Kool G Rap’s three decade run in Hip Hop music is well respected by many.
Recently sitting down with Juan Epstein, the Queens, New York rapper gave his opinion about who he believes is the nicest with lyrics, and provided a comprehensive Top 10 list.
In no particular order, Kool G Rap named himself, Nas, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, Jay Z, Eminem, Big Pun, Ice Cube and Scarface as the best lyricists to ever do it.
Notably, he left out Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac, to which he rebutted both were great rappers, but weren’t worthy of Top 10 lyricist status.
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Big Daddy Kane was a G Rap affiliate during the Juice Crew’s run in the 1980s. KRS-One, of competing Boogie Down Productions, beefed with the Queens-based clique during the ’80s. The two squads have since collaborated including KRS’ album with producer Marley Marl on 2007’s Hip Hop Lives.
Rakim was half of the late 80s duo Eric B. & Rakim. In 2012, The Source named Ra the number one lyricist of all time. Rakim has been named by both Nas and Jay Z as an influence to them. The two were also named in KGR’s list.
During the the interview, Kool G Rap talked at length about meeting Nas. He said he met the Queensbridge, New York emcee before he was featured on Main Source’s 1991 track “Live at the Barbeque,” which gave Nas a lot of his initial fame.
On Jay Z, G Rap said, “I don’t care how many people feel like he went mainstream or whatever now, but dude was a beast.”
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Detroit’s Eminem, who is one of the best selling rappers of all time was mentioned. Em has sold over 100 million albums during his career. G Rap said that Eminem shouted him out at The Grammys one year.
Big Pun was named after Rosenberg brought him into the discussion.
“I met Pun at one of Fat Joe’s clothing stores in The Bronx and Pun got on his knee and kissed my ring,” G Rap said when asked whether he ever met Big Pun. “True story, that just shows you how real of a dude Pun was.”
Pun died in 2000 from a fatal heart attack and respiratory failure.
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Finally Ice Cube and Scarface were named.
Watch the full segment with Peter Rosenberg and Cipha Sounds below:
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