Top 20 Greatest Male Rap Lyricists of All Time
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День томуWhen it comes to crafting intricate stories and memorable lines, these rappers are second to none. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most influential and dynamic wordsmiths in hip-hop. Our countdown of the best rap lyricists of all time includes MF DOOM, Eminem, Jay-Z, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, and more! Who’s your all-time favorite MC? Let us know in the comments!
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#Lyrics
#HipHop
@WatchMojo 21 день тому
Who’s your all-time favorite MC? Let us know in the comments! For more content like this, click here: ukposts.info/have/v-deo/mmdpq556nYaQl5s.html Don't forget to play our Live Trivia (www.watchmojo.com/play) games at 3pm EST for a chance to win cash! The faster you answer, the more points you get!
@danielsantiagourtado3430 15 днів тому
Love your content guys 🎉🎉🎉🎉
@vishalkalicharan7710 14 днів тому
Please do Top 10 Games Yet To Receive An Adaptation (God or War, Bioshock, Strider, Fire Emblem, etc.)!!
@lungaskosana7546 14 днів тому
Please let us know what criteria you use to list them
@danyulwilliams9823 9 днів тому
My favorite is JAY Z!!! ❤️ 😊🤩 😍
@SomeBag 15 днів тому
Big L missing
@SomeBag 15 днів тому
Guru as well
@iraford5788 15 днів тому
Agreed.
@Sagefrakrobatik 15 днів тому
The Big Picture was superb. Especially the storytelling, also can't forget the punchline "Ask Beavis I get nothing But Head.
@chisangasunkutu3693 14 днів тому
His career was too short!
@da_top_dukuray 14 днів тому
Facts 💯
@sa_wba8548 15 днів тому
Imagine not having Big L on this list 👎
@brianjohnson8725 15 днів тому
I can think of a few that you missed like Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Ludacris, Killer Mike, Tech N9ne, T.I., DMX, Eazy E, Immortal Technique, Method Man, Redman, Common...
@Taka-Kevz 15 днів тому
Hard to include those in a top 20. Maybe a top 100.
@iLLWiLL510 15 днів тому
No
@j.garcia548 15 днів тому
Eazy E don't belong there bro. Love his music, but it wasn't his lyrics he was spitting.
@AntColeChannel 15 днів тому
Even with snoop…love his music but lyrical…he’s not 😂
@thedevilsrockstxr2309 14 днів тому
Eazy didn't write shit, tryna be down ass
@JoshR813 15 днів тому
Nasty Nas in your area, bout to cause mass hysteria.
@ZaCrazy 15 днів тому
Eminem 7th??
@kareemlawson878 15 днів тому
Yes
@germanquesadaramos8665 14 днів тому
@@kareemlawson878you a hater of em?
@Historicutuber 13 днів тому
yeah I wouldn't put him any higher based on who's on the list
@beccag420 13 днів тому
@@Historicutuber Yes but Jay Z is not better than Em
@Historicutuber 12 днів тому
@@beccag420 yes he is if you wanna go album for album
@C-130-Hercules 15 днів тому
🎤 RAKIM 👑
@Ldyklr420 15 днів тому
🐐
@iraford5788 15 днів тому
Definitely a goat 🐐 along with Nas in my opinion.
@Ldyklr420 14 днів тому
@iraford5788 Everybody can't be the Greatest Of All Time. Being *the* GOAT is not just accomplishments, it's also influence and impact, and Rakim checks all the boxes... He's your favorite rapper's favorite rapper. Most of the dudes on this list cite Rakim as an influence and the reason they started rapping in the first place. FTR, Nas is *high* in my Top 5... I'm still waiting for *anybody* to drop something doper than Rewind.
@iraford5788 14 днів тому
@@Ldyklr420 Literlly everything you just said about Rakim can be applied to Nas as well , as his first album illmatic alone checks all those boxes as well.
@iraford5788 14 днів тому
@@Ldyklr420 Also Kool g rap , Big Daddy kane, Krs one etc also can be considered Goats as well as they all have the same influences as Rakim as well, and they are also your favorite rapper's rapper and rakim himself would tell you as they are all from the same era.
@illson2019 15 днів тому
Didn't expect mojo to have a legit lyricist list. Respect
@stephanodixon619 15 днів тому
Haha thought the exact same thing
@bighogg1990 15 днів тому
Naww facts
@Sagefrakrobatik 15 днів тому
This isn't the first rap list.
@jinakaye 14 днів тому
@@Sagefrakrobatik It is their first rap lyricist list, though.
@arch2567 14 днів тому
😂😂😂😂😂😂 legit list
@robertgout530 15 днів тому
Nas being on number 1 is how it has to be. No debate 🔥
@NowThatsPCGaming 15 днів тому
Facts!!!
@takudzwamazwienduna 12 днів тому
I'm a huge Jay Z fan and I agree. Nas is the best lyricist ever. Illmatic is crazy, its a literal gold mine rappers still mine lyrics off from to this day!
@genzboomer-sv3pl 10 днів тому
agreed
@magicswizzle88 15 днів тому
Gen z scratching their heads wondering who rakim is
@kahlilpittman8404 9 днів тому
No tf we not 😂
@alexhughes4294 15 днів тому
NAS number 1! Let’s go!
@realbano 15 днів тому
Eminem on 7.... ? Now I´ve seen everything
@SteezKaytranada 15 днів тому
yall overrate the fuck outta that guy 😂
@marioperez9394 14 днів тому
@@SteezKaytranadahell yeah he might not even be on my top 20
@sojiroseta98 14 днів тому
Hes not better than the 6 ahead of him except maybe Jay
@SteezKaytranada 14 днів тому
@@sojiroseta98 boi i would not even put em above krs and black thought 😂
@germanquesadaramos8665 14 днів тому
@@SteezKaytranadabrother you underrate the hell outta that guy
@vs4ntroy421 15 днів тому
MF DOOM is a top 3 candidate with no questions, 19 is a fucking insult!
@TM-cm3wg 15 днів тому
Word!
@Reallybruh99 15 днів тому
Tbh you should be happy he’s even on here
@Mr.Rabot6688 15 днів тому
No he's not stop lucky he made the list
@Sagefrakrobatik 15 днів тому
He got surpassed by Lil Wayne
@TM-cm3wg 14 днів тому
@@Reallybruh99 you mean he's not good enough?
@johnpenn 15 днів тому
seriously, where is Lupe Fiasco?
@gatornation1209 15 днів тому
Thank you, finally someone with some sense
@johnpenn 15 днів тому
@@gatornation1209 at the least #5. in the real world #1
@barry4649 15 днів тому
100%, glad a lot of comments are calling for him. Number 1 by a mile to me
@wcwcableful 15 днів тому
Right
@thedevilsrockstxr2309 14 днів тому
@@johnpennthts why he has to whine to be mentioned, last time he did tht....Lil Reese checked him
@nyvarsitysports 15 днів тому
I’m not gonna spend time whining about the order. The list is lyrically honest. Fantastic work.
@wmstewart1179 14 днів тому
Where's Redman, Big L, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Raekwon, GZA,and DMX ! Why were Ice Cube, Scarface, and Ghostface Killa so low on the countdown!!
@Kakki82 15 днів тому
Yessss finally Nas at 1!!! My favorite the best
@av2018 14 днів тому
Much respect and love to all those that mention underrated MCs that doesn’t get much love like Big L, AZ, Cormega and Talib Kweli.
@av2018 14 днів тому
Inspectah Deck, Black Moon, etc.
@Torbelini 15 днів тому
so u put aesop in intro and didnt include him on the list, bravo.
@lokimonn240 15 днів тому
🥲
@puffmyblunt 15 днів тому
@@lokimonn240 Right? WTF?
@Sagefrakrobatik 15 днів тому
I mean it's not like there was some kind of study that showed he had the largest vocab of any rapper.....o wait.
@MegaBlackboy88 14 днів тому
Solid list, but Jadakiss should at least get a honorable mention
@duedadew 15 днів тому
How is MF DOOM not top 10??? I call shenanigans
@garretindall2820 15 днів тому
Thank you guys for putting Andre 3000 on here 🙏🏽
@DJC-YTVideos 13 днів тому
Still like 5 ranks too low, lol
@illmosity 15 днів тому
Pac as a top 2 LYRICIST is crazy. No. 15 Black Thought on this list is even crazier.
@crystalfoureightsixtwo 15 днів тому
Black Thought's no.15
@illmosity 15 днів тому
@@crystalfoureightsixtwo meant to say no. 15 lol
@wiseguy240Winston 15 днів тому
Pac was more of a songwriter than a lyricist. There's better in that category, like Nas & Big L
@barry4649 15 днів тому
100% but this list is appealing to casuals
@katra777 15 днів тому
He was a legitimate poet. Give him 5 minutes and the he can craft the written word vocally is amazing. Have not seen anyone better. Also, it's nice to hear someone clearly. As far as a lyricist, I honestly had to try and look up the difference between a rapper and a lyricist. Many say a lyricist is traditionally a poet and a rapper is more of a freestyle. In that case, Pac is way more of a lyricist. @@wiseguy240Winston
@danyulwilliams9823 9 днів тому
Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, MC LYTE, Run DMC BLACK THOUGHT, is one of my favorite rappers!!! ❤😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤️ 🤩 😍
@JMSherrill1983 15 днів тому
Why is GangStarr not even on this list?
@j.garcia548 15 днів тому
Cause Watchmojo is irrelevant when it comes to hip hop. They're better with Movies/TV & video games.
@davedennison7386 15 днів тому
No shit?...ive just started watching....im hoping pharoahe monch shows up...
@davedennison7386 15 днів тому
No guru, no pharoahe monch...
@rezagorgin5707 15 днів тому
no Guru no GZA but they put lil wayne on their list and
@jinakaye 14 днів тому
@@davedennison7386I'm shocked that Guru wasn’t on the list. I was thinking about him and Slick Rick while I was watching. No mention of either. 😭
@clintbreezy9627 14 днів тому
I’m impressed. You usually add in a bunch of no names only a few of your staff members heard of but you ACTUALLY filled this list with authentic lyricist but you guys REALLY ARE MISSING BIG L!!! Legitimately. And Rakim IS the birth of the lyricist. Still, great great job this time guys. RIP MF Doom
@heatnationwpb 15 днів тому
Q-tip/Phife aren't here I riot
@remberlopez615 15 днів тому
I don’t think we’ll ever get an accurate list of best rap lyricists ever they need to change a few rappers spots
@indiacorbin23 15 днів тому
Nas always The 🐐
@Reason4HipHop 14 днів тому
BRO! I am glad that you put my boy Ghostface on this list!!!!
@jmos005 15 днів тому
Where’s Big-L?
@PrettyboyHass_ 14 днів тому
I'll throw Prodigy from Mobb Deep in this bitch.. hands down one of the best
@tommybayer2351 15 днів тому
Nice diverse list
@willwildside 6 днів тому
Where is Classified? The guy has been in the game over 20 years. Nearly an album a year. With 1 dropped last week. When Eminem called for more Masta Ace, Classified made it happen. Eminem calls Pat Stay (rip) the best freestyle rapper...Class releases Super Nova Scotian featuring Pat, Quit while you're ahead features legends in Canadian Hiphop. When it comes to modern hiphop and lyrical diversity. Classified kills at least half this list. He might not be the best but he would be high on the list if list makers weren't sleeping
@TeddyStrongBear 15 днів тому
Sure, I’ll give the crown to Nas. But, the list needs to include LL Cool J, Kool Moe Dee, and Melle Mel in the top 10….
@Reallybruh99 15 днів тому
Hell nah
@boozmiller 11 днів тому
Did LL get u with, "I'm notorious I'll crush you like a jelly bean" whack ass rapper
@P-dub978 15 днів тому
Dylan better be on here
@yungstarjc4094 15 днів тому
😂
@DJC-YTVideos 13 днів тому
Dylan got at least 5 spots on that list
@JayPro4620 15 днів тому
Love the top 5. No Lupe is actually a crime though.
@chrisandre1315 15 днів тому
The top 10 greatest rap beefs of all time
@Sagefrakrobatik 15 днів тому
Can't wait to see what the needledrop has to say.
@slayrx 9 днів тому
Fire picks - Nas is clearly the greatest, but the order is completely off. Andre 3000, MF DOOM, Black Thought should be way, way higher. I understand the love towards Kendrick, but top 3? Above those names? Also Adding Big L and Lupe would have been dope.
@hiddentechno8266 15 днів тому
Some of the best rappers sure, just in the wrong order 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤
@prestonmcdowell9243 15 днів тому
There should be a part 2 to this there so many other MCs
@jinakaye 14 днів тому
Loving the top 5, but there are some missing on the list (maybe expand to 30 top male rappers): Slick Rick LL Cool J Grandmaster Flash Kool Moe D Chubb Rock Biz Markie Ludacris Busta Rhymes Those are just off the rip. P.S. Glad Kanye isn’t on this list!
@issajoke2437 8 днів тому
I hate when people say 2pac wasn't lyrical. To me, being lyrical means being able to paint pictures with words. What people really mean when they say Pac isn't lyrical is he used simple rhyme schemes. To other people, complicated rhyme schemes equals better lyricist but very few people had lyrics as powerful and impactful as Pac's and that's what makes him a great lyricist. I know he was on this list but i hear people say all the time that Tupac wasn't lyrical
@franciscodeanda1530 15 днів тому
Angry mic was dope too
@williamsummerson1204 15 днів тому
Respect to Mojo for this amazing list. Tupac will forever be my Goat. 🙏😪
@jaydonwil1604 15 днів тому
I'm really surprised yall put Scarface on here. His tiny desk must have really helped a lot because he didn't get no respect on here before.
@_nobodyxi 15 днів тому
Pac is an amazing artist and I understand your reasoning for putting him in #2 But he's not a better lyricist than most of these guys Also Eminem stans should quit complaining
@1neromusiq 8 днів тому
Jay-Z ahead of Eminem is beyond me
@tonyblackwell7544 15 днів тому
I'm here for the comments!!😂
@Reallybruh99 15 днів тому
Yeah we can all agree they may have missed a couple but it’s mojo what’d you expect me personally I think they did a great job. I didn’t expect them to have chuck d(not in my top 20 but still) Or G rap I didn’t expect them to put big pun or mf doom on here so there lost was pretty good.
@JigInsane 15 днів тому
Im just starting this. But man this gonna either be a big hit, or a major miss. Lets get to it.
@jordanbenson9094 15 днів тому
Nas number 1 is not a bad choice at all. Illmatic is one of my favorite albums ever
@wiseguy3690 13 днів тому
It's a really good list, obviously Big L, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Guru, Talib Kweli, Redman, Method Man, GZA, Raekwon, Busta Rhymes, AZ, DMX, Slick Rick, Q-TIP or Common, also deserve a place but there are 20 and it's impossible for them all to get in (and someone is always is going to complain why someone is missing)
@marshallharden546 9 днів тому
Y’all better pray that Melly Mell don’t see this
@da_top_dukuray 14 днів тому
I love this list
@gjergj124 15 днів тому
Lupe fiasco seriously not on here ?!
@barry4649 15 днів тому
No way. I’m not going to watch if that’s the case. Undisputed number 1 for me, the guy is an alien 😂
@gjergj124 15 днів тому
@@barry4649 agreed man
@johnpenn 15 днів тому
for real
@franciscodeanda1530 15 днів тому
The God mc !!!,dammit all of them were super great!!!!Love that old school generation...
@beaufonville4454 15 днів тому
Where's the "Top 20 Best Supervillain Teams" video?! #WatchMojo
@calvinhicks3348 15 днів тому
Mojo's top lists are jokes.
@danyulwilliams9823 9 днів тому
JAY Z IS MY #1 FAVORITE RAPPER!!!! ❤️ 🤩 😍
@ClauStf01 11 днів тому
Love kendrick,but no way in hell is he bigger than jay ,Em ,rakim
@TonyBakercomedy 14 днів тому
Nas is my favorite rapper of all time. Im glad they got him in the top spot. 👑
@BCstyle01 15 днів тому
No Big L, Tech N9ne, or LL Cool J?!
@barry4649 15 днів тому
Tech N9ne? 😂
@Tremaine27 14 днів тому
How was this list put together? Album sells? Grammys? Word of mouth? Toss up? We need a recount.
@ErickG4789 15 днів тому
Feel like LL Cool J should have been on this list.
@ninerdude4u 9 днів тому
K-Rino not being on this list is a crime!
@sojiroseta98 14 днів тому
Nas above all has stood the test of time 💯
@killingsoftly4819 9 днів тому
Jay z at 5 is wild
@nikk796 14 днів тому
Nas is really the #1
@andytsui55 15 днів тому
might mos! RIP doom! mighty roots crew! public enemy number 1! soild list - thank you
@LegalizeRanch69 15 днів тому
Lupe needs to be in here.
@GetInTouchTV 15 днів тому
lupe, AZ & pharoahe monch should be here.
@DJC-YTVideos 13 днів тому
Monch not there is frickin' criminal.
@joshhardin666 15 днів тому
no hate to anybody on that list, iconic all... particularly eminem, biggie, and 2pac, but my favorite MC is MC Frontalot. He digs into nerd culture where I thrive and spits mad bars with all the lyrical tricks that you have to unravel for yourself (many of which rely on koans and a background with gaming and computers, comic books, tv shows, etc.) with a flawless flow. Optiumus Rhyme likewise would go on my list as well, flowless flow, something to say (about a reimagined future). oh oh , and i'm shocked that del tha funkee homosapian didn't appear on your list. epic flow, story weaver... love his album deltron 3030. also kind of shocked that coolio didn't make your list too, though ya'll seemed to concentrate on gangsta rap.
@doublea4012 14 днів тому
Knew from the jump Nas had to be one unless this list wouldn't be valid, was just looking for how you'd place Eminem Pac, Biggie, rakim and wayne
@travismcneil2780 15 днів тому
Salute 🫡 to my favorite rapper Nas at #1.
@Historicutuber 13 днів тому
Good to see Weezy on the list!
@jpd9h2i7 15 днів тому
Why isn't Slick Rick on this list?
@BlenderStudy 15 днів тому
Thank you for the update, WatchMojo..!! For me, the greatest rap lyricist of all time is Sir-Mix-A-Lot. Famous for his 1992 hit "Baby Got Back," also released a lesser-known track called "Testarossa." The song showcases Sir-Mix-A-Lot's unique ability to blend catchy melodies with thoughtful and meaningful lyrics. "Testarossa" is a tribute to the iconic 1980s Italian sports car. The song's catchy beat and Sir-Mix-A-Lot's signature style make it a memorable and enjoyable listen, proving that there is more to the rapper than just his chart-topping hit about big butts.
@jinakaye 14 днів тому
He's okay, but he's not the strongest lyricist. I happen to like “My Posse's on Broadway” and “Hooptie”, but those are more entertaining lyrics than skilled lyrics.
@da_top_dukuray 14 днів тому
2Pac being number 2 is the best thing on this list because people like to act like he ain’t no lyricist, but all his music is great lyrics there’s more 2Pac quotables than any rapper, I’d make him number 1 but hey I ain’t watchmojo 😂
@jinakaye 14 днів тому
I actually agree with their top 3 and the list covers the spectrum of rap lyricists. I think they should have went with a Top 30 instead of 20 so other lyricists could get shout outs! The fact Slick Rick, Common, Busta, Ludacris, Chubb Rock, LL, and DMX aren’t even listed is crazy.
@SmurfENT1 14 днів тому
I’m fine with this list EXCEPT Big L and Slick Rick These two not being on here shocked me 😳😳
@Hozuki16 15 днів тому
I'm impressed. I just skipped to number one because I just knew yall were gonna put eminem there I'm glad you didn't. He is very good and absolutely deserves to be on this list. Just not number 1
@iraford5788 15 днів тому
Nah, Nas definitely deserves to be number 1.
@Hozuki16 15 днів тому
@@iraford5788 I agree
@tonialston1968 13 днів тому
I thought Busta Rhymes would be on here somewhere
@amonrodriguez3518 День тому
Don’t know if I can trust watch mojo on this one lol
@bogdantonto9286 14 днів тому
Wayne longetivity and unique lyrics is top 5. Period.
@boozmiller 11 днів тому
U know Mac Miller was pretty feakin dope!
@Jerminaryfitness67 9 днів тому
Rakim deserve the first spot no one raps better than him without cursing Rakim does rap better
@TM-cm3wg 15 днів тому
MF Doom should be at least in top 10. Glad to see Kool Keith at the very end tho
@jelmukelabailucs4312 12 днів тому
Ain’t no way y’all put ‘em 7? Like 7? Marshall is a 3 top at best
@tristanpaul4492 15 днів тому
Crazy to put jayz above Eminem aha
@BKVance 14 днів тому
I'm not mad at this list.
@montaviouswhitfield624 14 днів тому
No yb?
@DJC-YTVideos 13 днів тому
Just here to make sure Big Daddy Kane got his flowers.
@wayne1da121 15 днів тому
Dont get bent out of shape people. These lists will never meet your expectations. This is also partly a popularity list as well. Big L, Canibus, Lupe Fiaso, and Rass Kass could with ease replace a few on this list in my humble opinion
@barry4649 15 днів тому
Lupe should be number 1 or 2 behind Nas.
@fatcully2012 14 днів тому
Almost thought most def was talking
@nettricegaskins1871 14 днів тому
#1 is Rakim
@blackice3395 14 днів тому
Ghostface was to low! He's top 5 Great list tho
@shadyxv786 11 днів тому
12:24 Eminem No. 7???? Bruh I’m outta here 🚶🏽♂️
@SuperNiceBlackGuy 15 днів тому
No Jadakiss is the only thing that stands out
@MohsinAli-zh7bw 15 днів тому
love jada hes my top 5 but everybody got their own opinion its hard to include everyone on a top 20 list in rap
@av2018 14 днів тому
I actually think essence SP was slightly better than kiss.
@timothyhendricks1442 13 днів тому
No Kanye? Big L? Busta? nah you playing bro
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