Top 20 Greatest Male Rap Lyricists of All Time

When it comes to crafting intricate stories and memorable lines, these rappers are second to none. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most influential and dynamic wordsmiths in hip-hop. Our countdown of the best rap lyricists of all time includes MF DOOM, Eminem, Jay-Z, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, and more! Who’s your all-time favorite MC? Let us know in the comments!
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#Rap
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#Lyrics
#HipHop

[@WatchMojo]

Who’s your all-time favorite MC? Let us know in the comments! For more content like this, click here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGibqJt5m7WSbMk Don't forget to play our Live Trivia (www.watchmojo.com/play) games at 3pm EST for a chance to win cash! The faster you answer, the more points you get!

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love your content guys 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@vishalkalicharan7710]

Please do Top 10 Games Yet To Receive An Adaptation (God or War, Bioshock, Strider, Fire Emblem, etc.)!!

[@lungaskosana7546]

Please let us know what criteria you use to list them

[@danyulwilliams9823]

My favorite is JAY Z!!! ❤️ 😊🤩 😍

[@SomeBag]

Big L missing

[@SomeBag]

Guru as well

[@iraford5788]

Agreed.

[@Sagefrakrobatik]

The Big Picture was superb. Especially the storytelling, also can't forget the punchline "Ask Beavis I get nothing But Head.

[@chisangasunkutu3693]

His career was too short!

[@da_top_dukuray]

Facts 💯

[@sa_wba8548]

Imagine not having Big L on this list 👎

[@brianjohnson8725]

I can think of a few that you missed like Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Ludacris, Killer Mike, Tech N9ne, T.I., DMX, Eazy E, Immortal Technique, Method Man, Redman, Common...

[@Taka-Kevz]

Hard to include those in a top 20. Maybe a top 100.

[@iLLWiLL510]

No

[@j.garcia548]

Eazy E don't belong there bro. Love his music, but it wasn't his lyrics he was spitting.

[@AntColeChannel]

Even with snoop…love his music but lyrical…he’s not 😂

[@thedevilsrockstxr2309]

Eazy didn't write shit, tryna be down ass

[@JoshR813]

Nasty Nas in your area, bout to cause mass hysteria.

[@C-130-Hercules]

🎤 RAKIM 👑

[@Ldyklr420]

🐐

[@iraford5788]

Definitely a goat 🐐 along with Nas in my opinion.

[@Ldyklr420]

@iraford5788 Everybody can't be the Greatest Of All Time. Being *the* GOAT is not just accomplishments, it's also influence and impact, and Rakim checks all the boxes... He's your favorite rapper's favorite rapper. Most of the dudes on this list cite Rakim as an influence and the reason they started rapping in the first place. FTR, Nas is *high* in my Top 5... I'm still waiting for *anybody* to drop something doper than Rewind.

[@iraford5788]

@@Ldyklr420 Literlly everything you just said about Rakim can be applied to Nas as well , as his first album illmatic alone checks all those boxes as well.

[@iraford5788]

@@Ldyklr420 Also Kool g rap , Big Daddy kane, Krs one etc also can be considered Goats as well as they all have the same influences as Rakim as well, and they are also your favorite rapper's rapper and rakim himself would tell you as they are all from the same era.

[@illson2019]

Didn't expect mojo to have a legit lyricist list. Respect

[@stephanodixon619]

Haha thought the exact same thing

[@bighogg1990]

Naww facts

[@Sagefrakrobatik]

This isn't the first rap list.

[@jinakaye]

@@Sagefrakrobatik It is their first rap lyricist list, though.

[@arch2567]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 legit list

[@ZaCrazy]

Eminem 7th??

[@kareemlawson878]

Yes

[@germanquesadaramos8665]

​@@kareemlawson878you a hater of em?

[@Historicutuber]

yeah I wouldn't put him any higher based on who's on the list

[@beccag420]

@@Historicutuber Yes but Jay Z is not better than Em

[@Historicutuber]

@@beccag420 yes he is if you wanna go album for album

[@magicswizzle88]

Gen z scratching their heads wondering who rakim is

[@kahlilpittman8404]

No tf we not 😂

[@robertgout530]

Nas being on number 1 is how it has to be. No debate 🔥

[@NowThatsPCGaming]

Facts!!!

[@takudzwamazwienduna]

I'm a huge Jay Z fan and I agree. Nas is the best lyricist ever. Illmatic is crazy, its a literal gold mine rappers still mine lyrics off from to this day!

[@genzboomer-sv3pl]

agreed

[@alexhughes4294]

NAS number 1! Let’s go!

[@realbano]

Eminem on 7.... ? Now I´ve seen everything

[@SteezKaytranada]

yall overrate the fuck outta that guy 😂

[@marioperez9394]

@@SteezKaytranadahell yeah he might not even be on my top 20

[@sojiroseta98]

Hes not better than the 6 ahead of him except maybe Jay

[@SteezKaytranada]

@@sojiroseta98 boi i would not even put em above krs and black thought 😂

[@germanquesadaramos8665]

​@@SteezKaytranadabrother you underrate the hell outta that guy

[@nyvarsitysports]

I’m not gonna spend time whining about the order. The list is lyrically honest. Fantastic work.

[@johnpenn]

seriously, where is Lupe Fiasco?

[@gatornation1209]

Thank you, finally someone with some sense

[@johnpenn]

@@gatornation1209 at the least #5. in the real world #1

[@barry4649]

100%, glad a lot of comments are calling for him. Number 1 by a mile to me

[@wcwcableful]

Right

[@thedevilsrockstxr2309]

​@@johnpennthts why he has to whine to be mentioned, last time he did tht....Lil Reese checked him

[@vs4ntroy421]

MF DOOM is a top 3 candidate with no questions, 19 is a fucking insult!

[@TM-cm3wg]

Word!

[@Reallybruh99]

Tbh you should be happy he’s even on here

[@Mr.Rabot6688]

No he's not stop lucky he made the list

[@Sagefrakrobatik]

He got surpassed by Lil Wayne

[@TM-cm3wg]

@@Reallybruh99 you mean he's not good enough?

[@duedadew]

How is MF DOOM not top 10??? I call shenanigans

[@Torbelini]

so u put aesop in intro and didnt include him on the list, bravo.

[@lokimonn240]

🥲

[@puffmyblunt]

@@lokimonn240 Right? WTF?

[@Sagefrakrobatik]

I mean it's not like there was some kind of study that showed he had the largest vocab of any rapper.....o wait.

[@MegaBlackboy88]

Solid list, but Jadakiss should at least get a honorable mention

[@wmstewart1179]

Where's Redman, Big L, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Raekwon, GZA,and DMX ! Why were Ice Cube, Scarface, and Ghostface Killa so low on the countdown!!

[@gaoussoukeita7289]

Keith Murray also is missing ...

[@JMSherrill1983]

Why is GangStarr not even on this list?

[@j.garcia548]

Cause Watchmojo is irrelevant when it comes to hip hop. They're better with Movies/TV & video games.

[@davedennison7386]

No shit?...ive just started watching....im hoping pharoahe monch shows up...

[@davedennison7386]

No guru, no pharoahe monch...

[@rezagorgin5707]

no Guru no GZA but they put lil wayne on their list and

[@jinakaye]

@@davedennison7386I'm shocked that Guru wasn’t on the list. I was thinking about him and Slick Rick while I was watching. No mention of either. 😭

[@heatnationwpb]

Q-tip/Phife aren't here I riot

[@Kakki82]

Yessss finally Nas at 1!!! My favorite the best

[@illmosity]

Pac as a top 2 LYRICIST is crazy. No. 15 Black Thought on this list is even crazier.

[@crystalfoureightsixtwo]

Black Thought's no.15

[@illmosity]

@@crystalfoureightsixtwo meant to say no. 15 lol

[@wiseguy240Winston]

Pac was more of a songwriter than a lyricist. There's better in that category, like Nas & Big L

[@barry4649]

100% but this list is appealing to casuals

[@katra777]

He was a legitimate poet. Give him 5 minutes and the he can craft the written word vocally is amazing. Have not seen anyone better. Also, it's nice to hear someone clearly. As far as a lyricist, I honestly had to try and look up the difference between a rapper and a lyricist. Many say a lyricist is traditionally a poet and a rapper is more of a freestyle. In that case, Pac is way more of a lyricist. @@wiseguy240Winston

[@av2018]

Much respect and love to all those that mention underrated MCs that doesn’t get much love like Big L, AZ, Cormega and Talib Kweli.

[@av2018]

Inspectah Deck, Black Moon, etc.

[@clintbreezy9627]

I’m impressed. You usually add in a bunch of no names only a few of your staff members heard of but you ACTUALLY filled this list with authentic lyricist but you guys REALLY ARE MISSING BIG L!!! Legitimately. And Rakim IS the birth of the lyricist. Still, great great job this time guys. RIP MF Doom

[@garretindall2820]

Thank you guys for putting Andre 3000 on here 🙏🏽

[@DJC-YTVideos]

Still like 5 ranks too low, lol

[@goodfellabeats]

Should be top 5

[@remberlopez615]

I don’t think we’ll ever get an accurate list of best rap lyricists ever they need to change a few rappers spots

[@PrettyboyHass_]

I'll throw Prodigy from Mobb Deep in this bitch.. hands down one of the best

[@tommybayer2351]

Nice diverse list

[@1neromusiq65]

Jay-Z ahead of Eminem is beyond me

[@danyulwilliams9823]

Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, MC LYTE, Run DMC BLACK THOUGHT, is one of my favorite rappers!!! ❤😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤️ 🤩 😍

[@jmos005]

Where’s Big-L?

[@seanmccombie6379]

Nas Rakim 3 stacks Scarface Kendrick Jada always been top 5 dead or alive but now maybe 6th

[@Reason4HipHop]

BRO! I am glad that you put my boy Ghostface on this list!!!!

[@willwildside]

Where is Classified? The guy has been in the game over 20 years. Nearly an album a year. With 1 dropped last week. When Eminem called for more Masta Ace, Classified made it happen. Eminem calls Pat Stay (rip) the best freestyle rapper...Class releases Super Nova Scotian featuring Pat, Quit while you're ahead features legends in Canadian Hiphop. When it comes to modern hiphop and lyrical diversity. Classified kills at least half this list. He might not be the best but he would be high on the list if list makers weren't sleeping

[@TeddyStrongBear]

Sure, I’ll give the crown to Nas. But, the list needs to include LL Cool J, Kool Moe Dee, and Melle Mel in the top 10….

[@Reallybruh99]

Hell nah

[@boozmiller]

Did LL get u with, "I'm notorious I'll crush you like a jelly bean" whack ass rapper

[@marshallharden546]

Y’all better pray that Melly Mell don’t see this

[@issajoke2437]

I hate when people say 2pac wasn't lyrical. To me, being lyrical means being able to paint pictures with words. What people really mean when they say Pac isn't lyrical is he used simple rhyme schemes. To other people, complicated rhyme schemes equals better lyricist but very few people had lyrics as powerful and impactful as Pac's and that's what makes him a great lyricist. I know he was on this list but i hear people say all the time that Tupac wasn't lyrical

[@indiacorbin23]

Nas always The 🐐

[@da_top_dukuray]

I love this list

[@jaydonwil1604]

I'm really surprised yall put Scarface on here. His tiny desk must have really helped a lot because he didn't get no respect on here before.

[@JayPro4620]

Love the top 5. No Lupe is actually a crime though.

[@slayrx]

Fire picks - Nas is clearly the greatest, but the order is completely off. Andre 3000, MF DOOM, Black Thought should be way, way higher. I understand the love towards Kendrick, but top 3? Above those names? Also Adding Big L and Lupe would have been dope.

[@chrisandre1315]

The top 10 greatest rap beefs of all time

[@kehindeoyegunle8920]

Great list. Can't argue wit' 12&3. Where is BIG Pun Big L , Black Thought & Busta Rhymes & LL Cool J also Guru f Gangstarr.

[@Sagefrakrobatik]

Can't wait to see what the needledrop has to say.

[@P-dub978]

Dylan better be on here

[@yungstarjc4094]

😂

[@DJC-YTVideos]

Dylan got at least 5 spots on that list

[@williamsummerson1204]

Respect to Mojo for this amazing list. Tupac will forever be my Goat. 🙏😪

[@jinakaye]

Loving the top 5, but there are some missing on the list (maybe expand to 30 top male rappers): Slick Rick LL Cool J Grandmaster Flash Kool Moe D Chubb Rock Biz Markie Ludacris Busta Rhymes Those are just off the rip. P.S. Glad Kanye isn’t on this list!

[@jpd9h2i7]

Why isn't Slick Rick on this list?

[@hiddentechno8266]

Some of the best rappers sure, just in the wrong order 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤

[@amonrodriguez3518]

Don’t know if I can trust watch mojo on this one lol

[@nikk796]

Nas is really the #1

[@franciscodeanda1530]

Angry mic was dope too

[@seanmccombie6379]

Just came to see Nas in the correct place

[@_nobodyxi]

Pac is an amazing artist and I understand your reasoning for putting him in #2 But he's not a better lyricist than most of these guys Also Eminem stans should quit complaining

[@prestonmcdowell9243]

There should be a part 2 to this there so many other MCs

[@ClauStf01]

Love kendrick,but no way in hell is he bigger than jay ,Em ,rakim

[@wiseguy3690]

It's a really good list, obviously Big L, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Guru, Talib Kweli, Redman, Method Man, GZA, Raekwon, Busta Rhymes, AZ, DMX, Slick Rick, Q-TIP or Common, also deserve a place but there are 20 and it's impossible for them all to get in (and someone is always is going to complain why someone is missing)

[@Reallybruh99]

Yeah we can all agree they may have missed a couple but it’s mojo what’d you expect me personally I think they did a great job. I didn’t expect them to have chuck d(not in my top 20 but still) Or G rap I didn’t expect them to put big pun or mf doom on here so there lost was pretty good.

[@tonyblackwell7544]

I'm here for the comments!!😂

[@Tremaine27]

How was this list put together? Album sells? Grammys? Word of mouth? Toss up? We need a recount.

[@franciscodeanda1530]

The God mc !!!,dammit all of them were super great!!!!Love that old school generation...

[@TonyBakercomedy]

Nas is my favorite rapper of all time. Im glad they got him in the top spot. 👑

[@JigInsane]

Im just starting this. But man this gonna either be a big hit, or a major miss. Lets get to it.

[@ninerdude4u]

K-Rino not being on this list is a crime!

[@BlenderStudy]

Thank you for the update, WatchMojo..!! For me, the greatest rap lyricist of all time is Sir-Mix-A-Lot. Famous for his 1992 hit "Baby Got Back," also released a lesser-known track called "Testarossa." The song showcases Sir-Mix-A-Lot's unique ability to blend catchy melodies with thoughtful and meaningful lyrics. "Testarossa" is a tribute to the iconic 1980s Italian sports car. The song's catchy beat and Sir-Mix-A-Lot's signature style make it a memorable and enjoyable listen, proving that there is more to the rapper than just his chart-topping hit about big butts.

[@jinakaye]

He's okay, but he's not the strongest lyricist. I happen to like “My Posse's on Broadway” and “Hooptie”, but those are more entertaining lyrics than skilled lyrics.

[@TheBernardPipes]

Whoever made this list needs to be fired and blackballed from ever talking about rap.

[@BCstyle01]

No Big L, Tech N9ne, or LL Cool J?!

[@barry4649]

Tech N9ne? 😂

[@shadyxv786]

12:24 Eminem No. 7???? Bruh I’m outta here 🚶🏽‍♂️

[@jordanbenson9094]

Nas number 1 is not a bad choice at all. Illmatic is one of my favorite albums ever

[@joshhardin666]

no hate to anybody on that list, iconic all... particularly eminem, biggie, and 2pac, but my favorite MC is MC Frontalot. He digs into nerd culture where I thrive and spits mad bars with all the lyrical tricks that you have to unravel for yourself (many of which rely on koans and a background with gaming and computers, comic books, tv shows, etc.) with a flawless flow. Optiumus Rhyme likewise would go on my list as well, flowless flow, something to say (about a reimagined future). oh oh , and i'm shocked that del tha funkee homosapian didn't appear on your list. epic flow, story weaver... love his album deltron 3030. also kind of shocked that coolio didn't make your list too, though ya'll seemed to concentrate on gangsta rap.

[@jelmukelabailucs4312]

Ain’t no way y’all put ‘em 7? Like 7? Marshall is a 3 top at best

[@iliketurtles8208]

Ok how tf is Lupe fiasco missing he very well could be number one

[@danyulwilliams9823]

JAY Z IS MY #1 FAVORITE RAPPER!!!! ❤️ 🤩 😍

[@ephetehemokgopanyane7165]

I know Cole and Drake fans are FUMING right now 😭😭😭

[@beaufonville4454]

Where's the "Top 20 Best Supervillain Teams" video?! #WatchMojo

[@michaelbullock8011]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ErickG4789]

Feel like LL Cool J should have been on this list.

[@b1646717]

This comment section will get spicy.

[@andytsui55]

might mos! RIP doom! mighty roots crew! public enemy number 1! soild list - thank you

[@doublea4012]

Knew from the jump Nas had to be one unless this list wouldn't be valid, was just looking for how you'd place Eminem Pac, Biggie, rakim and wayne

[@da_top_dukuray]

2Pac being number 2 is the best thing on this list because people like to act like he ain’t no lyricist, but all his music is great lyrics there’s more 2Pac quotables than any rapper, I’d make him number 1 but hey I ain’t watchmojo 😂

[@jinakaye]

I actually agree with their top 3 and the list covers the spectrum of rap lyricists. I think they should have went with a Top 30 instead of 20 so other lyricists could get shout outs! The fact Slick Rick, Common, Busta, Ludacris, Chubb Rock, LL, and DMX aren’t even listed is crazy.

[@Jerminaryfitness67]

Rakim deserve the first spot no one raps better than him without cursing Rakim does rap better

[@goodfellabeats]

List is missing Jadakiss and Big L. 3 Stacks should be higher but overall good list.

[@troyfew2373]

I know the comments are going to rip this list up

[@DJC-YTVideos]

Just here to make sure Big Daddy Kane got his flowers.

[@sojiroseta98]

Nas above all has stood the test of time 💯

[@travismcneil2780]

Salute 🫡 to my favorite rapper Nas at #1.

[@calvinhicks3348]

Mojo's top lists are jokes.

[@michaelgarcia3248]

Eminem 7th this list is wrong

[@gjergj124]

Lupe fiasco seriously not on here ?!

[@barry4649]

No way. I’m not going to watch if that’s the case. Undisputed number 1 for me, the guy is an alien 😂

[@gjergj124]

@@barry4649 agreed man

[@johnpenn]

for real

[@Historicutuber]

Good to see Weezy on the list!

[@austinfull8941]

Crime to put Aesop Rock at the start and not put him in the list

[@killingsoftly4819]

Jay z at 5 is wild

[@ibiebelearijamabo5409]

Nas well deserved

[@tristanpaul4492]

Crazy to put jayz above Eminem aha

[@GetInTouchTV]

lupe, AZ & pharoahe monch should be here.

[@DJC-YTVideos]

Monch not there is frickin' criminal.

[@Thomasthecreator98]

Ice Cube too low, Big daddy cane is too low

[@Hozuki16]

I'm impressed. I just skipped to number one because I just knew yall were gonna put eminem there I'm glad you didn't. He is very good and absolutely deserves to be on this list. Just not number 1

[@iraford5788]

Nah, Nas definitely deserves to be number 1.

[@Hozuki16]

@@iraford5788 I agree