Top 10 Rap Lyricists of All Time

Considering his mother is an English Professor at Medgar Evers College it should come as no surprise that Kweli made this list. Surely channeling his mother’s linguistic talents, and a childhood spent in Brooklyn, Kweli’s lyrics are socially conscious and sharply critical of the world he sees. Talib produced what many fans consider his most powerful work when he teamed up with Mos Def, forming the group Black Star. Under the Black Star moniker, Kweli and Def released songs like “Astronomy,” which, through similes, interpreted the word “black” positively, and “Respiration”, which sheds light on life in the big city. Poetic and socially aware, Kweli’s lyrics set a standard for socially conscious rappers.

Ian Matthias Bavitz, aka Aesop Rock, may very well be known more in hipster rap culture than that of the MTV hits variety, but his lyrics are among some of the most complex in the game. A pioneer for alternative hip-hop, Aesop Rock’s lyrics contain complex content and are often difficult to spit. His use of homonyms often render his lines hard to understand, however those who can decipher the lyrics appreciate his well thought out rhymes. After analyzing his lyrical content, one researcher went as far as to attribute Rock with the largest vocabulary in hip hop. All told, Aesop has used over 7000 unique words throughout his songs, more than any other rapper.

Fans may argue Eminem has the most range compared to other rappers. He can be fast, sharp, and ferocious on the mic, while other times he can be emotional and vulnerable. A long career has seen his lyrics evolve over time; in his early days, Slim Shady had downright nasty metaphors and similes, and anyone who dared diss him was brutally beaten down. However, in recent years, particularly on the Marshal Mathers LP II, Em has found an affinity for double entendres, which grow more and more clever. Fans who sift through his lyrics over and over are rewarded with new surprises every time they plug in their earbuds.

One of the most important pioneers in hip hop history, Rakim is widely considered to be one of the most, if not the most, influential rappers of all time. Abandoning the schoolyard and abrasive lyrical and rhyming patterns of MC’s before him, Rakim turned to smart, meaningful lyrics delivered through his work with DJ Eric B.. Using internal and multisyllabic rhymes, Rakim channeled his Jazz background to rap with a free rhythm style, spitting lines calmly and smoothly. Many of the greats have credited Rakim as an important influence, including the likes of Tupac, Nas, Eminem and Biggie…to name just a few.

He doesn’t do as much rapping these days, but in his prime HOV dominated the game. Jay Z has his own unique rapping style, which heavily relies on flow to emphasize the lyrical content. The book “How to Rap,” compliments Z's ability to use rests, as well as partial linking, to provide structure to verses and smoothly incorporate rhymes. Ultimately, verses string together like silk, enhancing both the listening quality and content of the rhymes. And with that, his lyrical content is not to be ignored either. Always walking a tight rope between gangster and suave business man, Jay-Z’s lyrics reflect a rough upbringing and a grounded perspective on reality. 

One half of the group OutKast, André 3000 may just be the most unorthodox lyricist out there. As much a poet as he is a rapper, 3000 innovates with his delivery, following no specific pattern other than what his stream of thought dictates. He’s also highly introspective, bringing an intellectualism to his lyrics that separates him from those rappers bogged down by the possibly overplayed gangster and money driven rap subgenres. André's output may have slowed down over the years, but when he drops a guest verse you just have to sit back and appreciate.

Widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, Biggie’s life was tragically cut short, but while he may not have a list ofcontent as long as other MC’s, the quality of his work is undeniable. Biggie Smalls had a wide range of talents: he was powerful, wickedly clever, and descriptively vivid all at the same time. He delivered smart lyrics, often deploying idioms to craft purposeful lines. He also had a penchant for dishing out strong punch lines, which always landed with precision, whether or not they were designed to be funny or brutal. At times aggressive, others vulnerable, at the height of his powers Biggie’s lyrics did nothing short ofamaze.

The golden voice and saving grace of a new generation of rappers, Kendrick Lamar has learned from the greats and built on their lessons to dominate the modern game without sacrificing his integrity. Rather, it’s his commitment to authenticity and a critical awareness of both the rap game and the world at large that have gained him popularity. Fearless and highly intelligent, the Compton native tackles societal issues with unique skill, sometimes taking the role of a storyteller, while other times playing critic. Songs like “Alright” and “Swimming Pools” take on societal problems on both a micro and macro level with a creative vibe only Lamar can pull off.

Another rapper to have his life cut tragically short, Tupac differs from Biggie, the counterpart with whom he’s usually compared, in that he channeled his energies primarily on societal issues. Both his parents, as well as several other family members, were involved members of the Black Panthers, which Shakur’s lyrical content heavily reflects. Additionally, Pac was a student both ofpoetry and theater, which gracefully shined through in his own work. With a keen critical eye, Tupac engaged with the problems he saw in his own community and the world. Songs like “Brenda’s Got a Baby” and “Dear Mama” remind us of Pac’s unique abilities to tug at our heart strings and make us think with just a few lines.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
 
Immortal Technique

MF Doom

J. Cole

Guru (Gang Starr)

Common

Lauryn Hill
 

When he first broke onto the scene with the now proverbial street album Illmatic, the rap game knew Nas was going to be something special. They weren’t wrong. While his social and cultural awareness give his lyrics meaningful content, it’s his lyrical construction and creative storytelling that land Nasty Nas the number one spot on this list. He pioneered what has been labeled a conversational flow, meaning Nas isn’t restricted by beats; he follows his heart and mind. His raps tell stories unconventionally and from unique perspectives. Consider this: how many MC’s have rapped from the point of view of a gun? Not many have the skill or willingness to challenge themselves like that. Thankfully, Nas can.

Do you agree with our list? Who do you think is the best lyricist in the rap game? For more thought provoking Top 10’s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com