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Every rap fan has had this conversation... heck, it's probably exploded into a full blown argument. And that's "Who's makes the list of the best rappers of all time?" Everyone has an opinion and it's usually based on popularity instead of skill.
This list doesn't care about who's popular. It doesn't give bonus respect points to those who are old school. It doesn't matter who calls themselves the G.O.A.T. All we care about is pure, technical skill levels, whether they're on a major label or an independent outfit. They need to have been on the scene long enough to prove they can stay consistent, too.
That means we're analyzing advanced rhyme schemes, multisyllabic rhyming, keeping the lyrics sensible while dancing through these technicalities, and also being genuine and authentic in their messaging.
We'll start with the top 10 best rappers of all time, then we'll move on to the runners up who are real close to breaking into the top of the list. Finally, at the end, there's still more rappers who have what it takes but need a bit more time for refinement and maturity.
If you don't find your favorite rappers somewhere on this page, you should explore some of the artists listed and see if they expand your horizons and ideas of what's possible or complex in the rap game.
What's also interesting is to see which one of these artists makes the list of the richest rappers as well. Does popularity equal skill and vice versa? The answer might surprise you. But in the meantime let's do this, counting down the list of the best rappers of all time...
#10 - Lil Wayne
Top Strength: Wordplay
Some may scoff at this placement on the list, but Lil Wayne is deserving. Ignore his silly auto-tuned sing-song rapping in his radio-centric singles and you'll find a truly skilled lyricist. For decades now he's honed his craft to include multisyllabic rhyming, clever rhyme schemes, and gobs of wordplay.
He actually popularized, and some might argue invented, the use of analogies [instead of similes] in his wordplay along with his Young Money label mates, which plays out more like a joke with a punchline than anything else. His standout skill is that he never wastes a line. They're packed full of these jokes that happen so fast you can't even take them all in with one listen.
Trivia Facts: Wayne started his professional career at age 13 when Birdman signed him to Cash Money Records. He later joined the Hot Boys which launched several best-selling artists like Juvenile. He's sold over 100 million records, landing him as a world's best-selling musician. He's got 5 Grammys, 11 BET Awards, and much more.
#9 - MF Doom
Top Strength: Multisyllabic Rhyming
Yes, he wears a Doctor Doom mask. Yes, his lyrics are often comical and goofy. And yes, you'll rarely hear a more complex rapper than MF Doom. There's countless videos on YouTube trying to dissect his rhyme schemes, and they all fall short. Good luck analyzing it live as you listen.
MF Doom, like Kool G Rap, is highly respected by other, far more popular rap artists, but never rose to stardom himself. It's not stopped him from having widespread success in the underground scene and even bridging over to voiceover work for cartoons.
Trivia Facts: MF Doom has done countless group albums, most notably Danger Doom with Danger Mouse, which led to collaborations with voice actors from Adult Swim's Aqua Teen Hunger Force. He's been known to send imposters on stage to perform his songs while hiding behind the mask.