropping Taboo soon which will have straight heat
Denzel Curry - Gook
Denzel Curry - Zone 3 (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

EARL SWEATSHIRT - should have had more exposure than Tyler the Creator to be honest, nothing but bars
Earl Sweatshirt on Oldie | Rhyme Scheme
Earl Sweatshirt on Whoa (verse 2) | Rhyme Scheme

MF DOOM - mad flow
MF DOOM on Doomsday | Rhyme Scheme
MF DOOM - That's That - Rhymes highlighted

CHRIS MATIC - absolute banger, rising rapper
Chris Matic - Calories

EMINEM - I find him corny nowerdays but stole Drakes show so that's tight, first concert I went to was Em
Eminem KiLLS the show Drake & Forever 2016 Tour Detriot - Monster Appearance

FREDO SANTANA - drill rapper, if he was there when Migos jumped his mate they would have been killed
Fredo Santana ft. Chief Keef & Lil Reese - "My Lil Niggas" (Official Music Video)
Fredo Santana Ft Kendrick Lamar - Jealous (Official Music) @OGNZO #OGNZO

JAY Z - he is great, much better if he didn't bite so much back in the day
JAY Z, Kanye West - Otis ft. Otis Redding
JAY-Z - Bam ft. Damian Marley

DAMIAN MARLEY - underrated and my favourite Jamaican rap/reggae artist
Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley - Nah Mean
Damian Marley - Welcome To Jamrock (Woodstock 2012 Poland) (HD Quality)

ICE CUBE - Great lyricist, shame he is an actor now
Ice Cube - No Vaseline (N.W.A Diss)
Ice Cube - I Rep That West

E 40 - Positive he drank out the fountain of youth to grind out projects yearly
E-40 "Choices (Yup)" (WSHH Exclusive - Official Music Video)
E-40 "SAVAGE" Feat. Jazzy Pha & B-Legit

TEKASHI 69 - this skittle head is unique among todays wave couldnt care less if he is about the life or not
6IX9INE Feat. Fetty Wap & A Boogie “KEKE” (WSHH Exclusive - Official Music Video)
6ix9ine "Blood Walk" Remixes Rich The Kid's Plug Walk

BOOGIE WIT DA HOODIE - usually about ice but hope he brings out stuff like his feature in Keke that was great
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie - Drowning (Water) LYRICS IN DESCRIPTION
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie - Nonchalant feat. Alkaline [Official Audio]

RUN THE JEWELS - Dynamite is a personal favourite dedicated to the New York gang violence in the 1970s
Run The Jewels - Rubble Kings Theme (Dynamite)

I really can't be bothered typing more but there is a heap and really enjoyed writing it out. Love the thread and hopefully there will be other threads similar on different genres so the conversations can be organised.

bloodyghost

God, how could I go so far and forget Death Grips?
Here goes...
Death Grips is a 3 man collective that practically dictates what is considered cutting edge and experimental in hip hop. No doubt they are the most off-the-wall music group in hip hop, and perhaps in all of recent music. Their music is as experimental as hip hop can get while still being catchy and appealing to a major following. Death Grips production draws strength from experimental electronic, metal and punk, dance music, experimental rock, noise music, and more. Their production is unlike anything else you will hear from any other group. Beats that pound on the subconscious while still making your head nod. Extremely cerebral stuff, to put it simply.

What takes Death Grips to a whole new level is lyricist MC Ride. His style is a nearly perfect example of raw thoughts, impulses, and sensory input translated into words, almost like slam poetry. Perfectly chosen words and bounce off each other and create an anxious image of what Death Grips seeks to convey. A perfect example is lyrics from one of their biggest songs Guillotine: Death Grips – Guillotine Lyrics | Genius Lyrics
For example, this line from Guillotine:

"Out of the shadows barrage of witch tongue
Cobra spit over apocalyptic cult killer cauldron smoke"
or
"Can't stop the groove licks jaws clear off them locks relentless raw movement"
The words aren't really arranged with care taken to rhyming, but it doesn't matter. To understand how these verses flow, listen to Guillotine here (explicit). Death Grips usually tries to exemplify the primal and immoral desires of human nature, and they do so perfectly. MC Ride almost takes on a character of all that is blatantly and unabashedly unholy.
Death Grips is a very acquired taste, and generally requires you to have a background in music that conveys lots of anger and ferocity. It wont catch on for most people, but the best thing you can do is to give it a try. If you are really wanting to get into Death Grips check out their Exmilitary mixtape or their album The Money Store. They are so difficult to swallow that I often have to listen to their new songs a few times to be able to enjoy them, so don't feel bad if it doesn't appeal to you (or if it's just too scary).

Kling

4. Killy
Killy is an up and coming Toronto rapper who is among the XXL Freshman choices this year. His unique voice and stylization, use of super catchy ad libs, and production make him a different listen.
~ @bloodyghost

I only want him to get on the cover so he hopefully stops with the weird voice he puts on when rapping and actually uses his voice, I feel he would be much better that way so he does not sound like someone who speaks English as a 2nd language, yes I understand he uses autotune but it would be great to hear his voice. I am still going to hold out for him to improve but found him wack when beefing with Lil Xan saying he can't come to Toronto, what are these pop rappers going to do to one another steal each others cough syrup and xans get out of here.

Let me start.
~ @Zesk

Remy Ma is good but the other two are nothing but hoodrats, wouldn't touch them with a stick and the same goes for their music (even though one of the acts I see is Cardi B at wirelessfest which i Will probably just see whats happening on my phone throughout kek). A decent female artist I advice is ABRA if you are not an active listener she is on the top of my list with Remy.

I can safely say without a doubt Eminem is lyrically the greatest rapper.
~ @FamousZAmos

When speaking about being the best lyrically there are a few areas to think about: Technicality, word play, rhyme scheme, story telling and entendre to which I see Em really only being the best under technicality.

By far the best lyrics and messages.
~ @Pmx728

A lot of his lyrics are not too creative hence why he calls people hoe and a bitch. To be honest his only lyrical song to me was that ''Im not a racist'' and even though it's not a negative to do remixes but really all he is doing is fame grabbing hence why he eased up about Logic after Logic closed a song firing shots a Lucas with a recorded message at the end of Elton John wanting to collaborate with Logic because Lucas mentioned in a song for Elton to hit him up, thought that was a good blow. All in all though he has a good flow but again just rides other rappers and remixes their music, I'm sure if he makes his own songs someone would go over his and slay it.

foreign rap thing
~ @bloodyghost

Few foreign rappers I enjoy that have a fair amount of tunes:
Korean
https://youtu.be/QljRe99OMCU
https://youtu.be/F6POjSeojYI
Italian
https://youtu.be/zyg1bjZ-0MM
https://youtu.be/LD3twV19uAo
French
https://youtu.be/bWHR0fS9jvQ
Niska - Salé (Clip Officiel)
German
GZUZ "Was Hast Du Gedacht" (WSHH Exclusive - Official Music Video)
Samy Deluxe - Allein in der Überzahl (Official Video)

Pmx728

I only want him to get on the cover so he hopefully stops with the weird voice he puts on when rapping and actually uses his voice, I feel he would be much better that way so he does not sound like someone who speaks English as a 2nd language, yes I understand he uses autotune but it would be great to hear his voice. I am still going to hold out for him to improve but found him wack when beefing with Lil Xan saying he can't come to Toronto, what are these pop rappers going to do to one another steal each others cough syrup and xans get out of here.
Remy Ma is good but the other two are nothing but hoodrats, wouldn't touch them with a stick and the same goes for their music (even though one of the acts I see is Cardi B at wirelessfest which i Will probably just see whats happening on my phone throughout kek). A decent female artist I advice is ABRA if you are not an active listener she is on the top of my list with Remy.
When speaking about being the best lyrically there are a few areas to think about: Technicality, word play, rhyme scheme, story telling and entendre to which I see Em really only being the best under technicality.
A lot of his lyrics are not too creative hence why he calls people hoe and a *****. To be honest his only lyrical song to me was that ''Im not a racist'' and even though it's not a negative to do remixes but really all he is doing is fame grabbing hence why he eased up about Logic after Logic closed a song firing shots a Lucas with a recorded message at the end of Elton John wanting to collaborate with Logic because Lucas mentioned in a song for Elton to hit him up, thought that was a good blow. All in all though he has a good flow but again just rides other rappers and remixes their music, I'm sure if he makes his own songs someone would go over his and slay it.
Few foreign rappers I enjoy that have a fair amount of tunes:
Korean
https://youtu.be/QljRe99OMCU
https://youtu.be/F6POjSeojYI
Italian
https://youtu.be/zyg1bjZ-0MM
https://youtu.be/LD3twV19uAo
French
https://youtu.be/bWHR0fS9jvQ
Niska - Salé (Clip Officiel)
German
GZUZ "Was Hast Du Gedacht" (WSHH Exclusive - Official Music Video)
Samy Deluxe - Allein in der Überzahl (Official Video)
~ @Kling

WARNING: Strong Messages and Language
Joyner Lucas - I'm Sorry (508)-507-2209 - I really liked the way Joyner did this song by displaying both sides to suicide and how suicide just passes the pain to others. Visuals went very well with the song and I felt lyrics were written well. This is the song Logic copied in case you didn't know.

https://youtu.be/6VuuTeZq2uM- great visuals and neat concept

Joyner Lucas - Just Like You (508)-507-2209 -Great meaning to those without good role models and Visuals and lyrics are put together well

Joyner Lucas - Keep It 100 (508) 507-2209- great visuals and neat concept

Joyner Lucas - Frozen - Good Meaning and visuals and lyrics help develop the seriousness of the situation

Joyner Lucas - Winter Blues (508)-507-2209 - great flow even though he flow is better in his remixes

Summers

Eminem
Marshall Mathers
B Rabbit
Slim shady
And Jimmy Smith

Kling

WARNING: Strong Messages and Language
Joyner Lucas - I'm Sorry (508)-507-2209 - I really liked the way Joyner did this song by displaying both sides to suicide and how suicide just passes the pain to others. Visuals went very well with the song and I felt lyrics were written well. This is the song Logic copied in case you didn't know.
https://youtu.be/6VuuTeZq2uM- great visuals and neat concept
Joyner Lucas - Just Like You (508)-507-2209 -Great meaning to those without good role models and Visuals and lyrics are put together well
Joyner Lucas - Keep It 100 (508) 507-2209- great visuals and neat concept
Joyner Lucas - Frozen - Good Meaning and visuals and lyrics help develop the seriousness of the situation
Joyner Lucas - Winter Blues (508)-507-2209 - great flow even though he flow is better in his remixes
~ @Pmx728

Exactly why I do not like the media when pushing music, they are quick to talk about people remixing and beef yet decide not push the intellectual singles they be releasing. Thank you for sharing these songs because I would not have heard them from him at all since the only thing being talked about is him gunning for Logic and creating remixes to artists songs.

evilalec555

1.Lil bibby - when I lived in Chicago he lived like 2 blocks away and is a hardcore dude
2.westside Gunn - he is British
3. D Bangz - fucking hilarious
4. Asher Roth - is Asher Roth
5. Tupac but he dead

riri30

Biggy, Drake, young thug, lil uzi vert, lil peep and many other pseudo-badboy rappers