I like lists. I also like American MCs. Sometimes I like ´em even if they don´t sell a boatload of records. Here are five MCs that I´m feeling, although they usually don´t get a lot of press.
1. Kool G Rap - the godfather of NY thug music. It´s a pity he can´t pick beats, because he´s so much better than most of the cats selling big in NY now. He first dropped in 1985 and nearly 20 years later, he hasn´t lost a step. Another MC who will ´murder you on your own shit´. Get Wanted: Dead Or Alive
2. Masta Ace - He´s flow has morphed into Eminem territory, but Ace CAN write rhymes and he makes amazing concept albums. Check out Slaughtahouse and Disposable Arts.
3. Lord Finesse - The punchline king. His flow is type laidback, oozing ´finesse´ (geddit?) and control. Recently hasn´t done anything on wax to match his albums in the early 90s (The Funky Technician and Return Of The Funky Man) but he´s still good for a cameo or two.
4. Percee P - owns every song he´s ever rhymed on. You don´t want to be on the same track as this man. Sure, he never actually says anything in his rhymes (except how dope he is), but he has such an eloquent way of saying nothing. Killer flow.
5. King Tee - His name doesn´t come up too often. Unfortunately his heyday coincided with the uber-popularity of NWA. He´s not so sharp with the rhymes, but like Large Professor (see below) there´s a sense that he´s always rapping from the heart - or should that be from the liver? (King Tee gave birth to Tha Alkaholiks).
Honourable mention:
Large Professor - Will never be confused with Rakim. But Extra P always sounds like he´s putting his all into. He rhymes plainly, but with an element of ´b-boyism´ that many rappers lack. Responsible for the cla**ic "Breaking Atoms" with Main Source.
So, who are your favourite underrated MCs?
PEACE
Supafly
