11. Honorable Mentions:
- Kendrick Lamar
- Ice Cube
- Jay-Z
- Joe Budden
- Lupe Fiasco
10. Lloyd Banks
Labeled by his fans PLK (Punch Line King), considered (by far) the most lyrical & underrated from G Unit, praised by big names such as Kanye West, Ryan Leslie, Eminem... Very smooth flow, and always expected to deliver most. A young and loved emcee whose fans wish to see get even higher in the list.
09. Brotha Lynch Hung
Considered by many to be the best "underground" rapper, underrated, unique style, talented and genius as labeled by his fans and peers. Known by mid-big names in hip hop to be a master of his dark craft and often dazzling first listeners.
08. Eminem
There is probably no other rapper in the world with a name like this, just a feature from Eminem will boost your sales (and interest) by +50%, often considered the best rapper alive, with an impressive line of hits and records sold, with the addition for his talent of story telling, Eminem is undoubtedly one of the most respected Emcees of all time.
07. Rakim
Often considered a pioneer for evolving lyricism and metaphorical rhyming. One of the first rappers to be undoubted about his talent, Rakim's delivery makes people use his name as if they were speaking about shakespeare, with "The 18th Letter" considered to be one of the top classic rap albums of all time.
06. DMX
By many, considered to be the Realest in the game, often praised for his fierce delivery and his true love for hip hop. One of the only rappers that can cross one foot into pop without risking any integrity or compromising his perception. DMX is often seen as a hardcore gangsta rapper, the best of its kind.
05. Tech N9ne
Undoubtedly and repeatedly told to being the most underrated rapper of all time by his fans and peers. a hard rapper to challenge on a collaboration track and a pure genius with connecting words, hip hop heads are always eager to hear with Ninna has under his sleeve.
04. 2Pac
There is not a lot to say except 2pac is more than any other considered the best of all time, a poet to many, a legend to some. 2pac has inspired generations of rappers, musicians and producers. A name that will never be forgotten, a fighter against the system.
03. Notorious B.I.G
You can't talk about Respect in hip hop without thinking about Biggie. This man was the king of flow, style, rhythm, lyrics. Often gaining respect from fans and rappers alike and forever praised by his brutal contribution to hip hop. The first one to be loved by all types of listeners.
02. Nas
When 80% of top 10 lists of rappers and albums have you in number 1. With "illmatic" being considered one of the top classics, and often puzzling people of what Nas does next. This lyrical and mysterious monster can always deliver. Sometimes even to much, finding it difficult to top himself. Yet, Nas is never one a hip hop fan will never turn its back on.
01. KRS One
The hip hop teacher, The one whose opinion is the strongest, the one admired and feared by all, one of the best battle emcees, freestyle emcees, rappers in general. When it comes to respect, your favourite rapper's number one will most likely be KRS One, he brings truth to the game, stabilizing and keeping control when he is needed. The Philosopher of Hip Hop. One you can never back-stab or fuck with. A symbol of respect when it comes to the rap art.
