New York, NY (May 21, 2008) – The Smoking Section posed this question in response to MTV’s Hottest Emcee list. Now, Eminem is without a doubt one of the biggest stars in the world; but he’s fallen below the radar since his last album, “Encore,” battling addiction, his estranged wife and mother, the death of best friend Proof and chatter that his latest work no longer links him to hip-hop’s elite. With a rumored album in the works (“King Mathers”), that may all change. But for now, where does he stand among the greats?
Personally, I’d have him in my Top 10 (Top 5 is too limiting). One of the more interesting points that arose from the discussion, though, was the actual criterion needed in order to decide the Top 5. Some of the suggestions included: lyrical content, flow/delivery, creativity, body of worth, evidence of a classic/timeless album, growth as an artist, generational appeal, longevity, sales, the overall impact and influence they had on hip-hop and also the overall impact and influence they had on music as a whole.
Based on those factors, here is what I came up with. Feel free to drop your own two cents in comments below.
1. Tupac
2. KRS-One
3. Chuck D
4. Nas
5. Eminem
6. LL Cool J
7. Biggie
8. Rakim
9. Andre 3000
10. Scarface
Honorable Mention: Black Thought (the Roots have been killin it for a minute, ya'll), Big Daddy Kane, Lauren Hill (crazy but dope), 50 Cent (who'd have thought?), Kanye West, Busta Rhymes, Common, Redman, Ghostface, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Ras Kass.
From The Smoking Section, read as Mr. Fame One offers his opinions on why Biggie is not a Top 5 Emcee:
…Being an MC is about your skill. An artist is judged by the quality of what they produce.
So he is a top 5 rapper because he knew his street history? Or maybe because he shouted out pioneers? Are you kidding me? I notice you talk him up but nowhere do you mention his lyrics. You are right that the west coast had a hold of things, a stranglehold. This is as much a reflection of the watered down quality of the music coming out of the east at the time as it is about goods coming out over here. We are talking about a musical genre that as been out for over 30 years (30 years JUST in its commercial form) and any top 5 has got to be the most elite of the elite. If you name the top 5 NBA players of all time a LOT of talent will be left out, a lot of really, really dope players with championships galore. Top 5 is top 5 though. Biggie is no top 5 MC, he isn’t (and I understand that it is just my opinion), and Pun certainly isn’t either. I mean just start naming DOPE MCs. Monch, Nas, Jigga, Kane, KRS, Biggie, Pac, Rakim, AZ, Meth, Redman, Andre3000, Cube. I could just keep going, and the point doesn’t change, talent will be left out, a top 5 is extremely high praise. That was 12 names, and an argument could be made for them all, which means AT LEAST 7 can’t make a top 5.
