Top 10 Best Rap Lyricists of All Time

This list celebrates and honors the most skilled rap lyricists of all time, focusing on their mastery of wordplay, storytelling, and lyrical complexity.

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 220 million records, making him the best-selling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he was a member of D12 and (with... read more

   Venomous. Seriously, I can't think of one person he hasn't dissed. And he says all these brutal things while he raises two daughters and his little brother. He's insane.

   It's not a surprise that he is my favorite rapper. Still, he is someone we kept telling wouldn't make it because he is white. Yes, Biggie is great, yes Tupac is amazing, and Nas is awesome, but imagine how good Eminem had to be just to sell albums like he did, have so many fans, and maintain the career he had. He could make an album just with freestyles! The words come naturally to him, no doubt. He was born to be the best. Both Slim Shady and Marshall Mathers have insane and shocking lyrics. He is definitely untouchable. I don't think there's a single word in "Lose Yourself" that doesn't rhyme with something else. He is the only one who can make "sandwich rhymes" like he does.

2. Tupac

   

   Tupac Amaru Shakur, also known as 2Pac, was an American rapper and actor born on June 16, 1971, in East Harlem, New York. Tupac sold over 75 million records worldwide and has been referred to in multiple major publications such as Rolling Stone as one of the greatest music artists of all time. 2Pac was... read more

   People say he is not lyrical, but meanwhile, he is the most quoted rapper of all time worldwide. His voice, flow, authenticity, direct delivery, beat choice, freestyle skills, and diss tracks are untouchable. This man was the whole package. He used rap music to speak to people and did it better than anyone else.

   If he is not at least in your top 5 of all time, you better do your research on what this man did for the culture, hip hop, and Black people. He is the most important figure in hip hop and the biggest influence in the genre, period. Ask your favorite rapper who influenced him the most: Nas, Eminem, Andre 3000, Kendrick, J. Cole, Cam'ron, 50 Cent, Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Big Pun, Big L, Mobb Deep... All of them are products of Tupac Amaru Shakur.

3. Nas

   

   Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones (born September 14, 1973) is an American rapper and entrepreneur from Queensbridge, New York. His 1994 debut album Illmatic is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Nas has stayed relevant over decades by releasing acclaimed albums and pursuing ventures... read more

   Nas is probably the second-best lyrical rapper of all time. The only rapper I would pick over him is Tupac.

   But Tupac and Nas are very much alike in the way they write their songs. I would not be surprised if they were very good friends. Eminem is good, but his songs are annoying to listen to. Listen to No Introduction by Nas, and you will see why he is great.

   Nas is the greatest lyrical rapper of all time. Just listen to "It Ain't Hard to Tell," "Halftime," or really the whole album Illmatic. You will need no more proof after that. If you are still stubborn, listen to his other albums. His flows and rhymes are untouchable. No question about it.

4. Hichkas

   

   Sorush Lashkary (born May 10, 1985), better known by his stage name Hichkas (Persian: هیچکس‎‎, meaning "Nobody"), is an Iranian rapper from Tehran. He is considered one of the pioneers of Persian rap and Persian urban music. Hichkas is known for incorporating Persian poetry and traditional elements into... read more

   The godfather of rap. The Persian language, like English, isn't well-known globally, but Hichkas stands out. Despite being lesser-known, her text and style are amazing.

   Hichkas is the best rapper in the world. Best, best, best.

   Among all Persian rappers, he is the best in both singing and writing lyrics. I'm not sure how we can compare him with Eminem and other rappers who have different native languages. As a Persian, I definitely support Hichkas.

   Persian Rap

5. The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls)

   

   Christopher George Latore Wallace, born May 21, 1972, better known by his stage name The Notorious B.I.G. (sometimes Biggie Smalls or simply Biggie), was an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York. On March 9, 1997, he was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles, California, at the age of only... read more

   Are you kidding? He's far better than Tupac, a rap pioneer who wowed everyone with his storytelling. Enough with the Persians. They wouldn't be here without BIG.

   The originator of using heavy metaphors, which was really rare in his time period.

   Biggie is the best rapper of all time, and Eazy-E is second. They're complete opposites, but their unique styles are unbeatable.

6. Rakim

   

   William Michael Griffin Jr. (born January 28, 1968), better known by his stage name Rakim Allah (or simply Rakim), is an American rapper and record producer.

   One half of the golden age hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled MCs of all time.... read more

   Rakim is one of the most underrated mainstream rappers who ever picked up a mic. His multi-syllabic rhymes, combined with his precise flow, make him a treat to listen to.

   He has creative, storytelling lyrics, with strong beats and a unique twist on words through most of his music. I am actually surprised he isn't in the top ten.

   In terms of flow and innovation, Rakim is by far the greatest. The challenge with creating a list like this is that different aspects must be considered. I notice Busta Rhymes is not on any of these lists, and he is the most versatile rapper, convincingly emceeing and rapping across many genres, from rock to pop to house to EDM to ragga dancehall. His discography is impeccable, and not even 2Pac comes close in that aspect.

   LL Cool J is revolutionary because he can go hard and then soft for the ladies. When people started dissing, he responded with Mama Said Knock You Out. Over 14 albums is astonishing and puts him in the top 10 rappers. A top 10 rapper has to be revolutionary in some aspect of hip hop. For example, 2Pac was not known for his emcee prowess, so how can he be named among the top 10 greatest? He was the greatest hip hop icon, no doubt, and a fantastic studio writer.

   KRS-One is the greatest battle rapper, hands down. How many careers has he ended, and with what authoritative voice does he back it up? Another top 10 rapper. Grandmaster Caz, Kool Moe Dee, Slick Rick, and Melle Mel were revolutionary because they were the first, and this should hold more significance for today's rappers. Granted, Kendrick, Pusha T, Immortal Technique, Tech N9ne, and J. Cole are setting solid, high standards.

7. Kendrick Lamar

   

   Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987) is an American rapper and songwriter from Compton, California. He began his career under the stage name K-Dot, releasing mixtapes that gained local recognition and led to his signing with Top Dawg Entertainment. Lamar has become one of the most critically... read more

   Lyrically, Kendrick obviously has competition, although I personally love his lyrics the most. One thing I believe nobody can rival Kendrick in is his never-ending musical creativity. Nobody can match Kendrick's ability to lead a song. In The Heart Part IV and his album *DAMN.*, there has never been such variety and originality. He is truly a genius with the music that accompanies his words.

   All 14 tracks on *DAMN.* reached the Top 100 leaderboard, and the album secured spots 1-9 on the top-streamed songs for On-Demand. How many other rappers have put every single song onto the Top 100? I mean, 14?! Seriously, the average quality of his songs deserves to move him up on this list. I can pick up almost any Kendrick song and enjoy it.

8. Shahin Najafi

   

   Shahin Najafi is an Iranian musician, singer, and songwriter currently based in Germany. He blends rock, rap, and traditional Persian musical elements and is known for his socially and politically provocative lyrics. Najafi has faced significant controversy and criticism from Iranian authorities due... read more

   Lyrics of pain. I can hear his lyrics in everyone around me. He is the one and only Persian rapper who truly respects rap. All his lyrics reflect your life in some way.

   Perfect lyrics. He is the voice of Iranian fighters for freedom.

   He is the voice of our generation. His poetry is a sentence for apostasy (execution)!

9. Yas

   

   Yaser Bakhtiari, better known by his stage name Yas, is an Iranian rapper. He is regarded as one of the most influential rappers in Iran and the Middle East. Yas is also known for wearing a Faravahar pendant, a symbol associated with Iranian nationalism and Zoroastrianism.

   He's like the 2Pac of Persian rap. His lyrics are raw, real, and dark, but always carry a positive message at the end of the day.

10. Mehrad Hidden

    

    Mehrad Hidden is an Iranian singer, rapper, and producer who began his musical journey composing rock songs. At age 18, he co-founded the influential Persian hip-hop group Zedbazi with Saman Wilson. The group played a key role in popularizing hip-hop culture in Iran.

    The best in the world. He is the god of rappers, with a special style, vocal, and lyrics.

    Mehrad is a genius. I used to listen to other rappers, but I'm considering giving Mehrad and his great abilities a chance right now.

    Master in all music fields, especially rock and rock and roll. His perfect voice and marvelous style make him the best!

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Mac Lethal

    

    Dude, one song and you know he's top 10 material.

12. ?

    Your Old Droog

The Contenders

13. Ho3ein

    

    Ho3ein is an Iranian rapper, songwriter, and music producer whose real name is Hossein Rahmati. He rose to prominence in the early 2000s as a member of the group 051, which contributed to the underground Persian rap scene. Ho3ein is known for his bold lyrics and unique vocal style, and he remains active... read more

    In the name of Persian rap, which most Persian young people love, I am proud of Ho3ein because he does the best Persian rap about lifestyle outside and inside Iran.

    He doesn't show off, nor does he share his photos anywhere with different girls. So, this is the time we all stand up for this young man and keep his flag on top of the pole as the best Persian rapper alive.

    Kaqaz (Hossein and Sadegh) are the greatest rappers, especially in lyrical poetry. I dare to give him 10 out of 10.

    He is the king of rap, with a good beat, good lyrics, and a great sound.

14. Bahram

    

    Bahram Nouraei (born April 25, 1988), professionally known as Bahram, is a hip-hop recording artist and record producer from Tehran, Iran, currently residing in Stockholm, Sweden. He is recognized as one of the premier artists in Iran's underground hip-hop movement and has been acknowledged as one of... read more

    Bahram has a rebellious reputation in Persian rap and sings for a particular audience.

15. Jay-Z

    

    Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as JAY-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and investor born December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York. He's best known for influential albums like Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint, and The Black Album and is widely regarded as one of the greatest... read more

    I thought of him as the enemy at first. Then I saw how Tupac was planning to end the West Coast/East Coast rivalry and started listening to Jay-Z's lyrics. He seems like a great person on the inside too! "Song Cry" is my favorite!

    Jay's lyrics are laced with double entendres and metaphors. One verse can have meaning on the surface and another layer underneath. People who don't understand him can't appreciate him as much as those who do.

    His style is unique, and his words are on point. Jay-Z can only deliver with that distinct flavor.

16. J Cole

    

    Jermaine Lamarr Cole (born January 28, 1985) is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on a U.S. Army base in Frankfurt, West Germany, and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Cole gained recognition with his debut mixtape The Come Up, which was released in early... read more

    He's a beast. I don't know how you could say J. Cole is not one of the top ten lyrical rappers of all time.

    How can you put J. Cole under Lamar's bum ass? The only rappers I can see being more lyrically inclined than Jermaine are Biggie, Tupac, and Eminem.

    Not all of his songs are super catchy, but as far as true lyrics and being about the words he's spitting, J. Cole can't be ranked outside the top 5.

    J. Cole and Tupac are easily the two most lyrical rappers with the best flow of all time. J. Cole is easily top ten. 17th place!?!? Who votes on this? Listen to any of his songs where he talks about serious societal issues. 2014 Forest Hills Drive! 4 Your Eyez Only! Vote him up!

17. Immortal Technique

    

    Felipe Andres Coronel, better known by his stage name Immortal Technique, is an American rapper and political activist born in Lima, Peru, on February 19, 1978. He is known for his politically charged lyrics that address issues such as poverty, racism, and government corruption. He moved to Harlem, New... read more

    If we are talking about the most lyrical rappers of all time, Immortal Technique certainly deserves to be above some rappers like Jay-Z. In my opinion, he deserves to be at least in the top 5. Check out his albums and his lyrics. He is at another level, talking about issues that matter. That's what rap is all about! Expressing and spreading the message!

    He is not just good or the best, he is unbelievably smart. Just listen to the songs that aren't this popular. It's amazing. This guy could change the world, and oh, the best rapper? He has been that since the first time he touched a mic!

18. Reza Pishro

    

    Mohammad Reza Naseri Azad, better known by his stage name Pishro, is an Iranian rapper, songwriter, and producer from Tehran. He began his musical career in the late 1990s and has released several albums and singles. Pishro is recognized as one of the pioneers of Persian-language rap.

19. Big L

    

    Lamont Coleman (May 30, 1974 - February 15, 1999), best known by his stage name Big L, was an American hip hop recording artist born and raised in Harlem, New York City. Coleman began his rap career with the hip hop trio Three the Hard Way. His first notable appearance came on Lord Finesse's "Yes You... read more

    Lyricism on a whole different level. The punchline king of the rap game. Listen to his album Lifestylez of the Poor and Dangerous and you can hear his full lyrical skills. If he didn't die, he would have been one of the top 3 rappers of all time.

    "I'm so ahead of my time my parents haven't even met yet." Another emcee sicker than Eminem.

    I love Eminem, but L deserves to be higher on the list.

20. Andre 3000

    

    André Lauren Benjamin, known by his stage name André 3000, is an American rapper, singer, and actor from Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known as one half of the Grammy Award-winning hip hop duo OutKast alongside Antwan Big Boi Patton. Despite never releasing a traditional solo rap album, André 3000 has... read more

    Great storyteller. Listen to A Day in the Life of Andre Benjamin.

    Ok, why does this site love Hopsin so much? He's got nothing on my man Andre.

21. Dr. Dre

    

    Andre Romelle Young (born February 18, 1965), known professionally as Dr. Dre, is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics, and previously co-founded, co-owned, and served as president of Death Row Records. Dr. Dre... read more

    A good rapper and a good person. He should be just behind Eminem on this list.

22. K-Rino

    

    Eric Kaiser, born on September 9, 1970, is better known by his stage name K-Rino. He is an American rapper and record producer from Houston, Texas. K-Rino is considered a pioneer of the Southern hip hop scene and has been active since 1983.... read more

    I'm glad this guy is finally mentioned on a "best rapper list," even if it is greatly biased due to popularity (which cannot be controlled and is understandable - I don't mean to complain too much). I believe he should be at least in the top 10, if not number two. I think he's the best rapper alive or dead because of his intelligent lyrics, diversity in flow and topics, and passion for rapping. He released three albums this year, all of good quality. He has a total of around 20 albums, so there are many great songs to listen to if you enjoy K-Rino.

    If you're looking for a place to start, I would recommend his album "Annihilation of the Evil Machine." If you don't like conspiracy theories in your rap, you don't need to worry too much with K-Rino. He has a few that are highly viewed, but they represent a small minority of his songs. He has also been rapping since '88 or '83. He's been around for a while, and I hope he gets recognized for the quality that I and many others have found in his music. One more thing: it's difficult to pirate his music because he is so unknown, so don't count on that.

23. Lupe Fiasco

    

    Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, born February 16, 1982, is better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco. He is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur who rose to fame in 2006 with the release of his debut album Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor.... read more

    I am a huge fan and have a lot of respect for rappers like Em, Jay, Nas, Dre, Rakim, etc. But as far as pure lyricism goes (discounting everything else like flow, production, rhyme scheme, etc.), Lupe takes the top spot easily.

    With tracks like Around My Way, Words I Never Said, and American Terrorist, to all the symbolism and complexity in *The Cool* saga, there is no competition for him!

    Lupe Fiasco is a wizard with words. His lyrics are deeper than the Mariana Trench, he is so inspirational, and his songs have an incredible flow. He is the most unique rapper I have ever witnessed.

    Even though I acknowledge that Eminem, Nas, and a few other rappers are also rap geniuses, the true lyrical king is definitely Lupe Fiasco.

24. Tech N9ne

    

    Aaron Dontez Yates (born November 8, 1971), known as Tech N9ne, is an American rapper and co-founder of Strange Music, which he started in 1999 with Travis O'Guin. He's sold over two million albums independently and is known for his rapid-fire chopper rap style and extensive touring. His music has been... read more

    Tech is severely underrated because underground fans don't like his subject matter, and most others haven't heard about him. Sometimes his lyrics are too fast for most, but I understand every word. It just takes some getting used to. Some people call him nonsensical because the way he rhymes to make his songs more lyrical is a little odd, but simply listening can tell you what he's talking about.

    Tech is insanely lyrical and has some complex symbolism as well. If you don't believe me, think about his name. It's more than just a gun. Tech said the "Tech" is short for technique, and 9 is the number of completion. Tech then proceeds to explain why 9 is the number of completion: 360 degrees is a full circle, and 3 plus 6 equals 9.

25. GZA

    

    Gary Grice, better known by his stage names GZA and The Genius, is an American rapper and songwriter.

    He is a founding member of the influential hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. GZA is widely respected for his intellectual lyrics and released the acclaimed solo album Liquid Swords in 1995, which is... read more

    Besides possessing an impressive vocabulary, GZA also possesses a brilliant intellect rarely seen in the rap industry.

    Proven by a machine to have one of the largest vocabularies in rap history (#2). His flow is unprecedented. There's a reason his name is GZA the Genius.

    He's called the Genius for a reason. One of the best, if not the best!

26. MF DOOM

    

    Daniel Dumile (July 13, 1971 - October 31, 2020), known professionally as MF DOOM, was a British-American hip hop artist known for his intricate lyrics and iconic metal mask. He spent most of his life in the United States. His death occurred on October 31, 2020, but it was not publicly announced until... read more

    His rhymes are more complex than Em's. No disrespect - I love Em. He was the first rapper I binge-listened to. But this guy is way better in terms of metaphors and rhyme schemes.

    Real hip-hop heads know DOOM is the best there ever was. I doubt that even in 100 years we'll see anyone come close to him.

    His Madvillainy album is so underrated. His rhymes and flow are by far more complex than Eminem's.

27. Lil Wayne

    

    Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. is an American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana. He was discovered by Brian "Baby" Williams at a young age and signed to Cash Money Records, where he became one-quarter of the rap group Hot Boys. He later founded his own label, Young Money Entertainment, signing artists such... read more

    Everyone commenting that Lil Wayne sucks is an Eminem stan. How many other rappers out there ran the game like Wayne did from 2005 to 2008? Yes, he has fallen off, but you can't ignore his work ethic. This man, in my opinion, came with the first classic mixtape, Dedication 4.

    And so what if he doesn't rap fast? If I want to hear that, I'll listen to Twista or Busta Rhymes, who do it consistently. Plus, whether you like it or not, EVERY rapper in the game admires Lil Wayne. Also, when people say his lyrics suck, for example, a line in "6 Foot 7 Foot" says, "Bitch, real Gs move in silence like lasagna." It's a genius bar that flies over your head (go to Rap Genius if you want to learn).

    Look, Wayne is hit or miss, but give a listen to his Carter and Dedication series and give it a shot. I'm out.