Top 5

Top Five Greatest Hip-Hop Performers (Extremely tentative)

1. Q-Tip
2. The Notorious B.I.G.
3. Nas
4. Dr. Dre
5. Andre 3000

1) Tip is definitely at the top for me. After obsessing over A Tribe Called Quest's "Low End Theory" to the extent of listening to parts of it almost every day for a few months I think its fair that he's at the top for me. Overall his lyrics, vocal delivery, and production skills are on another stratosphere. No one else has that smooth voice on the mic. He is also one of the first rappers to really embrace jazz music and include its influence in his production. Tip is always cool, he's always fresh, even after being in the business for over fifteen years.

Suggested Songs: Gettin' Up - The Renaissance, Excursions - A Low End Theory, Sucka Nigga - Midnight Marauders

2) BIGGIE. I got into Biggie about a year ago after a few friends and I would obsess over "Ready To Die" while smoking L's. That album is really all one needs from the Biggie catalog because of its shear ferocity. He really makes one realize how difficult life can be, and consequentially, how luxurious it can be (as seen in his later material). Biggie's voice is one of the most unique rapping mechanisms to ever be seen in rap. He's rough, he's tough, and he'll fuck you up. R.I.P.

Suggested Songs: Things Done Changed - Ready To Die, Respect - Ready To Die, Kick In the Door - Life After Death

3) Nas was my first favorite. Illmatic (along with Ready to Die) is one of the best debut albums in the history of hip-hop. Without loosing his street cred, Nas executes very intellent rhymes with dope beats. He is a very smart man who raps about what he knows and what he's experienced in his rough life (of course with an certain swagger and flare).

Suggested Songs: Halftime - Illmatic, One Time 4 Your Mind - Illmatic, One Mic - Stillmatic

4) Dre is west coast. He deserves most of the credit for inventing the G-Funk production sound, which emphazises on heavy bass lines and 70's funk samples. The Doctor brings some of the most roughest street stories to the table with his album the Chronic, which chronicles (hehe) some of the ups and downs seen on the Compton streets. Dre is also credited with discovering some of hip hops most beloved stars including Snoop Dogg and Eminem.

Suggested Songs: Let Me Ride - The Chronic, Deeez Nuuutz - The Chronic

5) The last choice for my list was a tough one. There are many honorable mentions to be made regarding this list because it was not an easy choice. I wanted to choose a musician who trancended the traditional mold of hip hop like the other four in this list. Andre 3000 of Outkast is this artist to me. Unlike the other four on this list he belongs to the sometimes harshly judged "Southern Rap" label. Dre should not be judged though. He has one of the fastest and most literate flows in hip-hop, which works well with his metro-sexual look.

Suggested Songs: Return of the G - Aquemini, Gasoline Dreams - Stankonia, Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac) - ATLiens


Remember this is all subject to change with my ever evolving musical tastes.