Who's In Your Fave 5?

Alright kiddies, it's debate time!! Anybody who calls himself a hip-hop fan has a top 10 all-time* list, and I'm no different. Well, maybe a little. My list has an asterik next to it (a lá Major League Baseball records) because I'm man enough to admit that I might change my mind... But, enough ballyhooing, you want it, I got it: Tha List...

#10
2Pac
-- Say what you want, he stays at number 10. He was a presence, he was transcindent, he was talented. But, his off the mic antics, paired with his penchant for being a method actor (look back through his history of movie roles and you'll see a pattern) lead to him being mythologized and, in the eyes of the adoring hip-hop community, martyred. *My Fave Album: "Me Against The World"

#9
LL Cool J
-- Let's be honest, Uncle L has done a lot in his 20 years in the game. Most memorable, of course, are his beefs with various rappers: Canibus, Ice-T, MC Hammer, Jamie Foxx, Kool Moe Dee... I'd probably have him higher on my list if it weren't for the fact that ONLY 2 out of the 5 actually posed a lyrical threat (Ice probably would've shot him)! *My Fave Album: "Bigger And Deffer"

#8
Scarface
-- Southern heads know exactly why 'Face is on the list. In respect to outright lyricism and vivid storytelling, the man born Brad Jordan is head and shoulders above many. Commercially, though, he's not as well known or appreciated, except for his recurring role in the DJV (Def Jam Vendetta) series and his signing of a very popular dj-turn-rapper from Atlanta.* My Fave Album: "The Diary"

#7
Ludacris
-- One of my few pop favorites (but, then again, most of this list will be pop... go fig...) but, he can back it up. The former "Chris Lova Lova" is an offical monster, blessing remixes and cameos and making them HITS. My beef with him... none. He gave me the grown up album that he owed me. *My Fave Album: "Release Therapy"

#6
Notorious B.I.G
-- No, it's not a mistake. B.I.G is just outside my top 5. Like Pac, he was talented, he was transcindent, and he was a literal and figurative presence. But, you never got to see the man's flaws, only dropping one album prior to his untimely death ("Life After Death" was released shortly after March 9, 1997). After said releases, several rehashings and remixes (he did record for Puffy, folks) kept his music available to new fans, but, it just wasn't enough.* My Fave Album: "Life After Death"

#5
Jay-Z
-- Ooh, I hear boos already. Yes, Jay bested B.I.G by one spot, and beat Pac by 5 spots. Let's look at the facts: Multiple number one albums, baddest chick in the game (wearing HIS chain), former boss of Def Jam (he voluntarily stepped down), bar for bar one of the best EVER. Not to mention he is one of the most sought after collaborators, and with a mere mention of your name, he can (positively or negatively) affect not JUST your status in the game, but your record sales.* My Fave Album: "In My Lifetime Vol. 1"

#4
Eminem
-- What?!? A white boy better than Hova, B.I.G, Pac AND no NAS (so far?!?)?!? Yes, a white boy better (to me) than Jay, B.I.G, and Pac. Why? Simple. Beat him rapping. Anybody can step up, and he is SO competitive that I've actually heard him out rap HIMSELF (listen to "Renegade" on Jay's Blueprint album). Now, he has flaws (we've all heard the "Encore" album) but, even on a bad day, he better than your favorite rapper.* My Fave Album: "The Slim Shady LP"

#3
Twista
-- Wow. Twista better than Em? Again, this list is of my FAVORITES not necessarily in exact order of WHO'S actually better than who, but who I like. Twista caught my attention when he stole the ENTIRE song with one verse on "Po' Pimp" (Do or Die for you young'ns). Soon after, his classic banger "Adrenaline Rush" dropped and it did EXACTLY that, BANGED. The concept of story between the tracks was different (at the time) and it's an album that stands the test of time against other "classic" albums released that same year.* My Fave Album: "Adrenaline Rush"

#2
E-40
-- That's right! 40 Water is out ranks Hov, B.I.G, Pac, and Em. He's the most innovative spitter in the game, and everybody from Cali-foolya to NY spits his slang without acknowledgment of the creator. Plus, he's been grinding in the game since the late 80's-early 90's pioneering the independent hustle. The Ambassador of tha Bay has also stayed relevant through the years, especially with his affiliation with the Hyphy movement. Only one other man commands the type of respect that 40 does and he's my number one...* My Fave Album: "Charlie Hustle: Blueprint of a Self-Made Millionaire"

#1
Bun-B
-- I don't even need to say anything... but I will. Pimp C said something on their final opus together that he would "put a hunn'ed thousand on any monkey ass nigga from yo city" and guaranteed that Bun would crush them. I second that notion. Not only is he one of, if not, THE coldest man with a pen and a mic, he's humble, and one of the most intelligent men on and off the mic. If you need any reference to how cold he is: "Murder" from Ridin' Dirty, "Cocaine" from Underground Kings, or "That's Gangsta" from II Trill.* My Fave Album: "Trill" (note: fave UGK album "Supertight")

Well fans, that's the list, sports fans. Let the debates begin. Peace and God Bless.