100 Greatest Rap, Hip-Hop Lyricists and Emcees

Criteria: This Rap music lyricists list was compiled based on skill, innovation, originality and lasting influence.
Rap Lyricists & Emcees
  1. Rakim (Eric B. & Rakim, Solo)
  2. The Notorious B.I.G.
  3. Big Daddy Kane
  4. Nas
  5. André 3000 (Outkast)
  6. Jay-Z
  7. Kool G. Rap
  8. Slick Rick
  9. Eminem
10. KRS One (Boogie Down Production, Solo)
11. Mos Def
12. Posdnous (De La Soul)
13. Black Thought (The Roots)
14. Redman
15. Common
16. Big L
17. Ghostface Killah (Wu Tang Clan, solo)
18. Sadat X (Brand Nubian, solo)
19. Pharoahe Monche (Organized Konfusion)
20. Big Punisher
21. Ras Kass
22. Raekwon (Wu Tang Clan)
23. Yukmouth (The Luniz, solo)
24. Aceyalone
25. Talib Kweli
26. Jeru the Damaja
27. Jadakiss (The LOX, Solo)
28. Masta Ace
29. Prodigy (Mobb Deep)
30. AZ
31. CeeLo Green (Goodie MOB, Gnarls Barkley)
32. LL Cool J
33. 2pac
34. Xzibit
35. Fabulous
36. GZA/Genious (Wu Tang Clan)
37. Lauryn Hill (The Fugees, Solo)
38. Aesop Rock
39. Freddie Foxxx
40. MC Lyte
41. Treach (Naughty by Nature)
42. Buckshot (Black Moon, solo)
43. Bun B. (UGK, solo)
44. MF Doom
45. Big Boi (Outkast)
46. Busta Rhymes (Leaders of the New School, Solo)
47. Beanie Siegel
48. Kurupt (Dog Pound, Solo)
49. Keith Murray (Def Squad, solo)
50. Canibus
51. Bahamida
52. Method Man (Wu Tang Clan, Solo)
53. Chino XL
54. Q-Tip (A Tribe Called Quest, Solo)
55. Lil Wayne
56. Phonte (Little Brother)
57. Eightball (Eightball & MJG, solo)
58. Chali 2Na (Jurassic 5)
59. Kool Moe Dee (Treacherous Three, Solo)
60. Del the Funkee Homosapian
61. Scarface (Geto Boys, Solo)
62. Bizzy Bone (Bone Thugs N Harmony, solo)
63. Foxy Brown
64. Killer Mike
65. A Plus (Souls of Mischief)
66. Tech N9ne
67. Guru (Gang Starr)
68. Gift of Gab (Blackalicious)
69. Ice Cube (N.W.A, Westside Connection, solo)
70. Twista
71. Vinnie Paz (Jedi Mind Tricks)
72. Wise Intelligent (Poor Righteous Teachers)
73. The D.O.C.
74. C.L. Smooth
75. Kool Keith
76. Special Ed
77. Rah Digga
78. Chuck D (Public Enemy)
79. DMX
80. Dres (Black Sheep)
81. Inspektah Deck (Wu Tang Clan)
82. Monie Love
83. Thristin Howl III
84. 50 Cent
85. Snoop Dogg
86. Royce Da 5'9
87. Grand Puba (Brand Nubian, Solo)
88. Cam'Ron
89. Paris
90. Spoonie Gee (Treacherous Three, solo)
91. Remy Ma
92. Mystikal
93. Freeway
94. Mr. Cheeks (The Lost Boys, solo)
95. Queen Latifah
96. Fat Joe
97. Grandmaster Caz (The Cold Crush Brothers)
98. Fatlip (The Pharcyde, solo)
99. Erick Sermon (EPMD, solo)
100. Heavy D.

Rakim

The Notorious B.I.G.

Big Daddy Kane

Nas

Andre 3000

Jay-Z

Last Updated: 2010-11-18