elphenor is Viper's biggest fan.

Production is actually their ace in the hole. Without their producer they'd have probably made the same album three times and then quit to get real jobs. And their other strengths for the most part are either not so easy to spot at a glance or are overshadowed by their shortcomings or perceived shortcomings.

Like, I'd say this is one of many perfect encapsulations of their storytelling ability. Violent J doesn't have a wide vocabulary and yet he uses his primitive locution to paint vivid pictures and tell an oddly meandering, nonsensical story that somehow expresses everything about the group effortlessly. It even showcases perfectly J's and Shaggy's chemistry in the most boneheaded (i.e. appropriate) way possible. There are simply no to rappers more born to rap together than Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope.

And yet it's all so cohesive that it's like spending an hour primping in front of a mirror to look like you just rolled out of bed. You just have to have a little imagination to see it.

I think it's a requirement practically speaking... As any artist will hone their craft over time... Whether that is technically or otherwise

Bro, ICP have a craft. It's expressing their cartoon personalities in the most effective way. And they have most definitely honed it over the years.

look I'm not trying to convince you not to like it

But if you come into hip hop discussions taking about this is the best **** ever you just might trigger my rage

Nah there's no rules, the totally effortless, technically advanced, and everything in between can be great. To think otherwise is a self fulfilling prophecy.

You're still framing it in a strictly technical way, which I'm not.

maybe gimme an example of a great artist that put in zero effort

Sure, if you let the radio define music for you.

Low.

When I say give an example I mean post a song

Just 1 song pls, I don't want a list of songs