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50 Greatest MCs of Our Time (1987 - 2007)

By Henry Adaso, About.com

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10 - 6

Jay-Z © Def Jam

10. Scarface

Only a handful MCs have managed to sustain their alignment with the streets regardless of success. 'Face is at the top of that list. His wistful ghetto tales and poetic raps are constant reminders that Brad Jordan is the voice of the hood.
Best Album: The Diary Compare Prices

9. Ice Cube

Politically salient with an in-your-face delivery, Ice Cube developed a cult-like following with or without N.W.A.
Best Album: Death Certificate Compare Prices

8. Kool G Rap

The next time your favorite emcee commits a double-homicide on wax, blame it on the notorious Kool G Rap. Why? He's the grandfather of hardcore hip-hop, of course. Some of the grittiest street tales in hip-hop have emerged from G Rap's rhyme book.
Best Album: wanted: Dead or Alive (w/ DJ Polo) Compare Prices

7. 2Pac

Undoubtedly the most influential of all time, 'Pac remains a transcendental MC that's often imitated but never duplicated.
Best Album: Me Against the World Compare Prices

6. Jay-Z

You wouldn't know it from the plethora of hustler-turned-trappers he's inspired, but Jay-Z is the paradigm of rags-to-riches street dreams. Forget his flawless flow and nerve-wracking humor, that marketing plan was him.
Best Album: Reasonable Doubt 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

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