Top Ten in
my books, Hip Hop.
1. Christopher Wallace (Biggie Smalls)
Biggie was by far the most active East Coast rapper of his generation, even though he had the whole west coast to compete against. He managed to sell more albums than most of the West Coast rappers, which created a mass amount of songs dissing each side. The main rivalry was between Tupac Shakur and Biggie. This led to the shooting of Tupac and shortly after took the life of Biggie in another drive by shooting.
- Was only an active hip hop artist for five years, yet he managed to sell 17 million albums.
- He began producing hip hop at the age of 19 years old.
- Sold 17 million albums within 5 years of his short life, which sadly ended at the age of 24.
2. Lesane Parish Crooks (Tupac Shakur)
Tupac led the West Coast with his rapping capabilities. He created poetry in songs he produced, and was an actor aside from being a hip hop artist. Not only was he an actor, but he was a poet, a producer, and he also was an activist. Tupac was attacked in a drive by shooting in 1996 after a show in Paradise, Nevada at the age of 25. Following his death, his mother took over his record label and continued to sell millions of albums, keeping the spirit of Tupac alive.
- Killed in retaliation to the "beef" between the East and West Coast at 25.
- It is believed that Tupac still lives and faked his death to escape the media.
- Tupac lived 6 days after being shot several times in the shooting in Nevada that ended his life.
3. Lamont Coleman (Big L)
Big L was Harlem rapper that represented the East Coast, along with Biggie Smalls. Although the two never produced a track together, they were from the same side so they did support each other. Lamont only produced one album before he was killed at age 24.
- Was considered the 23rd best MC in the time he was alive.
- Died from a combined 9 gun wounds, all penetrating the head and chest.
- Started free styling in the neighborhood at age 12.
4. Marshall Mathers (Eminem)
5. Andre Young (Dr. Dre)
6. Vic Mercer (Celph Titled)
7. Filipe Coronel (Immortal Technique)
8. Christian Webster (Chris Webby)
9. Nasir Jones (Nas)
10.
Vincenzo Luvineri (Vinnie Paz)
I included information and facts about my top 3 favorite hip hop artist. The other seven artist are artist who have started out as or are still underground artist. In defense to the seven which information wasn't included, Marshall Mathers and Andre Young sold more than all of the other artist combined. I have a passion for hip hop music and I have a lot of respect for people who compose it. The most amazing messages have been included into songs composed by these individuals, and most of them discuss things that pertain to their lives.