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50 Greatest MCs of Our Time (1987 - 2007)

By Henry Adaso, About.com

10 of 10

5 - 1

Rakim © Universal

5. The Notorious B.I.G.

Lacking any real social message, Biggie possessed enough pizzazz to sway audiences young and old.
Best Album: Ready to Die Compare Prices

4. Nas

Some call him a street prophet for his poetic, conversational-style lyrics. An absolute master of lyrical extravaganza, Nas often paints a picture of urban life in his rhymes.
Best Album: Illmatic Compare Prices

3. Big Daddy Kane

The King of Swagger, Kane dazzled the rap world with his peculiar flair and flamboyant wardrobe. Countless others (including Jay-Z, Biggie, and Snoop) would later adopt his player persona.
Best Album: Long Live the Kane Compare Prices

2. KRS-One

The Teacha transformed the violent brusque of ghetto life into a story of uplift and self-awareness, starting with BDP's incendiary debut, Criminal Minded.
Best Album: By All Means Necessary (w/ Boogie Down Productions)Compare Prices

1. Rakim

While others bragged about their guns, Rakim celebrated his swagger. A smooth, laid-back flow, intense lyricism, and positivity were his stately hallmarks.
Best Album: Paid in Full (Eric B. & Rakim)Compare Prices

Index: 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time (1987 - 2007)

  1. 50 - 46
  2. 45 - 41
  3. 40 - 36
  4. 35 - 31
  5. 30 - 26
  6. 25 - 21
  7. 20 - 16
  8. 15 - 11
  9. 10 - 6
  10. 5 - 1

10 of 10

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