5. Big Daddy Kane
Notable releases: “Raw”
Key guest appearances: N/A
Big Daddy Kane didn’t drop a project in 1987 but off the strength of his verses on “Raw” alone, it was enough to catapult him into the discussion of best rapper alive. Along with Rakim, KRS-One and Kool G Rap, Kane represented a new class of rappers who were intent on wrecking every microphone in front of them.
4. Kool Moe Dee
Notable releases:
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Key guest features: N/A
Projects: How Ya Like Me Now
Singles:
Guest appearances: N/A
As a member of the rap group Treacherous Three; pioneer of the modern day rap battle ; first rapper to perform at the Grammys and godfather of complex lyrical schemes that influenced artists from Rakim to Nas to Kendrick Lamar, it’s safe to say Kool Moe Dee is s undoubtedly one of the most influential rappers of all time. One his second solo album, How Ya Like Me Now , Moe Dee went at the brash and cocky LL Cool J, telling the young upstart to sit down with the title track; a song so good that Nas and Ludacris would sample the lyrics decades later on.
3. KRS-One
Notable releases:
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Projects: Criminal Minded (as Boogie Down Productions)
Key guest features: N/A
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2. LL Cool J
Notable releases:
Key guest appearances:
Projects: Bigger and Deffer
Key guest features: N/A
Projects:
Singles:
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After his milestone Def Jam release, Radio, in 1985, LL was back bigger and better (or should we say deffer) with his second album. With the one-two punch of “I’m Bad” and “I Need Love”, LL pioneered the formula that artists like Drake are still using today, dropping one for the ladies (and radio) and one for the streets.
1. Rakim
Notable releases: Paid in Full
Key guest appearances: N/A
The God MC came through the door in 1986 with the ultra funky “Eric B. Is President” and revolutionised the rapping game for good. But it was 1987 that Rakim claimed his status as the best rapper alive. While there were plenty of upbeat tracks to keep the clubs bumping, it was the intricate lyricism and dazzling wordplay on cuts like “My Melody” and “I Know You Got Soul” that cemented Ra as king.
