It’s extremely tough to determine a clear top tier group of any artists in any genre. What is the reason for this? Well, in reality music quality is all perspective. One’s view of who is “good” and “bad” is nothing more then personal preference. In some situations it might appear exceedingly obvious that one artist is better then another. For example a credited mainstream musician verses a middle school singer. However, to say that mainstream artist is “better” would merely be an opinion. There is no proof is determining a hierarchy of musicians. In a sport such as basketball separating “the greats” from “the not so greats” is an easier process. Obviously Michael Jordan is a better player then some no name guard who rarely played. One could argue that best selling albums and musical awards of an individual artist can be used as a means to separate talent. Although this is true, factual feats do not provide a strong enough bass in determining “the best”. So without further ado, Smooth Thought will present its list of the top ten solo Hip Hop artists of all time.
For starters, here is a list of the top ten best selling Hip Hop albums of all time in the United States, excluding R&B. It will be interesting to see how the artists who produced these albums fit into Smooth Thought’s top list. (Artist followed by album)
1. Boyz II Men – II
2. Kid Rock – Devil Without A Cause
3. OutKast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
4. MC Hammer – Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em
5. The Notorious B.I.G. – Life After Death
6. Eminem – The Eminem Show
7. Tupac Shakur – All Eyez On Me
8. Will Smith- Big Willie Style
9. Tupac Shakur- Greatest Hits
10. Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Here is a short list of those who just missed the cut. (In descending order)
Blackalicious, Common, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Mos Def
10. Immortal Technique
Immortal Technique is linguistically the most skilled Hip Hop artist. His use of words transcends any notion that could otherwise phase his position as a great. His focus on politics and other relevant issues is refreshing in a Hip Hop world predominately centered on sex, drugs, and violence. He has great story telling ability and simultaneously possesses a smooth flow. There is not much not to love about Immortal Technique. As the colloquial saying goes, He keeps it real.
9. AZ
AZ will forever be painted in the backdrop of Nas’ legacy. The talented MC never truly found his way into the mainstream venue nor did he find his way into the hearts of most Hip Hop listeners. He is an incredible talent however, and his overlooked nature factors into his greatness. AZ has produced quality hits, albums, and complications throughout his career. He is known most notably for his appearance in Nas’ first album, but his best work lies within his solo career. AZ combines “hard core gangster” with a unique smoothness. He is well deserving of a top ten spot.
8. Big L
If the Hip Hop world doled out a comedic award, Big L would not be an unexpected recipient. Big L captures his audience with his humor and extremely unique tone. L might have the most distinguishable voice in Hip Hop to those who know of him. Although Big L’s persona was centered on the “gangster streets” which within he resided, it didn’t stop him from being lyrically creative and intelligent. His career was sadly cut short in the late 90’s when he was murdered. It’s debatable whether this contributed to or against his success. What is known is that his lyrical ability and humor is second to none. Big L is an original New York rap legend.
7. J Dilla
J Dilla’s life was also unexpectedly cut short after a well-fought battle with Lupus. Although he died almost 4 years ago, his beats continue to resonate and set the standard for today’s aspiring producers. Jay Dee produced several critically acclaimed albums, which led to his nomination for a Grammy. He is considered in many eyes to be the best producer and beat maker ever. J Dilla was a truly gifted individual who understood how to make phenomenal music. His beats are intricately woven, almost mastered to perfection. Not enough can be said about the greatness of this Detroit legend.
6. Eminem
Eminem has significantly worsened under the test of time. He has become more pop star then rap star and seemingly hundred percent cash oriented. This just proves how great he once was. Although his last several albums have been horrid, his first four were pure gems, good enough to allow him into the discussion of top ten solo artists. Eminem burst onto the global scene in the late 90’s and has not looked back since. He will forever be categorized as “the white rapper”. Before his days of butt pop, Eminem spit fire. His evident anger fueled beautifully malicious raps often involving his personal life. His “I don’t give a fuck” attitude allowed him to consistently create genuine works of art that could often be humorous. Eminem, regardless of recent poor decisions in creationism, is in a category by himself.
5. Jay-Z
When discussing financial success in the Hip Hop world, Jay-Z’s name immediately comes to mind. Although he hasn’t always been the best musician, he has always proven to be a top inventor in his field. Jay-Z has been the main contributor to the direction of mainstream Hip Hop in the 2000’s era. There’s something to be said for that. Even in the previous decade he saw initial success with the release of his first album, Reasonable Doubt. Many consider this to still be his best work. Jay-Z has had the rare fortune of being able to produce quality material in the face of a mainstream audience. His albums are appealing to both the masses and Hip Hop listeners who don’t usually enjoy the mainstream taste. Jay-Z is no lyrical talent, but his overall style with a combination of excellent production has allowed him legendary success.
4. Nas
Nas’ legacy is derived from his solo debut, Illmatic. Illmatic took the Hip Hop world by storm and to this day is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. It was a tough act to follow. Nas never found the ideal footing into the Hip Hop market he desired and was constantly placed in the backdrop of Jay-Z’s success. All this was for the better. Over the last two decades Nas has dished out a long-winded collection of classics. Although no album will ever match Illmatic, Nas’ more recent endeavors speak volumes to his motivation and talent. His material, although less well known then his rival Jay-Z’s, is better. Nas has a deep understanding of what a solid Hip Hop song should be and it shows. His flow, lyrical ability, and message combine to propel him into a top five Hip Hop artist.
3. Talib Kweli
To be blunt, Talib Kweli is without a doubt the most talented Hip Hop artist ever to live. Unfortunately for him two guys, one named Christopher Wallace and the other named Tupac Shakur, decided to pick the same profession. Talib has the uncanny ability to produce perfection. Seemingly every song that the man makes is purified and mistake ridden. Kweli delivers the smoothest style any artist has to offer. His lyrics are often riddled with word play and deeper meaning. Talib touches on political occurrences and other issues he deems important. Although his songs serve a greater purpose, the audience is not given the feeling it’s being boggled down by political propaganda. Kweli’s songs flow purely though one’s eardrums like a soft bending creek. The beats incorporated with his songs never lack intensity nor do they drain his soft voice. His persona maintains the same smooth ability his music possesses. He has upheld a decently well renowned career, while preserving his genuine style. There is no question Talib Kweli is already one of the greatest artists of all time.
2. Tupac Shakur
Tupac has to be considered as one of the greats in Hip Hop. Although other artists might be more deserving of this position if the requirements were based purely on talent, Shakur contributed more to Hip Hop then any other artist. Without his rivalry with Biggie Smalls and more importantly the music that he created, there is no telling where Hip Hop would be at this point. Tupac is the original. Although he didn’t invent rap, he invented what we now recognize as rap. His style was far ahead of it’s time. One must remember that the early 90’s did not provide as much technical support as is available now. One must also remember he pioneered the Hip Hop game. An original will always be more deserving than his or her successors. That is Tupac’s story. His music was good, his message was great, and what he represented is what has pushed him into the discussion of “Hip Hop God”.
1. The Notorious B.I.G.
Biggie Smalls reigns King. There is no denying he is a revolutionary genius. Unlike Tupac however, Biggie provided something better. The Notorious B.I.G. provided phenomenal music. To this day Biggie’s unique flow remains unmatched. He had it all. He could be humorous and completely serious. He could talk about genuine issues and he could talk about “getting money”. What brought his persona full circle was the rawness in it all. Everything about him reeked of “real”. Biggie was no fake. His style was purely heavenly cake. Now add a pioneer to this mixture, and you get one tasty bake.
Thanks for the read.
Comments appreciated!
PS
Tune in next week for Smooth Thought’s top ten Hip Hop groups of all time.
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