Had this conversation at work today and thought right away about Ziggy and the other music fans here... I came up with a list and got looked at funny by everyone...
10. Left Eye - Maybe not a true "rapper" as part of a pop group, but when given the opportunity she really shined.
9. Biz Markie - Nothing stands out as a lyrical masterpiece, but still had some classics, and was a great beat box.
8. Eazy-E - From a pure legacy standpoint he deserves a spot, even if his rap style wont ever be confused with the greats.
7. DMX - Unquestionable run between 98-2000, was possibly the most popular rapper on the planet.
6. Big Pun - Could compete with anyone lyrically... even this next guy...
5. Guru - One of the most underrated lyricists ever, Premier and him created magic.
4. Juice WRLD - This is a hard one for me as a 46 year old who hates new music, but this kid's talent was immense and he had no ceiling.
3. Notorious BIG - I know, I know, but he wasn't a better pure rapper than...
2. Big L - The greatest rapper of all time, lyrically, stylistically, production, writing.. he is the model of rap music.
1. 2Pac - Simply because he was not just a great rapper, but transcended music into pop culture, film, television, and was just talented beyond belief.
Yes, I left off Heavy D, Coolio, ODB, Prodigy, MF DOOM, Craig Mack, and some others for various reasons.