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World|art & entertainment|November 18, 2015 / 09:43 AM
Billboard ranks top 10 rappers of all time

AKIPRESS.COM - best-bets-albums-eminem-650-430 On Sunday, Billboard published its list of the top 10 rappers of all time, which has since sparked countless debates on the Internet asking one question: how there is no Tupac in the list?

Billboard ranks The Notorious B.I.G. as the number one rapper, reasoning, "Unlike everyone else on this list, Biggie never dropped a single bad song, or a single errant bar." The magazine judged rappers based on their lyrical dexterity, ability to move a crowd, and overall rapping skill. This separates the winners from artists like "Dr. Dre and Kanye West" who don't match the mic skills of those listed here" despite their "legendary producer-artist" status.

The list begins with Lil Wayne at number 10.  Kendrick Lamar and Ghostface Killah come in at numbers 9 and 8 respectively. Then comes Lauryn Hill of The Fugees at number 7. Andre 300 of Outkast at number 6.  Nas comes in at number five, Rakim hits number four and iconic Detroit rapper, Eminem, locks in the number three position.

Writing about their number three choice, Billboard explains, "Eminem is one of the few who broke through to the mainstream, thanks to censor-stoking rhymes about rape, murder and drug abuse delivered in a tongue-twisting, thought-provoking way." Eminem's storytelling capabilities are best heard on his song "Stan."

Number two went to Jay Z.

Many were angered with Tupac's omission, as his influence over Hip Hop has been extremely wide spread and acclaimed. There has long been a debate over whether Tupac was more talented than Biggie, however, it seems that Billboard has staked its claim. Despite artists like Dr. Dre and Kanye getting special shout outs for their dual abilities, there is no talk of Tupac's lyrical dexterity, social consciousness, or thespian chops on the list. There is no mention of his influence over rappers they chose to incude, like Kendrick Lamar and Eminem.

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