Here it is, the official Middlepoet list of the ten greatest rappers of all time. Although there is an east coast bias here, I really just couldn’t come up with any west coast lyricists other than Snoop Dogg and Tupac who belong on the list. I have Jay-Z at number one because his old stuff could be new stuff today and it would sell.

1. Jay-Z

As previously stated, the music is timeless.

2. Notorious B.I.G.

Classic NYC sound.

3. Eminem

Perhaps the greatest rhyme schemes of all.

4. Tupac

For some reason, I think he is very over hyped.

5. Nas

Illmatic, one of the greatest albums of all time. Of all time!

6. Lil Wayne

Dude is insane. Metaphorical genius.

7. Andre 3000

Far out funky magic.

8. Mos Def

The definition of backpack rap.

9. Rakim

The legend.

10. Snoop Dogg

The best of the West.

Honorable mention: Cee-lo, Chuck D, Q-Tip, Wyclef, Ice-T, Ice Cube, Zach De La Rocha, Method Man, Black Thought, Big Boi, Buckshot Shorty.