If I had to compile a list of my top rappers that I’m currently listening to religiously, it would be based solemnly on content of the material and the lyrical flow. My list isn’t necessarily based on a rating of 1 being the best and 10 being last place. Each artist has something that makes them special in my music library and the ones on this list are Number 1 in their own respective flow. So every day I’m going to post one of my favorite rappers and some of there videos that I like. I have a lot of music and have been finding out what my hip-hop preferences are. so stay tuned!

BACKGROUND:In the past few years, I’ve begun to compile a hip-hop collection on my computer. By no means necessary is it massive or quite impressive compared to most dj’s and hip-hop connoisseurs, but it has about 1000 songs in it thus far. My Christmas wish is to get a new Ipod Touch (32gb, even though I have about 25gb of music and still finding more daily). I currently have an Ipod Touch 16gb and it sucks that I wasn’t able to fit all my music on there. Don’t even get me started on R & B and Soul, I have about 1500 of those songs.

Since I haven’t been able to fit all my music on my Ipod, I’ve mainly been listening to a lot of hip-hop, gospel, house, and a lot of electronica music for when I’m at the gym. Hip-hop is genre that offers me a complex lyricism with a sometimes complex or simple beat. There is a song for every mood you in, whether you want to make love, party all night, or seek some reassurance with the social struggles. If you’ve read my post What if Hip-Hop Didn’t Exist then you know where I’m coming from. I love hip-hop with a passion!

With that being said, there are a few rappers that I listen to on a regular basis and love their craftsmanship, whereas there are some rappers I’m just sick of seeing but I respect their game and don’t hate. I just don’t blast their music on a daily basis. I’m not a huge Lil’ Wayne fan, Drake, or Eminem fan…just not into it. I will give them props though, Eminem is a beast when it comes to battle rap but his other stuff I just can’t get with. Drake has come a long way from being Jimmy on Degrassi, I’m just sick of seeing him all over the place and on everyone’s tracks. But his flow is alright and he does have some substance to his rap. May not be on a conscious level like The Roots, Mos Def, Consequence, or Talib, but it holds some substance that you can grasp. As far as Lil’ Wayne, I just can’t stand his voice! It drives me insane! I’m very picky when it comes to certain hip-hop, it can have the best beat ever and ill lyrics, but if the rapper has an annoying voice…then I won’t listen to it.

That goes for female rappers. Hands down my favorite female rappers are Kid Sister (love her!), Lil’ Kim (I’d chose her any day over Nicki Minaj), Queen Latifah, Salt N Pepa, MC Lyte, Trina, Monie Love, and I even like Eve. Not too many mainstream female rappers nowadays, it seems they have to sell sex appeal and talk about how fly they are just to be respected in the game. It’s a sad commentary that female rappers are sometimes viewed as a step up from a video vixen…known for their looks and not their lyrical substance. If a female rapper was average looking or unattractive would she still be successful? Looks seem to be a determining factor in societal success, furthermore a determine factor in musical success. But it doesn’t matter how unattractive a rapper is, as long as his music is catchy and can gain attention. Rick Ross sure isn’t attractive in my eyes, nor is Gucci Man, Jeezy, Lil’ Wayne, and I definitely am not attracted to Drake. But their music is catchy and sticks with you.

#1. Kanye West
Simply put…Musical Genius!
I have been a huge fan of Kanye when he first entered the game. His flow is untouchable and his style defies the definition of a rapper. He doesn’t just talk about Gucci and Louis Vuitton…he lives it! With his shoe design collaboration with Louis Vuitton and his classy style, Kanye West is the epitome of fashion. Aside from his amazing chic style ( I wish more men dressed like that!), Mr. West has a flow that just commands attention. The authority in his voice is reflected on every track he touches and is seen in his international flair. Kanye West is the true definition of a Renaissance Man! He travels the world, he is producing a Japanese pop group, he is on top of every fashion trend, and he is still respected by the hip-hop community and is embraced by different races and cultures worldwide. He is able to combine violins and ballerinas with raw hip-hop lyricism, now that’s Renaissance! Simply put…Kanye West is a clever, creative, and a unique Musical Genius. Surely, he will be a legend in the years to come. My Fav Kanye tracks: Through The Wire ( his first single, which he recorded with his jaw wired shut after an accident…now that’s whats up!), I Wonder, Touch the Sky, and Runaway. *Runaway is also one of my favorite music videos from his full length film, it exudes all the elements that are associated with being renaissance in the year 2010. I love the suit too! So fresh!