Mount Rushmore of Rap - disagree?

[Legend of Josh]

2Pac

Biggie

Jay Z

Nas

Now how can you argue with that?

:confusedshrug:

Please, save face with the "where's" KRS & Rakim debates. If we're going by that method, you have to insert Kool Keith too.

[L.Kizzle]

2Pac

Biggie

Jay Z

Nas

Now how can you argue with that?

:confusedshrug:

Please, save face with the "where's" KRS & Rakim debates. If we're going by that method, you have to insert Kool Keith too.
So basically rap pre-91 never existed right?

[Ruslan`]

good enough for me even though i'd be happier if u switched Eminem with Biggie. He had bigger impact on rap

[Richie2k6]

No... Where the pioneers? Maybe a legendary DJ? Representation of east and west? Maybe even a little south? 3 of those guys are from NY.

[Sanity]

Lil Wayne
Gucci Mane
Rick Ross
Paul Wall

Bring on the haters

[Legend of Josh]

So basically rap pre-91 never existed right?

* jack-off rolling eyes gesture *

[Legend of Josh]

No... Where the pioneers? Maybe a legendary DJ? Representation of east and west? Maybe even a little south? 3 of those guys are from NY.

I'm sorry but you don't know sh*t about rap music. Next. Where do you think hip-hop / rap originated from?

[Richie2k6]

I'm sorry but you don't know sh*t about rap music. Next.
Ok, ignore me. :roll:

[Legend of Josh]

Ok, ignore me. :roll:

Why ignore you? Your $0.02 in all these rap music discussions is gold comedy. I'll keep you off ignore for that very reason. I need a good chuckle here and there.

[StroShow4]

Use a bigger mountain so more than 4 can be included. :D

[L.Kizzle]

I wouldn't put Nas on this list. Not because he isn't one of the greatest rapers of All-Time, but because this is Mt. Rushmore, if you see what I'm saying.

[Legend of Josh]

I wouldn't put Nas on this list. Not because he isn't one of the greatest rapers of All-Time, but because this is Mt. Rushmore, if you see what I'm saying.

LOL, true Nas isn't the greatest looking cat out there... but was Biggie either?

:oldlol:

[RidonKs]

LOL, true Nas isn't the greatest looking cat out there... but was Biggie either?

:oldlol:
http://www.hogwild.net/images/Misc/jay-z-rapper.jpg

[Norcaliblunt]

Esham, Mac Dre, Big L, Scarface

[Legend of Josh]

150 million may not buy you divine beauty, however it will guarantee you a sure-shot guarantee to get into almost any female's pants you desire.

*edit*

Directed towards the Jay Z photo.

[IcanzIIravor]

So basically rap pre-91 never existed right?

That's my thoughts too. I'm more into R&B than Rap, but none of the pioneers from the 80's who paved the way?

[Legend of Josh]

Esham, Mac Dre, Big L, Scarface

Interesting selection... like the Esham pick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_IZrbgbHv0

[Legend of Josh]

That's my thoughts too. I'm more into R&B than Rap, but none of the pioneers from the 80's who paved the way?

When you say "paved the way" ... do you even know who Kool Keith is? I seriously doubt you'd want Kool Keith on the rap version of Mount Rushmore.

[guiguinho86]

Dr Andre should be in the discussion I think.
He's been huge to rap music.

[FashionIssues]

biggie
chuck d
2pac
jay-z/nas/krs1/snoop

[Meticode]

2Pac (probably he most influential rapper of all time)
Dr. Dre (the key figure in West Coast gangsta rap or g-funk)
Gil Scott-Heron (influenced genres like rap, hip-hop and neo-soul in the 60s and 70s)
Rakim (pioneered the practice known as internal rhyming)

[TruthKGRay3412]

2Pac
Lil Wayne
Biggie
Wu-Tang Clan (just because I was obsessed with them growing up,and I know its more than one person but they can just carve the Wu logo.)

[Ruslan`]

2Pac
Lil Wayne
Biggie
Wu-Tang Clan (just because I was obsessed with them growing up,and I know its more than one person but they can just carve the Wu logo.)

Besides that u have a dildo with Wayne's name on it that u shove up ur ass each time u listen to him, why did u put wayne on there? :confusedshrug:

[Pharcyde]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfISzD9msNI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t97WULr4SI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QLP30X1j5g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=460hOoqiINc

[Sonic R]

:eek:

Suprised to see mention of Esham here

[Jackass18]

2Pac

Biggie

Jay Z

Nas

Now how can you argue with that?

:confusedshrug:

Please, save face with the "where's" KRS & Rakim debates. If we're going by that method, you have to insert Kool Keith too.

Get Jay-Z's overrated to hell ass off of there A-S-A-****ing-P.

[Wizardly Cool]

Get Jay-Z's overrated to hell ass off of there A-S-A-****ing-P.

And he should be replaced with...

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/ftwlorenzo/THE-RZA-1.jpg

[Styles p]

make room for this guy.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f3/Az_doe_or_die.JPG

[barne100]

George Washington: Kool Herc
Thomas Jefferson: Rakim
Teddy Roosevelt: Jay-Z
Abe Lincoln: Tupac

[AJ2k8]

http://www.thecriticalcondition.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/vanilla-ice.jpg

No room for him:confusedshrug: :lol

[Legend of Josh]

And he should be replaced with...

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/ftwlorenzo/THE-RZA-1.jpg

Yo Dooms, dope username.

:lol

[miller-time]

http://nahright.com/news/wp-content/images/eminem-pistola.jpg

it's because he's white isn't it?

[pete's montreux]

Hello, my name is Big L

http://highdefinite.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/big_l.jpg

Sup?

[Legend of Josh]

Big L? I'm sorry he's nothing more than an underground legend and only due to the fact he's deceased. If Big L were alive and making records today not a damn soul outside of NYC metro area would know the dude.

[pete's montreux]

Big L? I'm sorry he's nothing more than an underground legend and only due to the fact he's deceased. If Big L were alive and making records today not a damn soul outside of NYC metro area would know the dude.

That's probably true, unfortunately.

[lolwut]

G Rap
Rakim
Nas
Jay-Z

honorable metion: KRS, GZA, Common, Kweli, Mos

[L.Kizzle]

Hello, my name is Big L

http://highdefinite.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/big_l.jpg

Sup?
Who?
Of course I know who he is, but the average music fan hell average rap fan doesn't know him.

[StroShow4]

Who?

Mike Jones?

[Legend of Josh]

G Rap
Rakim
Nas
Jay-Z

honorable metion: KRS, GZA, Common, Kweli, Mos

I'm a huge fan of all the artists you listed minus Common (what a joke) but of that list only Nas & Jay Z are worthy mentions... and I'm as huge a GZA fan as they come.

You have to think of each rapper individually and their influence on the rap game... which is why 2Pac, Biggie, Jay Z & Nas are your most logical picks. This will hold true years from now, just as it does today.

That's no disrespect to those who paved the way... but you have to think in a sense of overall contributions to the rap music industry.

[Ruslan`]

Big L = top 5 lyricist

[Styles p]

Big L? I'm sorry he's nothing more than an underground legend and only due to the fact he's deceased. If Big L were alive and making records today not a damn soul outside of NYC metro area would know the dude.

to bad he sonned jay-z http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYfKMIdoJL0

[Legend of Josh]

to bad he sonned jay-z http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYfKMIdoJL0

... and that discredited Jay's career how?

:confusedshrug:

[lazerface]

Big L? I'm sorry he's nothing more than an underground legend and only due to the fact he's deceased. If Big L were alive and making records today not a damn soul outside of NYC metro area would know the dude.

totally disagree, he was on the verge of blowing up right before he died.

[lolwut]

I'm a huge fan of all the artists you listed minus Common (what a joke) but of that list only Nas & Jay Z are worthy mentions... and I'm as huge a GZA fan as they come.

You have to think of each rapper individually and their influence on the rap game... which is why 2Pac, Biggie, Jay Z & Nas are your most logical picks. This will hold true years from now, just as it does today.

That's no disrespect to those who paved the way... but you have to think in a sense of overall contributions to the rap music industry.


I like older stuff primarily. I just don't see myself letting those guys get knocked off.

Huge BIG head. Not a big Pac head. GZA is close to GOAT status. Nas is close yadda yadda.

Common is amazing. LWFC, Res., Can I Borrow a Dollar? Classics.

[Legend of Josh]

totally disagree, he was on the verge of blowing up right before he died.

No. I'm sorry. His voice alone was enough to prohibit him from have a certified gold album much less a platinum one.

I'm a Big L fan, don't get me wrong I like the dude... but he was never anything comparable to other rap greats like Big Pun, Jay Z, Nas, Biggie, Pac, Eminem, etc.

[Styles p]

... and that discredited Jay's career how?

:confusedshrug:

where did i say it did? all im saying is l is more lyrical and didn't have millions of 14 yr old girls buying his album.

[lolwut]

No. I'm sorry. His voice alone was enough to prohibit him from have a certified gold album much less a platinum one.

I'm a Big L fan, don't get me wrong I like the dude... but he was never anything comparable to other rap greats like Big Pun, Jay Z, Nas, Biggie, Pac, Eminem, etc.


He would have gone gold. He was just starting to mess with Pun. They would have gone insane for several more records.

[Legend of Josh]

where did i say it did? all im saying is l is more lyrical and didn't have millions of 14 yr old girls buying his album.

Big L more lyrical than Jay Z? Try again...

"Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?"

[Ruslan`]

big pun is overrated to me. he had sick flow and the way he put words together was great but idk whats all the love for...big L is much better lyricist, he delivered harder and was crazy with his story telling...
too bad he had to go cause he'd be top 5 dead or alive all time

[Styles p]

Big L more lyrical than Jay Z? Try again...

"Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?"

and thats lyrical? sorry man i have a friend whos on jay-z's jock aswell and thats all he ever says. btw royce and em both ripped renegades well before jay-z.

[lolwut]

big pun is overrated to me. he had sick flow and the way he put words together was great but idk whats all the love for...big L is much better lyricist, he delivered harder and was crazy with his story telling...
too bad he had to go cause he'd be top 5 dead or alive all time


He's top 10 IMO just off raw talent.

Storytelling and wordplay were unmatched. Not saying he was the best ever...but nobody was really better than he was in those aspects.

BIG, Nas, Slick Rick, GZA, Common might rival him in the storytelling aspect, but certainly not wordplay.

[lazerface]

No. I'm sorry. His voice alone was enough to prohibit him from have a certified gold album much less a platinum one.

I'm a Big L fan, don't get me wrong I like the dude... but he was never anything comparable to other rap greats like Big Pun, Jay Z, Nas, Biggie, Pac, Eminem, etc.

correct me if i'm wrong, but i'm pretty sure the big picture did go gold. and he was about to sign to roc-a-fella, he definitely would have blown up.

[lolwut]

correct me if i'm wrong, but i'm pretty sure the big picture did go gold. and he was about to sign to roc-a-fella, he definitely would have blown up.


yeah Big Picture went gold posthumously

[andgar923]

2Pac

Biggie

Jay Z

Nas

Now how can you argue with that?

:confusedshrug:

Please, save face with the "where's" KRS & Rakim debates. If we're going by that method, you have to insert Kool Keith too.

This is silly for so many reasons.

Without Rakim there is no Nas, no Jay Z, no Tupac. Not only did he mark a new turn for hip hop.... he's a better mcee than Hova, 2pac and Biggie!

He was ground zero.

KRS till this day continues to be relevant and continues to influence new generations....... he is THE epitome of hip hop. His longevity proves that if you respect the game the game will respect you back. And NO it isn't about record sales or radio spins either.

And NOBODY brings up Kool Keith because he doesn't belong in the discussion. Nobody in their sane mind has ever included him in a top 10 list, let alone a Mt Rushmore, a symbol that symbolizes more than just talent, but also measure impact as well.

And NO Big L doesn't belong on that list.... dope Mcee... YES, but that's were it ends.

And go inject some chlorine into your veins if you mentioned Lil Wayne.


Here's my list:

RUN Dmc, KRS ONE, Rakim, Dr. Dre

These people changed and shaped hip hop forever, it wasn't just about sales or some silly trend. They all had a HUGE impact in making hip hop what it is and that's something that can't be said about many artists. Sure there might be some that are more talented, but we're talking about ALL TIME here and that goes beyond skills.

[Richie2k6]

This is silly for so many reasons.

Without Rakim there is no Nas, no Jay Z, no Tupac. Not only did he mark a new turn for hip hop.... he's a better mcee than Hova, 2pac and Biggie!

He was ground zero.

KRS till this day continues to be relevant and continues to influence new generations....... he is THE epitome of hip hop. His longevity proves that if you respect the game the game will respect you back. And NO it isn't about record sales or radio spins either.

And NOBODY brings up Kool Keith because he doesn't belong in the discussion. Nobody in their sane mind has ever included him in a top 10 list, let alone a Mt Rushmore, a symbol that symbolizes more than just talent, but also measure impact as well.

And NO Big L doesn't belong on that list.... dope Mcee... YES, but that's were it ends.

And go inject some chlorine into your veins if you mentioned Lil Wayne.


Here's my list:

RUN Dmc, KRS ONE, Rakim, Dr. Dre

These people changed and shaped hip hop forever, it wasn't just about sales or some silly trend. They all had a HUGE impact in making hip hop what it is and that's something that can't be said about many artists. Sure there might be some that are more talented, but we're talking about ALL TIME here and that goes beyond skills.
Well said.

[lolwut]

Rakim not getting enough cred.

Nas tried to tell dudes


Tension spread, and I quote "Smack me and I smack you back"
Sounded like the answer to the I Ain't No Joke track
For a second it ain't look good
Little tension buzzin' from Winedance to Brentwood
Misunderstood, all forgot by sixteen when I met Freddy Foxx
Totin' burners, the whole coast's most concern was
How was Rakim's flow, made Christians convert with Islamic ways
Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em was the third LP
A sophisticated mean one, before similar voices were King Son
A few others, but sooner or later, the game was Ra's kingdom
At sixteen, son was watchin' him, mesmorized
Respect, not jockin' him, was so amazin', besides
He came on the stage with lasers in his eyes
Walk with me now

[beasly15]

seen your list... everybody is entitled to their own opinion... i would scrape that mountain off, though.

[IInvented]

Hello, my name is Big L

http://highdefinite.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/big_l.jpg

Sup?

Talkin' to ya self?? :lol :lol

[IInvented]

Big L more lyrical than Jay Z? Try again...

"Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?"


:lol :lol You kiddin' me? Big L pwns Jay-Z lyrically...

[IInvented]

Big L? I'm sorry he's nothing more than an underground legend and only due to the fact he's deceased. If Big L were alive and making records today not a damn soul outside of NYC metro area would know the dude.

You're retarded... Big L pwned Jay in 7 minute freestyle... If Big L was still alive, he'd be top 5 no doubt...

[IInvented]

Eminem
Nas
2Pac
Rakim

[unbreakable]

So basically rap pre-91 never existed right?

thank you L,Kizzle for owning his bltchass.

imo, its biggie, pac, scarface and the 4th is a tossup between jay, em or big L.

[Knicks101]

2Pac

Biggie

Jay Z

Nas

Now how can you argue with that?

:confusedshrug:

Please, save face with the "where's" KRS & Rakim debates. If we're going by that method, you have to insert Kool Keith too.

Why? I don't see the relation.

[lolwut]

Why? I don't see the relation.


I really hope he meant Kool G Rap.

[Snoop_Cat]

I don't know much about rap, so not sure if I should be posting BUT...

The Mt.Rushmore of anything shouldn't necessarily be about who's better at it but who has been the most influential/made the biggest impact.

I think these are the guys (considering my limited knowledge of rap are icons that revolutionized/transformed rap)

Rakim - For reasons said
Eminem/Jay-Z - Megastars in a big business. Helped popularize rap, national icon, respectable stuff. I suppose this is the big name/popularize face on the mountain. Coin flip who you want
Tupac - It's freaking Tupac
KRS-One / Dr.Dre - Hi, I'm a legend.

[Legend of Josh]

Why? I don't see the relation.

You don't see the relation b/c you don't know who Kool Keith is. /end of your statement.

[andgar923]

You don't see the relation b/c you don't know who Kool Keith is. /end of your statement.

I know who he is, and I don't see why he's mentioned.

[andgar923]

I don't know much about rap, so not sure if I should be posting BUT...

The Mt.Rushmore of anything shouldn't necessarily be about who's better at it but who has been the most influential/made the biggest impact.

I think these are the guys (considering my limited knowledge of rap are icons that revolutionized/transformed rap)

Rakim - For reasons said
Eminem/Jay-Z - Megastars in a big business. Helped popularize rap, national icon, respectable stuff. I suppose this is the big name/popularize face on the mountain. Coin flip who you want
Tupac - It's freaking Tupac
KRS-One / Dr.Dre - Hi, I'm a legend.

This, except for the Jay Z/ Em/ 2pac part.

Jay Z is just a star, didn't revolutionize or do anything groundbreaking. His impact? he influenced people to wear jerseys.... OOoooooo.

2pac.... can somebody please give us some legitimate examples of his "impact?" Everybody always throws that word around when discussing 2Pac, but what exactly did he do for hip hop that's more important than Russell Simmons? Grandmaster Flash? LL Cool J? KRS? Chuck D? Rick Rubin? Kool G Rap? etc.etc.

How exactly did he shape hip hop other than influence people to claim they were thugs?

Its not a diss, its a serious question because I've yet to read a credible worthwhile answer.

[Snoop_Cat]

Well, I should've included in my post that I'm not THAT educated in rap, so my answers is eligible to completely ignored haha.

From my standpoint, a majority of the people I know aren't too into rap and stuff. I found that in amongst the wide variety of my friends, from those who are rap/underground junkies and the whitest dudes I know, the first names that come to mind are Eminem-Jay-Tupac.
This may only apply in my situation, but I feel like they were those who popularized and spread it to a much larger audience, particuarly Em and Jay. Not saying they made rap itself any better, but the impact they made on the popularity and widespread of rap while keeping it reasonably not-gay warrents me to consider one of them for the mountain. They helped spread rap into industry, main-stream, etc. That may or may not be a good thing depending on how you look at it I suppose.


Your take on it? This is just the opinion from your typical white-washed Asian

[andgar923]

Well, I should've included in my post that I'm not THAT educated in rap, so my answers is eligible to completely ignored haha.

From my standpoint, a majority of the people I know aren't too into rap and stuff. I found that in amongst the wide variety of my friends, from those who are rap/underground junkies and the whitest dudes I know, the first names that come to mind are Eminem-Jay-Tupac.
This may only apply in my situation, but I feel like they were those who popularized and spread it to a much larger audience, particuarly Em and Jay. Not saying they made rap itself any better, but the impact they made on the popularity and widespread of rap while keeping it reasonably not-gay warrents me to consider one of them for the mountain. They helped spread rap into industry, main-stream, etc. That may or may not be a good thing depending on how you look at it I suppose.


Your take on it? This is just the opinion from your typical white-washed Asian

Sorry if I made it seem like I was attacking you, that wasn't my intention. I was just ranting in general, not necessarily directed at you.

But I did agree with the 1st part of your post.

[Knicks101]

You don't see the relation b/c you don't know who Kool Keith is. /end of your statement.

I love that your answer for everything is that the person asking you a question doesn't know what they're talking about.

You're saying that Kool Keith is in the same league as KRS One and Rakim? Two guys that are influential MC's that had a huge impact on modern Hip Hop? :roll: Kool Keith has a certain amount of influence on underground rap, but he's nowhere near the level of KRS One or Rakim.

I'm shocked that I'm the only person that has commented on this buffoonery. You lose all credibility. I thought that it was a mistake and you were talking about Kool Herc, Kool Moe Dee or even Kool G Rap...turns out that you're just a moron.

[HERB Stempel]

2Pac

Biggie

Jay Z

Nas

Now how can you argue with that?

:confusedshrug:

Please, save face with the "where's" KRS & Rakim debates. If we're going by that method, you have to insert Kool Keith too.
redundant. only one of them need to be there. lmao@ kool keith he carved out a niche so losers like u could jerk off thinking it was high art.

[embersyc]

Slick Rick
Dr. Dre
Grandmaster Flash
Ice Cube

Mt Rushmore isn't about what happened recently.

[Richie2k6]

Slick Rick
Dr. Dre
Grandmaster Flash
Ice Cube

Mt Rushmore isn't about what happened recently.
Damn totally forgot about Grandmaster Flash.

[Pharcyde]

No. I'm sorry. His voice alone was enough to prohibit him from have a certified gold album much less a platinum one.

I'm a Big L fan, don't get me wrong I like the dude... but he was never anything comparable to other rap greats like Big Pun, Jay Z, Nas, Biggie, Pac, Eminem, etc.


Big L's voice > Eminem. By far.

[KenneBell]

I'm replacing Nas with OutKast because I'm from the South and I like them more. Besides who's going argue the Andre's lyricism?

[Im so nba'd out]

Biggie
Pac
Jay
Em

thread/

[L.Kizzle]

Biz Markie
Chi Ali
Grand Puba
Tela

[NumberSix]

2Pac
Wu-Tang
Jay-Z
Dr. Dre

[Rizko]

Jay-z is one of the most overrated rappers ever. Throw his ass off. He cool but idk where this legendary status shit came from. Pac, Nas, and Big are all next tier and it's not debatable IMO. Jay is not on Mt. Rushmore of rap as far as Im concerned.

I don't have an exact answer of who should take his spot but I don't want him on there

[ducktape]

q-tip
kool keith
rakim
e-40

[andgar923]

Kane
Rakim
Scarface
Cube
Em

All ahead of their time, all had major impact, all had mainstream success at some point, All represented their region and all could rap in any era.

Put any of these rappers in any track, ever, and they'll rip it.

All highly influential.

Pac, Em, Hova, Nas, Wayne, BIG, Drake, Wu, were all highly influenced by most of these rappers.

Em's impact and importance cannot be understated and is often overlooked.

Even if you overlooked that fact that he was white, he'd still be considered one of the best. He's shown that in every collabo he's made. They can all switch up from mainstream, to please the more underground audience.

[L.Kizzle]

Kane
Rakim
Scarface
Cube
Em

All ahead of their time, all had major impact, all had mainstream success at some point, All represented their region and all could rap in any era.

Put any of these rappers in any track, ever, and they'll rip it.

All highly influential.

Pac, Em, Hova, Nas, Wayne, BIG, Drake, Wu, were all highly influenced by most of these rappers.

Em's impact and importance cannot be understated and is often overlooked.

Even if you overlooked that fact that he was white, he'd still be considered one of the best. He's shown that in every collabo he's made. They can all switch up from mainstream, to please the more underground audience.
Replace those five with:

Kool G Rap
KRS-1
Chuck D
Ice T
MC Search

Still works.

[bdreason]

Scarface should be on there over Jay-Z.

[Pointguard]

G Rap
Rakim
Nas
Jay-Z

honorable metion: KRS, GZA, Common, Kweli, Mos
Yeah, Queens in the house. :rockon:

[Pointguard]

This is silly for so many reasons.

Without Rakim there is no Nas, no Jay Z, no Tupac. Not only did he mark a new turn for hip hop.... he's a better mcee than Hova, 2pac and Biggie!

He was ground zero.

KRS till this day continues to be relevant and continues to influence new generations....... he is THE epitome of hip hop. His longevity proves that if you respect the game the game will respect you back. And NO it isn't about record sales or radio spins either.

And NOBODY brings up Kool Keith because he doesn't belong in the discussion. Nobody in their sane mind has ever included him in a top 10 list, let alone a Mt Rushmore, a symbol that symbolizes more than just talent, but also measure impact as well.

And NO Big L doesn't belong on that list.... dope Mcee... YES, but that's were it ends.

And go inject some chlorine into your veins if you mentioned Lil Wayne.


Here's my list:

RUN Dmc, KRS ONE, Rakim, Dr. Dre

These people changed and shaped hip hop forever, it wasn't just about sales or some silly trend. They all had a HUGE impact in making hip hop what it is and that's something that can't be said about many artists. Sure there might be some that are more talented, but we're talking about ALL TIME here and that goes beyond skills.
This is the best explained post I seen here. There is no way you can only do four. Mines is a little different. My first two are my only hardcore ones, the others are negotiable. Rushmore doesn't have current Presidents on it and only has the cornerstone Presidents on it.

1)Most important rapper of them all is Melly Mel. He was the first to make it an art form. He really was the first MC. Underground for like four years. First to battle other standouts. First to tell stories and talk about the streets.

Run DMC is a solid choice because they revived rap when it was nearly dying made it national and incorporated dress, style, and other influences. But the problem is that there are two of them. 3)LL Kool J did it along with them and was among the best rappers for a very long period of time. LL was the first mega star to try to push his influence of the industry to include women and sensuality. It wasn't til Tupac that somebody came on with a lot of charisma like LL had. Almost all rappers tend to mimic RunDMC/LL KoolJ movements/stylistic savvy/keeping it real dimensions.

2)Rakim is the bridge to all rappers in the modern era. First of the super great flow lyricist. Sophisticated lines with metaphor and word play at another level. Like KRS1, you heard a philosophy and a counter philosophy. Nas is direct off shot of Rakim - they don't have much love for one another but their influence is everywhere.

Early West Coast was moreso Cube and Tea than Dre. Cube represented Cali in a broader spectrum than the others did and was just more insightful than they were. He paved the way for Tupac who was a better hip hop recording artist than a rapper. I would have Tupac on my Hip Hop Mount Rushmore though. The glory days of rap were over once Dre' got on. Cube put the West Coast on as serious lyricist.

4)Scarface and his expansion into psychology of street life was haunting and great addition to the rap portfolio. His storytelling made you feel his streets and decision making while under pressure. Eminem would sometimes go there and flourish there.

Of the current rappers, I don't see a lot of new stuff or ways that give rap a new direction. I don't see Jay Z, Biggie and Dre as cornerstone rappers. They are Great rappers, indeed, but nothing to change the course of rap history like the big time predecessors.

[BrownEye007]

Eminem
Rakim
Nas
Los

Edit: Jay-z isn't even top ten. No way he's top 4.