1. Rakim

2. KRS-ONE (surprised only 2 people mentioned him)

3. Redman (king of metaphors) Check out Headbanger He upstaged everyone on that song.

4. Ice Cube ( best from the west)

5. Big Pun (although his style is a mix of Kool G Rap and Rakim I have to place him 5th because of his lyrics on the mix tapes)

Other notables: Chubb Rock, Busta Rhymes (Leaders of the New and his old solo stuff not to mention his dress styles and innovative hip-hop videos)

I never liked Tupac he was too much of a follower and not a leader. I like Biggie but i felt he never reached his full potential same for big pun. I gave Pun the slight edge due to the fact I like his style of delivery.

Im going to add my top 5 hip hop groups.

1. Run Dmc

2. Public Enemy

3. A Tribe Called Quest

4. Wu Tang Clan

5. EPMD

NWA on the heels of EPMD