Top 20 Greatest Male Rap Lyricists of All Time

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Published 2024-04-28

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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All Comments (21)

@WatchMojo 21 days ago

Who’s your all-time favorite MC? Let us know in the comments! For more content like this, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b78whCfP_6g&list=PLmZTDWJGfRq0ry2eaz-yUJx0ExXU8HMEX 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!
@SomeBag 14 days ago

Big L missing
@sa_wba8548 14 days ago

Imagine not having Big L on this list 👎
@brianjohnson8725 14 days ago

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...
@ZaCrazy 14 days ago

Eminem 7th??
@JoshR813 14 days ago

Nasty Nas in your area, bout to cause mass hysteria.
@C-130-Hercules 14 days ago

🎤 RAKIM 👑
@illson2019 14 days ago

Didn't expect mojo to have a legit lyricist list. Respect
@magicswizzle88 14 days ago

Gen z scratching their heads wondering who rakim is
@realbano 14 days ago

Eminem on 7.... ? Now I´ve seen everything
@robertgout530 14 days ago

Nas being on number 1 is how it has to be. No debate 🔥
@vs4ntroy421 14 days ago

MF DOOM is a top 3 candidate with no questions, 19 is a fucking insult!
@johnpenn 14 days ago

seriously, where is Lupe Fiasco?
@garretindall2820 14 days ago

Thank you guys for putting Andre 3000 on here 🙏🏽
@heatnationwpb 14 days ago

Q-tip/Phife aren't here I riot
@alexhughes4294 14 days ago

NAS number 1! Let’s go!
@Torbelini 14 days ago

so u put aesop in intro and didnt include him on the list, bravo.
@nyvarsitysports 14 days ago

I’m not gonna spend time whining about the order. The list is lyrically honest. Fantastic work.
@JMSherrill1983 14 days ago

Why is GangStarr not even on this list?
@av2018 14 days ago

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.