Whose the greatest rapper of all time

[Trashionista]

Actually, that's what I'm talking about. They all are kinda... bad, not unique, untalented, etc.

I like Beastie Boys. But they aren't exactly "mainstream" now, are they?

They've had several Billboard #1s I believe...

How that isn't "mainstream" I don't know. Being part of a more underground or independant scene at one point doesn't make them any less mainstream that 50 Cent.

 

[BlueJ]

I respect everyones opinion, even though if you hate the genre. It's a free country, if some people don't like rap then that's fine too. But Rap haves a very long and successful history and may I add has gone through many changes over the years. I for one dislike some types of music, but I don't ever say I hate them.

Anyways

The greatest of all time to me is 2pac, because he was true to his self and was the most down to earth man I every heard musically and personally. He was the most influential, controversial, believable, rapper who'd express the reality of things. He was not only a rapper but also a concern man who politically and socially wanted to see changes in this world, especially from what he had to endure as a child, which has given him extra creditability. Not many people know this side of 2pac. Also, from what I've seen on youtube, He was a Christian, which had an impact in some of his songs and in some of his lyrics. In addition, the man deserves some credit for being the only rapper who has past away and still be alive today. Over half of his fans believe that he is still alive, so that being said he has made a great achievement on the behave of rap and hip hop. R.I.P Tupac
Eminem He is lyrically one of the best even though I don't agree with none of his lyrics, but I have to admit it.
Lauryn Hill Poetically the best female rape artist
Common This guy is poetically talented
NWA most influential group, who'd basically change the movement of rap. ( I do not like the NWA, I personally believe they were too negative along with many others today)

 

[Blackguard_]

like Beastie Boys. But they aren't exactly "mainstream" now, are they?

Very much so.

 

[Tallerthanatree]

Actually, that's what I'm talking about. They all are kinda... bad, not unique, untalented, etc.

I like Beastie Boys. But they aren't exactly "mainstream" now, are they?

Whatever. You could have been more specific rather than pigeonhole an entire genre as bad.

 

[NavyGuy7]

Very much so.

Then they're teh exception I attribute to certain bands/artists.

And if I pidgeonhole, it is merely my bad experience with most of the music I have heard from that genre... if you'd like to suggest, something, however... mehehehehehehehe.

 

[NavyGuy7]

They've had several Billboard #1s I believe...

How that isn't "mainstream" I don't know. Being part of a more underground or independant scene at one point doesn't make them any less mainstream that 50 Cent.

But 50 cent kinda, well.... is bad. Horrible.
Beastie Boys actually make me wanna tap my foot. And it's so catchy!
"I.... can't stand it, I'm on your planet!"

50 cent is NOT in Beastie Boys league.

 

[Blackguard_]

Then they're teh exception I attribute to certain bands/artists.

Right, listenable rap is the exception.
I wasn't disagreeing with that, but with the idea the Beastie Boys aren't mainstream.

 

[NavyGuy7]

Right, listenable rap is the exception.
I wasn't disagreeing with that, but with the idea the Beastie Boys aren't mainstream.

And I was saying that there are exceptions to my instant hate of "mainstream" rap. So you see, i wasn't disagreeing with you, either.
maybe i wasn't clear enough?
It's the end of the world! No, wait, I'm not clear a lot of times.
Nvm!

 

[Trashionista]

But 50 cent kinda, well.... is bad. Horrible.
Beastie Boys actually make me wanna tap my foot. And it's so catchy!
"I.... can't stand it, I'm on your planet!"

50 cent is NOT in Beastie Boys league.

Its not about being in the same league.

I hate Fall Out Boy.
I love Van Halen.
Both are mainstream and popular at the current point in time, regardless of how humble their beginnings may have been.
Van Halen is good, FOB I find terrible.
Both mainstream.
Mainstream doesn't equal bad...

 

[Musicology]

The Roots have to be up there. Political and aware of social issues. The started out as a Jazz band with an MC. The still use real instruments (drums, bass, guitars, percussion, keyboard). There live performance in Melbourne last year was awesome, it went for 2 1/2 hours with no intervals. Questlove amazing and black thought is one of the best lyricists going around. Great beats, smooth sounds and terrific messages.

From Australian Hip Hop...
Hilltop Hoods
Bliss N Eso
both quite commercial now but both have had to work from the bottom to get to where they are now.
True Live are Australia's version of The roots. The constantly use extra Double basses and cellos in their music (live and recorded)

If people get past the image of "Commercial Gangsta Rap" and egotistical rappers then you'll see some extremely talented musicians/composes/lyricists and song writers. Most of the biggest names have complete degrees in Music, Journalism and or even Business Management.

Cheers

Musicology

 

[jsantarose]

I liked kayne when he first started, now he just cocky and talks about himself all the time. I like mos def, common, Talib Kweli, black star. i also like lecrae - christian rapper