I could talk for ages about this, but the problem with talking about this kind of thing is that
1 - There is no right answer
2 - most people cannot differentiate between their favorite and greatest
Things like impact, lyrical content, longevity, flow, voice, influence, consistency need to be considered.
A rapper from the last 10 - 15 years cannot be considered in a greatest conversation, come back after a 25 years career and then we can talk.
Greatest for me personally is Rakim. KRS One, Ice Cube, Guru and Chuck D would probably be next.
Kool G Rap and Masta Ace right behind them.
BDK, LL Cool J & Scarface would also be very high on the list. There is no right or wrong place to put them all on the list.
That's not to say they are the BEST emcees, Black Thought is possibly the best ever to do it, but his impact on the scene was restricted for a very long time due to never tasting that commercial success or recognition, though being part of one of the greatest hip hop groups ever.
Let's be honest, a lot of people didn't know who he was until whatever that show he's on picked him & The Roots up (Brooklyn Babylon is a decent movie he was in if anyone is interested).
A guy like AG is also up there for me but will never be considered, Q-Tip also. Kool Keith and Ice-T are top 5 all time favorites for me but will never on a top 10 greatest list.
Rakim, who I consider the greatest, would barely be in the top 10 for me.
Nas is another of the best lyricists on the face of the earth, with one of the dopest flows, and would probably be the youngest 'greatest' rapper alive.
Like AG there are others that will never be considered but are arguably more skillful emcees, guys like J-Live, Asheru, Lil Sci, planet Asia, MF Doom, Phonte.
Mos Def is one of my all time favorites as well, but he will never make the top 10
OK I'm waffling init
