Ranking the Rappers

With the death certificate of rap music signed, sealed, and delivered by Lil' Wayne and Soulja Boy, we ought to examine the best rappers since NWA hit the scene in 1986. This does not reflect any producing credits or clothing pursuits, it is based on rapping alone. Also, rap groups are not included, only individuals are considered:

Honorable Mentions:
Snoop - too many shitty albums with not enough hits. More of a supporting character. Great in Old School though.

Lloyd Banks - not enough material, but his stuff with G-Unit was crack. First CD was amazing, second was so-so. He's also the only black dude to fornicate with Taylor Rain, which is nice.

Ghostface Killah - Best rapper in the Wu has to be honorably mentioned.

Kanye - I find myself singing along to his songs, but he's really not that great. Way too full of himself, dresses like Rupaul, and is more pop than rap.

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Top 10:

10. Ice Cube - Great in NWA and had a long and successful musical career. Not enough crossover appeal, but definitely worthy of a top 10 appearance. He even collaborated with Shaq on a single.
Best album: The Predator. Good singles: "It Was A Good Day," "$100 Bill Y'all," "We Be Clubbin'," "You Can Do It."

9. Dr. Dre - Edged out fellow NWA-mate Cube for the 9 hole, even though he's been fluffing us for 10 years with Detox rumors. The Chronic is a top-5 album, and 2001 was one of the best as well. He's known more for his producing talents, but is a formidable rapper as well. Detox is rumored to drop this year, which could boost him into the top 5.
Best album: The Chronic. Good singles: "Nuthin' But A G Thang," "Still D.R.E.," "Forgot About Dre," "The Next Episode," "Fuck Wit Dre Day,"

8. 50 Cent - Blasphemous to some by putting him this high, but he killed it with his first album as well as with G-Unit. When he puts his mind to it, and off of the pop culture shit, such as "Wanksta" or "Ski Mask Way," he's at his best. The best rapper to debut in the 2000s.
Best album: Get Rich or Die Trying. Good singles: "Wanksta," "Bloodhound," "Patiently Waiting," "Straight To The Bank, "Ayo Technology," "If I Can't"

7. Eminem - Wow, trying to rank him versus #6 was really tough. I had to make Eminem 7 because he took a few years off and is pretty corny sometimes. His highs are better than most everyone's highs, but then he'll drop a dumb skit or a "Without Me" song aimed at teeny boppers. Not bad for a white redneck. He had incredible success, but I can't in good faith put him higher than the following names on this list based upon sales alone.
Best album: The Marshall Mathers LP. Good singles: "Stan, "Bitch Please II," "Drug Ballad," "Lose Yourself," "Superman," "Mockingbird," "Guilty Conscience."

6. Busta Rhymes - Busta Bus has had less success than Em', but his style is impetuous, his defenses impregnable, and he wants your heart and to eat your children. Sorry, when I think of him, I think of Tyson for some reason. Like most rappers, he fell off in the mid to late 00s, but put out some ridiculous songs in his hey-day. None of his songs will ever be as recognized as Eminem's, just like no Sierra Nevada will ever be as popular as Miller Lite, but that does not diminish his quality. I implore you to listen to his CDs on a road trip when you have nothing else to do, and you'll take away a new appreciation for Busta.
Best album: When Disaster Strikes. Good singles: "Woo-Hah!!!," "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See," "Break Ya Neck," "Pass The Courvoisier, Part II," "Street Shit," "Truck Volume."

To be continued Monday (don't worry, it's already written, there will be no unfortunate delay!)