TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: HIP-HOP RAPPER EDITION
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Who do you think is the top 5 rapper dead or alive? 2pac? Biggie? Jay-Z, or even Lil Wayne? Below is my top 5 solo rappers dead or alive. In my opinion these are the greatest rappers of all time in order from the best to the 5th best. I challenge you to come up with a better top 5 rappers than what I have here. Scroll down the page and take the poll and vote who is your top rapper of all time and every Friday I will update this hub with the top 5 list voted by all the poll takers. I will list my top 5 and explain why I think each one is great. Don't forget to vote and check back daily to see who is in the lead.
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#1. Tupac
Clearly 2Pac is the best rapper to have ever graced the mic. He has been the most dominant force in hip-hop since he stepped on the scene with Digital Underground. From his first album 2Pacalyse Now to what seems like the immediately release of the movie Juice which became a instant cult classic. Even 5 shots couldn't stop him from releasing the classics "Me Against the World" and "All Eyes on Me". He was later shot to death after leaving a Mike Tyson fight in Las Vegas in 1996 but even all that darkness couldn't block his shine. Even in death he continued to sell more albums and rake in more money to his estate than most of the rappers still alive for years to come. He continually makes Forbes list of Top 10 list of Dead Celebrities. He has written books, has numerous album releases, a number of films, and in his death there are even university classes taught about him. The collective of all his accomplishments amidst the drama and even in the afterlife is why he has to be the greatest of all time.
#2. Notorious B.I.G.
My brother put me on to the Notorious B.I.G. back before "Ready to Die" was released. He was coming from New York on his way to Pensacola, Florida. He told me he had just heard a tape of some guy named Biggie Smalls and how raw he was. He said this kid is way better than 2pac and he's going to be the next big thing in rap. I was like "Nobody will every be better than Pac!" Little did I know I would soon come to see this guy in Unsigned Hype section of my favorite magazine. That connection made me curious so I went looking for music from him. The first thing I heard was "Juicy". At that point I was sold. His delivery was smooth, his word play was unmatched. Then when I learned he was cool with 2pac it solidified him as my second favorite. But tragically he was cut short before the release of his second album Life After Death. His record label Badboy went on to release a few more albums after his death but none to me had the impact of his first two. And its for me that reason, that his rap carrier and was so short, that we never got to see him venture much outside of the world of rap why he is my second favorite rapper ever.
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#3. Jay-Z
My first introduction to Jay-Z was when I heard "Can't Knock the Hustle". I remembered thinking that he was really on to something and that if for some reason 2pac and Big was not were not around he could really go places. Sadly shortly there after both of them were no longer alive. With his major competion at in a position of no return he swiftly rose the ranks in hip-hop. His label Roc-A-Fella Records went on to sell many millions of albums including my favorite "The Blueprint." Before that album came out I didn't care too much for him as a rapper because his delivery was too fast back then. When he released The Blueprint it seemed that he had found his comfort zone in rap where everything seemed to flow naturally. Another thing that drew me to him was the rap musical movie he starred in called "Streets is Watching". It showed his diversity and foreshadowed what was to come as far as his many career moves. He went on to form one of the most popular clohing lines of today Rocawear, signed a huge $150 million deal with Live Nation and he married Beyonce among many other accomplishments. But I had to put him 3rd because I feel like if 2Pac and Biggie were alive right now 3rd is where he would rank any way.
#4. Nas
When "If I Ruled the World" was hot on the radio is when I first started to like Nas as a rapper. That song was an instant classic and featured Lauren Hill of the Fugees or Refugees. I put Nas 4th on my list because even though I think he won the rap battle between he and Jay-z with one song, Ether, his delivery is a little clumbsy at times. His content was superb how he mixed the streets with book knowledge to craft many classic albums and alot of hot singles. But when it came to the business side of things he never really seemed to branch out too far from the music. When compared to alot of other rappers his volume of work and quality of music he has released has earned him the #4 spot on my list. Had his beef with Jay-z derailed Jay's career and not just left him slightly bruised then Nas would easily be #3 on my list.
Top 5 Dead Or Alive Related Music
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Hip Hop & Rap Music Video Collection DVD - Best of E-40 Ft West Coast Rappers
Current Bid: $3.99
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Rapmasters Volume 4 The Best of Hip Hop cassette 1989
Current Bid: $.99
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| No Photo |
Cypress Hill - Strictly Hip Hop: The Best Of NEW CD
Current Bid: $7.92
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#5. T.I.
From the moment I first heard him on Bone Crusher's "Never Scared" and the "24's" I knew this was a superstar in the making. I have this uncanny ability to do what I call A&Ring a artist from the moment I first hear them. The main job of an A&R is to scout new talent. I have been pretty good at guessing who will be the next big star and mostly I have been right. I think im in the wrong business. I knew right away T.I. would be very successful because I could see the business mentality in his style and music if that's believable. He survived a beef and trashed the career of the rapper Lil Flip, suffered public a pulbic loss of his best friend and bodyguard Big Phil, and served jail time. All the while making 6 classic albums and numerous successful single, starring in ATL and American Gangster, and executive producing a number of projects. Currently he sits in jail for buying illegal guns but im sure when he is released it will be business as usual. And if he keeps delivering classics like the previous 6 he will certainly rise in my ranks upwards from #5.
Update 12-04-09
Thank you to everyone that has visited this hub and voted for their Top 5 Dead Or Alive Rapper. This list is my favorites and includes many that are listed because of their notoriety and impact on the hip-hop landscape. There are many more artist that were not included but maybe should. If you feel that you know of other rappers that should be added to the list then leave a comment with you additions. I will continue to update this blog with stats very often on how the list is doing. As of today the stats stand as:
- 43% 2Pac
- 16% Nas
- 14% Biggie
- 9% Lil Wayne
- 7% Jay-Z
- 4% The Game
- 3% 50 Cents
- 2% Scarface
- 1% T.I.
- 1% Ice Cube
There have been 136 people who have voted in this poll as of today. That is astounding and I appreciate everyone for participating and I hope everyone who visits this hub will vote for their all time favorite.
TOP5DEADORALIVE.COM
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Rapping is an art form that a lot people can learn but only a few have mastered. Those that have mastered it have made a good living off of it and have learned how to pick a subject to rap about with... - top5deadoralive.com
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Update: 12-18-09
Here are the results for this Friday. As of today the list stands at:
- Tupac (43%)
- Biggie (13%)
- Nas (16%)
- Lil Wayne (8%)
- Jay-Z (7%)
- Scarface (3%)
- The Game (3%)
- 50 Cents (3%)
- T.I. (1%)
- Ice Cube (1%)
These are the results as for 143 people who have voted for their favorite rapper dead or alive. If you like this post then please link this hub to your blog or you site. Also I would love it if you could Digg my this blog and Tweet it to your friends and get them involved in the vote for the Top 5 Dead or Alive.
Update: 02-08-10
- 44% 2Pac
- 13% Biggie
- 8% Jay-Z
- 15% Nas
- 1% T.I.
- 8% Lil Wayne
- 3% Scarface
- 1% Ice Cube
- 3% The Game
- 4% 50 Cents
These are the results as for 167 people who have voted for their favorite rapper dead or alive. If you like this post then please link this hub to your blog or you site. Also I would love it if you could Digg this hub and Tweet it to your friends and get them involved in the vote for the Top 5 Dead or Alive.
CommentsLoading...
also...come on dude I can't even vote for 3 stacks, em, big l, pun, rakim, raekwon, q-tip, slick rick, goodie mob, the wu. Wtf is 50, lil wayne, mite as well put jim jones, soulja, florida, on that shit too. Ti nice but top 5 u crazy dude. This voting list is bs
that is the most generic list possible. my top 5.
1.krs-one
2.bone thugs n harmony
3. the last emperor
4. pharoahe monch
5. dj quik
b
Clearly this list is wrong, the only thing i agree with you about is tupac being number 1 he was, is and always will be the best ever.
In my opinion this is the top list
1. Tupac
2. Biggie Smalls
3. Nas
4. Dmx
5. Eazy-E
It's <a href=http://www.hiphopisland.com/biographies/2pac/2pac. that made hip hop so popular. R.I.P.
HERE is my list :(1) tupac (2)KRS1 (3)Biggie Smalls (4)RAKIM (5)scarface is the truth!!!lol and no my mind aint playing tricks on me.
The only one I agree with is Tupac
I can't trash you for your opinion but my list is way different
1. Tupac
2. Chino XL
3. Eminem
4. Haystak
5. Biggie
I'm sure you probably don't recognize some of the names
Check em out and then judge
Thanks for stopping thru and participating Elusive1. I'm very familiar with all of your top 5. I have heard more of Haystack music than Chino's so I can't comment on how good Chino really is. I will make it a point to find some of his music online.
1)KRS-ONE
2)RAKIM
3)2PAC
4)JAY-Z
5)SNOOP DOGG
..3-5 CHANGES FROM TIME TO TIME..
1-THE RZA
2-TUPAC
3-BIGGIE
4-NAS
5-DR.DRE
1) Tupac Amaru Shakur (Best 4 Ever)
2) Biggie
3) Eazy-E
4) Eminem
5) Wu-Tang
@tybo2020, jb, and DM: Thanks for stopping thru and participating.
1. 2pac
2. biggie
3. big L
4. eminem
5. eazy e
6. snoop
1. The Notorious BIG
2. Tech N9ne
3. Tupac
4. Nas
5. Max B
To Be Honest RememBer This Is Just my point of view Of Who I think Is top 5 as of lyrics and what they Brought to the game and not popularity
1.BIGGE SMALLS
2.Jadakiss
3T.Stack Bundles/Tupac
4.Big L
5.Max B
ur list is good but was a lil suprised by t.i
heres my list
1. Tupac
2. Big L
3. EMINEM [PERSONAL FAVORITE]
4. Biggie
5. Big pun
mellie mel, grandmaster cas, krs one, tupac rakim,
eminem hands down or up
The year is 2010, and it seems like everybody's choices and opinions are stale as hell!
The Top 5 Rappers today, "2010" would be, but not in order, LiL Weezy, Young Jeezy, Jadakiss, Gucci Mane, Jay- Z!
But there's 2 more that I'm debating on replacing Jay-Z with, Jim Jones, and/or Yo Gotti....
And I hate when people mix Hip Hop artists with Rappers! Tupac, Nas, Eminem, Krs-One, KanYe West are all Hip Hop Artists! Lyricists! Matter of fact, that's my next hub! Top 5 Mc's.......?
1)eminem
2)rakim
3)nas
4)Big L
5)Joe Budden
@dhyambrisak: Thanks for the comments. One thing I would like to add is that all of them are rappers and hip-hop artists. Rap is the art form and hip-hop is our culture. Hip-hop is not a style of rapping or a form of music it's the overall combination of the music, clothing, the language, the attitude, the style, the hustle, the struggle, the religions, and everything else that hip-hop encompasses. So basically it's a way of life. Be an active part of hip-hop instead of a sideline analyst. It's insulting when people portray hip-hop only as a musical form when it's clearly a global entity all its own. During the 70's it was regarded as a fad! During the 80's it went thru growing pains! During the 90's politicians tried to destroy it. And now in this new millineum it's the largest culture on the planet. Hip hop ties people from the streets of the U.S. to the barrios of Mexico, to the slums of Africa, to people everywhere from Isreal to Iraq. IT'S A CULTURE!
@benz b y did you say to the slum of africa
Top 5 real shit who agree?
1 big
2 jay
3 Pac
4Jada
5between pun and nas
Not in order but I would say Big, Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem, Rakim, Ras Kass, KRS. Just all time cant be put in order though
my all time favourites remains 2-pac, eminem, nas, t-i and d game. emphasis is on 2-pac & eminem.
People who voted on Lil Wayne obviously know nothing about good rap.
here is the Real list .....damm
1.Tupac
2.Rakim
3.Eminem
4.Nas
5.Biggie
Worthy Bonus Mentions : Easy E/Ice Cube/NWA : Bone : Jay Z:
these where all industry shakers and movers that turned hip-hop into something different.
WHERE IS EMINEM???!!
1) 2 Pac
2) Eminem
3) DMX
4) Luda
5) Young Jeezy/Jada
These lists are wack as fuck! T.I. ain't even the best rapper from the South and he's in your top 5? Laughable...
No Scarface or 3 Stacks for your southern rappers in your top 5? BULLSHIT!!!
I also wanna call out these horrendous lists some have post: If any have Jeezy, DMX, Snoop, Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Max B, etc., I can't take you seriously. Ice Cube wrote the lyrics for everyone in N.W.A., and The D.O.C. ghostwritten the lyrics for Snoop AND Dre for The Chronic.
No Rakim, KRS-One, Andre 3000, and no way Jay-Z should be in the top 5 unless Nas, Andre 3000, and Eminem are above him, considering each of them destroyed Jay-Z spitting rhymes on his tracks.
And Pac & Big are overrated, unfortunately, the media has hyped them way up b/c of their deaths. They're not bad rappers, but not 1 & 2. Generic lists. Big Pun, Big L, Mos Def, Black Thought, Bun B (listen to him Ridin' Dirty on) Common, etc. should get consideration b4 Eazy, Dre, and Snoop. They're rhymes are elemantary, and Snoop's very charismatic, and likeable, but he couldn't win a battle against Nas, Em, 3 Stacks, Mos Def, etc. Ice Cube should be in consideration for the top 10 two. His first 2 albums were certified classics.
Props 2 the REAL Hip-Hop heads out there who didn't follow suit 2 these shitty ass lists.
The 5 greatest rapper are:
1. MF Doom
2. J Dilla
3. Madlib
4. Phonte
5. Busta Rhymes
This is the list that all you media hyped kids need in your minds when you talk about the greatest rappers.
Left out but not in the top 5 are:
6. Slick Rick
7. Q-tip
8. KRS One
9. Pete Rock
10. Kool Keith/Dr. Octagon or Dr. Dooom
Now when it comes to group the list is as follows:
1. KMD
2. Slum Village
3. Lootpack
4. Peanut Butter Wolf and Charizma
5. Wu - Tang Clam
6. The Roots
7. C.L. Smooth and Pete Rock
8. Little Brother
9. MAdvillain
10. Jaylib
Now that ends any confusion you twits have about who is greatest in this rap games
In no particular order
The roots
Mos Def - umi says
Talib kweli
KRS-One
The last Emperor - monumental
1.Tupac:When i got a problem or shit on my chest i just listen to Pac and he talks and tell's me what to do the Don
2.BigL:Flow, Punchlines,Delivery.He had it all except 1 thing popularity ,Bigl 2nd greatest MC in my book.
3.:Nas from (Illmatic to Stillmatic)he had that street poet kinda style that you can just listen to and learn, every time you listen to a song you will find somthing different.
4.:The Notorious B.I.G, What can I say possibly the illest rap flow of all time dropped to classic albums in his short career just Ill.
5.:Lupe Fiasco i already know every1 probably gonna disagree with this but lupe is just ill his metaphors are just sumthin else , he's creative , nasty flow , content ,for me possibly the illest rapper alive.
i agree with the list :P
2pac forever
1.2pac
2.bigge
3.rakim
4.nas
5.eminem
6.big L
7.jay z
8.jadakiss
9.ice cube
10.the game
real rappers with classic albums and veterans in the hi hop game check on every rapeer on my list albums history then you will now
1) 2pac- most versatile and best rapper that has ever touch the mic.
2)Big L- got the flow, the attitude but not popular
3)Rakim- best rhymer
4)eminem-hiphop boy
5)biggie-king in swinging
6)the Game- slow but hardcore
6)nas- nice and street credibility
7)lil wayne-hip hop grandson
8)T.I-skinny niggaz swagger
9)bone crusher-fast
10)mack 10,bun b -attitude boyz.
how you dont have JADAKISS top 5 dead or alive
1.method man
2.notorious
3.nas
4.rakim
5.redman
6.jay z
7.the game
8.snoop dogg
9.krs 1
10.prodigy (mobb deep)
Malik.... best comment. But imma pull out the usual suspects like Jay says it.....
1. Biggie-just a shame I didn't start liking him til he was gone. It took a screw tape to put me on Big. Niggas Bleed is one of the realest stories ever on record.
2. Tupac- never felt any rapper more than Pac. NUFF SAID!
3. Scarface- Face is the truth. Underrated for some reason though.
4. Eminem- its tough to kill Jay on a song.....he did it thoroughly. The verse on Renegademade me a believer. If he was black he'd probably be #1 on most lists.
5. Jay-z / Andre 3K- I know you can only choose 5 but fuck it. Jay still throws you those quotables and his longevity and creativity in his wordplay is still 2nd to none. 3K is a beast and never disappoints. Not even on that wack ass Walk it out song. His verse on Royal Flush made Big Boi and a legend like Raekwon look elementary. I'm done.
PS FUCK THE DUDE THAT HAS HAYSTACK OVER BIGGIE!!
lil wayne
Eminem is the best rapper of all time and i am proud to say that.
1.Tupac
2.Eminem
3.Lil' Wayne
4.Bad Meets Evil
5.The Game
Everyone's got a personal opinion and list why u all gotta attack each other? Mine would be in no particular order eminem, u can relate to his songs, luda, ice cube, young buck and game. I just like there music better than the rest doesn't mean the others are no good.
If u know hip hop it goes like this 2pac biggie nas dmx bone thugs & harmony.if u put lil wayne in top 5 u don't know hip hop! hell no!
ryan 2 years ago
wow man could ur list be any more predictable. Ur list is like the state of hip hop, eryone just following eryone else