Top 10 East Coast Rappers
Check my rules for the Mid Western rappers. You should also be prepared to read a list from someone who understands the legendary status of certain chipped toothed rappers from Queens but just doesn't like that person as much as everyone else. that's right! I know Nas is an amazing rapper, but he's not my cup of tea. I'm also someone who loves Curb Your Enthusiasm and can't stand Seinfeld while acknowledging that Seinfeld is a great show too. Just accept how crazy I am!
Artist/Rank:
#10- Ghostface Killah
Where You Reppin':
Staten Island, New York since his first studio album with Wu-Tang Clan in 1993
Best Body of Work:
The Pretty Toney Album (April 2004) is one of the best produced album I've ever heard. But it can't just be about the beats, even though an artists' ear for beats shouldn't ever be a skill that is slept on. Ghostface is the best at making me vibe out to lyrics I'm not sure mean much. He just knows how to flow over beats and has such a distinct voice. His rapping mixed with his beat selection continues to form a mix that becomes greater than the sum of its pretty amazing parts.
Artist/Rank:
#9- Fabolous
Where You Reppin':
Brooklyn, New York since his first studio album in 2001
Best Body of Work:
From Nothin' To Somethin' (June 2007) was the first consistent album I remember from a rapper I always thought had amazing singles but failed to deliver albums that lived up to the promise of those singles. Fabolous is definitely the Hip Hop Falcon in that he should be more popular than he is. He actually seems like he's getting better. He is another influence on how I rap. I'm a huge fan of his word play and flow, plus, he had some killer ad libs back in the day!
Artist/Rank:
#8- DMX
Where You Reppin':
Yonkers, New York since his first studio album in 1998.
Best Body of Work:
Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (December 1998) was X's second album of that year and still didn't come off as just an album of what got cut from the first album. It was confirmation that Dark Man X was a problem! You know DMX is one of the best because he was able to cross over with pretty raw material. Yes Swizz Beatz made easy to listen to music, but X's lyrical content is pretty dark. He just has an energy that wins people over and worked as an antidote to the Shiny Suit era!
Artist/Rank:
#7- Black Thought
Where You Reppin':
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania since his first studio album with The Roots in 1993
Best Body of Work:
The Tipping Point (July 2004) is the first Roots album I actually loved. However, I was on the Black Thought train since his appearance on Big Pun's "Super Lyrical." Deep down in everyone's heart, they know Black Thought is one of the purest MCs out right now. Because of this there could be no list without him. However, I don't think he's had an ofiffical solo release. I am looking forward to The Talented Mr. Trotter since I believe that will be the body of work that moves him higher up on this list.
Artist/Rank:
#6- Method Man
Where You Reppin':
Staten Island, New York since his first studio album with Wu-Tang Clan in 1993
Best Body of Work:
Wu-Tang Forever (June 1997) features the illest use of "Blood *hiss* clat" by none other than Mr. Clifford Smith. Method Man is simply one of the coolest. Again! That voice mixed with delivery makes for a great listen. You add to that his appearances in Belly, The Wire, and even Keanu and you've got quite a ubiquitous legend on your hands!
Artist/Rank:
#5- Beanie Sigel
Where You Reppin':
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania since his first studio album in 2000
Best Body of Work:
The Reason (June 2001) is undeniably a great album from an artist who refuses to stop spitting! Beanie Sigel was shot and had his breath control affected and still puts out music. I always thought Beanie Sigel could have gone much further. He had the platform, he had his State Property label and clothing line and he had the bars to back everything up. Unfortunately, he couldn't get away from his previous lifestyle and multiple arrests have stopped him from being a house hold name like he should be.
Artist/Rank:
#4- Nas
Where You Reppin':
Queens, New York since his first studio album in 1994
Best Body of Work:
Illmatic (April 1994) is certainly an album most people agree on as one of the best. I'm not here to change anyone's mind. I get it. I just think Nas lacks a certain X factor. I'm aware I'm in the minority on that. I don't blindly hate him because he had beef with the #1 spot on this list (which could be Cam'Ron so don't jump to conclusions). I legitimately always felt that Nas came off as a bit boring. He's number 4 on this list so don't get at me as if I said he was the worst. He's just not in my top three of all time, RELAX!
Artist/Rank:
#3- Busta Rhymes
Where You Reppin':
Brooklyn, New York since his first studio album with Leaders of the New School in 1991
Best Body of Work:
Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front (December 1998) is everything I want out of hip hop in one album. There is experimental stuff going on, there is straight bars, and some classic skits. Busta Rhymes changed after he cut his dreads, however, that didn't get rid of all the creativity and amazing guest vereses he has brought to the world! There was a time where you knew Busta was going to embarrass anyone else on a posse cut with him. Plus he had great albums like ELE so I am not listening to any arguments against this placement!
Artist/Rank:
#2- Talib Kweli
Where You Reppin':
Brooklyn, New York since his first studio album with Black Star in 1998
Best Body of Work:
Train of Thought (October 2000) is something to truly marvel at. Talib Kweli is still a great rapper but these days his penchant for warring with people on Twitter has led me to believe that he is taking away from his ability to make albums like Train of Thought, Beautiful Struggle, or Eardrum anymore. What's important, though, is that those albums were made so his spot at number two remains. He basically could have retired after Train of Thought and he could have made this list, so the fact that Talib is still putting out music is a bonus!
Artist/Rank:
#1- JAY-Z
Where You Reppin':
Brooklyn, New York since his first studio album in 1996
Best Body of Work:
Reasonable Doubt (June 1996) is an album I LOVE! The fact that JAY-Z is still capable of putting out work that has people debating over what is his best album is why he's in this position. That and the fact that he isn't just making great music. He's getting involved. He's speaking out against the prison system and doing great documentaries. I also think that all the videos that came out of the 4:44 roll out are important! The mix of business and social moves Jay has been able to make in addition to the high quality makes him #1 in my books no matter which region you're in!
-YG