What exactly makes a dope MC?

[Ghost Utmost]

First is voice quality. Better rappers can actually carry a tune usually. Very distinctive voices also carry weight.

Rythm is critical. Hip Hop is essentially "beats". Voice as instrument: Rap is moreso percussion.

Emoting. Good rappers are actors on the mic. They convey emotion.

Bars are actually less important than I like. Ill enough bars can overcome some flaws, but usually dope writers end up writing for rappers that have the above qualities.

That's my $0.02. Add on.

 

[be back in a bit]

You pretty much nailed it.


1) rap voice. If your voice isn't good, I'm not listening. Sorry Freeway.

2) mic presence. Swag, emotion, etc. Kanye West doesnt have the best rap voice or best lyrics (lately) but I'd still say he's top 25 rappers of all time thanks to his mic presence.

3) flow/rhyme schemes, what makes you sound smooth on a beat

4) lyrics, do you have anything to say? Nas sure does.

 

[How Sway?]

If I can listen to them A capella then IMO they're a dope MC

 

[darkromeo415]

Hmmm, so does this make Eminem a dope MC??? Cause his voice is irritating as hell now!

 

[Ghost Utmost]

Hmmm, so does this make Eminem a dope MC??? Cause his voice is irritating as hell now!

Em's bars overcame his flaws.

I put MCs like Greg Nice and Mr Cheeks ahead of him... simple enjoyment while listening. My head don't bob to Eminem songs.

 

[The Ruler 09]

A dope MC is a dope MC, with or without a record deal all can see.

 

[Cynic]

depends on what era ...... right now it's all flow and production

 

[Prince.Skeletor]

depends on what era ...... right now it's all flow and production

Thats not the question

My thoughts
Lyrics are most important
Then flow
Then mic presence

Nobody was able to change with the times more than Nas
Nas is the greatest!!

 

[Cynic]

Thats not the question

My thoughts
Lyrics are most important
Then flow
Then mic presence

Nobody was able to change with the times more than Nas
Nas is the greatest!!

Dope MC = lyrics and delivery and then flows


Nas doesn't translate well into this 808 era .... Jay-Z does

 

[Prince.Skeletor]

Dope MC = lyrics and delivery and then flows


Nas doesn't translate well into this 808 era .... Jay-Z does

This aint an 808 era
FYI 808 = being cheap instead of real drums

Jay is washed up now
Nas is a dope mc with endless topics to keep talking about

 

[Cynic]

This aint an 808 era
FYI 808 = being cheap instead of real drums

Jay is washed up now
Nas is a dope mc with endless topics to keep talking about

I was a Nas stan once but im older and wiser now ... Jay >>>>

 

[DeuceCypherUno]

you gotta do well in at least 2 of these things

Personality
Delivery/Voice
Technical Skill
Flow
Variety of Content
Imagery/Storytelling
A Decent ear for Beats


what separates those simply good and legends besides longevity is that they can excel in at least 3

 

[the rhyme king]

for me complex multisyllable rhyme schemes metaphors wordplay punchlines etc then flow rhyming on beat etc.

 

[the cac mamba]

for me complex multisyllable rhyme schemes

NO WAY

 

[Black Ball]

Thats not the question

My thoughts
Lyrics are most important
Then flow
Then mic presence

Nobody was able to change with the times more than Nas
Nas is the greatest!!

No way can this be true. There are so many corny dudes with dope paper lyrics that have no business touching a mic. Voice, Flow, Mic Presence, & Charisma are essential for anyone to ever want to listen to what you're saying lyrically. The ability to rap is an audible talent, that's why there are tons of writers that you will never hear pick up the mic.