24hourhiphop.com: Top 10 MCs of the Past Decade

His debut album ‘Reasonable Doubt’ reinvented new Hip-Hop and it was over 12 years ago. He has sold over 26 million units in the U.S. alone, plus another 50 million worldwide. When it comes down to his original lyrical matter, let’s be real, every album has something new, all his subject matters are vivid. He is the only artist to ever secure a $150 million contract period.  No matter how you look at it, this artist has accomplished many things in his musical and business career. He was once the CEO of the hottest label in the industry and now he’s about to run his own music label. He practically invented the paperless rap, that by far is quite an accomplish. Given the fact that him and the Roc literally dominated Hip-Hop for a good while.Hova has earned the number one spot as a successful artist and a businessman.

The former member of the Hot Boys and probably the initial heir to the Cash Money throne, he is the acclaimed best rapper alive and agreed upon by many people. You can literally say that he is a mixtape monster. Weezy is undeniably one of the rappers who is keeping Hip-Hop afloat. His lyrics have always caught you unexpectedly, whereby you have to rewind the track just to hear that verse one more time just to reassure yourself that you didn’t imagine what he really said. Over the years he has improved his lyrical content and has even surpassed levels many other veteran artists have yet to reach. Weezy and a few other artists are practically dominating the Hip-Hop scene now. His next album, ‘Tha Carter III,’ is by far the most anticipated album to drop this summer for the past two years. This album is even predicted to go Platinum its first week of release.

The Queensbridge finest came out just two years ahead of Jay-Z with ‘Illmatic’ and added that vivid signature style to what Hip-Hop is today. Nas still holds his claim that his debut had no major features and it is considered as one of Hip-Hop’s greatest albums. Even though he eventually lost the lyrical battle with Jay-Z, it still goes without saying that he is a lyrical genius. His ninth studio album will be released on July 1, the album is now self-titled.

4.Eminem

This artist is a lyrical assassin, a monster at his craft. Even though he has been dormant for the past few years, you still got to admit every album he drops goes platinum. Shady once said that anything he puts his talent to, the fans will buy, let’s be real, this is true. Between written lyrics and freestyling he is without a doubt an unstoppable force. It has already been proven that he never backs down from beef and is quick to respond. His next album which is still growing with anticipation is said to be his last.

5.Rick Ross

It was inevitable that the Boss himself would become a top notch MC in due time. Rick Ross has been on the grind for nearly a decade now and it wasn’t until 2006 when his single ‘Hustlin” rose him to stardom and inked him a deal with Def Jam, one of the hottest labels in Hip-Hop and R&B music. It goes without saying that his lyrical content is based on life experiences and his delivery is murderous. Ross is probably the one of the few artists that merge Trill and Gutta into his own rendition of commercial status. With his second LP on the verge of reaching Platinum status, this artist has been featured in practically everybody’s hit song. It’s evident that when you need a hard hitting verse you holla at the Boss.

6.Andre 3000 of OutKast

After 14 years in the game, the ATLien himself, one half of the infamous OutKast, Andre 3000 has always delivered those versatile lyrics. His unique, yet original style is what makes his music. There is no denying that Andre Benjamin is a talented artist that deserves a definite spot. Regardless of the fact that he hasn’t released any material for a good while, you must admit ‘The Love Below’ was an incredible album. Between OutKast and UGK, they are the only rap groups that are still respected today.

7.T.I.P.

The self-proclaimed King of the South, T.I. had the lyrics and the talents to rise to status that he is in today. After switching up his delivery and swag from his debut ‘I’m Serious’ in 2001, he took his artistry to a whole different level. The release of Trap Muzik gave him the credibility and earned him the title the Rubberband Man. Between ‘Urban Legend’ and ‘King’ you can tell that his lyrics have advanced. Despite the fact that he will have to serve a short time in prison, he is releasing ‘Paper Trail’ to keep us at bay until his release. T.I.P. is also amongst the artists keeping Hip-Hop afloat.

8.Young Jeezy

Here is another artist that’s murdering the mixtape scene as well as keeping Hip-Hop still in effect. Young Jeezy can be heard all over the place, his signature style is what sets him apart from everyone else.He is amongst artists like Wayne, Ross, and T.I. that’s keeping Hip-Hop alive. Thug Motivation gave a whole new outlook on the Trap and ATL music in general. This album introduced us to a different side of South music and kept the hype going until his second LP. Recently, he can be heard representing his CTE company and all over mixtapes as well. 

9.UGK: Bun B & Pimp C

With all due respect, both of these artists have earned the right to be considered legends in this game. We lost one, RIP Pimp C, but Bun B is still keeping the UGK reign in full effect. To be quite honest, there is not one artist in this game that doesn’t respect the Underground Kingz and their role in Southern Hip-Hop.

10.Chamillionaire

It is quite obvious this mixtape messiah has been overlooked and underestimated. Chamillionaire has won several awards over the course of his career and those that include Grammys, MTV, and BET awards. As a songwriter and a lyricist, his tracks have always had a unique style to them as his versatility switches from harmonizing to fast paced rapping, like that of Bone Thugs N Harmony.