This is a page dedicated to MY top 5 rappers of all time. Lots of people may not agree with me and they may
agree with me but who cares? This is Leanard Thompson's top 5 rappers.
The number two spot goes to another Brooklyn native straight out of Marcy Projects. Yes, My number two greatest
rapper of all time goes Sean Cory Carter. Sean Carter was born December 4, 1969 in Brooklyn where he grew up. Jay-z just so happens
to be my most liked rapper also. Just thought I would throw that in there. Although Jay-Z is a few years older than Tupac, he did
not begin his solo career until 1996 when he dropped argueably one of the best rap albums out: Reasonable Doubt. The album was
an instant success for the hip-hop rookie promising him a very successful career. Since then he has released 8 solo projects including
pre and post retirement albums. He has been on a host of soundtracks, an unplugged album, and two duet albums with R. Kelly. Jay-Z stands
out with his swagg, style and keen sense of word play. The main thing that I think sets Jay-Z aside from most other rappers is
the "fact" that he does not write down his raps before he enters the booth. The whole song is off the top of his dome. Now who would have
thought the puns, the stories, the natural flow was not pre-calculated. I think that is amazing. Not only does he rap, Jay-Z is
the owner of sports clubs, CEO of Def Jam, part owner of a soccor team in England, part owner of the New Jersey Nets, Roc-a-Wear Clothing,
Roc-a-Fella Records, Armadale Vodka and many other companies which shows that he is also a successful buisiness man. In conclusion, my number
2 greatest rapper of all time is Jay-Z.
The number three spot goes to yet ANOTHER Brooklyn native. Seems like Brooklyn breeds rappers huh? My number two spot goes to
Christopher Wallace. Wallace was born May 21, 1972 and was later know as Biggie Smalls when his rap career began. Biggie was a fan favorite
until he and Tupac had what was known as the worst rap beef ever. Even during the "Mo money mo problems" era, Biggie supplied us with some of the best
underground and mainstream hits to pass the airways. Even though his discogrphy was truncated before the release of his second album (Life After
Death) by his untimely death on March 9, 1997, those two albums were classical. Another interesting fact about Biggie was that he was another rapper that did not
write rhymes. Jay-z and Bigie found out while recording thier 1996 duet on Reasonable Doubt called "Brooklyn's Finest". Records still spin today showing how
we will always love Big Poppa. We even hear alot of his writings in the backround of other songs on the radio since sampling seems to be so popular now.
Big Poppa always took pride in being "big". That is why as hip-hop fans, we will never forget the Notorious B.I.G.
The number four spot goes to the man named Nasir Jones, son of jazz phenom Olu Dara. Nasir Jones, know as Nas (or Nasty Nas), was born
September 13, 1973 in Queens, NY. Nas is most widely know for his debut ablbum, Illmatic. Illmatic showed the hungry and gutter side of Queensbridge that most people
had not heard about at the time. Since then, Nas has graced the listening ears with 7 solo projects. Nas is known for his one of a kind type
flow and his story telling of the "hood" antics. He has been known as a lyricist since his debut album and is still blessing our ears with new and
even better material. One thing about Nas is that he is always original and makes music according to what HE wants to do. Nas never fell
to being just an "industry" rapper to where he raps to the standards of the suits behind the desks. Nas raps for himself and the people. You just have to
love that. As some people say, Nas's career was heading down when his mother died since the rapper took it so hard and the fact that Jay-Z had publicly ambarrassed him
at Summer Jam and on his sixth solo album the The Blueprint. Instead, Nas used the passing of his mother and and the bad mouthing as fuel to come back and make
another classic: Stillmatic. Since then, Nas's problems with Jay-Z have been resolved and Jay-Z has even signed Nas to Def Jam. This is proof that we all can just get along.
My number 4 spot goes to Nasir Jones.
Last but not least we have the final spot in my top five. No this rapper is not from Brooklyn or even New York. The fifth spot on my top 5 goes to
Chicago native, Common. Common's (AKA Common Sense) real name is Lonnie Lynn Jr. He was born March 13, 1972. His rap career began in 1992 when he dropped
Can I Borrow A Dollar??? after dropping out of Florida A&M University. Though popular success was virtually nonexistent, he established a solid fanbase among
underground rap fans attracted to his witty lyrics and unique style. Common didn't have the big commercial success until 2000's Like Water for Chocolate. He released
two other albums between this album and his debut album which contibuted to his major label signing and strengthening his fan base. Once he had made it big, there was no stopping Common. He has
appeared on numerous soundtracks, and has recently lauched his acting career which is off to a great start. Since, commom's arrival, his style has been said
to be like no other. I see Common as the equivilant to the Neo-soul of Hip-hop. I like Common because he has also been all about making music for his fans and
himself which was reasoning to his slow signing to a big label since he is not a gangster rapper like most claim to be. One of Common's best and will be his most
remembered album is BE. The album was rated among the best ratings when it was released and was nominated for four Grammy Awards. My number 5 spot goes to Common.
Tupac
Jay-Z
Notorious B.I.G.
Nas
Common
Honorable Mentions
Now what would this be without honorable mentions. This list was so hard for me to make because there is alot of talent in the world. Below, I have my 10 honorable mentions for the top five awards.
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Tell me where I went wrong on here. I think I may need a little feedback. Don't get mad or be offended if your name or the name of your favorite rapper is not on this list. Remember, this is LENNY'S Top 5. Not the world. :-) Contact me on facebook through Lenny Thompson or on my Myspace page which has a link below.