10. 2Pac
While I know many think he's too low, with no insensitivity intended, I believe most of 2Pac's legacy came after his death and his albums were overexaggerated. While there is no doubt 2Pac is one of the most talented hip hop artists we will ever see, most of his material has been overrated by critics and fans alike. 2Pac however had nothing short of outstanding flow and was always able to make sure music was his focus. It is unfortunate that 2Pac became the unlikely martyr of hip hop. While he has left behind influence to many rap artists today, 2Pac remains as a staple to hip hop fans across the world.
Highlight album: Me Against the World
Highlight song: Changes
9. Run-DMC
Run-DMC had much more left in the tank and unfortunately didn't show it up. But in their time, no one was able to come close the likes of Run-DMC. Their first two albums, Run-DMC and Raising Hell have changed hip hop forever, and made the transition from Old School Hip Hop into the Golden Age. Run-DMC was extremely innovative, and has inspired the hip hop stars of today.
Highlight album: Raising Hell
Highlight song: Walk This Way
8. Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan never achieved the commercial success they deserved for the extremely innovative work they put out. With flow smoother than a brand new steel roller coaster, and rhymes that rival the best of Jay-Z, this hip hop collective combined many talents and no one could've seen a better organized and put together collective. While the Wu-Tang Clan is still around today, the legacy from the past is what stands out.
Highlight album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Highlight song: C.R.E.A.M
7. Public Enemy
Public Enemy was another hip hop group that came up in the age of change, and Public Enemy was able to change rap and inspire rappers today. Public Enemy was able to put out two rap classics in as many years that spawned as much legacy as most artists can dream to have in their entire careers. While commercial success never really hit Public Enemy, they were able to influence plenty of it.
Highlight album: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Highlight song: Fight the Power
6. Beastie Boys
Before the age of the Beastie Boys, white rap was unimaginable. After the Beastie Boys, it became possible. The Beastie Boys began as a hardcore punk band, and eventually involved into what has become the only successful punk rap group to this date. After innovating millions in the 80s, the Beastie Boys never slowed down, and even this year in 2011, the Beastie Boys are still putting out tunes that are extremely different to everything else around today, and are still showing they can do it. The Beastie Boys are true visionaries to hip hop music.
Highlight album: Paul's Boutique
Highlight song: No Sleep Til' Brooklyn
5. OutKast
Outkast did not experience commercial success right away, but that didn't stop them from coming out with music that would revolutionize hip hop, and eventually, popular music. Outkast started displaying their innovative music in the mid 90s, and while they're on a hiatus today, the records they left behind will inspire generations. While Outkast did eventually get their commercial success, they had already made their impact on thousands of young musicians, listening to some of the most unique, innovative music to date. Outkast may be "outcasts" in comparison to other pop acts, but there may never be another act that can match the talent displayed by OutKast.
Highlight album: Stankonia
Highlight song: B.O.B
4. Kanye West
While many may think he's too young to be on this list, let alone this high, Kanye has shown consistency more than anyone in the game. Kanye started out as an all star beatmaker for Jay-Z, earning recognition for his work done on, "The Blueprint." After that, Kanye inked a major label deal, and since then, Kanye has made a mark on hip hop's history. Kanye West has put out 4 albums that are extremely influential and innovative for hip hop, and with those 4, Kanye West has shown he has unmatched consistency. With clever lyrics and beats that combine several genres, there may never be someone as talented as Kanye West.
Highlight album: The College Dropout
Highlight song: Devil In A New Dress
3. The Notorious B.I.G
Notorious BIG, Biggie Smalls, Chris Wallace, whatever you want to call him, in the two albums he released, he put out as much talent and displayed his unique and sly flow more than 90% of rappers ever will. Biggie was one of the few to match his critical success with commercial success, coming out with hit singles on both of his albums. Biggie took advantage of catchy beats and put out lyrics relating to his life, his upbringing, and how life was with the fame. Biggie had an untimely death, but what he left behind was some of the most incomprehensible talent that we can just listen in awe.
Highlight album: Ready to Die
Highlight song: Juicy
2. Jay-Z
Jay-Z's level of balanced raw talent, musical drive, lyrical ability, and love for the game create a superpower. Jay-Z has never had the commercial success that pop rappers get, Jay-Z displayed that he can perform well in a range of hardcore gangsta rap into a R&B/pop styled song. Jay-Z has been showing consistency throughout his years, and has released tons of material in just 15 years, and all of it is true, quality music. Jay has put out 3 albums that can be called rap classics, and while his legacy hasn't been seen yet, 15 years from now, many commercial rappers will look up to Jay-Z as an influence
Highlight album: Reasonable Doubt
Highlight song: Dead Presidents II
1......Eminem
He may have three public personas, but under all three, no one will ever match up to the ability of this unbelievable talent. Eminem rose as the King of Controversy, but at the same time, put out bone chilling raps that were equally eerie and genius, and it seemed like it wouldnt' stop. From 1999-2002, Eminem displayed his lyrics in complex wordplay and used a multiple syllable rhyming technique, and was able to find a rhyme with every word in English. While it seemed that he declined, he stormed back in 2010, and here in 2011, Eminem is still showing lyrical and musical talent, and he is always able to express himself in his music. While at the beginning that worried many parents, Eminem can write a song about anything, and he has taken advantage of his talents.
Highlight album: The Marshall Mathers LP
Highlight song: Stan
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