TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

T-ROC — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:16:18 GMT

NOW, that's a top 5. Rza was not afraid to go outside of normalcy with this list.

Great picks. Smooth how he slid Wu-Tang in the list.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

HOT97 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:17:09 GMT

Finally..No B.I.G and Jay-Z on the list....For once somebody thinks differently....

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Rosco! — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:20:04 GMT

I agree wit t-roc but at the same time.....u gotta have at least one of em......u kno big and pac.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Ms_JoiBella — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:25:35 GMT

yeah right, G Rap is the man, he's one of the most forgotten greats. nah he aint for everybody but just listen to his shit and listen very closely cause can't too many MC's can fuck with him. good top five RZA

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Flampro — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:25:37 GMT

Http://www.FLAMPRO.com/

Yeah this is a good one finally i have no complaints.

http://www.flampro.com/

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

T-ROC — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:28:45 GMT

@ Rosco!

That's the point my dude. He went outside the box with his list.
See the whole hong with putting Big & Pac on your list is; we already know they TOP 5. It's like asking a N!66@ in the hood if he eat Chinese food. It's a given. Like after the first 5 yrs of Big & Pac death, you say they name. Now it's a given.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

T-ROC — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:32:33 GMT

@ Ms_joibella

Word. I never really understood G Rap. But, son nice one song I digger from him was uhhhh man the one with AZ ( where in re video they were coming down the double sides stairs ).

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

n.e.n.o.s. — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:39:43 GMT

i respect any mans top 5, but by this being the rza some niggas wont hate.

@ahh

when yall gonna hit some other regions of the world.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

HOT97 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:42:23 GMT

T-ROC said:
@ Rosco!

That's the point my dude. He went outside the box with his list.
See the whole hong with putting Big & Pac on your list is; we already know they TOP 5. It's like asking a N!66@ in the hood if he eat Chinese food. It's a given. Like after the first 5 yrs of Big & Pac death, you say they name. Now it's a given.

HOT97 SAYS: Yeah i agree 5 years after they have past, enough already.....

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

ROGADOMIS — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:47:54 GMT

I always like to hear RZA and GZA,and actually Ghostface drop jewels in interviews and I ain't a WU fan.While I personally feel RZA has lost his "beat game",his top 5 is a breath of fresh air.On another note,I think BIG and PAC keep popping up on peoples top 5 list because,you had a generation who were about 11 or twelve around that 94 era and those dudes were getting all the"real press",video spins,and Mag covers.We have never had"proper Historical"account of HIPHOP so,"whoever is getting all the air play or vid and track spins"is the man.
Unfortunately there are 'DOZENS' HipHop groups and artists with good material just sitting on shelves and lost MP3 files waiting for potential fans to listen,WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Bill_Blass74! — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:51:05 GMT

Sup Bobby Digital!

I can respect that, but drop that WU album.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

dsoule — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:51:41 GMT

Simply a good list.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Sim — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:52:06 GMT

I can respect that top 5.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Savoy East — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:53:26 GMT

HE DEFINITELY RIGHT ABOUT DECK, HE DON'T GET HIS PROPER JUST DUE, I KNOW HE AINT FOR EVERYBODY, BUT LYRICALLY DECK WAS UP THERE IN HIS PRIME, HIM AND PRODIGY WAS MY NIGGAZ IN THE 90'S, BOTH OF THEM WAS SPITTING VENOM ON EVERY TRACK THEY GOT ON......... ESCO THE BEST EVER, KISS TOP 5 RIGHT NOW, G-RAP WAS THE ILLEST OF HIS ERA, HIM AND CUBE WERE MY FAVORITES OUT OF THAT ERA, EVEN THOUGH I THOUGHT KRS WAS THE BEST.............. AND OUT OF THE THREE WU MEMBERS HE PUT ON THE LIST, GZA WAS PROBABLY THE MOST GIFTED WITH THE PEN, REAL TALK, GHOST WAS THE ILLEST OUT THE WU, AND RAE WAS THE SLICKEST, AND MADE ONE OF THE BEST CD'S EVER, WHICH CLASSIC CD WAS BETTER, CUBAN LINX, LIQUID SWORDS, OR SUPREME CLIENTELE???????????????? IRONMAN WAS A CLASSIC ALSO, YOU COULD THROW THAT CD IN THE MIX......... GOOD HONEST LIST RZA, I WISH YOU, PRIMO, LARGE PRO, SALAAM REMI, AND MAYBE 9TH WONDER AND KANYE HELP MAKE THE NEXT NAS ALBUM, AND YOU WILL HEAR THAT FIRST 3 ALBUM NAS, EVEN THOUGH I THINK HE GOT BETTER, IF THAT'S POSSIBLE............................

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

presedential — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:55:51 GMT

THATS PROBABLY THE BEST TOP 5 IVE SEEN THUS FAR. NO, ITS NOT A GIVEN TO HAVE BIG, J OR PAC IN YOUR TOP 5, ITS NOT A REQUIREMENT, YES THEY ARE TIGHT, SOME OF THE BEST, BUT NOT THE BEST.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

chocol8b0y1da — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:01:03 GMT

I can dig that list. Its good to see someone put Jada in they top 5.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Sovietnam — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:02:37 GMT

IF he would have named 5 members of the Wu Tang Clan, i would not even be mad because he actually explained why and broke it down. fuck it!

Gza

Rae

Ghost

Deck

Dirty

That was a good list from a grown man. All the new rappers on here sounded like little boys. Think about it.

Now if yall can only get a west coast rapper.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

TruthInScience — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:11:27 GMT

Rza is right, Inspector Deck "Truimph" verse i would dare say is in my top 5. The first verse, of the first single of the first incrediable double album.

I bomb atomically, Socrates' philosophies
and hypothesis can't define how I be droppin these
mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery
Flee with the lottery, possibly they spotted me
Battle-scarred shogun, explosion when my pen hits
tremendous, ultra-violet shine blind forensics
I inspect you, through the future see millenium
Killa B's sold fifty gold sixty platinum
Shacklin the masses with drastic rap tactics
Graphic displays melt the steel like blacksmiths
Black Wu jackets queen B's ease the guns in
Rumble with patrolmen, tear gas laced the function
Heads by the score take flight incite a war
Chicks hit the floor, diehard fans demand more
Behold the bold soldier, control the globe slowly
Proceeds to blow swingin swords like Shinobi
Stomp grounds and pound footprints in solid rock
Wu got it locked, performin live on your hottest block

Between that and "I gave You Power" by Nas and "E.T." by Outkast, man they just make verses like that anymore

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

SaluateYaGeneral — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:16:21 GMT

RAE DROP THAT NEW LP

WHO REALLY THE BEST RAPPER SINCE B.I.G. AIN'T HERE

YALL KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT WHEN KISS AIN'T HERE

IAM>>>>>>>>STILLMATC

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

SaluateYaGeneral — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:16:21 GMT

RAE DROP THAT NEW LP

WHO REALLY THE BEST RAPPER SINCE B.I.G. AIN'T HERE

YALL KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT WHEN KISS AIN'T HERE

IAM>>>>>>>>STILLMATC

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

AkdmkJeanius — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:19:04 GMT

Jada's body of work doesn't qualify him for TOP 5 placement in my opinion. Kool G. Rap either.

I respect the rest of his placement. And WU-Tang is easily the best HIPHOP group of all time in my opinion. Total package, bar none.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

IronHorse — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:19:28 GMT

Thats why the game is so sour now, when people discuss the different aspects of hip hop or their "top 5" you only hear a handful of names every time, and its always the commercial cats.
The Internet version of "NY hip hop" is more than just jay z nas or 50, none of this shit started with them, they evolved from everything RZA is talkin about!! G rap is top 3 on at least 1 of their list if not all 3, guranteed, especially Nas fif....
Talkin about take Kool G raps name off ANY greatest list, espcially to someone so rooted to the origins and the REAL history of HIP HOP ,not rap, thats like telling him to disown his father or some shit...I mean get real....if YOU dont know the drill thats 1 thing but to flat out say take G Raps name off like its a major error shows your lack of hip hop as a whole...its like where were you back then bro? LOL....and what was YOU listening too?
For us it was about anti-commercialism. we wasnt pressured to ONLY love kane & rakim or G Rap either, see we coud like all 3 of them and it was ok.
G rap was kickin that street shit when hip hop was still 100 and that still ment something and there was no you tube or pop crowd to front for...shit you COULDNT front AT ALL, bite off niggas, NOTHING...
He was an MCs MC thats why he still poppin today.
yeah I know you dont wanna hear about it but fuck it, all these old NY rappers you dont wanna acknowledge started some of the things still going on today and cats who came up under the originators pay homage everytime...excellent choice RZA...G rap is 6th on my top 10 all time list....
Wu Tang.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

AkdmkJeanius — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:25:18 GMT

IAM>>>>>>>>STILLMATC

Overall entertainment value - yes!!!

That "I AM" album is a classic!

It's NAS most complete album in my opinion. It regins supreme in both underground and popular culture. He had only ONE misstep on that album. The rest of that offering was PERFECTION!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

JayAllah — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:32:03 GMT

good top 5.. i was waiting for wu tang members lol gza is one of the best raekwon had the best album and ghost had good albums, ironman supreme clientle big do rehab my fav fishscale..

inspectah deck probably has the best verse ever on the triumph beat...

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

BLUNTBLAZER — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:33:08 GMT

FINNALLY A EAST COAST CAT SHOWIN LOVE TO KOOL G RAP WHY YALL SLEEP ON DUDE SO MUCH

NEVA FORGET OSCAR GRANT RIP

"FUCK THA POPO CAUSE THAT 39% TAX I PAY DONT GET ME NUTHIN BUT A CHOKE HOLD AND SOME PEPPER SPRAY"
-E40

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vascBlzwYo0

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Water Ur Seeds — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:35:48 GMT

I wouldnt have Ghost up there, GZA n Rae defo deserved up there, they My fav Wu members... Big The Abbot

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

cristobolcolon — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:40:09 GMT

a respected list...well thought out...surprised by the jada pick.... gotta admit RZA is left field guy, thought he would have hell raizah or killah priest or someone else up there but this is a really solid list...also like the kool g rap pick

c/s Ms_JoiBella he is a underrated great...just think he is a BIT too early for the internet age fans

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Who Dat — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:41:07 GMT

"He went outside the box with his list. "

Its not that he went outside the box...its more like he actually KNOWS hip-hop!!!Its as simple as that!!When niggas get to screamin that BIg Jay and Nas shit in their top 5 I automatically know the extent of their hip-hop knowledge. There is like a whole segment of rappers that are overlooked that are just as good or better. And to the nigga Fertyu who said take G Rap off your list....go smack the shit out of yourself because G Rap was the first nigga on that thug shit lyrically going in-that nigga was the first to be killin it with the multi-syllables and patterns....its niggas like Fertyu who probably werent even around when shit was taking place....but have opinions. Stop!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

junclassic — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:44:12 GMT

Interesting choices Rza!!

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.8443/title.free-download-the-late-nites-early-mournings-ep-by-junclassic

http://www.urb.com/permalink/4718/MP3:-The-Late-Nites-and-Early-Mornings-EP.html

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

geelopez2002 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:48:14 GMT

Where's KRS ONE in all this man???? Ill put him at the top! He'ssoooooooo underrated its disgusting!!!!! BRONX STAND THE FUCK UP!!!!!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Vicdamone X — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:08:04 GMT

No mention of METH out of the WU?

^^^Top 5 Flow of all time!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Tupacfan — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:12:54 GMT

I can't be mad at his top 5!

I likes that!

And ghostface is my fav outta all the members but they all my favorite so I can't front! Nas has always been in my top five, and the entire wu comes in 4th on my top 5.. With 3 being rakim and 5 being ice cube..
I can respect rzas top five tho..

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

InfamousMobstar — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:16:15 GMT

great list.. if i was comein wit that list ghost woulda been higer, but its not my list...

im shocked i figured everyone would be on here bustin out top 5's talkin bout thats wat they look like and shit... guess u jus cant dissrespect the rza like dat...

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

nercity07 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:18:22 GMT

I don't agree with the list, but I respect it. Rza is a legend in the game and worked with legendary rappers.

Yo, shout out to the dude that copied and pasted Deck's lyrics.

I wish I could have been in the studio when the rest of the Wu heard that verse dropped. That shit was so hard I forgot half of Meth's verse afterwards.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

TheKnowledge — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:19:30 GMT

HOT97 said:
Finally..No B.I.G and Jay-Z on the list....For once somebody thinks differently....

^^exactly. I'm so tired of these cliche Big, Pac, and Jay-Z lists. niggas tryin too hard to be politically correct.

I dug this list. Ghostface and Kiss are both in my Top 10. Nas is the only dude from the list in my real top 5. GZA's in and out of my Top 10.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

drewhood — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:28:05 GMT

DOPEST TOP 5 YET, ITS COOL TO SOMETHIN DIFFERENT.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

ChevyGyrl08 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:29:13 GMT

I like his list. I like individualists.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

BAHIR ALLAH — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:29:30 GMT

NICE LIST IT'S HARD TO NARROW IT DOWN TO 5 FOR ME BUT BIG PUN IS AT THE TOP PERIOD.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

EST — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:30:27 GMT

Good list

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

ChevyGyrl08 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:31:05 GMT

I cosign his Jadakiss. He does have an aura about him that I couldnt figure out. Now I know what it is. He does seem like a old head. Like he started learning about life at a young age.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

OnDeckMeno — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:33:47 GMT

I stopped following most of the muthafuckas he have on his list when I got in the 9th grade but they was fire before that. Jada got hip to him in 95 always hot and blazing love the dude video when those kids are doing the Harlem Shake. Very Decent list rza.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

TheLight — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:40:09 GMT

Of all the Top 5 D.O.A's this is the only one I feel is truly substantial...all the rest are mere regurgitation of what niggas got shoved down their throats. RZA gets love for this one. I don't necessarily agree with the choice of Kane over Rakim, but I see where he's coming from.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

TheLight — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:41:37 GMT

***Typo...I meant G Rap over Rakim*********

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

D.O.C — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:52:36 GMT

At least it's different

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Shtaylor — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:56:49 GMT

I will agree that kool G Rap was the first I ever heard rap about the drug the game on Road to the Riches, the video was dope. After that scarface bought a more detail insite on the drug game on the geto boys album.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

wutangfan — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:00:09 GMT

Good list. I know he wanted to say the WHOLE Clan. A lot of people shit on G. Rap but you gotta listen to his lyrics. Better than just about anything out now. And for all the drug rap he was one of the first with that.

WU TANG FOREVER!!!!!!!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

practicallyafool — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:13:06 GMT

OKAY RZA'S TOP 5 IS GREAT, AND HIS. TO RESPOND TO THE "BIG AND PAC" RHETORIC IT'S OKAY!! BUT AREN'T WE ALL DIFFERENT, C'MON NOW BE YOURSELF.

LET IT BE KNOWN I WOULD BE HARD PRESSED TO FIND ANYONE ON THIS SITE WHO COULD DISCREDIT MY TOP 5. NOW I AIN'T GONNA GET INTO ALL THAT RIGHT NOW, BECAUSE THAT'S NEITHER HERE NOR THERE.

AND TO REALLY ROCK A WORLD, MY MAN CAPPADONNA SAID "MY DRESSCODE CHANGE EVERYDAY OF THE WEEK!" AND THAT IS A GOOD DESCRIOTION OF MY TOP CINCO.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

BlackPeople 1 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:32:17 GMT

these columns never gettin old.

he was mad humble leavin himself off the list.
member that "impossible" cut off wu-forever?

"fusion of the five elements..."

shiddd rza nice in his own right.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

one-time — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:33:17 GMT

the abbott top five is on point, but she should have included Cappadonna in wit the WU. Cap rhyme similar to Ghostface....But still nice picks......

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

EastOakland_Roy — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:50:45 GMT

NEGRO PLEASE!

-Me

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

THUGLIFER — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:05:50 GMT

So I feel the Pac comments. But look at the claims of only GZA and Ghost doing the dual meaning songs. My Girlfriend kills all it. White Mans world kills it. If you really check all of it out, without an east west syndrome. Pac was the best all around. Political, Lyrical, and especially the show. No other artist in hip hop can rep a show with that much energy except KRS. And what happened to that? RZA and GZA was even doing righteous rhymes back in the day because of Kris. I know rappers got to keep up they cred by picking these pseudo gangster jada/nas ni**@s, but how do you put jada over Pac or Big. He was trained by these ni**@s. 91 to 96- 5 years and made over 20 albums worth of music. No one to this day can fkk wit it. Big was 94, so I hate yall even place them in the same category. I feel you based on the beef, but that's the only connect. Souljah's Story, Get Around, Brenda, all before these cats was out of they rap pampers. Big respect to RZA and GZA been down since the red parrot and shit. revolutionary thought GODz.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

djmikel — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:07:14 GMT

Long time reader, first time posting.

IMHO, the "Old School" isn't represented enough in a lot of these Top 5's. I've been a hip-hop fan since the mid-late 80's. I actually still have cassette tape versions of a lot of the albums that I consider classics from those years. I do notice a lot of the same artists winding up on these lists. Not taking away from any of the current artists, but their inspiration had to come from somewhere.

Styles, attitudes, and events continue to change my personal Top 5. Hell, I can't even say Top 5...not inclusive of all the great albums that are out there. The following is a list of albums that I personnally think are the best of what hip-hop has to offer. Most of these are older, but as I mentioned earlier, current MC's got there inspiration from somewhere.

1. Public Enemy - Yo! Bum Rush the Show, It Takes a Nation of Millions, and Fear of A Black Planet
2. Eric B. & Rakim - Paid In Full, Follow the Leader
3. EPMD - Strictly Business, Unfinished Business
4. Jungle Brothers - Straight Out the Jungle
5. Ice Cube - Amerikkka's Most Wanted
6. Boogie Down Productions - Criminal Minded, My Philosophy
7. Slick Rick - The Great Adventures of Slick Rick
8. N.W.A. - Straight Outta Compton
9. Big Daddy Kane - Long Live the Kane
10. De La Soul - Three Feet High and Rising, De La Soul Is Dead
11. Black Moon - Enta Da Stage
12. Brand Nubian - All For One
13. The D.O.C. - No One Can Do It Better
14. Gang Starr - Step in the Arena, Daily Operation, Hard to Earn
15. KMD - Mr. Hood
16. Main Source - Breaking Atoms (Nas first time on an album, if you didn't know)
17. MC Lyte - Eyes on This
18. Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Mecca & The Soul Brother
19. Stetsasonic - In Full Gear (The first Hip-Hop Band)
20. Special Ed - Youngest In Charge
21. Ultamagnetic MC's - Critical Beatdown
22. Del Tha Funkee Homosapien - I Wish My Brother George Was Here
23. Pharcyde - Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde
24. Naughty By Nature - Naughty By Nature
25. MC Shan - Down By Law

Again, in my opinion, all quality albums (where you don't have to actually skip tracks and can listen all the way through.) If you've never heard one of these, take these as recommendations and an introduction to some great hip-hop.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Mello77 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:10:27 GMT

Can't knock Rza's list.........it's a good list........Nas and Jadakiss to me are dangerous...especially Nas you gotta admire the creativity that Nas bring to the rap game......that's why it makes me mad when I hear 50 cent and Jim Jones talk shit about Nas cause them dudes are not capable of being creative like Nas and I think it messes with their mind......to the reason they talk shit....they can't do what he does......G Rap is a forgotten great, was real surprise to see him in the top 5.....Jada is tight period.....Dude got tight flow...I wish he would of got with a decent label so he consistently bring out tight music......Ghostface is a dude that would be in my top 5.....lyrically he's nice and consistent, all his albums were tight, even if they sold or not......he kept coming with tight jams..."Only Built 4 Cuban Linx" he did shine...but his solos was good....."Ironman, Supreme Clientele, Bulletproof Wallets" are really good albums.....

Tight list, can't argue with that...
~Peace

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

DJ TEKNISION — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:12:36 GMT

WHAT NO BIG OR PAC? WHAT IS RZA DOING HE MUST DON'T KNOW HIP HOP!!! RZA NEVER HAD A HIT IN HIS LIFE....

I"M JUST JOKING Y'ALL......PEACE TO THA RZA.

http://djteknision.podOmatic.com
THE REAL DJ BREAK NEW ARTIST.........

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

WhoIsPaulPierce — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:13:01 GMT

BP1 now this is a list...mofos say Kiss don't belong on there, well he's pickin kiss for a reason...but of course I like this list I got three of the artists he mentioned in my avi!!!

“Africans robbing n****s up in yellow cabs, waving their arms musty like Arabs.”

From staircase to stage to minimum wage soon to get an article in rap page!!! Aw man that incarcerated scarfaces bid is pricelessssssss

Nice top 5

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

NightFall914 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:15:02 GMT

That’s my top five right there, not to mention Inspector Deck. Inspectah Deck is one of the most under rated MCs out of all MCs if you take his verse from “Triumph” alone G. That’s got to be in the top twenty verses ever written!

Truth

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

WhoIsPaulPierce — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:17:26 GMT

djmikel where's a tribe called quest?!?!?

I see that main source on there...Live at the bbq!!!!

and pharcyde damn they are slept on

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

djmikel — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:23:58 GMT

@WhoIsPaulPierce

To be honest, I got tired of typing. If I didn't mention it, the list was not inclusive by any means. ATCQ is definitely a no-brainer. If it matters, I had some of the other members of The Native Tongues!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

snoopdog44144 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:33:20 GMT

@DjMikel

yo.. how you gonna make a top 25 albums ever without A Tribe Called Quest.. (Low End Theory) and (Midnight Maruaders) were better than 75% of your selections...
and only one Ice Cube album? where's (Lethal Injection) and (Death Certificate)?

and where is (Return of The Boom Bap) by KRS?

Del was nice but that whole album wasnt a classic..

Where's Group Home (Livin Proof)?

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

snoopdog44144 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:38:57 GMT

I like RZa's list.... but Jadakiss top 5 dead or alive , naw dawg.....Styles P is better actually.. Gza is a clever MC and i have 3 of his albums...Wu tang was the shit back in the day.. I still fucs with GHostface... Big Daddy kane is in my top 5 too...
But i still think KRS ONE is the greatest next to Rakim... But i like to see where peoples minds are... good list!!!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

BlackSean — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:40:59 GMT

Finally.... sumone got it right!!!

Took The Abbott for sumbody to shine light on G. Rap & KANE

"Ill Street Blues" & "Wrath of Kane" read like Psalms to me... love how he dapped his Clansmen too (esp GZA & Deck)

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

djmikel — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:42:22 GMT

@snoopdog44144

The list wasn't meant to be all inclusive (or a Top 25 for that matter)...there are multiple albums from some of the artists on there (32 albums to be exact.) Just some of my personal favorites. All your selections are/were great as well!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

mr.201973 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:42:39 GMT

I-IGHT

http://www.amalgamdigital.com/artist-details.aspx?id=2119

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

snoopdog44144 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:44:12 GMT

inspectah deck is cool but his first solo album was disappointing.. His best song was "Troubled Man"... But he can spit though.. Canibus is better though

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

anzee11 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:45:20 GMT

I respect this Top 5!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Vance Cooke — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:08:53 GMT

Im guessing all the old ass NY nigguhs is rejoicing to this list........I think its straight myself and true to his taste

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

rein_iz_king — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:19:32 GMT

check out my new record "ROCK LIFE" artist "REIN"

youtube search: "REIN ROCK LIFE"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_2PJh9nxN8

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

snoopdog44144 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:24:41 GMT

Some Slept Albums

1. Lootpack (Soundpieces)
2. Group Home (Livin Proof)
3. PMD (Shade Business)
4. Redman (Dare Iz A Darkside)
5. Jeru the Damaja (Wrath Of the Math)
6. Defari (Odds & Evens)
7. Canibus (Rip The Jacker)
8. Canibus (Mic Club)

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

snoopdog44144 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:28:35 GMT

these were some good albums.... Im surprised CL Smooth or Grand Puba havent made anyones top list...

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

poe — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:34:37 GMT

interesting, I don't disagree with Kiss

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

daz156 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:43:32 GMT

LMAO @ all you young uns that don't know nothing but Big and Pac - What no Big and Pac ???? GTFOH with them two cos they over rated as hell especially Pac. In fact i think its mad people who are really into RnB that dig Pac on that tip, cos i know mad hip hop heads that just aint feeling him, BIG was good and he had a great flow and voice BUT Puff ruined that and turned him into something he wasn't really. If you have seen the footage of a very young Biggie roasting that dude on the block just flowing, that there is Biggie, not what he turned into- Frank White. I aint agree with Jada though, KRS or Rakim should be up there and Nas could be replaced with Ice Cube or Scarface or (waits for ridicule) Grand Puba

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Cresent City Connektor — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:53:56 GMT

Abbot,

Bhudda Bless you!!!

Best and most honest-worthy "Top 5" list I've seen on here yet!!!

WTC 4 Life
Long live Da Clan!!!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

TheGovernment — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:59:48 GMT

Wu Tang Forever......

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Shine_407 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:00:39 GMT

How can anyone consider Grand Puba as one of the best ever. Can anyone even name 5 of his best songs. I think RZA did a great job summerizing his choices. I didn't agree with Jada but respect his thoughts.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Hoeyuno — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:07:01 GMT

Nice list....and I totally disagree with yall sayin you gotta have at least one, big or pac.....Its fuckin opinion people

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

EDOGZ818 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:22:30 GMT

1) KRS-ONE
2) kOOL g RAP
3) WU TANG
4) Fight the rest out:
Pac , BIG, Jigga , Big L , Big Pun ? , JadaKiss , Eminem & $00.50 ( For getting $$$ , not skillz )

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

djsplitimage — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:41:30 GMT

my top 5:

1) BIG PUN - I mean let's keep it real, you wanna talk lyrics & flow, have ya'll really listened to both the Capital Punishment & Yeeeah Baby albums? Caribbean Connection is still my favorite track..."WANNA RUMBLE WIT THE PUN HUH? (BRRRRRRRRRRRT) SHIT ON THE WHOLE INDUSTRY!

2) E.P.M.D. - this one was a toss up between them and run-dmc, for two reasons, first off I wanted to put a group in my top, and second because I feel that Run-DMC while have more crossover appeal, I think played to that crossover too much while E.P.M.D. really kept it thorough even when they did the song "Crossover", and who could forget the HITSQUAD! (PERSONAL SIDENOTE: ERICK SERMON>>>PARRISH SMITH)

3) Jadakiss - If you're going off of length of time in the game, Jada deserves as much mention as even B.I.G. (blasphemy to some but he "...did real songs wit B.I.G. no made up shits..." Lyrically, to me, he's unfuckwitable but all that's lacking is the marketability like B.I.G. had. Jada is too hood, but then again, that's one of the reasons why he's on my list.

4) Big L - EBONICS!!!!! NUFF SAID!!!!

5) KRS-One - No disrepect to anyone doing their thing now but who was really fuckin wit Blastmaster in his prime? He was the kind of MC that was of the "shoot first ask questions later" mentality. He's toned that down somewhat now a days, but he's still got it, still lyrical as all hell, still with a certain BX swag that part I'm smarter than you mixed with I'll end your career in 16 bars or less if you test.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: BLACK THOUGHT from Roots, very very slept on, lyrical, creative rapper......Canibus, just listen to his verse from the Lost Boys track "Beasts From The Easts" and you'll understand. Between that verse and Cappadonna's verse on "Winter Warz" those two are probably up there for best single verse ever.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

odoggz — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:51:12 GMT

G Rap was WAAAAY before his own time and by the time he reached prime, rap was about the swagger that heads mentioned the Kane had. At that time we had a series of so-called 'smooth' rappers coming out and well G Rap was NOT smooth, just fierce. The complexity of the style and to get over the lisp to spit it, priceless. I think as the music moved more towards the 'showmanship', 'selfishness' and drama/image as part of promotion and marketing, actual lyrics meant less and less to rap. So real lyricists lose out on Top 5s due to dudes with more showmanship or who had presense/popularity.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

smackabitch — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:03:38 GMT

GOOD LIST RZA IM GLAD YOU AINT JAYZ OR BIGGIE DICK RIDING! MY TOP 5 WILLIE D ,MYSTIKAL,BIG DADDY KANE,KRS1,AND K-RINO.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

the_great_are_gone — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:37:39 GMT

I must admit, it's a different top 5 from what I usually see. Respect for RZA for something fresh.

However, I don't see why everybody is "finally no BIG an PAC". I understand that it gets a bit boring if they are on everybody's list but that doesn't mean they don't belong up there.

My fabourite rappers is B.I.G. no doubt, his debut album "Ready To Die" that shit went hard, real hard, I still bounce to that almost everyday, and not just the tracks you saw on television like "Big Poppa" and "Juicy" but the tracks like "machine gun funk, ready to die, me and my bitch, gimme the loot, unbelievable" it took a while before I got used to some of those kind of beats (I am a young one after all, growing up with mainly synthesizer beats as they use them nowdays) but the more I listened to it the more I was like "damn!!!" I could listen to almost every track on that album a 100 times a day and still not get bored which not even jay-z and nas managed to do to me (especially their laters albums)

The 2Pac, now respect to this guy, he had a short carreer yet put out more albums then any other rapper who outlived him by more then a decade. However, that is not why I think he is great, he is great because he switche up his styles. Sometimes he came aggressive on the track, then he talked about respect for women, then he spit about just being laid-back before he went back to rapping about shoot-ups, drugs and bitches. I mean shit, he basically rapped every aspect in the game, conscious rap, violent rap, ganglife rap, you name it... there are only a very few rappers who done that, most rappers just keep talking about the same things over and over again and I'm like, dude give me something new. I heard you talking about killing people, dealing drugs, fucking bitches, getting money, you been there, done that, try something new.

I have been thinking about who I would put in my top 5 and I've decided that I just can't because I would always leave someone out who deserved to be there.

So here comes my top 10.

1. Rakim - crazy wordplay, mad flow adaption (he could spit fast, then slow it down, speed it up, stop it and restart within a matter of seconds)

2. Ice Cube - he just a raw muthafucka that spits fire on each track

3. B.I.G. - smooth flow that just makes you wanna spit on the beat with him

4. Big L - freestyle God

5. NaS - he can spit like no other, you hear him drop a verse and you look like you just got hit, you be like "hell no, he didn't". However, I have to say that the last couple years I don't know what to think of him, his albums suck (though I still have most of them), he might still drop sick verses but his selection of beats get worse each time it seems...

6. Jay-Z - he is a bottle of wine, he gets better as the years pass by. However, last couple albums were disappointing as well, mainly due to beat selection. However, I heard some track of "The Blueprint 3" and that shit's hot, you might not like his new selection of beats because it's different but you cannot deny it's good.

7. Raekwon - what can I say? This guy speaks for himself, all I need to say is listen to Only Built 4 Cuban Linx and you know why he is here.

8. KRS-One - just a classic

9. Kool G Rap - When I heard his "Brother on the Run" I was like "wow", he laid it down so vividly that I felt like I was there with him. Moreover, he has some other incredibly dope tracks

10. 2Pac - I explained why

By the way, this list is not in a specific order ot anything.

Peace

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

the_great_are_gone — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:45:49 GMT

by the way when I said "6. Jay-Z - he is a bottle of wine, he gets better as the years pass by" I was referring to his lyrical capabilities not the quality of his albums.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

JUDAH NAZURA — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:14:43 GMT

see didnt I tell yall niggaz just yestersay about kool g rap?

didnt I just say that when raekwons and Gza album dropped..what the fuck were yall listening to?

didnt I just say Nas lyrics are stupendous..

I just said all this yesterday on this forum....

Niggaz dont ever send shots at me about this hiphop shit....

Ans wutang 4 life!!!!!!!!

wheres killa 2 theb and bp1..

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

IamLegend305 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:30:55 GMT

SMH at niggas only being happy with his list because it's different lol

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

DooksP — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:48:17 GMT

Can't Argue With Rza On This.This Top 5 Is Straight.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

KevdaNoizemaker — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:51:58 GMT

Rakeem is pretty accurate with this list. Fuck Jay Big and definately Pac. when u start talking about emceeing take all the commercialism out of the equation and it turns into a different ballgame. Pac had commercial success and some messages in his music but none of his songs never made me say "DAMN THAT NIGGA KILLT THAT SHIT!!" B.I.G. had a good flow and was a good emcee but he is only talked about like that too cause he is dead and Jay is a biter and niggas have forgotten that that was a cardinal rule to never break in hip hop and he does it faithfully. I want all the G. Rap naysayers to listen to Road to the Riches and think about the year being '88 and listen to this guy rhyming. That 20 year old song is killing most everything done these days. All these guys RZA named have at some point in my life say "DAMN, THAT NIGGA KILLT THAT SHIT!!!"

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Its_BX_NYC_187 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:58:49 GMT

Good List....

This Video Is For Everyone On AllHipHop... Since Everyone Likes Promoting Their Music On Here... Here's My New Video... I Want To See What The Real Hip Hop Heads Have To Say And What All The Haters Have To Say Too...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbrFrEZvGTs

http://www.youtube.com/user/CRISISBX

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Drills — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:02:38 GMT

Nice list until the bias came in to play. But top 5 is hard. Start a top 10 list with 2 honorable mentions.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Howard McFly — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:16:54 GMT

well his list is his like your list is yours

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

theillseed — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:24:14 GMT

slightly odd that rakim didnt get a mention

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

coon66 — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:31:24 GMT

Why nigggaz got to go out they way to NOT pic BIG or PAC? Is they not in the top 5?? If the question is not pick a top 5 with the exception of Biggie and Pac, then pick em... wtf it is what it is. I understand where some of yalll coming from but a top 5 DEAD OR ALIVE includes them unless specified! Unless someone can name 5 dead excluding those two.. exactly so if a nigga want to put pac or big in they top 5 so be it....

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

MRGODBYROAD — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:59:56 GMT

PEACE TO THE GOD RZA!!!!!!!!!!!
BEST LIST EVER!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

EALurking42long — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:12:29 GMT

COON66:

The list says "Top 5 Dead OR ALIVE..." Rza just happened to choose 5 mahfuckas who are ALIVE. Is there an unwritten rule that states that both BIG and Pac HAVE to be on EVERYONE'S TOP 5?!? Pac wouldn't be in mine... They both should be in atleast a Top 10, but rap existed BEFORE them cats and there have been many talented rappers besides them 2.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

R G — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:13:03 GMT

Jadakiss? Ok, its different to say the least. But RZA had my dude on here Bid Daddy Kane. That muthafucka was fly as shit. He was a dancing and rappin cold ass mofo. Niggas was not fuckin with Kane of G-Rap for that matter. G-Rap was as gangsta as.

I see some cats asking about other regions, but we didnt really have to many representa's out around the late 80's or early 90's. I'm talking about us Southern Cats. I know AHH gave Slim Thugga some shine about 2 months ago, hopefully they'll get back around this way.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

coon66 — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:41:57 GMT

EALurking42long said:
COON66:

The list says "Top 5 Dead OR ALIVE..." Rza just happened to choose 5 mahfuckas who are ALIVE. Is there an unwritten rule that states that both BIG and Pac HAVE to be on EVERYONE'S TOP 5?!? Pac wouldn't be in mine... They both should be in atleast a Top 10, but rap existed BEFORE them cats and there have been many talented rappers besides them 2.

I aint trippin on his list or anyone else's. Im just saying people make comments because people put pac or big on they list like its a sin to do so.. I mean it says "your" top 5, feel me... its the persons opinion on who is the top 5 so why give people flack for putting them two on the list.. P.S. Biggie aint in my top 3 or Jay-Z

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

DC.dmv — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 02:07:05 GMT

His top 5. Good list. My Top 5....

Jay - chris paul
Nas - d-wade
Cube - d howard
Face - josh smith
Pac - king james

I will put that line up against any top 5.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

NelsoNetic — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 02:40:06 GMT

Wu-Tang 4 ever

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

J-Tigga — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:41:39 GMT

As for his Wu-Tang picks: he had the exact same lineup as i did as far as the best members of the Wu. Only difference was i had Ghost before Raekwon. And he also included Inspectah Deck as a 4th. Same as me. He knows his peeps.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

THUGLIFER — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:44:03 GMT

Done seen too many murdered from this gaaaang bangin
Homiez died in my arms wit his brains hangin
Fucked up... I had to tell him it was alright...
But thats a lie... and he knew it when he shook and died..
("my god")
And even though i know i'm wrong maine.....
This hennessey make a nigga think he strong maine......( from Lord Knows)
Either yall just some fake old ni88@s, or you never really listened to Pac shit. I'll give ni**@s a chance to listen to Lord knows. If yall don't think Pac the greatest yall never really was in some serious street shit where ya homies was fukin bleedin over that real shit ya fake old ni**@s. Even BIG told PAC he inspired big to rhyme. ya'll need to quit that fake old shit. And since when yall thought it wasn't trickin if you got it, old clown a** ni**@s.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Squareone1 — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:12:37 GMT

Think too gza is one the best emcees of all time, but will never get the credit because he's not standing next to bad bitches with a pimp cup or a fucking chain the size of texas. The nigga is still ill, not sure about Jada, he's top 10 nigga,but top five? this nigga would be my 6th man not a starter. Co-sign G rap.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

EDOGZ818 — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:14:58 GMT

@bx 187:
PRODUCTION WAS WEAK, BEATS MAD SIM & VIDEO WAS WACK.

Flow was better than the above , so I see a future 4 you. Mature as an MC & be sober / str8 when recording. Read daily.
Good Luck !!!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

EDOGZ818 — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:23:37 GMT

@ Thuglifer:
True rap , but who inspired Tupac? Who did he call / look up to / look too?
KRS-ONE

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

payme100favors — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:29:03 GMT

Chuck D (He made It Takes A Nation Of Millions)
Heavy D
Slick Rick
Grand Puba
CL Smooth
MC Ren
Rakim
Parrish Smith(early EPMD days before the breakup)
Redman
Kurupt

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

billy_gramz — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:10:43 GMT

I can fuck wit RZA list... shows you an older nigga wit Kane and G Rap on da list...mad respect for Jadakiss to be mentioned wit G Rap and Kane.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

ElCrackIngles — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:17:21 GMT

Finally!!!!!

a top 5 that isnt selling out to the latest bull**** !

blends old skool right through to the more recent ..

what makes ghost an them so tight is there new concepts..they werent afraid to come out with the new Shit... and man they did that with style! FO REAL!!!!!!!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

MD-2-BX VIA I95 — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:44:20 GMT

Bob Diggi keeping it 100

SUPREME CLIENTLE WAS THE BEST WU SOLO ALBUM
ONLY BUILT FOR CUBAN LINX WAS THE BEST TILL GHOST
RELEASED SUPREME CLIENTLE..

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

JIMBUCC — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:08:46 GMT

why is it smooth he trew the wu in the list, now for all u "they always say pac and big" as niggas yall the ones that went off on maxb for the bull shit he pulled of why not say the same for wak as rza yall some new york dick riding hoes off top

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

El Terrible — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:10:22 GMT

Ghostface finally gets some rec'

He's up there with Rakim when it comes to dopeness and originality.

I'd like to see Redman on someone's list too, his solo work is in a class of it's own... one can't help but think he influenced Luda's career.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

sound hustlaz ent — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:19:49 GMT

Now that was a true Vet to this hiphop game top 5. Of course ur going to put Nas in ur top 5. But alot of people dont talk about Kool G Rap and Kane How? Two dudes that were wayyyyyy ahead of there time Kane wit his smooth flow and G Rap wit the street tales come on man. And the Wu is just the Wu on of the best groups to do it other than Run DMC. Good List Rza

www.myspace.com/soundhustlaz

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

ImILLY — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:24:22 GMT

top5 dead or alive:

1- 2pac (best there ever will be)
2 - Jay
3 - Jada
4 - Big
5- Eminem

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

NightFall914 — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:35:16 GMT

lol....interesting how many of y'all repeating the same thing.

I'm curious though. Why do you feel the previous artists all just threw in BIG, PAC, etc......so you REALLY think they don't have them as their top MC's????

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

BoozeD — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:37:06 GMT

jada is one of the greatest spitters, but hes lacking the albums imo at least to be mentioned first like that, altho bootleggin fucked his first joint up there are a lot of unreleased tracks that are classic material, it goes like this for me

nas
big
ghost
jay
az

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

SEVERE SWAGGA — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 00:40:52 GMT

NOT A BAD LIST ..BUT HOW CAN HE PUT B4 NAS DAS CRAZY..

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

KingDuboyz — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:30:16 GMT

Good list peace king

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Max Most — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:36:25 GMT

It never ceases to amaze me how so many people leave Chuck D off their list. With young heads, it's excusable, cause a lot of y'all were infants, or weren't even born yet in '88. But I'm always taken aback when I see anyone over the age of 34 who doesn't give Chuck his just due.
So I'll come right out and say it- Chuck D is the greatest emcee EVER, simply becausehe was the single biggest influence on all the other MC's who influenced all the rest.
Exhibits 1, 2, and 3: Tupac, Ice Cube, and Scarface.
When Pac first came out with "Brenda's Got a Baby" and "Trapped", his style was so obviously cribbed from Chuck D's that it would be two more albums until he developed his own voice. There is footage of 'Pac on In Living Color rocking a P.E. tour shirt.
Ice Cube, ditto. Even Dre has gone on record as saying N.W.A. was styled to be a west coast Public Enemy. Only instead of rapping about black consciousness, and politics, N.W.A. gave voice to the anger and nihilism of the man in the street- but everything, from the structure of their lyrics, to the aggressive shouted delivery of their verses is a direct homage to Chuck D.
Finally, Brad Jordan, as DJ Akshun, tore pages from P.E.'s playbook with rhymes like "City Under Siege", and others.
Those three rappers, in the early nineties, created the template for MC's that was copied well up into this century.
Granted, there are a lot of dope emcees. But too many people give credit to the student while ignoring the contibution of the master- Chuck D.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

KevdaNoizemaker — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 02:13:10 GMT

top five dead or alive
1. RedHead Kingpin (Pump it Hottie, need I say more?)
2. Father MC
3. Young MC
4. Skee Lo (I wish I was little bit taller was plain genius!)
5. Freedom f/ C+C Music Factory

PLAY WIT IT NIGGAS!!!

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

KevdaNoizemaker — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 02:19:22 GMT

OH AND HONORABLE MENTION:
TURBO B F/ SNAP
MC BRAINZ

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

iselfink — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 02:44:50 GMT

GUESS IM GONNA HAVE TO SAY IT...

1. MF DOOM
2. COMMON
3. MOS DEF
4. GZA
5. KILLAH PRIEST

I MEAN HOW MANY RHYMES CAN U HEAR ABOUT GUNS AND DRUGS MAN...THE STUFF DOOM DROPS MAKES THESE OTHER MCS LOOK LIKE KIDS WHO TRY TO BE HARD FOR THEIR BOYS...I MEAN THE AVERAGE HEAD WOULD OF COURSE HAVE BIG AND PAC BUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT LYRICAL COMPLEXITY, CONTENT....BTW BRONZE NAZARETH IS THE DOPEST FROM THE WU CAMP...AT THE MOMENT

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Cunique — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:54:34 GMT

Good top 5
my top 5:
1.nas
2.krs-1
3.kool g rap
4.rakim
5.big daddy kane

honerable mentions:
jay-z .... he's a product of g-rap and kane so i can't give him top 5.
biggie.... he's hot but he only got to put out 2 albums so we never got to see his full potential but he was NY to da fullest so i love him for that.
2pac....he was all these rappers rolled up in one man.he had some good songs and a passion in his flow that made him loved by everyone but he wasn't all that lyrical but like i said he put good songs together and was more versatile than any westcoast rapper out as far as topics was concerned.

hate or love it....that's my top 5

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

unknown2 — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 05:38:36 GMT

tha reason yall are fukin with RZA's list is cause its different..yall act like its cliche to include BiG or PAC, i mean he included 'Kiss which is straight with me, but no RA???...no BiG???..WTF??..he coulda included 'joaquin phoenix and it woulda been coo..

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

HaRo — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:33:15 GMT

this top 5 is bullshit...I got a list and I think my shit is cool
1.Eminem
2.2pac
3.BIG notorius
4.NaS
5.Jay-Z
That's my opinion and I think it's right...Maybe some of you Got this 5 rappers in different order...But They are the topest
P.S.No disrespect to RZA

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

mcfaz — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:35:29 GMT

big l
scarface
nas
cube
stack bundles

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

blackrome — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:10:57 GMT

Deck set the WU off. Protect your neck. "Swinging through your town like your neighborhood Spider Man."

Kool G always one of my faves.

BAD TO THE BONE. Kool G at his best.

At least they got some one who you can respect giving a top 5.

It's kind of hard to give your top 5 when you are missing 10 years of music you never heard of.

So when you put some one like Em in the top 5 it's silly.

Don't get me wrong Em is a great rapper. He may have been the last "rewind that back" rapper to go big. Like a Ghost or Rae that you would have to rewind the tape to get it. But at time that was the genre.

Now these rappers are spitting one syllable elementary rhymes dumbed down for the dummies.

Please wake me when Plies uses a three syllable word.

I just can't listen to rappers who sound like they can barely read.

But it was

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Ital — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 15:30:24 GMT

one of the dopest lines from GZA was-
"Why waste a slot time with a ridiculous rhyme
that's only excused by a generous mind"

and his entire verse on Cold World
"pockets dug for everything except check stubs
and it does
sound ill like noise in Brownsville"

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

pleet — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 15:56:27 GMT

legit list.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

ks02120bos — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:03:41 GMT

feelin jada and nas

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Cunique — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:31:29 GMT

the problem with the differences in everyones top 5 is age difference.
if you're in the around 30+ crew you gonna have rakim,g rap,kane krs1 etc...
if you're in your younger to mid 20's it'a all about jay z,biggie,pac,50 cent,jada and eminem and lil wayne because either that's what you came up on as a younging and that's what was programmed in to your head growing up....so that would be your favorites.
when i was young the older heads wasn't really showing g rap or kane love it was about cold crush,kool moe dee,bizzy bee,grandmaster flash,run dmc etc... that's what they was saying was real hip hop although to me it was pretty basic except run dmc....although favorite rap group.
it's a generational gap that could never really be argued because music is opinionated.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

FrostByte — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:13:57 GMT

http://madnews.wordpress.com/2008/07/22/rick-ross-exposed-as-a-fake/

This guy is full of jelly donuts. Yummy....

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

vincentq21 — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 07:03:32 GMT

hell yeah... good list( for him) .. still.. props!!!!

what about him??? you might catch me in the park playin chess, studyin math..... lol thas my shit. love that song

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

vincentq21 — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 07:17:48 GMT

Cunique said:
the problem with the differences in everyones top 5 is age difference.
if you're in the around 30+ crew you gonna have rakim,g rap,kane krs1 etc...........................
--------co sign----------------

cuz i'm 27.. and my top 5 is prolly somethin like----(and this is semi-drunk thinkin)

1. 2pac
2. biggie
3. nas
4. jay-z
5. jada/ saigon/ cam'ron/ killah priest/ tha whole WU/ lil wayne

c'mon....you gotta give that list props ... especially if ur in my age brackett... feel me?

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

PGHrapfan — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:21:45 GMT

My top would be (like it matters)
In no order

Eminem/Royce da 59
Tech n9ne/ Krizz kaliko
Jayz/Nas

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Way2Kool — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:45:46 GMT

KRS One (love gonna get cha)

Ras Kass (incarceration prone but a deep lyricist)

Nas (ain't hard to tell)

Chuck D (We got too - too - too much posse)

Del (aliens landed said our planet wasn't worth invading because all the natural resources our fading)

Just V-D-B » Blog Archive

Anonymous — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 11:44:03 GMT

PingBack from http://www.vogeltjesdansbende.nl/weblog/?p=1507

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

HipHopHead84 — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 18:33:25 GMT

Wheres AZ, Andre 3000, Eminem??? Is the requirement to be from NY? come one, i respect JADA and Nas but thats it from that list.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

BGOD — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:26:09 GMT

I like his list and its not an assanine list... My list is different but it goes like this:

1. Nas- Until NIGGER, I had Rakim and Slick RIck ahead... But what he pulled off with that album was magnificent! See it's one thing to be able to be nice with words and brag on yourself(about your intelligence or your money) but to be able to do that and bring across messages with substance and themes, not too many MC's can do! And the ones that can can't do it like God's Son! From being being the best storyteller(He took that that title from Slick Rick with, Rewind) to battle raps(Ether Destroy and Rebuild) to social and political commentary, Nas has all bases covered. He has truly mastered his craft! Plain and simple... He's the best to ever do it!

2. Rakim- Where do I start. Without him we don't have Nas or any MC after Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz or Kool Moe Dee. The greatest natural lyricist with flow!

3. Slick Rick- Can still be considered the greatest storyteller and did the same thing as Rakim with the flow

4. Redman- One of the illest lyricist ever! Inspired Eminem and Ludacris...Red was the first dude who had niggas rewinding the tape 'like run that back you hear with that nigga just said!' Was the most consistent with great LP after LP until Jay-Z...

5. Raekwon/Ghostface- Two of the greatest storytellers and creators of OBCL. I would go on but the RZA already said it.

Honorable Mention: Jay-Z one of the most influential and consistent. If he never lost that battle it would be hard to argue him not being the greatest to ever do it. So why is he sixth on my list? Because there are certain MC's I have bumped more than the Jigga man!...But his body of work cannot be ignored.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

The Surrealist — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:13:50 GMT

Some of a lot of this seems spiteful from some cats. "Finally no Jay, B.I.G., or Pac."? I mean what's that all about? I'm down for the Wu and always will be (definitely agree with his assessment of Inspectah Deck's verse on "Triumph") HOWEVER, just because his PERSONAL top 5 is different than most doesn't make it any more credible than one that say was Pac, B.I.G., Jay-Z, Nas, and Em.

I think Chuck D had the best ever assessment of Hip-Hop when he described different MCs as being revolutionary and evolutionary. He went on to explain how Rakim (who birthed Nas) was revolutionary for doing something that was never done before and Kane (who birthed Jay) was evolutionary for taking something that was already ill to another level in a way they could only do.

Regardless of your feelings of commercial rap or origins, you have to acknowledge two things.

1. The culture of Hip-Hop did NOT stand still. It grew bigger. It was marketed. It went corporate to an extent. But that doesn't mean there aren't a lot of dope local/underground MCs in the WORLD. (VA to LA to Japan to England, step your game up)

2. Acknowledge who the apex of the style. If some created or was doing something before someone else, did the person birthed from that exceed the creator/teacher of that particular style?

That being said, analyze this top 5 again.

Is Kiss better than B.I.G.?

Can you say Kool G Rap was undoubtedly top 3 (influence on the game as a whole) in his ERA? (Rakim, Kane, KRS-One?)

Can you really excluded a MC for being influenced by another? (Like dude having Nas #1, but excluding Jay for being influenced by Kane and G Rap, when Nas clearly is birthed from Rakim and influenced by Tupac?)

That being said, I'm 23 and here are my Top 10 Alive ( in no particular order AND excluding B.I.G., Pac, and Big Pun to the "Legendary" category since they've passed on.)

KRS-One. If you don't know, ask someone. As an MC, there was nothing he couldn't do. Ug-Mug (that's not very attractive for those who don't know, no homo) for sho, but he could flow, had lyrics, tell stories, give lessons of social awareness, still has the best stage presence, promote Hip-Hop positively, and was the most feared MC in his era. Nuff Said.

Jay-Z. A lot of people have spite of Jay, because of the hype around his ability, but it's a fact that few MCs are held to such a standard that everything they rap on is expected to be classic material, or else "he's wack, overrated, or didn't go as hard as we'd like." Hov is here because he truly is the MJ of the game. While you've got your Wilt, Oscar, Russell, Magic, etc who all were great in their own rights, he just took it to another level on the playing field and in marketing. That being said, he's opened up a lot of doors for US economically by being a studious master of his craft.

Big Daddy Kane. The dude was ill, plain and simple. As RZA put it, he's just one of the coolest muvas ever to do it. But Kane, was like Magic if Jay was MJ. In his prime, there was nothing he couldn't do. He could dance, make you laugh, and could be straight "RAW." He was an evolutionary in the game that took it to the next level, and also influence Jay, and hence the whole bravado, style, fresh, swag that rappers have now, because he did it best in his era.

Rakim (& Eric. B) A revolutionary on the mic and the original "God" MC. Rakim's social awareness of the estate of blackness in the Regan years isn't as prominent as it should be because of his lyrical brilliance. Given who he's influenced (Pac, Nas, among others), it's easy to see why he's slated here, but if that's not enough "Lyrics of Fury" will easily persuade you.

LL Cool J. Forget what you heard. There's a reason why MCs refer to him as Uncle L. This dude came out the gate hard and wasn't afraid to go at anyone. If you think he's soft, ask Kool Moe Dee and Canibus (who's SEVERELY underrated lyrically) about him. All these rappers today love to talk women, but LL made em scream.

Nas. Nasir's body of work has been questioned simply because of poor choices in production, but no one in the right state of their Hip-Hop mind would dare question the lyrical genius, awareness, and creativity of Mr. Jones. From Illmatic to N.I.G.G.E.R. Nas continues to give us gems for the mind.

Slick Rick. Few could get it poppin like this London-bred MC. Rick not only one of the best party starters, but is universally credited as a pioneer of storytelling in Hip-Hop.

N.W.A./Public Enemy. Damn I wish we had more of these type of guys in today's mainstream. Their take no bull from the man approach to their artistry was essential to the strengthening the minds of those who were downtrodden in those times. At the same time they preached unity amongst us, AND taking action.

Kool G Rap. Hip-Hop has always had it's ear to the street and in his time, G Rap gave it to us straight from the pavement. His lyrical ability was off the chain, and when it comes to today's term of "keeping it 100" , this dude was the definition.

Wu Tang Clan. Where to start? The Wu get's listed on the whole because they were the most creative, left-field, lyrically gifted ninjas of our era or any for that matter. (If RZA can cheat I'm doin it too!)

Honorable Mentions:

Bun B.
Scarface.
Andre 3000.
Eminem.
Mos Def.
Common.
Busta Rhymes.
Ludacris.
T.I.

Other Ill Rappers

Talib Kweli.
AZ.
Fabolous.
Kurrupt.
Skyzoo.
Krayzie Bone.(definite impact in the group.)
Canibus.

P.S. And to all my Hip-Hop fam talking about someone from another region or the problem with N.Y. rappers being mentioned, yo, it's called respecting your roots. It has nothing to do with the region, but Hip-Hop was birthed in the Bronx and EVERY rapper is influenced by those carrying the torch in those days. That's no disrespect to rappers from the West or the South, but the truth isn't that there aren't any greats from the region, but simply that they haven't exactly transcended the game of Hip-Hop as MCs, the sound of both regions is more credited to the producers and DJs as supposed to the actually rappers.

God, Peace, and Prosperity
The Surrealist

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

The Surrealist — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:15:06 GMT

Oh and I forgot Redman on the Honorable Mentions list! My bad!

God, Peace, and Prosperity
The Surrealist

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

curtis75black — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:43:59 GMT

Much respect to the list. Can't be mad at G. Rap and BigDaddy Kane reppin'

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Aztec_King — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:26:19 GMT

i like how he described what he likes about jadakiss style. he said jadakiss comes with that fatherly wisdom and he's right. that is the way kiss spits it at you. it's always interesting to hear someone with musical knowledge break down someone's style.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Stillnice — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:00:15 GMT

Yo, I'm ashamed to admit that I slept on that Inspector Deck verse on "Triumph". It took me about 3 years later to really analyze that dude said in that verse. I agree, it has to be one of the top 10 verses of all time.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Stillnice — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:02:55 GMT

And I think RZA put it best on one of those skits on the Wu Tang album when he said, "Ni**as won't even figure it out until the year 2 G". He was right on point with that statement. Some still haven't figured it out.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

snoopdog44144 — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:03:32 GMT

lol.. Krayzie bone!! are you serious, he not even in the top 20...Busta Rhymes is a better Mc than Krayzie

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Knowl — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:09:01 GMT

TruthInScience said:
Rza is right, Inspector Deck "Truimph" verse i would dare say is in my top 5. The first verse, of the first single of the first incrediable double album.
-----------------------------
True indeed, Lord. That Album came out the day after I completed my fast

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

Datnizzlegov — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:53:21 GMT

Come on fellas.. yall be on some bullshit.. Why you say selectin Jay or B.I.G is NOT thinkin out the box.. Its like if you ask anyone who is the best basketball player to ever play ball we all gonna say MJ.. no one is gonna be stupid and say oh "think outside the box" come on yall bein stupid. By far.. Jay is def a hip hop Mogul. This dude single handedly took hip hop to a whole new level. How many artist you see representing A professional Sports team during lottery picks. Yall may think im stupid for sayin this... but yo. NO ONE HIP HOP ARTEST EVER FLIPPED IT LIKE JAY.. And that may have nothing to do wit lyrics, but dude is so nice i dont have to speak about his lyrics. I aint gonna lie, last few projects was weak... but still He got enough classics out there and I bet you every single one of you bastards got at least 2 of them. Ima realist, I dont like Pac like that, dont like Nas like that, but them niggas is def one of the best to ever do it. Now since everyone on Pac dick, imma leave him out my top 5.

As far as B.I.G. go, he one of the best that ever did it but he wasn't out for long. neither one big pun. But th

Off of lyrical content my top 5 is

KRS-One

BiG Daddy Kane

Jay Z

Jadakiss

Andre 3000*

*and Im stuck wit number 5 cuz i could put Eminem, or Busta Rhymes, or Redman, Both Biggie and Big Pun... or even bitch ass tupac or nas.. But then there are other cats doing now like Fab, Joe B, even lil Weezy. T.I. raw enough to be top ten. Dont forget about Luda too.. man i can go on and on and right there thats more than 10 mc's i just named with different styles.. Dont get me wrong Ghost and Raekwon did they thing but that was 1 decade.. the early 90's i dont see how yall could put one of them cats on top 5...

too be continued cuz im sure some cornball got some smart shit to say

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

prakash1 — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:57:02 GMT

rza is on his wu ish.

rza is right, deck, ghost and rae are some of the most underated rappers ever. gza was super nice too. i was listening to "liquid swords" a couple months ago. let's just say it makes it much harder to believe these bet/mtv list of "hot" or "relevant" rappers out now.

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

MEsoonCumTru4U — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:33:29 GMT

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re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

StarkeyLove — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:33:49 GMT

rza's list is legit, but i would have meth up there, at least bove Rae... Meths flow is unreal

re: TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE: RZA

RedBandana44 — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:47:20 GMT

r yall fu9&&in serious? Top 5 of all time and its all east coast? All wu? What about scarface? cube? snoop? noone was feeling snoop's first album right? And I dont care how many people dont wanna hear Big and Pac they gotta be in there. I agree with Nas and Kool G rap. But Ghost? GZA? Wow. Andre 3000 is not in anyones top anything either huh? yall dudes is nuts. And what good is telling me about som shit I dont understand? I like Wu but them niggas is weird. And for real the most lyrical cat in wu was the inspektah