Mount Rapmore

Standard blog stuff here, but I figured we should get it out of the way. If there was a Mount Rushmore style monument for rappers who would be on it,& Heres my list and why.

Tupac- He's the Abe Lincoln of the list without question the most influential and important rapper ever. Hes a mortal lock and really not up for debate.

Dr.Dre- After Pac the list is really a free for all I like Dre because 1) NWA 2) He ushered in the whole era of gansta rap. Plus he introduced the world to Snoop and Eminem.

Eminem- Probably my most debatable obviously em is gifted with a sic flow, he didnt have the impact or importance of the first two rappers on the list, but his talent is undeniable. If he has one more great record and produces a couple of more great tracks hes a lock, but tenatively Ill put him on for the time being.

Russell Simmons- the last choice was the hardest, Ill talk about who I excluded first. Notorious B.I.G Biggie was great but I dont think he did enough one great album and one solid album dont warrant a spot among the greats for me. Most will argue that if I have pac I have to have biggie, I just dont see it that way. I will add the caviat that if biggie's life hadnt been cut short he had the talent to be on the list. My next exclusion was Jay- Z to me I just never got it with him, being the richest and most corporate rapper doesnt make you the best, some may disagree but I just cant shake the thought of em murdering him on renegade. To me Jay came along at the right time with the right gimmick to make an impact, but hes not one of the all time greats. I went with Russell Simmons the man meant more to rap then everyone else on my list combined, he completely changed the game, shining the spotlight on artists like Rakim, Run DMC, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys and so many more, I relize he cant rhyme a lick, but its unfathomable to have a list of important figures in rap and not have Mr. Def Jam on it.