What is all this hip-hop controversy about?
Attacks against the rogue genre resurface every few years when an old talking head denounces a nasty lyric or sees some objectionable activity in a music video.
But for every major-label “rapper” who solely rhymes about getting money and references bullet wounds when talking about their creative merit, there is a street poet whose back catalogue is keeping hip-hop relevant and inspiring a new generation of hip-hop elite.
In recognition of these artists’ brilliance, The Ruckus presents its Top 10 Greatest Emcees of All Time.
As Ricky D used to say, “Mirror-mirror on the wall, who is the top choice of them all?”

#10 Slick Rick
During the mid-1980s, emcee Ricky D and DJ Doug E. Fresh were one of the top acts in NYC hip-hop. Eye patch and all, that sophisticated English flow got listeners even more captivated into Slick Rick’s legendary tales. Pristine cut: “Children’s Story.”
#9 Talib Kweli
The Brooklyn emcee was a conscious rapper before it was cool, and while still making relevant music, he’s having fun reminding us about it.
Kweli is finally getting his dues after a career that, only recently, has risen from underground status.
Thought-provoking concept albums BlackStar with Mos Def and Reflection Eternal with Hi-Tek will be his lasting legacy as a rapper. Pristine cut: “Good Mourning.”
#8 LL Cool J
The politico-rap era of Public Enemy and ATCQ kind of passed the golden boy emcee by in the late 80’s, but with a career of album releases that rarely compromised, Ladies Love deserves a spot on the list.
The initial pop-rap sound he crafted on the upstart, Def Jam label is largely responsible for where hip-hop is today. Pristine cut: “Mama Said Knock You Out.”
#7 Ice Cube
An original member of N.W.A., Cube is considered one of the founding fathers of West Coast “gangsta rap.” His insistence to play thug-prophet gave social and political awareness street credibility.
I wish he didn’t enjoy making B-flicks so much; more regular album releases would probably move him up this list. Pristine cut: “Today Was a Good Day.”
#6 Big Daddy Kane
Part of the legendary New York City super group the Juice Crew, Kane is on this list for his role in jump-starting the careers of more talented rappers.
His overt braggadocio flow was the first of its kind to hit hip-hop Mecca’s mainstream. Pristine cut: “Raw.”
#5 Rakim
No form of music relies more on word-smithing than hip-hop, and Rakim is still lauded for that talent nearly 20 years after his most relevant records with DJ Eric B.
His “I came in the door” line stimulated a new generation of lyrically rich verses and and introduced sampling elements from other artists into hip-hop. Pristine cut: “Eric B. Is President.”
#4 Notorious B.I.G.
The two legitimate LPs he has to his name are some of the most expansive works in hip-hop history. He had that deep, lisp-congested B.I.G. delivery to thank for it.
Biggie wrote every rhyme like it was his last, and nowhere is this more evident than his freshman effort Ready to Die. Pristine cut: “Juicy”
#3 Nas
The Queens emcee possesses an unrefined delivery that’s more cool than tough, and when he spits listeners get a collective east coast emcee tribute that put novice’s Wikipedia skills to work.
Nas has always been at the forefront of the culture’s topics and issues, but his veteran rank as a hip-hop artist moves him into living legend status. Pristine cut: “Memory Lane (Sittin’ In Da Park).”
#2 2Pac
Arguably one of the most misunderstood artists in the history of American music, Pac’s hard work and poetic genius were only realized after he was gone.
No matter the tone of a Pac track, his rhymes were crafted with more passion and purpose than any emcee could ever dream. Pristine cut: “Changes.”
#1 Jay-Z
Jay’s rhymes are too good and his impact too great to justify any other emcee’s place in this spot.
He went from street hustling to celebrating to hip-hop business mogul in a span of 10 years.
No rapper has ever reached the echelon of popularity and success that Jay-Z enjoys right now. Prestine cut: “Encore.”

Questions or comments?
Contact Jack at
JCChandl3168@winona.edu