1. Rakim AKA: The God MC, Rakim Allah Region: East Coast Resume: The 18th Letter (1996) Rakim was the pioneer of the internal rhyme scheme and the history of hip-hop can be divided into the pre and post-Rakim eras. He elevated rap from an era known for their simplistic patterns which mainly revolved around party themes, introduced a higher standard of lyricism. He reinvented the genre and gave birth to a more complex form of lyricism influencing every rapper that came after him. Rakim first rose to fame with his early collaboration with fellow New York native and DJ, Eric B. The album Paid in Full released in 1987 and was an instant classic, featuring some of the greatest and most sampled rap songs of all time.
2. The Notorious B.I.G AKA: Biggie, Biggie Smalls Region: East Coast Resume: Life After Death (1997) A legend who built his legacy upon the strength of freestyle battles throughout the New York borough of Brooklyn, Christopher Wallace a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G. would become a rap icon during his short-lived career and life. Born of Jamaican descent, B.I.G.s booming voice featured a hint of patois that dominated the streets and airwaves in the 90s. With the aid of Sean Puffy Combs, the pair created a portly playboy persona with a thirst for beautiful women, fancy cars, fine dining, and expensive property. A central component to the East Coast vs.West Coast rivalry, his involvement would set off a chain of events that would eventually lead to his murder in 1997 at the age of 25.
3. Nas AKA: Esco, Nasty Nas Region: East Coast Resume: It Was Written (1996) Nas unleashed the fury on Jay-Z during their late 90s rap beef with Ether, a diss track so lethal that its title has become hip-hop shorthand for lyrical annihilation. While Nas was already considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, he cemented his place ahead of Jay-Z in our top 5. A native of Queens, New York, Nas exploded on to the scene with his 1991 debut Illmatic, which was universally praised by critics and the hip-hop community. While Illmatic was Nas introduction to most hip-hop fans, hardcore fans got their first taste of Nas skill with his collaboration on Main Sources 1991 track Live at the Barbecue. Never has there been a rapper who could create so much hype from a 16-line verse and Nas rode that wave into the successful launch of his career.