The debate “Greatest Lyricists of all time” is very sensitive in the world of Hip Hop. It is a sense of pride where rappers showcase their skills and ability to twist and caress their words.
Imagination is vital; it’s about rappers who put much thought process with clever word display. Lyricism is when emotion is expressed in a beautiful, imaginative and poetic manner. It’s a literary device which should be expressed incisively, using imagination to provoke the listener’s emotion.
There is misconception to the word lyricism. People only narrow it down to just rhyming and punch-lines but it’s much more than that. A true lyricist should go beyond the physical; he or she has to be cerebral. The word lyricism connotes lyrical content whereby listeners should be impressed, satisfied, fulfilled and saturated.
We will have you know the fact will not be sugar coded; this list is going to be as critical as it can possibly be. It covers rappers who do not trade lyrics for commercial success.
Lyrics are their first priority. Note that this list has nothing to do with impact, marketability, business ventures; it’s strictly about lyrics.
Here is the yardstick to determine the greatest/sickest lyricists in Rap history.