Best Rappers of 2012

The Top Ten
1 Eminem Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is an American rapper, actor and music producer born on October 17, 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Eminem has sold over 300 million records making him the bestselling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he is a member of D12 and (with Royce da 5'9") half of the hip-hop duo Bad Meets Evil. Rolling Stone ranked him 83rd on its list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, calling him the King of Hip Hop. Including his work with D12 and Bad Meets Evil, Eminem has had ten number-one albums on the Billboard 200 and 5 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, and 13 worldwide.

He is the best and the Number 1 lyrical rapper alive right now no one is more lyrical than eminem he has the punchlines, metaphors, high vocabulary and best bars ever plus don't forget has the best freestyles ever and sells the most ablums ever so people get on his level

He's so amazing and his songs are really amazing, but they are not just good, they are also entertaining. And all his songs, have a meaning behind it unlike most songs these day where the songs are pointless. Eminem is a true Rapper

True, this guy has been quiet for about two years, but he has an album coming soon and he is still an elite rapper. If you forgot about Em listen to The Marshall Matters Lp, and The Slim Shady Lp.

Eminem is not just a best repper he is just awesome he sing outstanding people called him king of rap I also like Eminem Eminem is not just a men he is a machine he is outstanding so please he deserves to top and he also king of rap

2 Kendrick Lamar Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987) is an American rapper and songwriter. Raised in Compton, California, Lamar embarked on his musical career as a teenager under the stage name K-Dot, releasing a mixtape that garnered local attention and led to his signing with indie record label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE).

I had a difficult time choosing between J Cole and Kendrick for the #1 spot. They are hands down the two best rappers right now. Growing up Kendrick admired Tupac, maybe that's why he's so lyrical. This Compton dude is brilliant and if you have not cheek out Section 80 and Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.

11th, what not only has this guy just made the album of the year, probably one of the best albums in the 21st century. This guy raps about his childhood in Compton and about his brother and friend getting killed while Lil Wayne and Rick Ross etc rap utter bull. #1 by a mile.

Kendrick Lamar is ahead of his time. Look at Dr. Dre's line-up. He's been credited with the success of Snoop Dogg, The Game, Tupac, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, 50 Cent, and Eminem. Kendrick is the next to come. He already make a classic. There is no comparison between him and any rapper out right now.

Kendrick lamar merks on all these rappers, just listen to the art of peer pressure, swimming pools and bitch don't kill my vibe. I mean come on, he beat nas, kanye west, jayz and J cole for best lyricist of the year.

3 Lil Wayne Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. is an American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana. He was discovered by Brian "Baby" "Birdman" Williams at a very young age, and was signed to Cash Money Records, where he would be one quarter of the rap group Hot Boys. In the years to follow, he would go on to find his own ...read more.

He's the best. It's as simple as that. Eminem is garbage and doesn't deserve to even be on this list. Weezy makes songs at a rate that is unbelievable. He is different from any other rapper which makes him even better. Also he never seems to care about a hater and continues to work hard. He never disappoints and the carter 5 is gonna be the best rap album ever just take my word for it. #weezyFbaby #bestever

Lil Wayne is an amazing rapper no wonder he is number 1. If you haven't heard the song HOW TO LOVE BY LIL' Wayne you need to right now because it is the most inspirational song ever

As JAY-Z has said many times he passed on the mantle of the best in the game to young Carter and told him to go further and go harder, something Weezy is living up to, Best in the world today

Lil wayne is the greatest rapper alive now... He do what no artist can do which is walk in the studio with no pen or paper n spit like he been writing for days

4 2 Chainz Tauheed Epps, known by his stage names 2 Chainz and formerly Tity Boi, is an American rapper from College Park, Georgia, and is often regarded as one of the most mediocre rappers of recent years. He started out in the southern rap duo Playaz Circle with fellow rapper Dolla Boy, before he would become ...read more.

2 chainz has been in the game for a while, but in 2012, he really made it big. His album based on a T.R.U. story went to number one on the billboard 200 chart. If you really take the time to listen to some of his music you'll see he's really a great rapper. People hate on him because he is new and different and people hate different. I love 2 chainz for being different. We can't have all rappers be the same, and 2 chainz shows us this through lyrics, beats and music.

You is a good rapper keep it up

2Chaniz is the best rapper in the game listen to no lie its a really great song

2 chains should be second, after kdot

5 MGK

Mgk is the best out of anyone on this list without a doubt waka 1st? Really? Listen to "SEE MY TEARS" that song alone makes him better than anyone on this list!

He goes harder then anyone in the game right now. Eminem needs to collaborate with him. Cleveland in the building!

He is getting better and better. I think he can reach the level of eminem. Probably he is the next eminem.

Mgk and Eminem should make a cd together because mgk is amazing and so is Eminem.

6 T.I. Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr., better known by his stage names T.I. and Tip, is an American hip hop recording artist and actor born on September 25, 1980 in Atlanta, GA.

T.I. is way better than lil wayne. This is why: because he stands for himself and keeps it gangsta in his songs. Lil wayne is with YMCMB and the only reason he is "great" is because YMCMB has his back.T.I. will murder Lil Wayne and his crew in a rap battle.T.I. is the King of the South.

Lil wayne sucks. All he talks about is sex, and he doesn't even make sense, but ti has been around a long time, and I been listening sense I was born nov. 30th 2000 which today is the 30th of nov. Which is my birthday and ti is going to retire in a while, so I give it up forr him!

T. I Is the best no one can touch him in the rap game he has good flow he can write good lyrcics and he had the best crew from my side Hustle Gang.T. I will murder anyone that comes on his territorie in the rap game

One of the greatest rappers of all-time, not up for debate.T.I. has been making music for over a decade now, and in 2012, he gives us one of his greatest works of art, trouble man: heavy is the head.

7 Rick Ross William Leonard Roberts II, better known by his stage name Rick Ross, is an American rapper and entrepreneur.

He good at hip hop/rap

He is great, he is the best, he should be number 1 number 4.

He is suppose to be number 1 he is a great rapper

Rick Ross is my all time favorite he get it done... MMG all the way

8 Meek Mill Robert Rihmeek Williams, better known by his stage name, Meek Mill, is an American hip hop recording artist.

True rapper who can rap fast and actually raps about his life. The guys a genius with his lyrics and never sleeps. When he freestyles my jaw drops because its insane.

He's a beast and he is the best rapper out there right now he could be the best rapper to live one day he has some really really great songs I think that he will be the best rapper of all time one day just keep watching him because he is amazing

One great mixtape, and a great album, I think meek mill finally did it. Last year meek mill was known by very few people, but now meek mill is indeed a house hold name.

Had easily the best rap album of the year. We can expect more in 2013. Meek mill is on the rise and personally the best artist of the year. Raps about true life experiences unlike most today.

9 Wiz Khalifa Cameron Jibril Thomaz, better known by his stage name Wiz Khalifa, is an American rapper, songwriter, and actor. He was born on September 8, 1987.

Best rapper alive. Grate music. He is working very hard. He's made some of the best songs I've ever heard!

His rapping is so unique. No one raps like him. He has great rhythm, beats, vocals, all in one song.

Wiz khalifa is the dopest rapper period he should be on the top 10 list

Wiz is the best rapper alive no one is working as hard as him

10 Kanye West Ye (born Kanye Omari West; June 8, 1977) is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer and fashion designer. He is regarded as one of the most influential, as well as controversial, artists of the 21st century. ...read more.

He might not be as good as he once was, but he is still a good rapper. If you forgotten Kanye's greatness listen to my favorite personal album The College Drop Out.

Kanye west is the best rapper of this century no other rapper can top his skills.

Nobody in today's rap game can create music like Kanye can. Nobody!

The Contenders
11 B.o.B Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr., better known by his stage name B.o.B, is an American recording artist and music producer from Decatur, Georgia.

Listen to generation lost by him

12 Big K.R.I.T. Justin Scott, better known by his stage name Big K.R.I.T., is an American rapper and record producer from Meridian, Mississippi.

Is hard to believe how underrated the guy is, he's one of the better rappers to come about in the last three years or so. He's best work includes Krit wuz here and Live from the underground.

Big K.R.I.T. combines todays dirty south rap sound with some older sounding southern rap and makes something worth the while, live from the underground.

13 Waka Flocka Flame Juaquin James Malphurs, better known by his stage name Waka Flocka Flame or simply Waka Flocka, is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia.

Another rapper who people hate on because he is different and new, shows us that he really is the king of the trap with an album, triple f life: fans, friends & family, and an even better mixtape, salute me or shoot me 4 (banned from america. )

Waka is 1 of the top 10 rappers from the south

14 Hopsin Marcus Jamal Hopson, better known by his stage name Hopsin, is an American rapper, record producer, director and actor from Los Angeles, California. Hopsin was born on July 18, 1985. His first album was called Emurge but he's best known for his album titled Raw.

Is probably the only rapper that isn't in the rap game trying to rap about what everyone els is, he's trying to make his own flow'

How is hopsin behind as many people as he is? He has potential to be a legend and he's behind Makelmore, Minaj, and 2chainz what?

Only rapper out there who still boasts a positive message and has a killer flow to match

15 ASAP Rocky Rakim Mayers, better known by his stage name ASAP Rocky, is an American rapper, record producer, director and actor from Harlem, New York.

A$AP blew up as quick in 2012 as I've seen any rapper. Releases one mix tape at the end of 2011 and by the end of 2012 his album is one of the most hyped in the industry. Now that's quality...

Are you kidding me? He's is so humble and he's so much better than any of these 17 rappers placed before him. All rappers are awful compared to him. Is this a joke?

The kid is fresh as hell.. He's got a great style and he's proved that he can roll, and even kill the "big boys" in rap... Long. Live. ASAP

Kendrick lamar is my favorite new but asap should be 2

16 Joey Badass Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, better known by his stage name Joey Badass, is an American hip hop recording artist and actor.
17 Jay-Z Shawn Corey Carter, known by his stage name JAY-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur and investor born on December 4, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York. He is best known for his albums Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint, and The Black Album. He is considered to be one of the best rappers of all time.

He's awesome! All his songs have been great hits

18 Tyga Micheal Ray Stevenson, known by his stage name Tyga, is an American hip hop recording artist. In 2011, Tyga signed a recording contract with Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records.

Tyga with the Last Kings! He's my inspiration and is easily the best rapper in YMCMB. Personally, I think Tyga deserves to be number 1. He kills it every song and no one can compete.

Best rapper alive no doubt

19 Drake Aubrey Drake Graham, known professionally as Drake, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor, born on October 24, 1986 in Toronto, Canada. He started his career on Canadian reality show "Degrassi: The Next Generation".

Yal Need To Stop hating on frizzy, unless he overflows Nothing Was The Same with too much R&B, he said he was going to have a different sound to this album and when he shows people it they are all like who is rapping and he says, "that's me.", well that better mean more rap, less R&B, and less raping about girls like he used to not way back before he was big time, like there are very few songs about girls in his 2007 comeback season, that's what I need to see out of drizzy another album like comeback season where he gives real rap, with his improves self. You can see drizzy killing raps on other people's songs all the time and he needs to do that on this album. If he does he is the best, if he doesn't add me to that list of haters.

Drake is easily one of the best rappers in the game right now. His lyrics are very easy to relate to. He doesn't just rap, he makes music. The dude is crazy talented and just look at what he has done at just the age of 26. 2 amazing albums now that NTWS dropped I've decided that it is going to be a favorite of mine from now on. Let a lone Take Care being one of the best albums in the last 10 years, in my opinion. Straight fire on features. He can kill the beat with crazy flow or slow it down and sing. Total package.

Drizzy is NOT the best rapper on this list. Questionable bar for bar whether he is even a top 5 rapper on this list. But Who cares because that is not what Drizzy is about. His Flow and Overall as an artist he is the best. If you only listen to rap then you probably wont like drizzy but if you branch into other places like pop and R&B then you will love drake's combo.

Two years ago Drezzy would have been a top five rapper. But he has fallen off since then, although he's not as lyrical as some of the other rappers in the list he has an excellent delivery. Listen to Thank me later or Take Care (they're always playing in the radio).

20 Nas Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, better known by his stage name Nas, is an American rapper and entrepreneur born on September 14, 1973 in New York City. His album, Illmatic, is considered to be one of the best rap albums of all time. He is also considered to be one of the best rappers of all time.

T.I. is my favorite rapper of all time, but for 2012 I'd have to give it to Kendrick. I voted for Nas though, because he should be in the top 5 for 2012. Definitely better than Wiz, 2Chainz, Future, and others. Eminem shouldn't be #1. He's good but overrated.

The guy needs no introduction, he's maybe the best rapper all time, your favorite rapper's idol. The reason why he's not #1 is because he's not as relevant as he once was. If you want to cheek out the greatest rap album all time, Illmatic.

Nas is easily at the top this year. Hopsin, MGK, and maybe Kendrick Lamar are also near the top as well.

People he is the best
And 2012 was his comeback with life is good after few years of albums which were below him

21 Tech N9ne Aaron Dontez Yates, (born November 8, 1971), better known by his stage name Tech N9ne, is an American rapper. In 1999, Yates and business partner Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music. He has sold over two million albums and has had his music featured in film, television, and video games. ...read more.

But favourite rapper of all time is DMX but if you're looking at the best rappers of 2012 then you have to look at someone who consistently was around in 2012, not just an album and a feature. Because Tech N9ne has had so much out in 2012 and 100% of it was amazing, he is the best rapper of 2012. Seriously... He came out with 3 EP's with high quality tracks on them, played a couple of shows during the first few months of 2012, had songs he was featured in, and still has enough material to release an album in 2013 and be featured in several songs in the year of 2013. Only Lil Wayne has done that much in a year, and that is with whack lyrics and rushed songs. Tech N9ne killed it in 2012!

My number one favorite rap artist. Better than Wayne, better than Drake, and whoever else you put ahead of him. He's far better than that overrated Eminem you guys have placed in number 1, again...

Every time this guy picks up a mic he kills everything in his path, my favorite song with him is just a feature but "bloody murdah" is an example of what he's capable of

He's the best of them all. You people shold think that to. Tech n9ne should be the bestrapper of all time, all the time. Him and tupac.

22 Big Sean Sean Michael Leonard Anderson, known professionally as Big Sean, is an American hip hop recording artist from Detroit, Michigan.

How does 2chainz come in front of wiz and big Sean? People must be deaf

Another garbage rapper

23 J Cole Jermaine Lamarr Cole is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. Born on a military base in Germany but raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cole initially gained recognition as a rapper following the release of his debut mixtape, The Come Up, in early-2007.

The modern day Tupac or Nas. Much like both of this legendary mcs his songs go beyond rap. He tells stories: listen to Warm Up and Friday Night Lights to see for your self.

24 Lupe Fiasco Wasalu Muhammad Jaco (born February 16, 1982), better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco, is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his debut album, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor. He also performs as the frontman of rock band Japanese Cartoon under his real name. As an entrepreneur, Fiasco is the chief executive officer of 1st & 15th Entertainment.

Is hard to believe this guy is in his 30s, but he's been around for a while. Lupe might be the most underrated rapper all time when you think of how great he is. The guy is incredibly lyrical, some his best songs are Kick Push, Daydreaming, and Hip hop save my life.

25 Hichkas Sorush Lashkary (born May 10, 1985) better known by his stage name Hichkas (Persian: Hiĉkas - هیچکس‎‎; meaning "Nobody") is an Iranian rapper from Tehran. Hichkas is considered as one of pioneers of "Persian Rap" and "Persian Urban music.

Who can bet him? ? ? I love him

He is God Father

Ye mosht sarbaz is the best

Biotifool rap

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