In my opinion, the best mainstreamers are dead and gone. Tupac was the best at telling you how hard it was. Biggie was the best at telling you how good it can be. I've seen all the documentaries, but I still can't see why they feuded. Those boys were tight as hell back in the day. Some petty nonsense, and probably alot to do with Suge. But I'd say probably Tupac first, and Biggie a close second, if not tied. My opinion only.

I'll say this though... in a straight up battle I know there's some good ones out there now, but old KRS1 would make them work hard to beat him.

 

no one likes too short? even though his lyrics are abrasive and degrading. you cannot help but say it is catchy! haha

 

i dont know if its been mentioned, but blackalicious deserves to be on the tops list

 

2pac, biggie, dr.dre

 

Rakim
Nas
Biggie
Big L
Canibus
Prodigy

I can keep goin

 

lil wayne is definately on top of the game now.. without a doubt. he has lyrics that are just ridiculous. "i love weed so much i tried to marry juana" "*** em *** em *** em, even if they celebate" just to leave a few. i can listen to wayne all day and it'd never get old. talib, mos def, and immortal are definately sick too

but best as of now and probably for a while will definately be weezy

 

K-Rino.....
If you want music with substance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7k_KZ_KMzM

 

Nas,Biggie,tupac,Jay z,Cormega,Wutang(all had different styles still ill),AZ basically everyone from Queens/Queens Bridge

 

lol.

 

Are we talking about of all time or right now?

Royce da 5'9 is serious

Saigon i crazy

Lil Wayne is also

Watch out for that new cat named Ace with his new single Cash Flow

 

i would have to say my list is :

immortal technique
ra rugged man
atmosphere
jedi mind tricks

 

agreed weezy F is just tearing it up right now.

That's when I can't hold my sh*t within, so I sh*t on myself
Cuz I'm so sick and tired of sh*tting on everybody else

 

hmmm they're more of a group but the '90s and early 2k stuff from:

bone thugs n harmony (Creepin on ah Come Up, E. 1999 Eternal etc)
three six mafia (When the Smoke Clears 66/61, Choices, Chapter 2. etc)

im always bumpin that ____

Project Pat, 2Pac as well, Dr. Dre, Lil Wyte, L-Burna, Outkast, UGK....eh just some of my favs.

 

Best hip hop artist not best club banger. I love these guys too but should never be labeled the best. Lil Wyte got some lyrics though.

 

Aesop Rock

 

here we go kids....the ultimate hip hop lyricist/artists by far....

People under the Stairs<--------holdin it down for L.A. and byfar my fave
7L & Esoteric
Atmosphere(slug+ant)
Termanology
The Roots
Common
Nas
All Natural (capital D + DJ Tone B)
Clipse
Prodigy (of Mobb Deep)
9th Prince (of Killarmy) feat. Islord
Pete Rock
The Knux

not in any particular order, but these artists(imo) are the best of the best. im not really into any mainstream hip hop just all the true underground ****.....all them other hip hop "stars" are overrated

 

duh. sting.

fight him and die.

 

Ive said it before and I'll say it again

Lil Wayne SUX.............just ask his daddy!

 

Big L
Notorious BIG
Tupac
Nas
Mos Def
Talib Queli
Lil Wayne
Juelz Santana

____ jay-z

 

Past: Pac was the best hand's down......

Now: The Game, and Lil Wayne.......