MaximumFlow

Imma go with Eminem or Lupe. Nas and Jay-Z are up there but i'd have to give it to Em just cuz of his sick rhyme scheme and lyrics.

Jester

lol.

Both of them are a "few slots down the totem pole" from Aesop Rock, Aceyalone, or Myka 9. (There's plenty of others, those 3 just come to mind whenever I think of "best rappers.")

someonecompletelyrandom

Jester, I'm confused. Isn't Eminem your favorite artist?

Kirby

Really? I can't stand the way Myka 9 sounds.

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Jester

Discounting Myka 9's credibility as an artist because you don't like "his sound" is kind of silly, considering Myka 9 has a wide variety of sounds / styles.

Other than that, yes, Myka 9 is one of the best to ever do it. I wouldn't argue that Myka 9 is the best artist in hip hop (he doesn't have enough masterpieces to put him there, however, he has released some of the best hip hop ever--Innercity Griots), and he's a pioneer who has done a lot more for hip hop than most others.

Myka 9 is not the best artist in rap, but he's certainly one of the best at rapping.

Braveheart

Its personal preference. Kid Cudi is at the top of my list right now. I just like how he samples things other rappers wouldn't dare sample. And some of his music just makes me feel so good.

Oh and Lupe Fiasco is amazing as well. I can't name a "best rapper alive" but i have my favorites.

anticipation

First of all, rappers don't sample anything, producers do. Secondly, Kid Cudi isn't adventurous at all in his beat selection, unless you consider mildly techno-esque synths and sub-standard jazz guitar hooks to be "things other rappers wouldn't dare" rap over.

Braveheart

Your right and wrong at the same time. It depends on the production process. Some rappers work with the producers directly and help come up with ideas while others buy off beats they like. Its not like they just get stuck with a beat. So in Kid Cudis case im not sure if he works with a producer or buys his beats from producers without any input, but he has a style he prefers. His flow and his sound are different then most. I can't name too many other rappers who are into indie music and consistently use their sounds or mimic it. Chiddy bang does and they do a great job of it. But lyrically its not the best. Im a fan of kid cudi's lyrics.

Also many rappers are producers as well and they do sample there own music. Pharrell. Look him up. I could go on and on about rappers who sample their own music, play their own music and etc. I work in a studio in Charlotte and produce music and i know plenty of rappers who write their own music and some of it is pretty damn good.

Its personal though opinion man. Im really digging kid cudi right now and many other rappers and producers. If your not thats cool.

denden

weezy...................no doubt!!

RVCA

this guy



(sorry if this joke has already been made, didn't read the thread)