yunno, it's about time for a new generation in hip hop. im in my later 20's, and damn have i enjoyed those that have been in my life during the prime of the culture. from the early 80's till now, there's only a few grizzled veterans left with any shine.
these few are, of course, rivals turned bosom buddies nasir jones and shawn corey carter. honorable mentions include ll cool j. there's also mobb deep turned mobb sleep who's last ill album was murda music and recently signed to fifty (altho return of the mac was dope).
now i fully appreciate the mark jay and nas have left with us, and you cannot mention top 10 of all time without their names embedded in there. their positions within that top ten are debatable, but the fact they're in the list nonetheless is definitely indisputable.
with that said, it's time for me to introduce a list with potential successors to hip hop's top spots. here they are, in no particular order:
Joe Budden
advantages - in my opinion prolly the hottest rapper that hasnt completely blown up yet. this dude can spit his ass off, and there's really no limit to his range or quality of music. from "fire" to "nba" to "angie" to "whatever it takes," joey can do it all. any of his freestyles are retardedly on point.
disadvantages - signed to def jam, a label notorious for pushing albums back. shit, my mans joe is one of the hottest on the label, and we havent heard SHIT from him in two fucking years. as he so eloquently put it, "shouldn't be a question about your favorite rapper, and my label got me questioning my favorite rapper." cmon jay, dont be salty because def jam couldnt recoup their losses off of your album even after you went platinum.
favorite line - you dont move white, you lyin dog, that's a neverending story, without the white flying dog.
Lil Wayne
advantages - one of the better lyricists out of the south, with more exposure than folks like z-ro and t-rock. in my opinion, one of the hardest working artists in hip hop period. he stays in the studio dropping hot songs and keepin his name out there for the hungry fans. when on point, he's VICIOUS on the mic, and often outshines folks on their own songs. he's got the image, lyrics, and star power behind him to stay in the game for a long time.
disadvantages - the motherfucker cant stay sober enough to make a good complete song. that's why he goes so hard on guest appearances. lay off the heavy drugs weezy, thems is for the rich white folks. he also kisses his "daddy." as a grown ass man i gotta question that. he's also got a lack of depth to his persona.
favorite line - youre like 44, i got a 44, im 24, i can murk you and come back when im 44.
TIP (TI included)
advantages - hollywood and hood appeal for a little dude. the arrogance, swagger, movies, guest appearances, and controversy (punching chaka zulu in the face), always make him a highly sought after public figure. his delivery and southern drawl blend together seamlessly on a track, and he rides the beat to perfection, pause.
disadvantage - comes off a little TOO arrogant at times, i dont see it as too much of an issue but that may have been a reason behind his personal woes (best friend murdered after a performance in cincy as well as many a physical altercations with folks). his wordplay could also use some work, personally i haven't heard many punchlines but his mic presence somewhat compensates for that shortcoming. the proverbial chip on his shoulder may be his downfall as well.
favorite line - man these ninjas is all hype, not even rappin on real mics, just get high and say whatever the fuck they feel like.
Kanye West
advantages - being from chicago, plain and simple. home of twista and common, and definitely a breeding ground for "different" mc's. lyrical, controversial (bush hates black people), and one of the hottest producers since timbaland. after it's said and done, his skill set would be mentioned up there with premo, tim, dre, and swizzy. his whole image thrives off of the fact that he's into high fashion, indulges in the finer things in life, and struggles with his issues spirituality/morality. definitely a trendsetter, had dudes poppin the collars up on their polos lookin like douchebags.
disadvantages - suffering from the napoleon "bighead" syndrome. thinks he's way too skilled for his own good. some of the shit he wears to try to be fashion forward got the rest of hip hop thinking he's a certified fuckboy. button your shirts up 'ye, dont noone want to see that taco meat hanging out of your silk ver-say-she shirt.
favorite line - mayonnaise colored benz, i push miracle whips
The Game
advantages- one of the more lyrically gifted left coast artists. he balances the g'd up lifestyle with hollyhood living. started the "i hate g-unit" bandwagon, creating a buzz for both sides. consistently dope on the mic. being from LA and teamign with dre immediately put him up top.
disadvantages - tries WAY too hard to show that he's hardbody, no homo. we get it game, you from compton and pull the heat out like june and july. now try focusing on making non-hateful mixtapes and songs that dont center around beef or guns. he's also hip hop's own version of john kerry. pick a side and stick with it dammit!
favorite line - in the hood they call me roscoe, cuz the 45 will make a chicken ninja face look like a waffle
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Dipset - the bad guys/troublemakers/trend setters of the bunch. yeah, theyre not the most lyrical dudes in the world, but cam with the pink, and jones with the rockstar apparel had dudes following suit like a cult. summer anthems here and there (see i really mean it, suck it or not, summer in miami, and of course we fly high) keep their names in peoples' heads. only reason they're not on the list is they lack any type of depth or crazy lyricism. they may also break up as a group... damn, where did it go wrong?
Killer Mike - atl's finest is a fucking monster on the mic. his mixtape gets heavy rotation from me. socially conscious but also with a street mentality, he could be hip hop's huey newton. kind of. i just need more material from him to be sure.
Cassidy - i'm a hustler was a smash hit and i loved his second album. its a damn shame he caught a case before he could promote any other singles. not to mention he ATE freeway in a battle cuz jay thought he could send a young gunner at the bol and was greatly mistaken. shoulda had beans or bleek go at him. he doesn't make the list because his first album was recycle bin material to me. but he should a lot of improvement since then, and hopefully this next joint will push him up into the annals of hip hop history.
Lupe Fiasco - hip hop's first super nerd. entertaining and lighthearted with awesome production behind him, also hailing from the chi. not enough material for me to believe he has lasting power just yet. he also needs to stop crying about his album being bootlegged and focus on dropping more joints for fans.
DISHONORABLE MENTIONS
Papoose - his songs are about as dope as his wardrobe. worst. delivery. ever. only joint he released that made me think he was anything other than mixtape filler was alphabetical slaughter. he fucking sucks.
Fabolous - omg die.
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