What Makes an Artist Great to You?

[James R.]

Some people are all about lyrics, others are all about flow, some are all about how many hits they can produce. But what makes an artist GREAT to you?

When I think of a great artist I think of someone who's real, unique, and uninhibited. I don't like when people TRY to be deep or TRY to be hard. I just want them to be who they are and have some ill lyrics and a tight flow to present themselves.

[mcZu]

As some of you already know (especially James), I'm a big fan of lyrics. IMO lyrics should come first. But I could never listen to something that has no flow ofcourse, a good flow and delivery is a MUST even if you are lyrical. And a great artist to me should be someone I can relate to aside the punch and bragging shit. Overall an artist should be technical enough, a good vibe and people should be able to relate to that artist. That's what makes an artist great.

[Lil Pimp Tell 'Em]

Someone deep.. shit that makes you think .. a great example would be Lupe.. where he knocks down the flow, the lyrics, and he just inspires you and makes you think.

Of course, I'm also down for the occasional non sense rap such as the Waynes, the Drakes.. etc. but I wouldn't call myself a fan of Waynes or what ever.

[Muchacho21]

Geeeeeeeezz tough question..
Lyrical content & delivery, songwriting, voice, longevity, work amount & quality, and overall impact.

[Dr.Lecter]

a great artist to me is anyone who can consistently paint an accurate picture with words that shows the emotions of the situation or place they're trying to portray while coming across with a genuine and/or original flow.

[macdaddy019967]

someone who changes their hair color, makes fun of gay people, has that I don't give a fuck attitude, must be white, have great lyrics, and has a mixture of emotional, inspirational, and angry music

oh wait thats eminem

[DrRapid]

a great artist to me is anyone who can consistently paint an accurate picture with words that shows the emotions of the situation or place they're trying to portray while coming across with a genuine and/or original flow.

This.

The more original and diverse the artist is in his songs, especially within its time frame, the better. The more themes the rapper covers the better. Just as long as he/she keeps a good solid flow and he/she includes at least a little technical skill (you know what I mean) in the lyrics then it's all good. The voice is also important, to me it has to stand out as well.

[slimsoxshady]

An artist is great to me if I have to always rewind all his new songs over and over the first time I hear them. I can only think of 5 right now (Tech N9ne, Eminem, Lil Wayne, Chamillionaire, and Tonedeff). I don't know if I do that with a whole lot of rappers so that's a good sorta "category" for me personally.

[°[~CHR!$~]°]

flow is very important...clear pronouncation and a unique style....passion in his voice

[Arabian Shady]

i think he/she (yes she) should have an accpetable level of all traits that you mentioned,like lyrical ability,flow,swag.. and most important of all should be that the artist should have a fine division on underground and mainstream tracks, i mean there shud be sumthin for every1

[classthe_king]

If i can feel the emotion in the song as the artist is presenting it. But they of course need good lyrics and good flow. Best exapmle, rock bottom.

[firepower]

An artist who Is great at everything, flow, lyrics ++ everything

[Evanz19]

Obviously, the have to be half decent in the fields already mentioned, but the number one thing for me charisma and confidence. Like what Run-DMC, N.W.A or Tupac had/has. I mean Ali was a great fighter, but his confident personality made him the G.O.A.T, and thats why people like Snoop and 50 have been successful too.

[InfInIte REnEgadE]

originality...bein true to themselves... sick flow, delivery, lyrical content. multies. someone that consistent. i dont like rappers thatll drop a hot track and then next time i hear another track from them and its complete shit. someone to relate to. just a great overall artist, im pretty picky with picking favorite rappers.

tech n9ne, eminem, lil wayne but absolutely hate some shit, b.o.b., 2pac, biggie, luda

[Ice_Scarred]

If they have Desu. The more desu the better the artist.