1. SlugSlug is the best storyteller in music, period. He possesses an uncanny ability to express the subtleties of everyday going ons and to give life to otherwise mundane situations. Ant, the other half of Atmosphere, is no slouch in the production department either, so naturally, the two of them make some really good music.
If you haven't listened to When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold, you need to. Immediately. Even if you aren't a rap fan.
2. EyedeaMaybe I'm biased because Eyedea is able to articulate his anxieties, which really hit home with me. In fact, his writing is so on-point that I often find myself stuck in an Eyedea-binge hangover reflecting his lyrics, and often discovering new things about my own inner workings.
He is probably the only hip-hop artist that I feel truly comfortable calling a genius.
3. Andre 3000The grandmaster of stream-of-consciousness styled lyricism, Andre's managed to make it seem like there’s no filter between his subconscious thoughts and his voice on the track... and he manages to do this whilst flowing effortlessly to the beat.
4. EminemOverrated by the masses, and (perhaps due to the aforementioned point) underrated by music-heads. However, Eminem's level of satire, wit and dark humour are unmatched in all of music, this, paired with an obsessive focus on the technical side of rap lends credence to Eminem staking a place in any rap fans top emcees list.
Unfortunately, the second half of his career has rightfully tarnished his reputation, giving him one of the weakest discographies in this group of rappers.
5. Kendrick LamarThe latest in-fashion rapper doesn't really need an introduction, but surprisingly, the quality of Kendrick Lamar's music matches the massive hype he has garnered.
I eagerly anticipate any new verse he drops, let alone an album. Hopefully he continues his astonishing form at the top of the rap game and can go down as one of the greats.
Need to rewatch the trilogy sometime.