The King of New York/East Coast Hip Hop: Past and Present
Biggie was a special, talented artist who's brief career led critics and fans to label him as "The King of New York" as far as East coast hip hop goes. But who has taken over his rule as leading rapper? I count the candidates down 1 through 15. |
| 1 | Jay-Z
Musically and commercially, Sean "Jay-Z" Carter is it. The feud with Nas only boosted his popularity, and besides a few flop albums, the man can rap and create a hook like no one can right now. The Blueprint, Reasonable Doubt, and The Black Album are gems. Jay Z is The Kings of New York. |
| 2 | Nas
A close second to Jay-Z but Nas simply hasn't been able to put out as consistent material as Jay has. Still a god on the mic, Nas is the clear runner up with an outstanding reputation of ability for his lyricism and flow. |
| 3 | Mobb Deep
Two men with amazing ability, Mobb Deep are number 3. They're still kicking out albums and keeping fans wanting more. Good group. |
| 4 | Rakim
Although the legend hasn't been making as frequent visits to the studio as he used to during his iconic stint with Eric B on Paid in Full and other of the duos early albums, Rakim deserves this position simply due to the memory of his early and revolutionary hip hop. New album expected this year will be one to keep an eye on. |
| 5 | Mos Def and Talib Kweli
The two have pursued solo projects to great acclaim but the number five spot goes to them due to their outstanding musical outings. Excellent duo. |
| 6 | Kanye West
Although not specifically native to New York, West's productions in the Big Apple with artists such as Talib Kweli have been very succesful, and simply due to his prestige as a rapper (although not an East Coast rapper) his skill earns him the number six. |
| 7 | 50 Cent
Came out of nowhere with an insanely popular debut major album, 50 has continued on to delivering two more hit albums. He went from rags to riches to become one of the most famous rappers of our generation, getting him the number seven spot on this list. |
| 8 | The Roots
Diverse and energetic, the Roots politically and socially aware lyrics and solid albums make this group special. Highly listenable and entertaining. |
| 9 | Common
Great mc and songwriter. |
| 10 | Raekwon
Three wu-tang members made the cut but they all appear seperately. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is one of my all time favorite albums. |
| 11 | Public Enemy
Late 80's early 90's hip hop political legends, Chuck D and co. are still doing there thing and making great music. |
| 12 | Ghostface Killah
Outside of the Clan he hasn't been as succesful as some of his other counterparts such as method man and ODB but the Killah puts out solid albums and has an accomplished talent for rhymes. |
| 13 | A Tribe Called Quest/Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes collaborations with Quest led him on to a succesful solo career, but the Quest's influence on East Coast rap was essential to keeping hip hop alive and well. |
| 14 | Method Man
Probably the most commercially succesful of all the Wu-Tang solo efforts, meth has a distinct style and him and redmans collabs make for good songs |
| 15 | Lauryn Hill
One of the top female hip hop artists of all time. The Fugees are sorely missed as well as her musical ventures with the hit album The Miseducation and her double unplugged lp. |
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