I'd have to say Biggie here. I started buying CDs when the West and South were the major players. You know early Tupac, Geto Boys, 5th Ward Boys, Scarface, Spice 1, Ghetto Mafia, South Central Cartel, etc. And of course Death Row. Then everyone started talking about WuTang. I wasn't really feeling WuTang at first. Then Biggie released "Big Poppa". That song right there turned me on to East Coast and I have been a loyal listener ever since.
I got to see Big perform a couple times and he is just amazing. For a man that big to perfrom with such fire is really impressive. The second show I saw was when Junior Mafia was coming up. Biggie did his own set, then came out and did a set with Junior Mafia. He must have done at least 15 songs that night, I was quite impressed.
I love Tupac as well, but if I had to choose one I would go with Biggie because of how he opened my ears to a new style.
yo I rep the east coast to the fullest.........but I gotta say............
Tupac(same reason as B-Hove) AND Rakim........it's a tie......
so don't make me change it .....I can't!!!!!!
Atillah, I agree with you based on the criteria you listed, but....I don't think Eminem has a long career ahead of him. Most reviews on his new album (which I haven't picked up yet) are talking about his tired subject matter. Yeah, he's the king of flow, lyrical content and delivery but his topic matter is stagnant. We can only hear so much about how much he doesn't like his mother so many times before it becomes old. I can't see how he can come up with another album without changing his whole game plan.
He is hands done the best freestyler I've ever hear though. You hear him rip up those judges at the Freestyle Competition in Vegas? Unbelievable.
anyone who can write their OWN lyrics, their OWN music, and mix their OWN music is considered a full fledged rapper......
However if we are talking about just lyrical content I would have to say Eminem & Biggie had the best lines w/ Tupac having the best message........Just on a lyrical basis
On a musical note I have to say that RIGHT NOW all the producers from the south will make you bounce................ they take the cake for that ish....but DRE & Puffy also have something thats way more than others don't
LONGEVITY
which to me is a very important thing cuz it shows you can adapt and change styles without falling off........ Not to mention people don't get sick of hearing you............
1 more thing..... I truly truly truly believe the next wave is coming out of CHICAGO.....there are producers and artists in that city that are just exploding and I think you'll see them come up into the mainstream very shortly.......