When it comes to crafting intricate stories and memorable lines, these rappers are second to none. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most influential and dynamic wordsmiths in hip-hop. Our countdown of the best rap lyricists of all time includes MF DOOM, Eminem, Jay-Z, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, and more! Who’s your all-time favorite MC? Let us know in the comments!
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Who’s your all-time favorite MC? Let us know in the comments! For more content like this, click here: kzhead.info/sun/lZtxp8x7nYKVaZ8/bejne.html Don't forget to play our Live Trivia (www.watchmojo.com/play) games at 3pm EST for a chance to win cash! The faster you answer, the more points you get!
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Please let us know what criteria you use to list them
My favorite is JAY Z!!! ❤️ 😊🤩 😍
Big L missing
Guru as well
Agreed.
The Big Picture was superb. Especially the storytelling, also can't forget the punchline "Ask Beavis I get nothing But Head.
His career was too short!
Facts 💯
Imagine not having Big L on this list 👎
I can think of a few that you missed like Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Ludacris, Killer Mike, Tech N9ne, T.I., DMX, Eazy E, Immortal Technique, Method Man, Redman, Common...
Hard to include those in a top 20. Maybe a top 100.
No
Eazy E don't belong there bro. Love his music, but it wasn't his lyrics he was spitting.
Even with snoop…love his music but lyrical…he’s not 😂
Eazy didn't write shit, tryna be down ass
Nasty Nas in your area, bout to cause mass hysteria.
Eminem 7th??
Yes
@@kareemlawson878you a hater of em?
yeah I wouldn't put him any higher based on who's on the list
@@Historicutuber Yes but Jay Z is not better than Em
@@beccag420 yes he is if you wanna go album for album
🎤 RAKIM 👑
🐐
Definitely a goat 🐐 along with Nas in my opinion.
@iraford5788 Everybody can't be the Greatest Of All Time. Being *the* GOAT is not just accomplishments, it's also influence and impact, and Rakim checks all the boxes... He's your favorite rapper's favorite rapper. Most of the dudes on this list cite Rakim as an influence and the reason they started rapping in the first place. FTR, Nas is *high* in my Top 5... I'm still waiting for *anybody* to drop something doper than Rewind.
@@Ldyklr420 Literlly everything you just said about Rakim can be applied to Nas as well , as his first album illmatic alone checks all those boxes as well.
@@Ldyklr420 Also Kool g rap , Big Daddy kane, Krs one etc also can be considered Goats as well as they all have the same influences as Rakim as well, and they are also your favorite rapper's rapper and rakim himself would tell you as they are all from the same era.
Didn't expect mojo to have a legit lyricist list. Respect
Haha thought the exact same thing
Naww facts
This isn't the first rap list.
@@Sagefrakrobatik It is their first rap lyricist list, though.
😂😂😂😂😂😂 legit list
Nas being on number 1 is how it has to be. No debate 🔥
Facts!!!
I'm a huge Jay Z fan and I agree. Nas is the best lyricist ever. Illmatic is crazy, its a literal gold mine rappers still mine lyrics off from to this day!
agreed
Gen z scratching their heads wondering who rakim is
No tf we not 😂
NAS number 1! Let’s go!
Eminem on 7.... ? Now I´ve seen everything
yall overrate the fuck outta that guy 😂
@@SteezKaytranadahell yeah he might not even be on my top 20
Hes not better than the 6 ahead of him except maybe Jay
@@sojiroseta98 boi i would not even put em above krs and black thought 😂
@@SteezKaytranadabrother you underrate the hell outta that guy
MF DOOM is a top 3 candidate with no questions, 19 is a fucking insult!
Word!
Tbh you should be happy he’s even on here
No he's not stop lucky he made the list
He got surpassed by Lil Wayne
@@Reallybruh99 you mean he's not good enough?
seriously, where is Lupe Fiasco?
Thank you, finally someone with some sense
@@gatornation1209 at the least #5. in the real world #1
100%, glad a lot of comments are calling for him. Number 1 by a mile to me
Right
@@johnpennthts why he has to whine to be mentioned, last time he did tht....Lil Reese checked him
I’m not gonna spend time whining about the order. The list is lyrically honest. Fantastic work.
Where's Redman, Big L, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Raekwon, GZA,and DMX ! Why were Ice Cube, Scarface, and Ghostface Killa so low on the countdown!!
Yessss finally Nas at 1!!! My favorite the best
Much respect and love to all those that mention underrated MCs that doesn’t get much love like Big L, AZ, Cormega and Talib Kweli.
Inspectah Deck, Black Moon, etc.
so u put aesop in intro and didnt include him on the list, bravo.
🥲
@@lokimonn240 Right? WTF?
I mean it's not like there was some kind of study that showed he had the largest vocab of any rapper.....o wait.
Solid list, but Jadakiss should at least get a honorable mention
How is MF DOOM not top 10??? I call shenanigans
Thank you guys for putting Andre 3000 on here 🙏🏽
Still like 5 ranks too low, lol
Pac as a top 2 LYRICIST is crazy. No. 15 Black Thought on this list is even crazier.
Black Thought's no.15
@@crystalfoureightsixtwo meant to say no. 15 lol
Pac was more of a songwriter than a lyricist. There's better in that category, like Nas & Big L
100% but this list is appealing to casuals
He was a legitimate poet. Give him 5 minutes and the he can craft the written word vocally is amazing. Have not seen anyone better. Also, it's nice to hear someone clearly. As far as a lyricist, I honestly had to try and look up the difference between a rapper and a lyricist. Many say a lyricist is traditionally a poet and a rapper is more of a freestyle. In that case, Pac is way more of a lyricist. @@wiseguy240Winston
Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, MC LYTE, Run DMC BLACK THOUGHT, is one of my favorite rappers!!! ❤😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤️ 🤩 😍
Why is GangStarr not even on this list?
Cause Watchmojo is irrelevant when it comes to hip hop. They're better with Movies/TV & video games.
No shit?...ive just started watching....im hoping pharoahe monch shows up...
No guru, no pharoahe monch...
no Guru no GZA but they put lil wayne on their list and
@@davedennison7386I'm shocked that Guru wasn’t on the list. I was thinking about him and Slick Rick while I was watching. No mention of either. 😭
I’m impressed. You usually add in a bunch of no names only a few of your staff members heard of but you ACTUALLY filled this list with authentic lyricist but you guys REALLY ARE MISSING BIG L!!! Legitimately. And Rakim IS the birth of the lyricist. Still, great great job this time guys. RIP MF Doom
Q-tip/Phife aren't here I riot
I don’t think we’ll ever get an accurate list of best rap lyricists ever they need to change a few rappers spots
Nas always The 🐐
BRO! I am glad that you put my boy Ghostface on this list!!!!
Where’s Big-L?
I'll throw Prodigy from Mobb Deep in this bitch.. hands down one of the best
Nice diverse list
Where is Classified? The guy has been in the game over 20 years. Nearly an album a year. With 1 dropped last week. When Eminem called for more Masta Ace, Classified made it happen. Eminem calls Pat Stay (rip) the best freestyle rapper...Class releases Super Nova Scotian featuring Pat, Quit while you're ahead features legends in Canadian Hiphop. When it comes to modern hiphop and lyrical diversity. Classified kills at least half this list. He might not be the best but he would be high on the list if list makers weren't sleeping
Sure, I’ll give the crown to Nas. But, the list needs to include LL Cool J, Kool Moe Dee, and Melle Mel in the top 10….
Hell nah
Did LL get u with, "I'm notorious I'll crush you like a jelly bean" whack ass rapper
Dylan better be on here
😂
Dylan got at least 5 spots on that list
Love the top 5. No Lupe is actually a crime though.
The top 10 greatest rap beefs of all time
Fire picks - Nas is clearly the greatest, but the order is completely off. Andre 3000, MF DOOM, Black Thought should be way, way higher. I understand the love towards Kendrick, but top 3? Above those names? Also Adding Big L and Lupe would have been dope.
Can't wait to see what the needledrop has to say.
Some of the best rappers sure, just in the wrong order 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤
There should be a part 2 to this there so many other MCs
Loving the top 5, but there are some missing on the list (maybe expand to 30 top male rappers): Slick Rick LL Cool J Grandmaster Flash Kool Moe D Chubb Rock Biz Markie Ludacris Busta Rhymes Those are just off the rip. P.S. Glad Kanye isn’t on this list!
I hate when people say 2pac wasn't lyrical. To me, being lyrical means being able to paint pictures with words. What people really mean when they say Pac isn't lyrical is he used simple rhyme schemes. To other people, complicated rhyme schemes equals better lyricist but very few people had lyrics as powerful and impactful as Pac's and that's what makes him a great lyricist. I know he was on this list but i hear people say all the time that Tupac wasn't lyrical
Angry mic was dope too
Respect to Mojo for this amazing list. Tupac will forever be my Goat. 🙏😪
I'm really surprised yall put Scarface on here. His tiny desk must have really helped a lot because he didn't get no respect on here before.
Pac is an amazing artist and I understand your reasoning for putting him in #2 But he's not a better lyricist than most of these guys Also Eminem stans should quit complaining
Jay-Z ahead of Eminem is beyond me
I'm here for the comments!!😂
Yeah we can all agree they may have missed a couple but it’s mojo what’d you expect me personally I think they did a great job. I didn’t expect them to have chuck d(not in my top 20 but still) Or G rap I didn’t expect them to put big pun or mf doom on here so there lost was pretty good.
Im just starting this. But man this gonna either be a big hit, or a major miss. Lets get to it.
Nas number 1 is not a bad choice at all. Illmatic is one of my favorite albums ever
It's a really good list, obviously Big L, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Guru, Talib Kweli, Redman, Method Man, GZA, Raekwon, Busta Rhymes, AZ, DMX, Slick Rick, Q-TIP or Common, also deserve a place but there are 20 and it's impossible for them all to get in (and someone is always is going to complain why someone is missing)
Y’all better pray that Melly Mell don’t see this
I love this list
Lupe fiasco seriously not on here ?!
No way. I’m not going to watch if that’s the case. Undisputed number 1 for me, the guy is an alien 😂
@@barry4649 agreed man
for real
The God mc !!!,dammit all of them were super great!!!!Love that old school generation...
Where's the "Top 20 Best Supervillain Teams" video?! #WatchMojo
Mojo's top lists are jokes.
JAY Z IS MY #1 FAVORITE RAPPER!!!! ❤️ 🤩 😍
Love kendrick,but no way in hell is he bigger than jay ,Em ,rakim
Nas is my favorite rapper of all time. Im glad they got him in the top spot. 👑
No Big L, Tech N9ne, or LL Cool J?!
Tech N9ne? 😂
Feel like LL Cool J should have been on this list.
How was this list put together? Album sells? Grammys? Word of mouth? Toss up? We need a recount.
K-Rino not being on this list is a crime!
Nas above all has stood the test of time 💯
Jay z at 5 is wild
Nas is really the #1
might mos! RIP doom! mighty roots crew! public enemy number 1! soild list - thank you
Lupe needs to be in here.
lupe, AZ & pharoahe monch should be here.
Monch not there is frickin' criminal.
no hate to anybody on that list, iconic all... particularly eminem, biggie, and 2pac, but my favorite MC is MC Frontalot. He digs into nerd culture where I thrive and spits mad bars with all the lyrical tricks that you have to unravel for yourself (many of which rely on koans and a background with gaming and computers, comic books, tv shows, etc.) with a flawless flow. Optiumus Rhyme likewise would go on my list as well, flowless flow, something to say (about a reimagined future). oh oh , and i'm shocked that del tha funkee homosapian didn't appear on your list. epic flow, story weaver... love his album deltron 3030. also kind of shocked that coolio didn't make your list too, though ya'll seemed to concentrate on gangsta rap.
Knew from the jump Nas had to be one unless this list wouldn't be valid, was just looking for how you'd place Eminem Pac, Biggie, rakim and wayne
Salute 🫡 to my favorite rapper Nas at #1.
Good to see Weezy on the list!
Why isn't Slick Rick on this list?
Thank you for the update, WatchMojo..!! For me, the greatest rap lyricist of all time is Sir-Mix-A-Lot. Famous for his 1992 hit "Baby Got Back," also released a lesser-known track called "Testarossa." The song showcases Sir-Mix-A-Lot's unique ability to blend catchy melodies with thoughtful and meaningful lyrics. "Testarossa" is a tribute to the iconic 1980s Italian sports car. The song's catchy beat and Sir-Mix-A-Lot's signature style make it a memorable and enjoyable listen, proving that there is more to the rapper than just his chart-topping hit about big butts.
He's okay, but he's not the strongest lyricist. I happen to like “My Posse's on Broadway” and “Hooptie”, but those are more entertaining lyrics than skilled lyrics.
2Pac being number 2 is the best thing on this list because people like to act like he ain’t no lyricist, but all his music is great lyrics there’s more 2Pac quotables than any rapper, I’d make him number 1 but hey I ain’t watchmojo 😂
I actually agree with their top 3 and the list covers the spectrum of rap lyricists. I think they should have went with a Top 30 instead of 20 so other lyricists could get shout outs! The fact Slick Rick, Common, Busta, Ludacris, Chubb Rock, LL, and DMX aren’t even listed is crazy.
I’m fine with this list EXCEPT Big L and Slick Rick These two not being on here shocked me 😳😳
I'm impressed. I just skipped to number one because I just knew yall were gonna put eminem there I'm glad you didn't. He is very good and absolutely deserves to be on this list. Just not number 1
Nah, Nas definitely deserves to be number 1.
@@iraford5788 I agree
I thought Busta Rhymes would be on here somewhere
Don’t know if I can trust watch mojo on this one lol
Wayne longetivity and unique lyrics is top 5. Period.
U know Mac Miller was pretty feakin dope!
Rakim deserve the first spot no one raps better than him without cursing Rakim does rap better
MF Doom should be at least in top 10. Glad to see Kool Keith at the very end tho
Ain’t no way y’all put ‘em 7? Like 7? Marshall is a 3 top at best
Crazy to put jayz above Eminem aha
No yb?
I'm not mad at this list.
Just here to make sure Big Daddy Kane got his flowers.
Dont get bent out of shape people. These lists will never meet your expectations. This is also partly a popularity list as well. Big L, Canibus, Lupe Fiaso, and Rass Kass could with ease replace a few on this list in my humble opinion
Lupe should be number 1 or 2 behind Nas.
#1 is Rakim
Ghostface was to low! He's top 5 Great list tho
Almost thought most def was talking
12:24 Eminem No. 7???? Bruh I’m outta here 🚶🏽♂️
No Jadakiss is the only thing that stands out
love jada hes my top 5 but everybody got their own opinion its hard to include everyone on a top 20 list in rap
I actually think essence SP was slightly better than kiss.
No Kanye? Big L? Busta? nah you playing bro