Over the past decade, hip hop fashion has become a billion dollar business that is making artists like Jay Z, 50 Cent, and P Diddy more money than their actual music.

Hip Hop fashion has endured criticism since its inception between the baggy pants, bandanas, pants sagging, and bling, the judgement has perpetuated because of these controversial trends, whether that is deserved or not is irrelevant to the fact that this style of clothing is immersed in our culture.

As you are about to see, the results of trying to be special and stand out in the crowd can be embarrassing. We understand that fashion can only be judged from the eye of the beholder, but don’t tell us that Flava Flav is a revolutionary.

10.Soulja Boy

As a direct result of the internet, Soulja Boy has skyrocketed to mainstream fame for his catchy records and his bizarre fashion. The 17 year old proved that he wasn’t just a one hit wonder. Nevertheless, he has his own tweak on fashion that has earned him considerable attention.

The creator of such classic hip hop material as “Crank That”, “Yahhhh!, and “Soulja Girl”, is always dressed in his flyest gear.

In this picture, you can see that he has borrowed Fat Joe’s sweater. Is it possible that behind them obnoxious glasses hides talent?

Soulja Boy is currently writing a book entitled “Teenage Millionare”, at 19 years old, this is quite an accomplishment.

We might have to back off our criticism of the successful young entrepreneur after he has remained relevant now for three years.

9.Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg’s trademark smooth flow, quirky catchphrases, and his natural charisma have kept him at the forefront of raps elite for over a decade. Even if he is not the most lyrical rapper in the history of the game, Snoop Dogg keeps himself relevant by dropping albums and starring in blockbuster hits.

Malice in Wonderland is his tenth solo album, despite sticking to the same formula he has for a while, it has received mostly positive reviews. He probably didn’t touch a pen. When you’re a pimp like Snoop, it’s expected that you will wear some abnormal fashion. Sometimes, he takes it a bit to far though.

He came out wearing this a couple years ago at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Germany.

The skirt is cool, I’m more freaked out by seeing Snoop Dogg wearing a suit.

As I reminisce, what ever happened to the greatness of “Gin n Juice” and “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?”.

We appreciate Snoop Dogg for not caring about anyone’s opinion; still we’re not co-signing on this one.

With his larger than life personality and over the top antics, I doubt he is going to make an exit from the hip hop scene any time in the near future. When his career finally comes to a drum roll; not many will argue the merits of his superstar status.

8. Missy Elliot

She is well known for her theatrical performances and captivating records. Missy Elliot might be known in the same capacity for wearing some obscure fashion.

Even her clothing line “Respect M.E.”, produced by Adidas, has the Missy touch.

She likes to shock and awe at concerts and for special appearances.

Take, for instance, this well-received performance at the VMA’s in 2006.

When she decided to appear wearing a garbage bag. What else could it be? Honestly.

She has pushed the envelope on fashion before, the multi-platinum artist won’t get our stamp of approval for this outfit.

When you have hit singles with the consistency of Missy Elliot – you’re free to wear what you’d like — who are we to judge?

7. Kriss Kross

They are best known for being a talented duo in the 90′s. These impressive youngsters were set to leave a legacy and did they ever.

They are best known for being a hip hop duo in the early 90′s that wore their clothes backwards. They did have brief moments of success. When they released their first album,”Totally Krossed Out”, the single “Jump” reached the top of the billboard charts.

When they returned to the spotlight in 96. All the magic had completely faded, “Young, Rich – Dangerous”, had a more gangster approach. The fans weren’t buying it – the album bombed and they haven’t dropped new material since.

That’s one of the down falls of hip hop fashion. Even the trends that don’t catch on are permanently weaved into the cultures fabric.

Kriss Kross, will forever be remembered for backwards clothing.

It’s funny, we can laugh at them all we want. At the end of the day, they sold more records than any artist in hip hop has in years. How pathetic is that?

Dressed for success failure.

6. Kanye West

Kanye West has blown up on the scene over the past few years. His lyrics can be powerful and ridiculous in the same bar.

Ironic, because so can his fashion. He has been praised for his style and creativity both as a rapper and a fashionist.

He has reached hip hop celebrity in an almost unprecedented fashion.

He released the anthem “Stronger” in the Summer of 07. It’s a great song with a lot of meaning and we congratulate him on his versatility.

Associated with the song is some funny eye gear. The problem with this particular choice of glasses is they resemble lawn chairs. With so many cool pairs of shades to choose from — we must ask, why these ones?

5. Will Smith

Before he was one of the biggest movie actors in the world. He was just a hip hop rapper, one who happened to wear some unique clothing.

Most visibly demonstrated on “Fresh Prince Of Bel Air”, the hit 90′s Television Sitcom, Will Smith had a gigantic wardrobe of innovative hip hop fashion.

He also represented his interesting sense of fashion throughout the 80′s and 90′s in music videos, touring, and promotion.

In those days, hip hop fashion was already eccentric, but Will Smith redefined its eccentricity with a whole series of outlandish outfits that only Will could pull off.

Now, he is one of the sharpest dressed hip hop artists. Will Smith still puts out hip hop albums every couple years when he is not interviewing the president or acting in a blockbuster movie.

4. Lil Kim

She has been extremely successful throughout her music career, ironically as provocative as her lyrics are, Lil Kim’s fashion has greatly exacerbated her already controversial personality.

After a rough couple years, she is getting back to business, releasing the Mixtape entitled “Ms. G.O.A.T.”.

We’re going to jump back to 2001 and the video music awards. When Lil Kim brought her new style of wearing a bra to the forefront of a live MTV audience.

Can you imagine the shock on everybody’s face when she is wearing basically nothing on her chest?

It’s one thing to be risky and it’s another to wear a flower on your breast. Mystery can be sexy as well, if she wants to get naked – get naked, for playboy.

She has shocked since her debut, and we don’t expect differently from the grammy award winning — electrifying female MC — that has signified what it is be a women in this business for well over a decade.

3. Andre 3000

Andre 3000 has made an impact on hip hop. He is one of the most gifted emcees and his creativity is off the wall. Andre 3000 has no boundaries in his music or fashion.

His duo Outkast with rapper “Big Boi” is one of the most successful rap duo’s in the history of hip hop.

Actually, it wouldn’t be to controversial of a statement, if I said they are the most successful with all respect to Eric B and Rakim.

When it comes to his clothes, he is hit or miss. Maybe even more misses than hits.

When you wear a blanket instead of pants, it’s just getting a bit too ludicrous and you can’t sum it to simple individualism.

He launched “Benjamin Bixby” clothing line with his own perspective on fashion. Hopefully, he’ll tone it down considerably for the masses.

He only deserves the three spot because at least once a year, he wears an outfit that makes you go “Damn” that’s impressive.

2. MC Hammer

If you’re a teenager, you don’t understand how big of deal MC Hammer was in the late 80′s and early 90′s.

He created monster hits like “U Can’t Touch This” and is one of the top selling hip hop artist of all time.

MC Hammer broke down all kinds of barriers that were holding hip hop back from reaching its current mainstream acceptance, for example being the first rapper to get a big endorsement deal.

Basically, he is responsible for the astronomical figures that hip hop artists are making today.

None of which changes the fact that this rapper started some awful hip hop clothing trends.

Including parachute pants, which are some of the most embarrassing hip hop clothes to ever be made.

1. Flava Flav

Although he wasn’t notoriously known for his bad style during the Public Enemy days. The pioneering group is forever linked with hip hop. Despite the legacy, Flava Flav, has went onto new challenges.

Flava Flav, decided that, he wanted to be a part of one of the most absurd reality shows in TV history. The agenda was simple to have a group of girls compete over the love of Flava Flav.

“Flavor of love” has become a great success and I’m sure his lack of fashion sense has contributed greatly to the ratings.

Flava Flav comes bursting into number one with his signature Viking Helmet on his head, a grill, and his flamboyant shirt.

I don’t think it would be a stretch to say that Flava Flav will dress like this until he dies. I don’t know about you, but I’m not going to lose any sleep over it.

First off. At the end of 2008, a year of disappointments – lackluster beefs (think Fat Joe vs 50 Cent) – less than stellar performances, unanswered anticipation, who thought that Royce Da 5’9, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, and Crooked I – would release an impressive self-titled debut album?

I think that I speak for everyone in hip hop when I say that we are sick of the petty beefs.

These are not the days of Jay Z and Nas feuding over the King Of New York title.

When I mention petty beefs – I’m talking about references being taken out of context, internet-escalated beefs, and pathetic attempts to boost sales.

Fortunately, nobody wants to hear that garbage right now. The fans are becoming more astute – they realize that they are being sucked into marketing gimmicks.

Yes. The beefs do garner an abundance of scattered attention on blogs [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] because of their aggressive content. I will not deny the fact that they are still an important component of lyricism. I personally feel as though they have less significance, at this accelerated time – in the current state of hip hop.

Lately, when I hear Joe Budden’s name brought up in conversation, the insinuations have been negated, strong opinions are still held, but they are based upon his technical skills.

Have you heard Escape Route or Padded Room, the man is completely spazzing out on every track with only a few subliminals shot here and there.

A couple years ago, Joe Budden’s name couldn’t even be mentioned without contention building in the room.

Of course – Budden has been involved in some highly publicized beefs over very trivial matters this year. Most of them, including the one with Method Man, have already been resolved.

I think that hip hop was built on the ability for MC’s to lyrically smash each other as long as you’re not reducing the entire culture. When Charles Hamilton took shots at Jadakiss earlier this year – he lost a lot of respect, and when Budden came sideways at Method Man – everyone in the plethora of hip hop seemed quite disappointed.

I will never be against beefs as a tool to demonstrate who is a better lyricist – when they are used as a promotional tool – or are without merit, I think that they hurt the game that they are trying to elevate.

Ja Rule

What’s the Beef?: 50 Cent

Eminem – Hail Mary

You ain’t no killa, you a pussy
That exstacy dun’ got you all emotional and moushy
Bitches wearin rags in photos, for Ja’s words bein quoted
In the SOURCE, stealin ‘Pac’s shit like he just wrote it
You loud mouth, pray to God, hopin no one’s listenin
See 50 comin for me, Oh my God my, my position
No one pays attention
To me, please Gotti, here I go
Gimme this pill, exstacy dun’ got me feelin so
Invincible
Now all of a sudden I’m a fuckin mad man who screams
Like I’m ‘Pac but I’m not, enemies, Hennesy
Actin like I’m great, but I’m fake, I’m CRAZY
Sweat drip, get me off this trip, someone stop this train
Some say my brain is all corrupted, fucked from this shit
I’m stuck, I’m addicted to these drugs, I’ma quit
Sayin mothafucka’s name’s before somebody fucks me up
Ain’t no pussies over here, partner, see you hell, fucker

ICP

What’s the beef?: Eminem put on a flyer in 1995, ICP Might Appear .. Maybe.

Eminem – Get You Mad –

Lesson Five: Get a hook-up at Jive, Dress up like ICP and have them come see you perform live

Eminem – Drastic Measures –

ICP are over-rated and hated because of their false identities

Eminem – Marshall Mathers –

Faggot 2 Dope and Silent Gay. Claimin Detroit, when y’all live twenty miles away

Eminem – Marshall Mathers –

slim anus? you damn right slim anus, i dont get fucked in mine like you too little flaming faggots

Canibus

What’s the Beef?: Canibus accused Eminem of writing the lyrics to LL Kool J’s infamous diss “The Ripper Strikes Back”.

Eminem – Funk Flex Interlude –

Canibus Voice – Yo this is Canibus, the rhyme analyst
I aint feeling Obie Trice, I hope he gets covered and smothered in tarantulas
Before metaphors with reservoir dogs
Before Christ was hung on the cross, before

Eminem – Can-I-Bitch –

He’s like Kim; he keeps comin’ back for more
But he won’t fight back, I cracked his jaw
Hold up ‘Bis quit foldin’ up!
Punch me in the chest make my shoulders touch!
DO SOMETHIN’! At least one punchline
C’mon till the meter reads nine, nine,
Nine-ty nine percent of my fans are blonde
‘Bis c’mon answer me man respond!
Tell me ’bout the sun rain moon and stars
Interglacial metaphors from Mars!
‘Raw to the floor, raw like Reservoir Dogs’
Bite another line from Redman’s song!

He can switch from absolutely ridiculous to poignant, malice to loving, violent to forgiving, captivating the real emotions that we are all accustomed with.

He is not a perfect artist, far from it, critics such as myself will point out the redundancy of certain subjects, overly simplified explanations of feelings and views, perverted ideas, and sometimes pure ignorance.

What you can’t deny is his ability to intrigue us. I’m willing to bet the majority reading this article at some point enjoyed an Eminem song for one reason or another. I’ll take that same leap of faith by presumptuously assuming the same can’t be said for Rakim, who is one of the greatest lyricist in the history of hip hop.

Why does Eminem still matter? I have no hidden-reason, or sagacious perspective that will immediately change your mind. What I do have is an insurmountable list of facts, statistics, and reasons that 09 will be good to Eminem.

• Eminem wants to be the greatest rapper ever

Marshall Mathers like every other superstar rapper has an ego. He wants to be known as one of the greatest rappers to ever live. He cleverly alludes to his hopes of being listed with the greats in his 2003 song “Till I Collapse” with this set of bars “I got a list here’s the order of my list that it’s in.It goes, Reggie, Jay-Z, Tupac and Biggie, Andre from Outcast, Jada, Kurupt, Nas and then me.”

In one of his more recent songs, Eminem consciously resents his self-portrayed standing in hip hop, on “We’re Back” off the “Re Up” album, with his reflective lyrics “when they say one of the best, I’m nowhere thought up as that, not even the same league as Jay-Z, Nas, Pac, Biggie or maybe, the name me somewhere down at the bottom, right after AZ.”

For these reasons, Eminem is still hungry with the desperation to solidify his spot in the hierarchy of hip hop, maybe to his greatest critic of all, himself. In my opinion, his new album will be worth listening, if only for that reason.

• Eminem has a built-in-market

White kids, the main consumers of hip hop music are overwhelmingly fans of Eminem. The steady decline of album sales over the past few years, not only shows that labels are slow to adapt to advancements in technology, but it also implies that they are not targeting the correct markets with the right product. Slim Shady already has a built-in-market established which has been proven to purchase records.

• Dr.Dre will be a big part of his next album

He is still produced by the most effective producer in the history of hip hop. Eminem produced the majority of his own tracks on recent albums to his detriment as admitted even by Em, who said with Dre producing, he’ll able to concentrate more on the performing aspects, i.e. writing, flowing, and less on the music.

• Eminem has sold over 20 million albums

He is the top selling hip hop artist alive today. Despite the fact that he has only released four official solo LP’s. Even in comparison with the late-great 2 Pac, he has sold almost the same amount with half the body of work.

• Eminem knows that controversy sells

He is a controversial figure, his lyrics are always subject to criticism giving him an edge on rappers like Lupe Fiasco, who are more introspective and positive. The mediums that hip hop artists use to promote themselves are historically apt to cover a contentious issue rather than a uniting one. Eminem is unquestionably hip hop’s biggest media scapegoat.

• Everybody loves come back stories

He put himself on a self-imposed hiatus for almost five years. The momentum he will be capable of gaining with his come back can easily be much more significant than a 50 Cent, who has intuitively went to amazing lengths too keep himself relevant for years.

• Eminem has venting to do on his new album

He has been through a tremendous amount of grief since he went away including a divorce, the passing of Proof, and health conditions. He has serious subjects that he can address on his new album.

• Eminem is an empire by himself

Eminem has a music empire with an enormous stake in seeing him succeed. He also has a diverse set of outlets that should be used to help promote his come back.

If you take into consideration, his clothing line, Shade 45 – Satellite Radio, Interscope, and some loyal label-mates, who will be more than likely to take the focus off themselves to give Eminem his time to shine, thats measurable power.

He also has many favors to cash in on with all the producing and behind-the-scenes work he has done while taking a break from rapping. Of course, you can argue the success of some of these experiments.

• Eminem doesn’t have due dates

I don’t think, we have heard of Eminem having a due date, a must come out time, or content demands from his label. He obviously has freedom in his contract. They’re not going to force him to tour. I wouldn’t say Em has no pressure, but significantly less than most rappers.

• Eminem has great fans

His stans are a vigorous block of hip hop fans, who have literally worshipped him since 2000. They want every song he has ever made, including embarrassingly bad music, think “Fack”.

The majority of them would give encore 4 and a half mics. They’re many websites, forums, and newsletter subscribers, who are 100% dedicated to keeping Eminem relevant. In their defense, they’re truly the loyal type of fan that any rapper would want.

• Eminem goes his own way

He still matters because he is his own entity. While hip hop is a genre that is immersed with carbon copies, Marshall Mathers, is the epitome of the adage “way out in left field”.

He has made a career out of doing the complete opposite of everybody else. When “My Name Is” hit the airwaves it was almost like Em came from a different planet to invade what we currently knew as hip hop.

Technically, you would be executing a valid argument by citing his predecessors as having an amazing influence on his rhyming style, punchline content, wordplay, and drama-oriented lyrics.

He is not a lyrical innovator as some would like to make him out to be, but Eminem used the various tools to build a different house as Chino XL was once quoted to say in respect to Eminem being like him.

The major difference being Eminem had mainstream success by using the same formula and getting a different result.

• Eminem doesn’t even need to make great music

Crack A Bottle, which is rumored to be on his next album Relapse broke the digital record for the most downloads (418,000), in a week, surpassing the fantastically better Live Your Life from T.I. featuring Rihanna (335,000).

The track jumped from No.77 to No.1 on the billboard top singles chart in a week!

I haven’t seen one honest review with the audacity to claim the song was above average. In all fairness, Em had the help of Dr.Dre and 50 Cent to help boost sales.

Ridiculous songs are also what helped launch his career.

• Eminem is Eminem

His personality has been one of the biggest contributing factors in him maintaining his stardom. His humor and wit evident throughout his lyrics makes us want to see what he is going to do next. Better known as the “shock factor”, a recipe for immediate attention, it will only take Em a split second to make headlines.

• Eminem is Relapsing

I don’t care who you are. Everybody knows that the “old eminem” was better than the new. Why the hell do you think, Slim Shady is relapsing?

Eminem still matters and he will for a long time. The only question I have is “how much will he matter”? I’m going to assume, he’ll sell over 4 million. How about you?

Why Eminem Still Matters #1

Eminem is one of the top selling rap artists of all time. In fact, Eminem is the second highest selling hip hop artist ever. He is only trailing behind 2 Pac in the amount of cds sold.

The controversial rapper has “Shocked and Awed” since his debut in 1999. His first album “The Slim Shady LP” was quickly a top seller. The outlandish first single “My Name Is” produced by Dr. Dre, introduced the world to Eminem, and no air-wave was safe.

Hip Hop critics were fast to embrace the album as a outstandingly creative piece of work. Outside of the hip hop circles, the album received mix reactions, and was bombarded with negative media coverage.

Marshall Mather’s exaggerated character, Slim Shady is arguably the most hilarious and outrageous of Eminem’s three personas. He feels less need to defend his actions or have any remorse as opposed to Marshall Mather’s or Eminem who at least have excuses and some signs of sympathy.

Besides the risky content, the album was also slammed by critics for its lack of substance. All reviews weren’t negative even “Rolling Stones” gave the album a 3.5.

The Marshall Mathers LP proved that Eminem was the biggest-thing in hip hop. The album has sold over 21 million copies world wide. Unbelievably, “The Marshall Mathers LP” has went 9x platinum in the United States alone.

A lot of the sales were due to Marshall Mather’s being the first white rapper on a global stage that white kids — who make up the majority of hip hops business — could relate to the over achieving rapper.

8 Mile was the peak of Eminem’s stardom. He just had one of the most successful albums of all time and a new one on the way.

The documentary, which was loosely based on Eminem’s actual journey to fame was critically acclaimed. The movie did a lot better in the box office than expected and helped the rapper become a house hold name.

The soundtrack featured legendary rappers like Jay Z, Nas, Rakim and Gangstarr. Eminem also brought along rising stars Obie Trice and 50 Cent. The hype from the soundtrack was enough to help launch 50 Cent’s career.

On Eminem’s next album “The Eminem Show”, the Detroit rapper simply said “If I was black, I would have sold half” admitting to the dichotomy that led to his tremendous success.

The Eminem Show was the most widely accepted album of his discography. Eminem turned down the rhetoric and amped up the substance. He dealt with his legal issues, the government, his fame and his daughter in a more mature way.

The album was the number one selling LP of 2002. The growth that was demonstrated on the successful third LP also came with the price of losing some of his hardcore audience, who thought he might have toned it down too much.

Encore was suppose to be the best Em had to offer. The most intriguing parts of his first three albums in one package.

Unfortunately, the weakest side of Slim Shady seemed to be the most present character of the album.

Because of all the filler and completely lackadaisical concepts. Eminem flopped in the eyes of critics and a good portion of his fans. The album still did reasonably well for sales, but nothing compared to his previous efforts.

The album still had a lot of highly praised songs and many fans will contend that overall it was a great body of work, if you are willing to skip through a few tracks.

The Re-Up dropped late 2006. The mixtape was like Michael Jordan’s “I’m Back” statement for Eminem.

It wasn’t a definitive come back and nobody really expected it to be, but fans were getting really hungry for a new solo LP.

The most documented song on the album was “No Apologies”, which was his statement to the world that Eminem was not done.

Eminem and 50 Cent did a lot of back and forth on the album. They also had the single “You Don’t Know”, which helped the mixtape sell over a million copies.

When the rumors began to circulate about Eminem releasing a new album, the hype quickly led to a title “King Mathers”. Immediately a propaganda website was put up at the self described address.

The album was verified by a whole slew of rappers including Cashis, Stat Quo, 50 Cent and Dr. Dre.

The newest album — still not officially titled — will be released even at the end of this year or early next year. The news was recently confirmed by Interscope.

Stay tuned, in the next part we will tell you why his return matters for hip hop.

To say the name can provoke many reactions in the hip hop community, many of hate, many of praise and enjoyment of his music.

Let me start off by saying, I am a wayne fan, and I listen to his music more so than any other rapper, why it appeals to me, there are many answers..

I enjoy the freestyle, style, where it sounds like he just bs’in in the booth, high or not. Talking about what ever comes to mind, the bragging, the claims of being the best, the humor, the outrageous similes and pop culture references.

It can be argued, that he is not as deep or as knowledgeable on tracks as some other rappers i.e. late Eminem, immortal technique, lupe, nas, but the way I see it, he is a different character or player in the game than these others, like, in my terms, it would be like blaming a soccer defender for not scoring enough, or in U.S. terms, blaming a quarterback for not making game saving tackles, being overly deep is not the man’s style or job, he has his own duty, to rap about what he feels, and to be who he is, though, imo, he has shown he can be deep on many tracks, particularly when describing love and emotions and death, such as “its killing me”, “cry out”, “gangsters pray”, then more of his political stuff, “Georgia bush”, where he talks about the floods and the government.

To say, right now, he isn’t the hardest worker, in rap, or in music, full stop will be dismissed without a second thought. No one has produced anywhere near the amount of material in the past few years, or appeared on more features, or gained more notoriety. Appearing on Countless rappers, hip hop stars, and pop artists tracks, have all been brilliantly executed plans to gain popularity from more than one genre. One reason why he sold a million in the first week.

Now, its been said in the past few years, for an album to sell over 300,000 in the first week has the industry doing cartwheels, now times that by 3 and then some, and it gives you some understanding of what the Carter 3 has achieved. Despite the numerous set backs and leaks, he still does it and sells twice as much as the next best selling album this year, and what does he do afterwards?.. does he get big headed and stop.. na.. a line from his 3rd “a millie” remix lol, which shows how hard he works, he states……

“A million sold, first day I went gold, how do I celebrate?..work on tha Carter Fo’”

Pretty much sums dude up, who can’t admire that work ethic, sold a million, and still thinking about working, stating with diddy on his blog, about his success, “if they ask you why you work so hard… you ask them, why not?”..

Lil Wayne is still only 25, that’s crazy, still a kid really, nas, jay z, all have been around, wayne seems to have been around something similar, but he still has that energy to produce and produce and produce, tha reason he came up with the moniker “best rapper alive” is cause jay z “retired”, but he doesn’t show any disrespect to these rappers, he’s the first to say thank you for inspiring and paving the way for rappers like him, the man is genuine class, the outrageous swag on tracks is a side effect of his talent and hard work.

Your favorite rapper and artist, seems to be giving wayne praise, jay z says on mr carter.. “mic time, with my heir”, clearing stating his thoughts that wayne is the future of the game, while nas is proclaiming hip hop Is dead, (even though he still is able to produce great music), Wayne took that upon himself like no one else, as a challenge, to resurrect and give life again, to the hip hop/rap genre, and I and many others believe he has been successful.

The problem being with wayne’s swag, means it passes on to some of the more impressionable fans, leading them to portray him as the best ever, the best alive, and the hip hop heads hate this, so they denounce him, and it is now seen as “cool” to hate wayne, or like that makes it seem like you know something about rap, just cause he don’t always talk about politics, or don’t like his style or voice. Like his voice lol, I can understand if you think he hard to listen to, but his voice shouldn’t effect your opinion or make you claim he’s garbage, he just using what he giving, and claiming he’s high doing most tracks, I doubt he’s gonna have the clearest voice on every track.

The dude is lyrical. Full stop. Whether its your type of lyrics or not, he has clever lines, great similies, great references, outrageous swagger, and surprising meaning behind most of his lines. To say he a garbage rapper is jumpin on the band wagon, I admit he can go off talking ass about one thing or another, but that’s part of the charm, like he just bs’in in the street or the booth.

As far as tracks go, he’s producing heater after heater, remix after remix (and then another remix), constantly bombarding everyone with a new song, that has quotables, a high end feature star and a bumping beat. Everyone realizes wayne is hot now, so they all giving him the best beats, everyone looking to work with him, and with his dedication and determination, he is sure to make good on all these proposals and continue to make great music.

The more people hate, the more controversy, the more exposure, the more popularity, the more sales he gets, it all adds up, wayne is a smart guy, he aint claiming to be the best rapper alive, to be an arrogant ass, he doing it to create a storm, to create a topic of conversation, he says it, and he believes it, no one is doing more than him in hip hop now.

Now I would give you a list of wayne tracks to go and listen to for yourselves, but ya’ll know the deal, (I would recommend da drought 3), the small time haters on rap sites and ya’ll small time emcee’s doing there thing, check youtube, check myspace, over 100 millions views, millions of views on every video, millions of plays, dude is on another level.

So for a “talentless, garbage” rapper, he doing pretty well for himself

and he gonna keep doing till he cant do it no more…

Written By: MagicMark – This Article Does Not Express The Opinions Of IllestLyrics.com

Anyone who already accepts hip hop as an art can stop reading.

I can guarantee everyone who reads this post could evaluate a rappers lyrics who they appreciated.

After you like the message/lyrics, all you need to do is get use to everything else that comes with it.

“When I was just a little baby boy

My mamma used to tell me these crazy things

She used to tell me my daddy was an evil man

She used to tell me he hated me

But then I got a little bit older and I realized she was the

crazy one

And there was nothing I could do or say to change her

Cause that´s just the way she was”

Nobody can relate to that? Even an artist like Eminem, who goes way to far, a lot of the time, is a genius entertainer.

He takes a serious subject that many people can relate to, and puts a sick twist on it like a drama movie. If he lived in his music, this fantasy he is writing, that’s what he would do to his mother.

I can actually write rap lyrics and freestyle. I have about 4 years of experience and wouldn’t even consider myself decent (compared to a lot of mainstream rappers lyrically, I would be), it’s not like you wake up a rapper. Granted, you could be born with more rhythm than another person.

Rapping isn’t about holding a chord like ROCK. It doesn’t take as much vocal talent as rock.

Still it takes a lot practice to be good on beats.

As for lyrically speaking, think about the greatest poetry and how difficult it is to write. You need to do all these rhyme schemes, metaphors, and puns.

Remember in high school doing that? Now imagine, writing the equivalent of fifty sentences for each song with all them semantic skills.

You need to have quite a grasp for language, to be able to execute such a feat. Don’t you think?

If you’re willing to say hip hop doesn’t take any talent or intelligence, then you’re also saying poetry doesn’t. I don’t think, any of us want to say Robert Frost was a dummy.

In hip hop music, we have all aspects of life displayed to the fullest.

You can listen to a rapper like “Chamillionaire” if you want to and he will give you, the I don’t give a damn about anything but partying.

In contradiction you could listen to “Immortal Technique”, and get your share of conspiracy theories about the Government. I know, “Loose Change” is popular on the internet.

You might listen to “Eminem”, if you are a psychologist. Honestly, wouldn’t it be an achievement to understand, how he would come up with this stuff?

You would listen to “Nas”, if you wanted to know about the streets. He is a perfect “rag to riches” story. He will give you motivation. Literally, he won awards for his “I Can” song an inspirational song, telling children, they can too.

Of course, you’re exposed to the most sensationalized, dumbed down and absurd music in the mainstream.

Isn’t that true of all facets of life? Watch any good reality TV lately? You could have been reading a book. Been to any good parties lately? I’ll bet you want to.

You don’t think hip hop music is diversified as well?

To imply that there isn’t some modern day wordsmiths and some of the best musical writers of this century and the last is a mistake.

You could be basically proven wrong. If you break down the amount of original thought, technical skill, and knowledge on a line by line basis.

Of course, your ears are a delicate part of your being. They are very touchy. But, I think, if you like the message or lyrics, you can “trick your brain” into liking the whole package.

You’re of course entitled to your opinion.

But if you think people who do rock music are the geniuses and rappers are the stupid ones, that’s slightly off.

Readers Note: Sorry for the lack of quality compared to other articles, this was originally intended to be a forum post.

Earlier, Illest Lyrics, hypothetically speaking, caught up with a few rappers to find out, who they are voting for.

We sat down with West Coast Rapper – Snoop Dogg at first.

Me: Snoop Dogg, who do you plan to vote for in 08?

Snoop: Giuliana my nizzle, fo shizzle, he pimps forizzle.

Next we discussed the candidates with 50 cent. His reaction was stunning.

Me: Who are you voting for fifty?

50 Cent: I’m Voting for Bush, that’s n**** is to gangster for the 22th amendment.

Me: Good point, why should Bush start following the law now.

Next, we got together with T.I, Rza, Common, and Mos Def.

Me: Who are you guys voting for?

T.I: Fred Thompson, we agree with him on the core issues. Second rate actors are getting paid horribly these days.

Common: He is a freedom fighter!

Mos Def: building 7

RZA: I was in American Gangster?

Me: I see.

Later, we saw Lil Wayne, who was incidentally with his daddy birdman.

Me: Why are you voting for Hilary Clinton?

Lil Wayne: She has a fat booty.

Me: Gross.

It makes a lot of sense, Lil Wayne, votes for Hilary. They both think because their husbands can do it they can.

We ran into Fat Joe, who is also in support of Hilary.

Me: What’s so great about Hilary Clinton?

Fat Joe: She wants global health care, and I’m one fat unhealthy mother****** without healthcare.

Me: Haha. Both of you also like flopping. She flops the issues and you flop cds.

We even found the pervert R Kelly. Listen to what he had to say.

R Kelly: I support Mike Huckabee.

Me: Why?

R Kelly: I believe we should shower our children with love and stuff.

Me: I guess, you both want what’s best for the children.

Chingy wasn’t very hard to find. He was attempting to get on the latest season of “where are they now”.

We asked him about his favorite presidential candidate.

Chingy: I like Al Gore

Me: Al Gore isn’t running.

Chingy: nvm mind, I wuz gonna votez fO alz but I dont like candidatez who been on the MTV more than me

We also talked with Joe Budden, who is voting for Ron Paul. Both of them believing the Internet and technology are the key to the future.

Joe Budden: Yes. I’m voting for Ron Paul. He is great.

Me: Makes a lot sense. You both have a lot in common if you think about it, you owe all your fame to the internet, and in reality you aint shit. (just kidding on that one)

We even talked to Jay Z.

Me: Who are you voting for Jigga?

Jay Z: Barack Obama

Me: Why?

Jay Z: He listens to me, why else?

Last but not least we talked to Aesop Rock, who is voting for Dennis Kucinich.

Aesop Rock: the mortals will vote otherwise

They seemingly are both martians.

1. Jay Z – Puts Kingdom Come behind him.

A year ago, Jay Z, came out of retirement to drop Kingdom Come, and the album got smashed by critics and fans alike. People thought, Jay was disconnected from his fan base and the culture in general. The consensus was, Jay had become to rich and sophisticated for us primitive fans. When Jay Z announced that he was making a new album called “American Gangster” inspired by the motion picture of the same name, fans forgot all about Kingdom Come. Rumors began to escalate, indicating that Jay was returning to his “Reasonable Doubt” style, which elevated the album to the most highly anticipated one of the year easily. The months past quickly, and songs began to leak. Jay had really returned this time. Everybody knew that, Jay, was back on top of the game. The whispers became screams, and at the end of October the album “American Gangster” leaked. The reception has been magnificent and Jay Z can sit comfortably in his throne for now.

2. Curtis Outsells Kanye West

I would have lost a lot of money, if I would have made a bet on the album sales contest between these two. 50 Cent and Kanye West both ended up releasing albums on the same day. Even sites, like Bodog, were gambling on who would sell the most records. In one corner, we had 50 Cent – who was releasing Curtis. His third lp, and the only one that subsequently from being released didn’t go double plat. Actually, it took almost a month for it go even go plat. It was basically taken for granted that 50 cent would outsell Kanye. In the other corner, we had Kanye West. He was also on his third lp titled “Graduation”. He had a lot of success with his previous albums, but nowhere near the level that 50 Cent had achieved. The first week results came in, and Kanye blew 50 out of the water. All of 50′s taunting was coming back to haunt him. He had to make up excuses and basically play the jackass. Although, I wouldn’t of won the bet. It makes my year to see 50 Cents ego, go down a little bit. He isn’t hurting much though, he made over $100 million after taxes with bottled water this year. I’m a bigger fan of his water than his music, for the record.

3. Nas – Lets Us Use The Word Nigger

Nas is a revolutionary in the hip hop culture. He has almost single handly became the most praised name in hip hop. Critics use him as a defense of hip hop. So, when Nas announced his latest album will be called “Nigger”, everyone was talking. Fans were putting their faith in Nas. They claimed, he would be flipping the title on the album into something positive. He would be starting a movement. Critics like Fox News were denouncing the title and using it as a weapon against hip hop. Jay Z and other artists were backing up the rapper from Queensbridge, and giving him space to flex his creative ability. A couple weeks later, Nas, said he was simply trying to take away the power of the word “Nigger”. He was trying to make it mean nothing. December 11th, the album will come out.

4. Hip Hop Is To Blame!

Though, not a shocking development, Hip Hop is to blame for global warming. Nah, I’m kidding, but basically everything else, according to the media. Between the Don Imus scandal, Dog The Bounty Hunter, V-Tech shooting, and Jena 6?. Don’t ask what any of the latter have to do with hip hop. I would be incapable of answering you. The media does an outstanding job of associating hip hop with all the worlds ills. Numerous discussions were held on “Fox News”, “MSNBC” and “CNN”, ridiculing hip hop, for encouraging violence, misogyny, and racism. Most famously “Bill O Reilly” attacked rapper NAZ, better known as Nas, for being pro-guns. Billy, I thought you liked the second amendment? He went into making an outrageous amount of “Piffy Comments” about Nas, attending a “free” concert for the V-Tech tragedy. Eventually, despite all of Bill O Reilly’s whining, Nas performed at the concert. I’m an advocate for more positive hip hop, but Eminem is not the reason your son is a drop out, drug dealer, who would rather have a lighter than a job. It’s just not true.

5. Jadakiss Officially Signs With Def Jam

Jadakiss has officially signed with Def Jam. Actually, he is now a Rocafella boy and can be seen in Jay Z’s new single titled “Roc Boys”. The rumors began to surface a couple months ago, though nothing was concrete, it did seem highly likely – Jadakiss would be heading to Def Jam. The news is gigantic because Jada has a huge following and would be an instrumental part in the reformation of the “Dynasty” that was once Rocafella. Hopefully, with this new label. Jadakiss will find direction that has been lacking from his career as of yet and make the album, everybody knows, he is capable of making. “Kiss My Ass” is slated to drop sometime early next year.

6. Wu Tang Clan Is Back – Sorta?

Arguably the best group in the history of hip hop, decided to come out with a new album titled “8 Diagrams” in 2007. Rza captivated the feelings of fans, in the announcement of the album, “This is the perfect time for us to come back; the stars are aligned. It’s like when we first started with Steve. We put out real hip-hop at a time when it was turning into pop or R&B. We brought the focus back to the music in its rawest form, without studio polish or radio hook”. Everyone thought this was perfect. It was time for Wu Tang to make history again. Rolling Stones praised the singles, claiming “Watch Your Mouth” was a relief from the “simplified ringtone rap”. The Heart Gently Weeps received the same reaction. Then seemingly like an evil divine intervention, problems began to surface. Raekwon of Wu Tang made a press release stating that RZA wants to take the group in a different direction that is not true to the wu. He further stated another album would be released right after “8 Diagrams” without RZA, a response album to it. We will soon see if the issues have been resolved because the album comes out December 11.

7. Hip Hop – Vote Or Die 08

Barack Obama got the nomination from hip hop this year. Every rapper and their grandmother has came out in support of the Senator from Illinois. Barack’s campaign is built upon change, which hip hop likes. Hip Hop fully supports the candidate who is antiwar, supports a simple path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, and wants to get rid of tax breaks for the wealthy, while giving more to the struggling middle class. It will be interesting to see, over the coming months, how Barack Obama fairs against the financial domination that is the Hilary Clinton campaign, and the attraction of moderate voters to the populist message of John Edwards.