When it comes to the top 5 rappers of all-time the first four are usually solidified ( Jay-Z, Nas, Tupac and Biggie) regardless of order, but when people have the debate for number 5 DMX is never mentioned.
I’ve heard people say Andre 3000 ( because of Lyricism), Eminem ( Cultural impact), Rakim ( Historical impact and style) or Kanye West ( Impact, production and style) but could it be said that DMX is better than all of them?
Here’s my argument for putting DMX number 5.
1) DMX IS ONE OF THE RARE RAPPERS TO HAVE TWO CLASSICS IN THE SAME YEAR.
- We recently had a discussion on the Coli about who has the most classic albums Nas or Jay-Z (http://www.thecoli.com/threads/nas-...-albums-honestly.593303/page-10#post-27510834) but neither Jay-Z or Nas has classic albums in the same year. Jay Z had Reasonable doubt in 1996 then had blueprint in 2001, Nas had illmatic in 1994 and then he had IWW ( the legendary status is still up for debate) in 1996. Both DMX albums ( Flesh of my Flesh, and It’s Dark and hell is hot) came out in 1998 to universal praise from both the music critics and the streets. The only rapper to match this at the time was Tupac ( and we already label him one of the GOATS)
2) DMX is one of the most versatile and creative rappers ever.
- Dmx is usually labeled as a rapper that glorifies Violence and death every chance he gets. But DMX also has shown an insane amount of creativity in his raps. The DAMIEN trilogy maybe one of the greatest rap inner monologues we have ever seen.
Damien one
Damien 2 ( the omen)
Damien 3
The ability to fight your inner demons and to live with the consequences while translating it to excellent music is something that needs to be factored in. Many people praise Jay-Z song “REGRETS” on Reasonable doubt, DMX literally made trilogy off the ideology.
3) We praise Tupac and Nas for speaking for us and telling our stories to the world, but shouldn’t DMX get similar praise for telling the stories of the cruelties of the foster system and having to survive on his own as a child?
Dmx is one of the rare rappers that opens his soul to the world and lets you know the life of a foster child isn’t pretty. He talks about the system of police brutality and the prison to pipeline system. Who we be by DMX is just as hard hitting as your other rapper toughest song.
I can make a similar argument that “Who we be” is just as impactful as “Brenda got a baby” by PAC.
I’m just saying DMX has a solid case for being a top 5 rapper.
I’ve heard people say Andre 3000 ( because of Lyricism), Eminem ( Cultural impact), Rakim ( Historical impact and style) or Kanye West ( Impact, production and style) but could it be said that DMX is better than all of them?
Here’s my argument for putting DMX number 5.
1) DMX IS ONE OF THE RARE RAPPERS TO HAVE TWO CLASSICS IN THE SAME YEAR.
- We recently had a discussion on the Coli about who has the most classic albums Nas or Jay-Z (http://www.thecoli.com/threads/nas-...-albums-honestly.593303/page-10#post-27510834) but neither Jay-Z or Nas has classic albums in the same year. Jay Z had Reasonable doubt in 1996 then had blueprint in 2001, Nas had illmatic in 1994 and then he had IWW ( the legendary status is still up for debate) in 1996. Both DMX albums ( Flesh of my Flesh, and It’s Dark and hell is hot) came out in 1998 to universal praise from both the music critics and the streets. The only rapper to match this at the time was Tupac ( and we already label him one of the GOATS)
2) DMX is one of the most versatile and creative rappers ever.
- Dmx is usually labeled as a rapper that glorifies Violence and death every chance he gets. But DMX also has shown an insane amount of creativity in his raps. The DAMIEN trilogy maybe one of the greatest rap inner monologues we have ever seen.
Damien one
Damien 2 ( the omen)
Damien 3
The ability to fight your inner demons and to live with the consequences while translating it to excellent music is something that needs to be factored in. Many people praise Jay-Z song “REGRETS” on Reasonable doubt, DMX literally made trilogy off the ideology.
3) We praise Tupac and Nas for speaking for us and telling our stories to the world, but shouldn’t DMX get similar praise for telling the stories of the cruelties of the foster system and having to survive on his own as a child?
Dmx is one of the rare rappers that opens his soul to the world and lets you know the life of a foster child isn’t pretty. He talks about the system of police brutality and the prison to pipeline system. Who we be by DMX is just as hard hitting as your other rapper toughest song.
I can make a similar argument that “Who we be” is just as impactful as “Brenda got a baby” by PAC.
I’m just saying DMX has a solid case for being a top 5 rapper.
