I was always one to ignore the West Coast. Not by choice, stop the hate, but because I was always exposed to the East Coast first and foremost. As a young hip hop listener you get this stereotypical view of what West Coast music is, only to grow up and realize that there is so much more to it than gangs and guns. A coast that isn’t short of talent, the West gives rise to plenty of talented emcees, however, one can see from the list that the elite rhymers set their place in stone due to their diversity and imperialistic characteristics. Granted, bring all the hate and debate, and call up the homies, it’s about to go down.
*The criteria wasn’t necessarily set in stone, however, both myself and Fred ranked it based on sheer skill. Impact wasn’t necessarily a big issue, unless their skill, as opposed to their image of accolades, was so tremendous that it has a great impact.
Top 10 West Coast Emcees by Sean Deez
10. Snoop Dogg
Could anyone do the hazy-high-lazy flow better? Granted, I’m not a Snoop fan, at all really, but I can no doubt appreciate when he rips apart a verse. While in his earlier years he was hungry and more in your face, audiences still appreciate the cool pimp steez. Lyrically, you knew what you were getting. Sound was always G-funk. Style was always unique. Fact is, Snoop had swag before the word was even invented. Too bad he’s had such a rocky discography and quite possibly one of the worst album covers in hip hop history (along with the rest of No Limit).
9. Aceyalone
His work with Freestyle Fellowship probably wouldn’t have been enough to secure a spot here, but two arguable classics with All Balls Don’t Bounce and A Book of Human Language solidifies his position amongst the West’s elite. It’s not far fetched to say that he’s the most lyrically gifted emcee out of the west, nor is it crazy to say that he’s about as poetic as number 7, as controversial as number 1, and as playful as number 5. He may go overlooked on many other lists that speak on the Top 10 West Coast emcees; but, quite frankly, this low key emcee probably loves it that way.
8. Spice 1
From 1991 to 1995, there were few rappers who could come as hardcore as Spice 1. Dropping one of the more memorable songs on one of hip hop’s most memorable soundtracks, Spice’s self titled album had heads turning. Even though he was speaking of the generic and typical West Coast tales, he stripped them down to their rawest and grittiest form leaving almost nothing to the imagination. He was vivid and aggressively intense. It was pure lyricism.
7. 2pac
How many people were like “F this dude” when they saw this? Well, let me explain. Frankly, as a rapper, 2pac never was too convincing. Was he a poet? Yes. Did he have an intense presence? Yes. But, even though he was never a rapper’s rapper, we are all kidding ourselves if we didn’t think he changed the game. Take a look at the countless wanna-be attempts, the countless fans, the countless praise. He does deserve it. And despite his badass and gangster approach, his greatest displays came on songs like “Keep Ya Head Up” and “Brenda’s Got A Baby.”
6. Kurupt
I remember one of my friends saying, “Just Fast Forward to Kurupt’s verse,” referring to Pete Rock’s “Tru Master.” It isn’t hard to enjoy Kurupt, in fact, he’s so likable at being hard-as-hell that he’s probably the ideal LL Cool J from the West. He can spit a flow with the best of them, in fact, he could be a part of the best of them, and lyrically he always expanded. Even though he was born in Pennsylvania, the former VP of Death Row exemplifies the ideal West Coast sound. Look no further than his double disc debut where he flows on a variety of production or his LOADS of guest spots, and there is every reason in the world why he should be included on this list.
5. The Pharcyde
There was no way to choose just one. Bootie Brown, Imani, Slimkid, and Fatlip are all worthy of a spot on this top ten. They brought quirkiness, playfulness and, woman-loving (no, not hoe-loving) to the West Coast. Whether they were speaking about the post-breakup pep-talk on “Otha Fish” or the one that got away on “Passing Me By,” All 4 of the dudes played a vital role and had their time to shine (With Slimkid on the former and Fatlip on the latter especially). Essentially, they are probably the least west coast of all the artists on this list, but they had a hedonistic attitude that was still Cali-inspired and a lyrical frame that any artist on any coast would love to have.
4. Gift of Gab
Top 3 flows of all time? Quite possibly. Top 4 West Coast emcees? No doubt. Critics can’t really say a negative word about Blackalicious as a duo, but even more are stunned for short on anything but positive criticism when it come to Gab’s ridiculous rhymes. For any rapper, the subject matter of genuine love for hip hop, for women, and for life, is hard enough to rap about as it is; the problem is that most emcees don’t sound credible (and come off as cheesy). For Gift, however, it’s absolutely natural and heartfelt even when rapped at a rapid fire pace. One listen to Nia or Blazing Arrow will make any listener fall in love with the complexity and craftsmanship of hip hop, a feat on this emcee can deliver.
3. Del The Funkee Homosapian
When hip hoppers think of young debut releases, they’ll think Mobb Deep, Nas, or Jay-Z, but one of the greatest West Coast albums of all time came from an 18 year old when he dropped I Wish My Brother George Was Here. Looking back, it is hard how someone that young could give such a well written analysis of the corporate execs on “Mistadobolina” and such a vivid and comedic take on idle company with “Sleeping on My Couch.” His maturity continued to develop alongside the entire Hieroglyphic crew, but more impressively alongside Dan The Automator with Deltron 3030. Few have been able to master the blend of, well, everything that Del has, except maybe perhaps his cousin. In terms of sheer skill though, few can come near Del on any coast.
2. Murs
He didn’t call it the “Paid Dues Tour” for no reason. Murray has paid his dues throughout hip hop whether it was a part of the Living Legends Crew or 3MG, as an underground solo artist, as a partner of 9th Wonder, or even now as a major label artist. Murs is forever paying dues, and ultimately, his skills have no limits. A storyteller like this hasn’t come along since the time of Biggie, and one listen to “Walk Like A Man” will certainly make anyone a believer. His take on women is effortless and sincere on “Woman Tonight” or “Love you Like This.” His observations are endless as shown on “DSWG” and his creativity is at its peak on a joint like “The Science.” His discography is large enough that you should be able to find some doubtful tracks, but blame that mainly on production or lack thereof. The fact of it all is that Murs is always at the top of his game and rarely disappoints on the microphone even when something “unconventional” is dropped. Not to mention he puts on one hell of a live show as a one man act.
1. Ice Cube
Naturally, this was always the number one pick. He has, at one point or another, displayed something that each of these other 9 rappers has had, sometimes better, but he’s always been a force on the microphone. One of the dopest discographies in hip hop that includes 3 classics and one arguable classic (Lethal Injection) and an influence that has gone beyond hip hop. There’s a wonderful piece about Cube in Jeff Chang’s acclaimed book, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, and speaks about how Cube knew when “to grow up.” The problem with plenty of other West Coast rappers is that they never knew when to move on, which is heavily why particular artists aren’t on this list. Moreover, Cube knew what to do and when to do it, he knew what buttons to push, but how to stay civil and “Wicked” at the same time. Cube had blends that were logically impossible and pushed political boundaries that no rapper would be able to touch. Even though Common arguably ended his credible hip hop career, Cube had a tremendous run that hip hop will never forget and his legacy and skill will live on amongst West Coasters as one of the best to ever touch the mic, period.
Honourable Mentions
Blu: A new comer that is already making a push for that number 10 spot. With his skills and potential, it’s easy to see how he could be here in a few years
The Game: Name dropping aside, The Game is one fierce emcee that really revitalized a respectable side of the West that had plenty of insight. With his ear for production, he may never drop a horribly weak album and his insight can only get better as he gets older.
Chali 2na: A key member to the Jurassic 5 movement, he continues to rip microphones on guest appearances. His low tone voice and buttery flow are always enjoyable to listen to, especially when you combine them with his variety of subject matter.
Ras Kass: The issue with his albums was always production; no one ever doubted his lyrical talent. Look no further than “Nature of the Threat” and you may argue that he should be on this top 10 and not on the HM list.
Ice T: The original original-gangster. It doesn’t get much more hardcore than Ice T and his influence on the Parental Advisory era of hip hop. He was dominant on the mic, extremely dominant.
Others: D.O.C, Paris, Tash
Top 10 West Coast Emcees by Freddie C
I’m a California boy, born and raised. I’m like Sean Deez in reverse: I never really paid that much attention to the East Coast, as G-funk was my introduction to this lovely thing called hip-hop. So along my journey through the crates, the tape decks, the CD racks, and other people’s hard drives, I’ve come across a plethora of talented West Coast MC’s that have inspired millions of hip-hop fans around the world. My list is a delicate balance of skill and impact, but mostly skill. If impact had a bigger influence, then Eazy-E, for example, would have made the list. I’m a big Eazy fan, but I don’t think he’s a greatly skilled MC as much as he is a symbol and frontman of the N.W.A. movement that put the West Coast on the map. So without further ado, here’s my top 10. You know how we do it.
10. DJ Quik
DJ Quik might be more well-known for his warm production and G-funk grooves, but his delivery is as silky-smooth as his hair. Although he seemed to fizzle out after the death of G-funk and the West Coast’s subsequent fall from grace, Quik’s first three albums, Quik is the Name, Way 2 Fonky, and Safe + Sound are quintessential West Coast party albums, with classic jams like “Tonite”, “Born and Raised in Compton”, “Way 2 Fonky”, “Jus Lyke Compton” and “Diggin U Out”. While Quik’s music is usually reserved for riding around with the top down or at the party, he’s no slouch on the diss tracks. “Dollaz + Sense”, his brutal attack on MC Eiht, remains one of my favorite diss tracks of all time.
9. Spice 1
Nihilistic. Edgy. Fatalistic. The end of Western civilization. Whatever critics and fans alike try categorize Spice 1 as, there’s only one word that truly describes him and his music: DOPE. Spice 1 is an artist that truly embodies gritty, no-holds-barred gangsta rap. The East Bay gangsta’s ghetto tales are stuff of legend, but none more legendary than “Nigga Gots No Heart” from the Menace II Society soundtrack. The haunting piano and slow flow give the song an aura of no hope, no escape, and is a perfect embodiment of Spice 1 and the world that his albums are set in.
8. Kurupt
The lyrical half of The Dogg Pound, Kurupt has been ripping verses since the early days of Death Row Records. His flow is one of the best ever to come out of West Coast, evident on his classic verses from the entire Dogg Food album, his solo album Kuruption!, and his guest appearances on albums from Snoop Doggy Dogg, 2pac, and, of course, Dr. Dre. While not having a strong discography, Kurupt has longevity on his side. He ripped “Stranded on Death Row” and “Puffin’ on Blunts and Drankin’ on Tanqueray” in the early 90s, and ripped “They Don’t Want It” in 2007, and left a trail of murdered guest appearances in between.
7. Murs
Murs has been hailed as a savior of underground hip-hop and the face of the new era of West Coast underground. And really, it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy, both as a person and on the mic. Murs is truly an artist that does it for the love of the game. He doesn’t care if you download his music; he just wants you to have it and listen to it. That, besides his consistently great discography, will always motivate me to buy his albums. His work with 9th Wonder produced some of the best material to come out of California in a long while. While many rappers have a larger-than-life personality, Murs is a down-to-earth cat who a listener can always relate to. MC means move the crowd? Well, Murs embodies MC, because I saw him perform last year in Southern California, and he had the whole crowd in the palm of his hand. When I heard he broke down and cried while performing “Walk Like a Man”, he skyrocketed in my book. If only all MC’s cared as much as he did.
6. Snoop Doggy Dogg
I don’t care who you are, how old you are, what kind of music you like. Chances are, you like at least one song by Snoop Doggy Dogg. Mothers, grandmothers, aunties, uncles, all love Snoop. He’s probably the most well-known rapper on the planet, and deservedly so. Doggystyle was a classic. He was the featured MC on The Chronic, the greatest West Coast album of all-time. He’s done gangsta rap, party music, feel-good jams, and somehow stayed true to himself and the game. With 7 platinum albums, not counting his heavy contributions to Dr. Dre’s multi-platinum albums, Snoop has had unprecedented success in the rap game.
5. The Pharcyde
When I first saw Deez’s ranking of an entire crew instead of an MC, I thought, “Surely, I can identify a superior rapper instead of taking the easy way out.” Well, turns out I am just as gutless, because I can’t do it either. The Pharcyde has always been to the antithesis to the gangsta ways of Death Row, shown in their classic album Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde, as well as another great album of theirs, Labcabincalifornia. I can’t pick a superior rapper out of that crew, because they play off each other so well. The chemistry between all these MC’s is unreal. Although, if you put a gun to my head and told me to choose, I’d go with Fatlip, who is immortalized in the last verse of a song that both Deez and I hold in extremely high regard: “Passing Me By”. I still get chills when I listen to his verse.
4. Del tha Funkee Homosapien
The patron saint of underground hip-hop, Del knows no bounds, as his projects have ran a wide spectrum, from his solo work on I Wish My Brother George Was Here, to his wildly popular and critically acclaimed work with Hieroglyphics, to the Gorillaz, and ventures into trip-hop with Deltron 3030. Everywhere he went, he had success. Social commentary? Check. Science fiction? Check. Diss tracks to MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice? Check. I’m convinced there’s nothing that one of hip-hop’s most creative MC’s can’t do.
3. Gift of Gab
An MC’s MC. Impeccable breath control, flawless flow, top-notch wordplay and a real love of lyricism. Papoose’s internet soldiers (if he has any) who hype up “Alphabetical Slaughter” need to listen Gift of Gab’s “Alphabet Aerobics” and sit down. Same goes for “Chemical Calisthenics”. His work with Chief Xcel as one half of Blackalicious has brought hip-hop some of the most innovative albums this decade: Nia and Blazing Arrow. If you’ve been sleeping on Blackalicious, do yourself a huge favor and pick those up immediately. Does he rap too fast? Nope, you’re just listening too slow.
2. Ice Cube
His later albums may pale in comparison to his earlier work, but those first 3 solo albums, in addition to his work on Straight Outta Compton, are almost impossible to live up to by any rapper’s standards. His words became a soundtrack to the angry youth in the ghettos of Los Angeles. He had the censors and the FBI on him because of N.W.A and civil rights groups on him because of his incendiary “Black Korea”. He feuded with Common, N.W.A, and Cypress Hill. In short, he was an MC to be feared. Amerikkka’s Most Wanted, Death Certificate, and The Predator are snapshots of the hell that had become South Central Los Angeles. You can’t watch footage of the LA riots without hearing Cube’ prophetic warnings concerning police corruption and brutality and the black community’s feud with Korean shop owners. Death Certificate is one-third of my Holy Trinity of West Coast albums, along with The Chronic and Doggystyle. Ice Cube is in top form on Death Certificate, teeing off on the government, STD’s, police, gang wars, hospitals, and U.S. military recruiters. A Bird in the Hand, my favorite Ice Cube song, places Ice Cube in the role of a young black man who turns to selling drugs because he got a girl pregnant, justifying his actions by blaming the government for ignoring the problems in the ghetto. It’s all capped off by the iconic album cover: “Uncle Sam” lying under a U.S. flag with a toe tag, with Cube looking on. And isn’t that a tenet of hip-hop? Fighting an oppressive establishment? That album cover absolutely embodied that idea.
1. 2pac
There’s no other choice, in my mind. Haters may point to his lack of wordplay, his hypocrisy/dual personality, being a studio gangster, all these perceived weaknesses and drawbacks, blah blah blah. Ice Cube may make better albums, but nobody made better songs than 2pac. 2pac, to me, is hip-hop. He’s run the gamut from “Dear Mama” to “Temptations” to “Ambitionz as a Ridah”. He’s got an AK in one track and fighting for women’s rights in another. He was a walking case study in hip-hop itself, a shining example of its hypocrisy. He channeled the violence of Spice 1 and the hope of Common, and made it work that he was always believable. Any fan of 2pac will tell you that he, more than any other rapper, had a way to speak to the listener and reach them in a way that no other rapper could. For anyone who’s ever played “Dear Mama” for their mom on mother’s day, “How Do You Want It” at a party, or “Pour Out a Little Liquor” after the death of a friend, 2pac was always the MC who could articulate what you were feeling. I remember listening to “California Love” for the first time on the radio, and thinking it was the greatest thing I’d ever heard. I remember turning to “Keep Ya Head Up” during hard times to get the strength to persevere. And I remember playing in a winter baseball league, and having a game the day 2pac died. My teammates and I didn’t play with an ounce of passion that day, and to this day, I will always remember it as the day music died.
Honorable Mentions:
Blu: Below the Heavens and Johnson&Jonson were both great pieces of work. Blu has a bright future ahead of him.
The Game: The biggest West Coast rapper since Snoop Doggy Dogg, The Game has 3 solid albums under his belt and a reputation for having a great ear for beats. He’s always entertaining, especially live.
The D.O.C.: It’s a shame that his car accident cut his career short. He had one classic with No One Can Do It Better and ghostwrote many West Coast classics, and there’s no telling what more he could have done if he hadn’t damaged his vocal cords in a car accident.
E-40 and Too Short: Two Bay Area legends with great albums including Hall of Game and Born to Mack. Too Short’s been pimpin on wax since the early 80s, selling over 11 million albums. 40 is responsible for a ton of slang used in hip-hop, and is always an entertaining listen., as evidenced by colorful terms and phrases like “scraper”, “you smell me?’, “yadidimean”, and the popularization of Carlos Rossi wine among economic drinkers.
Others: Ras Kass, Aceyalone, Chali 2na, Xzibit, MC Ren
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ah yeah, this is the big one
Yo yall killin me with this Ras Kass production stuff Yall said best emcees ,not best produced albums.His production was ill.Of these emcees you have listed name me 5 who albums had better production than Soul on Ice, Rassassination, or Van Gogh.Pleeeeaaassseee. Damn no Planet Asia, Sick Jacken, Crooked I, Xzibit(before MTV), Black Knights( Doc Doom, Holocust/Warcould), Charli 2na, E -40, Yukmouth, Safair, Phil da Agony, B Real…….yo yall slippin homie.
Damn, this one musta been tough. Both lists are on point though. I’m just gonna throw in a few more honourable mentions to give those artists some shine:
Rasco
Boots Riley from The Coup
Chino XL (if he’s from the West, that is)
Planet Asia
Rappin 4-Tay
Isreal, I find it hard to take you seriously because of your appreciation for Ras Kass’s production. I mean, you are making him out to be God’s gift to production. Look up the critical reviews, the general consensus lays fair weight on the fact that his production was weak, heavily because he did it himself. It’s THAT easy for Diamond D to step in and lace him with a banger.
And I mean, what the hell are you talking about “name me 5 who albums had better production.” Have you ever heard of The Bomb Squad? I’m pretty sure Cube got some of their best stuff. Ever heard of that guy Dr. Dre? I’m pretty sure he produced one of the best produced albums in hip hop, you know, that one called Doggystyle. The Game has even dropped great production albums. So seriously, move away from the Ras Kass production because I’m starting to believe you are the Goldyn Child himself.
And, if you want to slip someone off of this list and add Planet Asia, I challenge you to do so and justify it. I also ask you to READ. Because E-40 was an honurable mention, along with Xzibit, 2na. To anyone who wants Phil Da Agony on THIS LIST… I suggest you seek immediate treatment.
Wow Sean, you amped
. I got a feeling I’m about to catch mad flak from you for that Rappin 4-Tay mention…
I just can’t comprehend something I thought was a matter of Hip Hop factuality.
And the Phil Da Agony thing is kinda weird, not to mention Yukmouth .. in the company of Ice Cube, Gift of Gab and 2Pac? c’mon now
True, but then again Quik in the same company? I don’t know.. I love Quik, but if the main reasons for putting him up there are that he can ride a West Coast party beat well and can lash out visciously on dis tracks, MC Eiht could easily be up there too
I think these lists are on point, me personally, I would put Game in the top ten but I can’t argue with these lists.
Great work.
MASSIVE
it’s all good Tommy, Rappin-4-Tay is a guilty pleasure of mine. “Player’s Club” got played at the bar last night, had people goin wild!
And also, Yukmouth?!?!.
I will allow that to pass for the fact it’s April Fools.
Fred, care to shed more light on your Quik choice? I found that a lil funny, especially since I made fun of his rapping style more than anything. I never found him to be anything great. and when best Rappers/producers come to mind I dont even think he cuts my top 10
Quik also has 3 damn great albums. I dunno if I’m saying that about Eiht, despite my love of Compton’s Most Wanted
Oh Yeah….This is gonna spark up some interesting conversation. I’m Digging Freddie C’s List more but do appreciate DEEZ list as well. This had to be a hard list to come by and im glad i didnt have to come up with. I’m with y’all on RassKass production problem…and I was thinkin that Isreal was Rasskass….lol…..But C’mon DEEZ…..Common ending Cubes credible Hip Hop Career????….Now thats BLASPHEMY!!!!!
That was awesome. Really enjoyed reading that.. great points. It will be interesting to see who agrees with what.
True, Freddie, but I don’t think those albums were great because of the rappin but cos of his production, which Eiht lacked (the production was dope but not handled by Eiht exclusively).
Just out of curiosity: I love both Quik and Eiht and have all of their albums (bought em, no downloads). Which 3 albums do you deem as great? Could that be “Rhythmalism”, “Safe + Sound” and “Quik Is The Name”?
Alot of people sleep on QUIK man….that RHYTHMALISM album is tight. And BALANCE & OPTIONS is just a good ass street album. I aint saying he a good ass lyricist….but he aint garbage either.
You guys both made some great list and I love how you included the whole Pharcyde. Big ups to Sean and Freddie C but I gotta go with Freddie cause Pac is Top 5 in any Hip Hop great list in my eyes. Though both lists were on point
I usually regard Quik is the Name, Way 2 Fonky, and Safe + Sound as his best.
btw, as far as Eiht goes, I LOVED Music to Driveby. That’s my fav Compton’s Most Wanted album, by far
BIG UPS ON BOTH OF YOU FOR EVEN MENTIONING THE D.O.C…..ALOT OF PEEPS FORGOT ABOUT HIS TALENT. HE’S DOPE…..YOU 2 DID YOUR HOMEWORK INDEED
Jus to get this out the way i thought Soul on ice’s production was fine, but nothin on doggystyle or many other westcoast albums!
and i dont think ice cube’s credibility died mayb in the country but definitely not in the west! Nice lists though .
but besides good looks on the list also agree wit freddie more im from Long Beach, CALIFORNIA you have to put 2pac number one. period. so many young kids look up to him when people find out his lyrics are poetry people gett passionate about poetry projects ! lol but yea and hell yea dj quik deserves a spot on ther mayb u gotta b from tha west to understand? i dono but he on there no doubt pretty good list though i wouldnt mind addinjg WC on there or at least honorable mention from low profile to maad circle to westsid connnection to his solos his style changed but still like his music. Typical west coast subject matter is typical because….thats what its lik out here
First off I would have to say that compiling these lists are hard as hell man, but you guys seems to do a good job at it. I think we all agree that Ras Kass is a good emcee but the problem with him has and always will be his production. It’s hard to enjoy dude when the production doesn’t match.
I’ve always liked Planet Asia and would like to make an argument for him, but it’s hard to do with the dudes that are listed. I think a honorable mention would have been good though. Tash was good to go until he did that solo album, I don’t what happened to him there. Overall good list and being that I’m not heavy into West Coast hip-hop, I’m going to have to do my research on Gift of Gab.
Also on a side bar The Game has proven to me to be a solid emcee as well.
That’s just my two brownies, once again good job fellas.
You might be right SOC4L…..It might just be a WESTCOAST thing when it comes to QUIK….And WC is just a gangster ass version of a b-boy….He gets play on my ride any day of the week
I see this is getting some attention! Good job guys.
Hey Guy’s is anybody remembering Mykill Miers?
His second Album “The Second Coming” wasn’t bad.
Does anyone knows what happend to him?:)
He’s from the westcoast too thats why im bringing this up
Iiight Sean…..let me give it to yo raw….Murs-wack…Del-wack..Spice 1-decent not top 10 though…Gift of Gab…decent…..top 10 yeah right…..Aceyalone…..ha get the fuck outta here…Yo get off the crack…put down the pipe…stop ridin the bozack..and i just think that u ridin cock on the whole Ras Kass had bad production thing but that is just my thought. I will be sure not to take none of bogus comments seriously anymore.Respect though
Jaguarpaw hit it on the head, because a friend of mine just hit me up saying “Quik in the Top 10 is a great pick, it’s what a West Coast list from someone who’s from the West Coast would look like”
I had fun making this list, it was also agonizing as hell lol. As with any list, somebody’s favorite is going to get snubbed. I wanted to mention Tha Alkaholiks, Likwit Crew, DILATED PEOPLES (love them!!), Above the Law, (Uncle Sam’s Curse is wicked), B-Real, Mac Dre (Yay Area!!), I mean take your pick! so many great acts out here. I love it.
LOL at Del and Murs being wack and Gift of Gab being decent. that’s rich lol
o above the law i forgot about them! honorable mention at least! uncle sams curse str8 classic ima go bump it on my way to get my hair cut rite now lol “dont get mad cuz Kalis kinda fly, we be the gangsta town, the foos that lik to stay high, the land of big diamonds yall, palm trees lowriders and movie stars” or somethin lik that hehe Kalifornia!
i’m surprised that the souls of mischief crew didn’t at least make the honorable mention list. they might not have the dopest discography, but on the strength of 93 til & their earlier mixtape work, i think they deserve to be there. mind-bending flows and wordplay, unlike any others.
What are their erlier mixtape works? i havent herd any but im interested =D
Ice Cube is the illest. He was the first West Coast MC to get NY love. Every MC out west (Pac, Xzibit, DPG, Snoop, Game…etc) credit him as an influence. Yeah, Common served him, but that did not end his career. If I recall, the Bow Down CD by WSC is considered a classic. The only subpar albums are War & Peace (Both Cds) and even then Cube displayed skills, Greed, Ghetto Vet (Source Rhyme Of The Month), Pushin Weight, Hello, Until We Drop.
ah man, Jesse nailed it. I love the whole Hiero crew. damn, shout out to the Living Legends, too. they were my introduction to underground hip-hop. I just saw the Living Legends at Paid Dues this past weekend, their set was the highlight of the night, in my eyes
it was the highlight! i was there too hehe they definitely rocked it i got to meet murs too was a cool dude so was scarub
hmm… Im with the first list..
but what about OH NO?? he go flows and beats
oh word? man, Paid Dues was legit. I always wanted to meet Murs, cuz everything I’ve ever heard is that he’s the coolest rapper to meet, ever. I took a ton of pics during the LL set, especially when they all held those letters up. got a pretty dope picture of that
@Theo – Yeah That Mykill Miers CD is nice. Wanna Be An MC with Bumpy Knuckles is the joint.
The D.O.C. forever; damn life is unfair
i didnt get any pics lol dont hav a camera got one crappy camera phone pic but i was far back. I got to meet evidence too he was there he was really tite and Ant of atmosphere (not westcoast but watever) was so chill and sincerely appreciative of peoples support
their not worth of top 10 i dont think, but people under the stairs have droppped ALOT of dope music perfect for chillin on a sunny california day too
No mention of Too $hort? He’s one of the original pioneers of West Coast rap. He should be number #1. His story telling and his longevity is un-comparable. Seriously how did yall not mention Too $hort??? How could you put Gift of Gab, Del, Murs and the Pharcyde above Too $hort? If it wasn’t for Too $hort most of those guys wouldn’t even rappin. Too $horts catalog is bigger than all those dudes combined. SMH
too short can hang lyrics wise wit them at all..
SMH at you missing my honorable mentions, Chong Wizard
im str8 nyc.. and yall left
mc eiht .. mc breeze … KING TEE , X TO THE Z…???/??
Okay so you mentioned Too $hort & E-40 but both of those guys should be in the top 10… Pharcyde had 2 good albums and at this point they’ve already fallen off. I don’t think they can compare to Too $hort… who has been droppin albums since 1983… he’s damn near 50 years old and still rappin… all those rappers in the top ten owe Too $hort for paving the way and influencing every rapper in that list….
While I don’t agree with everything (I would have added Tash, Ras Kass and Xzibit for sure) this is a great article and well written. Thanks for taking the time do to this guys. It’s great to read an article like this because no magazine would have enough balls to add Murs, Aceyalone or Gift of Gab. As far as 2Pac? Yeah, he wasn’t the best lyricist. I’ve heard people argue that he was, but in reality he made great songs that people FELT. He did that better than anyone has ever done and so yes, he definitely belong on this list. And BTW, I love the production on Soul On Ice even though everyone else seems to hate it.
I think the lists are on point… I think if Too Short was on there I wouldn’t be mad at it. But I guess overall lyricism was the primary focus. I think Munz brought up a good point about King Tee… i consider him really underrated as a lyricist on the WC. Breeze was from Flint, Mich tho so that’s outta the question, but I gotta say all of the rappers on there were quite influential to me fa sho with the exception of Murs. He’s dope but just didn’t have a big effect on the game as much as the others listed. And to those that think that Del or Gift of Gab are wack… maybe ur not a lyrics type of person. I know I’ve had debates with ppl that swear Mac Dre was a better emcee than Nas. Go figure.
Oh yeah and E-40 shoulda be on any list of emcees period.
Also I correct myself on confusing Breeze w/ MC Breed. Damn what happened to Breeze???
“As far as 2Pac? Yeah, he wasn’t the best lyricist. I’ve heard people argue that he was, but in reality he made great songs that people FELT.”
I agree with that, timm2014. I don’t really understand why impact wasn’t a big consideration because a huge part of why I love West Coast music is because of its impact. No matter how many times I hear the same songs, I feel the same connection to them as I did back in the day. I respect both these lists, but I really don’t think Murs should be up at 2, even though he impressed me a lot at Rock the Bells last summer and Paid Dues last weekend.
Planet Asia ? Evidence ? Raaka Iriscience ? just sayin’…
Not to stir anything up,but I think alot of people get rappers and lyricist confused and longevity/talent and dopeness/skill cofused too.Even though I dont totally agree with the list,it’s pretty damn close.While as good as E-40 and Too Short were,they had talent and longevity and didnt quite have mass appeal early on in their career.I think thats why they were well known in their area,than across the nation.On the side,you had cats like Cube,Quik,Snoop,Pharcyde etc… had more skills on the mic and was able to break out of that west coast box quicker and appeal to more than just their side of the country.Back in the day, that’s how you knew u were really hot,when u even had east coast cats listening to their ish and arguing with their friends that it was next up to bat.
Please don’t disrespect the West like that. Take Murs off that list.Thanks.
I respect the opinion of both lists….but I agree with dude from da Bull City…
I was surprised not to Too Short on the list nor E-40. They both shoulda definitely been on the list this cat from his lyrics has added more slang to the hip-hop dictionary than any artist ever from any coast…U smell me pimpin’?
LOL tupac number 7! I always thought he was top 5 rappers of all time.. apparently not
Argh Souls of Mischief….Damn how did I forget them. Man I need more sleep.
Okay not to start trouble or give anyone a headache or anything, but I’m curious to see who people would think are the 10 emcees from the south.
Just curious…..
Now I Luv Da Fact Dat Finally SomeBody Give It Up 2 DJ QUIK Cuz He Truly Deserves Props I Mean He Da True Defenition Of A Slept On Artist. Production/ Rapper He Had Mad Impact. 2pac? All Eyez On Me Album? Peepz B Pumpin His Production N Dont Even Kno It Lol. Or Truth Hurts – Addictive Feat. Rakim. Yes Yes DJ QUIK Beat.
I Think All His Albums R Str8 Legit Jus Da “Can U Work Wit Dat” Move He Busted Was Whack But He Realized It Wasnt Him So Nobody Could Work Wit It.
Also I Think BROTHA LYNCH HUNG Should B On Dis.
Siccmade Music Dats Right Str8 Outta Garden Blocc.
Jus As Quik Was Puttin His Twist On Westcoast Rap Wit Da P Funk
Lynch Did It Wit Da G-Funk Horrorcore Beats N Sicc Lyrics.
N I B Damn If He Didnt Had Impact On Da Rap Community Cuz I Kno He Did.
Well N Then,
Ant Banks, Mc Eiht & Comptons Most Wanted, NWA ( They Started Dat Gangsta Shit Wheres Da Muthafuccin Thx They Get), Dru Down & Luniz , Too Short( Inveter Of Da Word “Biatch” As Far As I Kno) BG Knocc Out & Gangsta Dresta And Of Course Eazy MuthaFuckin E R.I.P Eric Wright He Still Crusin Down The Street in His SixFo
I’m not too familiar with Spice 1 and much of Quik’s work so if I had a list they wouldn’t be on it. My list would have a place for Blu and probably The Game. Blu’s lyrical display was extremely introspective and something that a “normal” person can relate to. I check for EVERYTHING he drops.
The Game dropped 3 solid albums and countless mixtapes/verses that have people sweatin him.
MC Ren has always been dope to me.
Good job guys.
damn you guys are killin me, when people think of the west the usually think about la which is not the case what so ever, up north we got plenty of dope emcees not just 40 short dog pac and del. everyone on the hiero crew i think might be better lyricist then half of both lists. and when both mention people like the game it just breaks my heart. its rappers like him that’s ruining the art form we call hip hop. but imma ghive my top 10 tell me what ya think
10. Dj Quick
9. People Under The Stairs
8. Snoop
7. Kurupt
6. hieroglyphics
5. The Pharcyde
4. Gift of Gab
3, Del
2. Pac
1. Ice Cube
I love your top 10 cuz it looks almost exactly like mine
PUTS rule
my honerable mentions would be
Murs he holds it down and he’s dope as fuck if you dont count murs 4 president but not in the game long enough yet.
E-40
he’s responsible for half the slang we use today
Mac Dre
He says the same thing all the mainstream rappers are saying these days but he does it so much differently and with so much swag thats un-matched by anyone
Blu
Raw as hell he should be reppin the west on the main stage not the game
fred you know whats up im a bay cat put puts has been in the game for awhile and they get no respect
My list would probably be somethin like this:
1. Too $hort
2. Ice Cube
3. Tupac,
4. Snoop Dogg
5. E-40
6. Shock G/ Humpty Hump
7. Mac Dre
8. Tha Alkaholiks
9. Tha Dogg Pound
10. DJ Quik
Too short will always be the man……..
pretty good list tho
however Entire Hiero crew basically doodoos on almost all of these people (in terms of flows and lyrics)
thank you fizzle you on the same page i am short is dope but i wouldnt put him in my top 5
digital undergroud deserves to be up there iono how i forgot about them, but that fool that said murs and del were wack, you need to lay off the crack pipe
I also forgot to mention that i be diggin the alkaholiks, mac dre, RBL posse, Rappin 4tay, Digital Underground, Luckyiam, The Grouch, Zion I ( def not top 10 worthy, but their first album,” Mind over Matter” is a classic), and of course People Under The Stairs.
Those are all the artists that come to mind that deserve some sort of honorable mention or maybe a spot on the top…
PEace.
J Fizz
No MC Ren = All lists are incorrect
No Xzibit?
If Snoop makes it on ’status’ (cos its certainly not for lyrical skills) then why not E-40, or shit… even Eazy (without him it could be argued that half that list wouldn’t be around. Completely shite emcee, but Snoop makes it, so the standard is already low.)
If The Game makes it then why not MistahFAB?
Where’s Too Short?
lol @ The Pharcyde making both lists too… like Souls Of Mischief they get dap from heads due to their albums, but as lyricists, none of them stand out – proven by the fact that after LabCabin, every Pharcyde album with the remaining members has been turd, and FatLip ain’t done shit.
oh and King Tee too…
proper.
yall bring up a lot of great artists i hav tons of respect for, but sheer skill wise, which i believe this list is made for, doesnt count impact who cares if everyone says wut E40 says if hes wack (which he’s not) but i mean you cant say franchize boyz r good cuz every1 was leanin and rockin for awhile! based off sheer skilll too short and e 40 honorable mention, but not one of the top 10 skill wise to bless the mic representin our wonderful coast. The more i think about it, despite the lack of alot of material, blu’s skill on the mic would put him on there for me
but then agiain mayb i bringin that LA bias? lol hehe
Haha DAMN!!!, I STOP READING THE FIRST TOP 10 CHOICE @ 7 no disrespect.
a to the l i feel you on the game mistah fab thing but everything else naw i mean ren is tight but not that good and snoops early stuff is dope but where i really disagree with you is eazy e you cant put him up there simply because ice cube wrote most of his stuff and you can tell when he stopped writing his stuff because he got wack as hell towards the end of his life.
71 comments? when I left, it was at like 15. Lots to respond to, but I’ll be selective
Chong Wizard: I actually recognize Too $hort as a pioneer. But I wasn’t giving up points for pioneering. I based it heavily on skill and frankly, I don’t think he offered anything much to hip hop. In fact, much of the misogyny and gender issues towards women in hip hop stem from him. Why on earth should that be applauded? I don’t think his subject matter is good or contributing anything great. I don’t think his flow was any better than that of Snoop’s. I don’t think he had a good ear for beats. I think Too Short is flat out wack personally.
Isreal… That one comment you made about Murs being wack, Gift of Gab being “Okay” and Del being wack was hilarious… is no one else gonna bother with this one?
Macenro: Murs not in the game long enough? He’s been around since 97 and has put out more albums that most people on that list. Moreover, he’s been around just about as long if not long than PUTS and Gift of Gab lol And then you bring up Blu who’s been around for no more than 3-4 years.
Anyways, lots of great discussion here guys. Keep it up and keep it on
Deez i know you know a lot about hip hop and all….. But it really makes no sense to say too short is wack… Not all his songs are about trick ass hoes… but even those ones are tight.
I Feel he is the not only a pioneer, but truth that you can go your own route and still be successful.. Did you know he got started by riding the bus lines all day with trash bags full of his cassetes. He also had all the local pimps and drug dealers sell the tapes for him too until it circulated and he ended up making 7 platinum cds in a row.
His songs “the ghetto”, and “gettin it” are as inspirational as it gets.
Maybe you never heard ” In the Trunk”, “City of Dope” ” It Don’t Stop”, “Girl(Cocaine) that’s your life)”, “Life is Too Short”, ” so You Want to be A Gangster” ” Never Talk Down On a Player” Should i really go on? Every one of those is classic. Not to mention blowjob betty which i will admit is straight nasty, but its not like ice cube didnt say some similar shit about ladies. “A Bitch is a bitch Ft Too Short?”. “I Aint the 1″. Sure i dont like all his shit nor have i heard it, HES got LIKE 18 albums or some shit its ridiculous. But He is a legend and he is Cooler on the mic than anybody…
J Fizz, i was just talking to my homie (another writer you will soon see) and I mean, subject matter aside, I just don’t think he’s that good of a rapper. I think Snoop does what he does, but 10 times better. Snoop is about as cool as it gets on the microphone.
I don’t think (as my boy says) that he has made one revolutionary track to date… and both you mentioned are both done by other artists, Tupac, Dr. Dre, Kurupt, take your pick.
I’ve heard what I need to hear, including most of the songs in your 3rd paragraph, and I still don’t feel like he is above any artist on this list. Sure, Cube did his thing with the NWA, but he didn’t make a whole album out of it.
i agree that yall list are prolly the most known west coast artists..to me personally some of the west coast artist i personally like and think helped hold down this whole west coast at one point or another..DILATED PEOPLES, VISIONARIES, LIVING LEGENDS, FREESTYLE FELLOWSHIP, JURASSIC 5, E-RULE, RAS KASS, CYPRESS HILL, THE MEXAKINZ, THE ALKAHOLIKS, THE PHARCYDE, BLACKALICIOUS, XZIBIT, KING TEE, KAM, THREAT, HIERO CREW, STYLES OF BEYOND, COMPTONS MOST WANTED, ICE CUBE, PSYCHO REALM, DEFARI, PHIL DA AGONY, MC BREEZE, TONY DA SKITZO, MADLIB, ZION I, SAAFIR, RBX, PLANET ASIA, DIVINE STYLER, EGYPTIAN LOVER, GOOD LIFE/PROJECT BLOWED MC’S (etc, etc, etc)..this is not a top ten list..just some artists i personally think helped build our west coast movement..sorry for going off topic..just had to give some props to these west coast artists and all other artists i forgot..
oh yeah cant forget SELF SCIENTIFIC..PEACE
@theo..MYKILL MIERS was dope..yeah that joint with FREDDIE FOXX is hella dope..MYKILL MIERS was part of RAS KASS “western hemisphere” crew along with VOOODU, BIRD & MEAN GREENE.
WTF!!!, Too $hort is Wack!!…i refuse to ever read another article about you. You obviously never heard “Short Dog’s In The House”, for somebody to say all he talks about females being “B’’s is pretty pathetic. Maybe he’s latest shit sounds like that but then again what artist doesn’t sell out and try’s to make a hit referring woman as female dog’s. Much respect homie, but out here in the West Coast you will never hear such things about $HORT DOGG!!
So hold up…….. is the Criteria for this lyrical skills or not ????? Cause if it is Ras KAss has to be in the top ten. Regardless of the production on his albums. Ras Kass is one of those artists who doesn’t need any beats at all…. Ras KAss ?????? Name any one else who could have come up with something crazier than Nature of a threat.
Secondly, Gift of Gab, rated higher than Del ???????? What?
and then where is Pep Love ???? aww man
Nice list but gotta disagree on a couple cats in there… Murs is one of my favorite but higher than DEL,…..that’s a no no.
If I am right this was your criteria :
“however, both myself and Fred ranked it based on sheer skill.”
If that is so then you abandoned your own criteria somewhere along the line when you made these lists.
Peace
No Evidence?
“I don’t think he offered anything much to hip hop. In fact, much of the misogyny and gender issues towards women in hip hop stem from him. Why on earth should that be applauded? I don’t think his subject matter is good or contributing anything great. I don’t think his flow was any better than that of Snoop’s. I don’t think he had a good ear for beats. I think Too Short is flat out wack personally.”
Man , Too short wack…. wow. I mean his subject matter about women may not be your cup of tea but Too Short has too many great tracks to call him flat out wack. Oh and Too short isn’t making up his stories because there are definitely women out there like the ones he talks about. That aside . Man if you love mid-west , southern Hip Hop ( the early days of scarface and geto boys )and g-funk, than how could you hate on Too shorts beats?
Oh and Too short also drops some gems on keeping black men alive and not falling into the traps that american Justice systems sets up for them and the responsibility they must take for their own actions…
Check out tracks like Surviving the game from the menace soundtrack , City of Dope …The Ghetto. Maybe you only like Underground , Freestyle Hip Hop . I see a lot of your selections favor that .
LOL @ EVIDENCE BEING ON THIS LIST
*dies*
No Mac Dre???
No Andre Nickatina???
No Souls of Mischief or Hieroglyphics Crew?!?!?
NO LOVE FOR THE BAY……….
Also People Under The Stairs shoulda made the list, there wayyyyyy underrated. They’ve made tracks that are unparalleled by any other group, theres no feeling like smoking a blunt and listening to “San Francisco Knights” during a sunset in SF. Jus my 2 cents. Peace. Love.
84 posts and still no mention of crooked i?
I’m shocked
Y is it that heads can never properly appreciate our right to believe in our own shit. this lists aren’t Sean Deez’s and Freddie C’s opinions. Not something set in stone to live ur life by. they just giving their view and backing it up.
As for Israel, DUDE DUDE DUDE. No one’s downplaying Ras Kass’s lyrical ability but at the same, if an MC is a recording artist then every part of the record is as important as the next. e.g. No one’s fuckin with canibus but he’l never really hit any top ten list simply coz he has bad beat selection. just a sad truth.
lol…. sadly i don’t have my own West coast list. Dre beats can save any mc and Murs with 9th, I mean Come on, Crooked I is interesting, Blu and Exile any day, the Game brought the west back hard and Kurupt is sick with it.
Word 2 sean and freddie i’l hit up ur list and make my own opinion i guess
if we’re going by lyrics then , let’s stop talking about records, albums sales etc…. Pure skill ???? Rass Kass is in contention
True maybe but at the same time, to be a great emcee, (I THINK) i should want to hear how sick u r not feel forced to because u have skills. hence beat selection is key. if the beats wack i WONT pay the track any mind. greatness lost
the lists were dope, I was diggin em. As for the Ras Kass thing, makin a dope song also includes instrumentation and Rassassination had some pretty weak production even though it was in heavyy rotation for me back in the days.
@Isreal are you seriously sayin (since u mentioned pre-mtv Xzibit) that as a whole complete LP, Rassassination is better than 40 Dayz and 40 Nightz? Beats heavily move and album’s flow. Shit I could bump Defari’s Focused Daily more often cuz the production is just too ill.
Who said Phil The Agony should be on this list? they need to get slapped thats like puttin Party Arty (RIP) on the NY top 10 MCs. Them dudes play supporting roles, and seem to enjoy they level of lyricism and song writing aka not tryna be a top 10 list MC.
i tend to go more with freddie C’s list, i’m not a big fan of 2pac, but i do appreciate how he left his mark on the hip-hop world, i do think that dj quik being in the list is scraping the barrel a bit though…dj quik and no game in a west coast top 10 MC’s of all time? c’mon man!!
this does however confirm that when it comes to lyricists, east coast wins hands down!
Whilst I am a big fan of Murs (although less so his latest offering) I’ve gotta confess; he seems to be tremendously overrated by a great deal of ppl, and i’m not sure he’s got any right to be on this list. I’ve always felt he’s been carried by some great production a lot of the time, and lyrically he’s not outstanding by any means; if i was going to be hyper-critical, i’d say he’s fairly limited in terms of subject matter a lot of the time as well. Even from within the Living Legends, i’d put Grouch ahead of Murs everytime. Not that i’m not glad to see Murs get his shine, he deserves it, but no more than the majority of Def Jux and Rhymesayers artists he’s affiliated with for instance… I very much understand the motives behind placing him on the list, and it is refreshing to see someone approach their music with such honesty and dedication, but i can’t help but feel it’s becoming a little formulaic, and i’m hoping for a bit more variation from Murs in the future. Grouch is definitely a prime example for me of someone with a similar approach to Murs, but with considerably more dexterity and creativity a lot of the time; i’m sure there were a number of others i intended to mention, but i’ve lost my train of thought…!
Yeah I’m with Sean Deez… LOL @ Evidence…
slowest most annoying flow on the west. I feel like he’s about to fall asleep rappin’!
@DJValroy I feel your pain on the whole Quik/Game thing. But game just help to revitalize a coast which we know can produce quality stuff. He came out with a several albums yes, but song creation-wise as an emcee I think Quik had a larger and more consistent catalogue. If this list was made in a couple more years and (is Game still retiring???) if Game keeps doin his thang this list SHOULD include him.
pz
i lik evidence he coo but in no way would he deserve to be on the list…ther are alot of artists wit a good album or two but that dont mean they one of the TOP TEN WEST EMCEES EVER… phil da agony lol and how could u mention crooked I??? he hasnt done anythin lol i mean yea i lik some of his tracks but no way could he be considered top 10…mayb top 10 most wasted talent
@ShafunnyXL as far as i know, the Game AINT retiring, word is he’s running out of money, so he’ll be making another album, plus a nationwide tour-but even if he never made another album, we’re talking about MC’s here, yes, Quik knocked out a few good tunes, but lyrically, the game should be in any west coast top 10 of MC’s, i bet if there was a top 10 for east cooast MC’s, Biggie would be in it, and thats only after doing 2 albums!
The Game ?????? Come on now. Just because he has mad respect for HIp History and knows how to pay his respects on the mic don’t make the Game a top ten lyricist on the West Coast ????? Of all time ????? The Pharcyde . ????????? what the hell ????
This is starting to sound like an East coast fan’s favorite West coast artists. If a west coast fan came out with a list of their top ten East Coast mc’s and mentioned he doesn’t really like East coast hip hop but his favorite mc’s include DMX and Camron , he would get torn apart. Come on guys.
First and foremoest people have to at least agree on a way to pick . Is it lyrics or artistic importance. Skill , flow or just song creation ability otherwise we can’t ever come to any consensus.
@DJ Valroy,
makes sense with the Biggie reference, but I wouldnt compare the game’s 2 albums to BIG’s. we gotta think of someone else on that level. Game is dope dont get me wrong.
and then Ghanaboy shut me up too with his response, I agree with the Pharcyde thing, theyre a great group but MC list should be individual efforts.
P.S. I love the pharcyde but I can’t give them that much props.
Man Deez you always kill me. All of this is opinion. None of it is factuality. Everyone has their own taste. These lists are just opinions so I don’t know why people get heated. Saying that though I thought both lists were pretty damn good. Although IMO with Deez list I would drop Kurupt and Spice 1 and replace them with Ras Kass and Boots Riley. Boots is one of the most underrated of all time and Ras Kass is always hated on because of the production(aka the Canibus Syndrome, remember the four horsemen?). Despite that Ras Kass is one of the sickest emcee’s in history and most hip hop heads I’ve ever talked to about ill emcees agree. Tight list though. Snoop dogg was incredible when he came out but after his first album he fell off and showed that he hit at the right time with the right man and not necessarily that he was a dope emcee.
Props to ma man 4 mentionin Boots Riley… good choice
DEez i got a question Besides TOo $hort, who else has made songs with both 2 PAc And The Notorious BIG???
HMMMM?
fizz i got the answer to that one its bone thugz
yeah i guess u might be right macenro but the point is arguably the two greatest emcees didnt choose TOo $hort for nothin they chose him cuz hes a fukn legend and knows whats up
ditto Paradise Child
no Crooked I???
we all know that this website has a MAJOR hard-on for Murs. Dude is a great artist/person. A lot of heart. Awesome topics. Good beats
But Top 10 “emcee”…hell no.
Crooked I might not have albums. But on an emcee level. Dude’s skill is top tier.
Me thinks many are underestimating the skills of The Pharcyde.
living on the west coast I have always had a lot of respect and love from west coast artists and groups. Since everyone made lists of their favorite MCs, i felt weird putting in groups even though some people did, so i decided to make my list top 10 west coast groups/crews of all time.
10. Blackalicious/Quannum Projects
9. Tha Alkaholiks – (the ultimate party music. jazzy, super funky, clever. 21 & Over is classic ablum with nothing but hits. Only when im drunk and Make Room are the shit. 2nd ablums was good too.)
8. People Under The Stairs – (Up there with any of the others my opinion. These dude would make Pete Rock say damn. the word i would use for them is consistency. Every album is great. very underrated duo. I listen to them daily, this group could be in my top 3 favorites)
7. Jurassic 5 – (Holds down the west as far as alternative hip hop. Cut Chemist is redic. Charli 2na is amazing and the rest of the MCs. The EP is one of my favorite CDs but they are all good.)
6. Digital Underground – (Classic Bay Area hip hop. Funky funky funky. Very playful similar to early De La Soul but with west coast flavor.)
5. Living Legends – (Talk about prolific! The legends probably have over 50 cds, solo and as crew. Each individual rapper is dope and can hold it down. Some of there stuff is weaker but overall a great group. I mean Grouch, Murs, Mystik Journeymen, Eligh, Bicasso, Scarab…nuff said)
4. Freestyle Fellowship – (Really started the west coast underground alternative scene. Paved the way for Souls of Mischief and cats like that. Ace is a beast! in the fellowship and solo. All balls dont bounce is classic and i also like magnificent city. As far as individual rap skill these dudes are amazing. In the freestyle documentary they blew my mind. Check it out if you havent, you will know what I mean.)
3. The Pharcyde – (SO DOPE! bizarre ride came out in 1992. It is just as good as any tribe cd, De La CD. straight classic. Pharcyde is smart, lyrically conscious and fun to listen too. Great story tellers. Labcab is very underrated also..DILLA production is off the chain. Recently coped Fatlip’s loneliest punk and its also hella good.)
2. N.W.A. – (Only two words can describe NWA and that GANGSTA GANGSTA! Dre..Ice Cube…Eazy…Ren…Straight Outta Compton was one of my first rap cds i owned. Every song is pretty dope. They really paved the way for hella people. I dont think i have to explain there spot at number 2.)
1. Hieroglyphics – (This is my list and some might disagree..well fuck off. HIERO YALL! Personally probably my favorite group of all time. Living in the bay area I can relate but also they have so many classic albums. Soul’s ‘93 ‘Til Infinity, Del’s I Wish My Brother George was Here, No Need For Alarm, and Deltron 3030, Casual’s Fear Itself, Pep Love’s Ascension and the Shamen, Old hiero member Extra Prolific’s Like It Should Be, Opio’s solo stuff is off the chain. Then as a whole..3rd Eye Vision and Full Circle!! CDs are sooo dope! looking forward to the new Souls of Mischief produced by Prince Paul.. Hieroglyphics runs the west. Thats why I give them the #1 spot.)
*Honnorable Mentions:
Lootpack (Madlib is a straight beast)
Westside Connection
Fuck there are to many good groups…
This is MY list. one love, peace
very nice C… very nice list.
Draws a comparison to something you’ll see tomorrow.
@FIZZ. He goes by Method Man, Hot Nikkels, Iron Lung, John-John McClane, Johnny Blaze, Johnny Dangerous, Johnny Storm, Methical, The Panty Raider, Sha-Kwon, Tical, Ticallion Stallion….. He was on Got My Mind Made up with Pac and on The What with Biggy…
loving this list. This is always the most interesting conversation to have with a head coz we all have so much respect, love(secret desire) for our favorites we get worked up by the fact that the rest of the world doesn’t get the point.
when this week is over i’d love to see an east coast top 10 and a top 10 period and even a south top 10. just for kicks. Kev, Thomas how about it
i think everyone on this forum (which i’m really enjoying) is making some very valid points, i think the problem why this isn’t as cut and dried as say, an east coast top 10, is because the style of rap is a lot more varied in the west, so its very easy to lose sight of the lyrical content….for example, if we was to have a east coast top ten, i think we’ll mostly agree the same names would come up again and again, because styles are less varied, so we’re more likely to judge on just the lyrics…..what do guys think?
@SyKotiQ Illement thats a good idea, i think a top 10 for rapper/producer too, now that would be interesting!
I WOULD LOVE TO C THAT ONE
yeah deez thanks. I did groups cause MCs just was too hard. haha
what about e-40 wasn’t he west coast?
Lookin at this list, I’m gonna check for Gift of Gab… I’ve heard OF him, but I haven’t really listened to anything but 1 track… but y’all put a lot of stock in this cat… any suggestions on where to start?
he’s the MC half of Blackalicious. definitely cop Nia and Blazing Arrow, both are hot albums. The man has BARS FOR DAYS
Freddie, I want my 30!!
But otherwise, good job compiling this; your explanations are on point, even though I don’t entirely agree with the order. It’s a hard top ten to make, especially for someone born and raised in the West.
Whose list?!?
hahahaha
Xtina – MY list lol. Nice try though. and that 30 doesn’t count hahaha. Although I actually still owe you 55 (at least they’re not push ups)
as far as gift of gab 4th dimensional rocket ship going up is are dope album
as far as gift of gab 4th dimensional rocket ship going up is dope album
Cube tops the list no doubt but how can you leave out cats like King Tee, Kam, Threat and WC??
I don’t know about Threat and Kam b/c their success was short-lived. Threat was ill when he came out fa sho, but not top 10 all time. Kam….. really? I still think E-40 should be at least in the top 5…
Mykill Miers is working on new material. Spoke to him today. http://www.mykillmiers.com/
@Dj Ducats, thas wussup i still remember bumpin trigganometry and the whole lp back in the day, thats dope shit.
Ayo, i must respect this list. I’m currently living in Arizona but claim the West Coast because I am a Bay Area native. There are many emcees and lyricists who deserve 2 exist as candidates. I’ll name all that are honorable mentions: Rappin-4-Tay, San Quinn, Yukmouth, lead emcee of Zion I, Spice1, 3xkrazy, DruDown, Ras Kass, Planet Asia, Xzibit, Phil da Agony, Mykill Miers, GiftofGab, Tupac, DEL (cubes cousin), Kurupt, Ice Cube, WarrenG and his group Twinz, Saafir, does BrothaLynch or C-BO count?, Paris, MacMall, JT tha bigga figga, Flii Stylez, Casual of Hieroglyphics, Guce&KillaTay, Breal of CypressHill, KingTee, 1 particular from Alkaholikz, Chali2na from j5, anyone remember AHMAD who appeared many times on the WakeupShow?, PepLove, Encore, AceyAlone, Self Scientific, dj quik, grouch, etc…etc…the list goes on. From L.A. 2 tha Bay mayn. Dat biggedy bomb bay will bury ya. yaddadamean.
i like these lists. thank you for including underground titans in this (shouts out Pharcyde, Hiero). only problem is i think youre focused on the old school only. theres lots of new lyrical giants coming outta the west. a few additions i would make for my top 10 West Coast artists: Crooked I, Rakaa Iriscience (of DiLAted Peoples), X Zibit, Strong Arm Steady.