This is a list of the
top rappers from late 2012 to mid 2013.
1)
Kendrick Lamar(4)- There’s no doubt that K.dot has been
the top rapper in this year long stretch. His album Good Kid Maad City was a
classic, and a borderline masterpiece. Since then he’s been featured on a lot
of albums. He also did a dope B**ch Don’t
kill My Vibe Remix with Jay-z. I don’t think K.Dot will hold this spot in
the next list but who knows.
2)
Kanye West(3)-The former chart topper, is back in
familiar territory. Yeezus was a great album, but he’s also this high for Cruel
Summer. I think Kanye is arguably the best rapper alive but the next rapper on
the list would have something to say about that, as well as big brother Jay-z.
3)
Nas(1)-Nas fell, but not far. Life is Good was
excellent. This year Nas has still maintained a presence. He is a constant in
the rap world like Jay-z who unfortunately didn’t make the list this time.
Nasty Nas is one of my favorite rappers for good reason.
4)
J. Cole(11)-J.Cole jumps ahead several spots; primarily
for his Born Sinner album. I predict it will be a top 3 album this year. The
album is really really good. He’s also had some guest spots from late 2012 to
now.
5)
Kid Cudi(back on list)-Cudder is finally back after a
predictable drop off. Indicud was a very good album. Cudi also had some good
features like on Yeezus. I don’t think KC will stay in the top 10 if he doesn’t
drop Man on the Moon III soon. However Scott is a very talented rapper, so we’ll
just have to see.
6)
Big Boi(back on list)-Big Boi of Outkast never ceases
to surprise me. His Viscious Lies and Dangerous Rumors album was great. That’s the
main reason he’s up this high on the list. I don’ t expect him to stay in the
top 10 next time if Outkast doesn’t release and album.
7)
T.I.(b.o.l)-T.I. came back hard with Trouble Man: Heavy
is the Head album. The album was very varied, as T.I. combined his old style
with his current one(the one from King and then on). The King of the South is
far from done, but I don’t know if Ludacris will get back on the list.
8)
Game(6)-Game continues to freefall, but he’s still in
the top 10! Jesus Piece was a good album….but not his best by any stretch. Game
has had a strong presence in the rap game for a while now. I don’t know what’s
next for the “Messiah of Gangster Rap”
9)
Ghostface Killah(new)-GK is up here due to his 12
Reasons to Die album and a very strong guest verse on Cruel Summer. He is the
only one representing Wu-Tang this time around on the list.
10) Nicki
Minaj(8)-You can’t deny her ability to stay relevant as Nicki dropped Pink
Friday Roman Reloaded (The Re-Up) which was a decent album. She has been on
numerous albums since then as well. Last time Nicki was 8, and before that she
was ironically #10 . She’s not only female rapper on this list though.
11) Talib
Kweli(b.o.l.)- I was very happy to see Talib back on this list. Prisoner of
Conscious was very good, even if it’s not his best effort. Despite that Talib
Kweli is still a force to be reckoned in Rap.
12) Rick
Ross(7)- Ross has been a really good rapper since about late 09 and 2010. His
2012 album God Forgives….was very good. I’d rate that album the same as Game’s
Jesus Piece album. However Ross finds himself out of the top 10 this time
around.
13) Tyler,
the Creator(new)-I never thought this crazy rapper would ever make my list. He
toned it down on Wolf, which is one album I really liked in early 2013. He hasn’t
had many guest features, but I wouldn’t put him in the top 10…too much competition.
14) Chance
the Rapper(new)-Chance the Rapper came out with a mixtape called Acid Rap that I
really like. That was all it took to make the list. He’s kind of taking Big
K.R.I.T.’s spot, unfortunately.
15) Joe
Budden(new)- I am really proud of Joe Budden. His solo album was pretty good,
but his presence was certainly felt on the excellent Slaughter House album in
2012. Joe might be in the top 10 next time, we’ll see.
16) Eve(new)-
Eve is yet another “new” rapper for the list. Her comeback album was pretty
damn good. Lip Lock showcased her skills. Nuff said.
17) A$AP
Rocky(new)- A$AP Rocky is a talented young rapper. He has a weird style, but
his album was really good. I predict he will either climb a spot or 2 next time
or be off the list.s
18) 2
Chainz(20)- 2 Chainz has jumped 2 spots. He’s been everywhere. His debut album
wasn’t all that but he is a force to be reckoned with now.
19) Lil
Wayne(same)-Lil Wayne didn’t go up or down this time. His album I am not a
human being 2 was ok, and at this point I think Wayne is about done. He will
likely be off my list next time….
20) Lupe(2)-Its
sad to see Lupe fall back this far. However, it makes sense since his 2012
album was great. He hasn’t done much since then however. Started at the top,
now he here! (lol)
