There are many different lyrical poets out there with just as many unique styles, but there are few artists in this genre of which I won’t listen. I enjoy most styles, ranging from the fun side of rap with D.J. Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince to the diverse artist, like Sir Mix-A-Lot, mixing fun hits with a few more hard hitting tracks. I even enjoy the rock-rap style of the Beastie Boys, and on rare occasions, the dark side of acid rap like I.C.P. and Esham. However, when I want the whole “rapped” package, I look to any of my top five artists:

5. RUN DMC - Not that I really need to say anymore, Run DMC are pioneers of the rap movement and largely responsible for most of the rap music we listen to today.  I personally would go as far to say they are the Beatles of rap artists. One of the first big acts in rap, their music is still referenced today. They are the ones that brought rap and rock music together.

4. DMX - DMX, or Dark Man X as he was originally known, pulled me in with his honest lyrics that told very personal stories. His gruff voice and delivery helped in getting his messages of God, family and perseverance out there, and he did so like no other at that time or any since. His strong presence lends music that just gets up in your face, and even in his seriousness, he reminds you to “Party Up!”

3. Tupac Shakur - Few men can touch Tupac’s talent and passion for his craft. From his days with Digital Underground to the day of his passing, he was truly one of a kind. He shared the most personal stories of his life, the hardships he faced, and found time to give tribute his mama is his music. It has to say something when an artist makes music for only five years (1991 to 1996) and dies (September, 1996), yet his music remains relevant and in popular rotation almost 20 years later.

2. Eminem- If Run DMC is The Beatles, then Eminem is the Elvis of rap. Not to take away from anyone who came before him, but in vocabulary, passion, and storytelling, no one is better. He always remembers where he came from and gives credit where credit is due; look no further than any of his remarks about Dr. Dre. Beginning in 1996, no topic has been off the table for Eminem to rap about.  I love his no-apology approach to his music, and he’ll make fun of anyone, including himself. He may not have come first, but he has hit the hardest for the rap game.

1. LL Cool J - After what I said about Eminem, how could anyone top that?  For me LL Cool J can. From his first album in 1985 (Radio) to his most current in 2013 (Authentic), he has been around in rap music for almost 30 years. He has done it all in rap music and still has more to offer. The first line of his first big hit says it all, “I’m baaaad....no rapper can rap quite like I can. I’ll take a musclebound man and put his face in the sand.”  Not to mention as soon as I heard "I Need Love," I knew I was a hopeless romantic, and as soon as I heard "Big Ole Butt," I knew I was a pervert. Eminem is the best rapper, but LL Cool J is my personal #1!

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