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Hip-Hop veteran Nas has named his favorite ten rap lyricists, including the late Notorious B.I.G. and Lil Kim, and what song best illustrates their emcee skills.
Featured in Rolling Stone, Nas breaks down who makes his Top 10 list.
1. “My Downfall” – Notorious B.I.G., 1997 -The lyrics are about how he’s acing the shadows of death, despite all of his success, and he’s giving it to you in a way that makes it seem so real. 2. “If My Homie Calls” – 2Pac, 1991 -He’s just saying to his boys that he’s going to be a friend no matter how big he gets. 3. “Road To The Riches” – Kool G. Rap & DJ Polo, 1989 -The way we’re rhyming now? He was already doing it then. 4. “A Bird In The Hand” – Ice Cube, 1991 5. “Paid In Full” – Eric B. & Rakim, 1987.
Nas also threw Lil Wayne, Rick Ross and Slick Rick in the mix.
6. “I’m Single” – Lil Wayne, 2010 -I’m recently divorced, so I feel what he’s saying. 7. “Tears of Joy” – Rick Ross, 2010 -Ross is at the pulpit here. 8. “The Moment I Feared” – Slick Rick, 1988 -It’s cinematic. He’s at a hip-hop show and ices this girl who played him, then he’s in prison getting violated by some dude. This was unheard of. 9. “Empire State of Mind” – Jay-Z, 2009 -This song is huge. It sounds like Broadway. It’s New York’s modern anthem. 10. “Queen B*tch” – Lil’ Kim, 1996 -At the time, females rappers didn’t appeal to the street, but Kim came with the vulgarity, sexuality and gangster sh*t.
Do you agree with Nas top 10 list?
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