

One of the more overlooked qualities of a rapper is their ability to rhyme words that do not naturally rhyme in any literary or conversational context. The greatest rappers of all time, even with all of their individual and personal uniqueness, often share common stylistic choices, universalizing the artist’s impact on the hip-hop fanbase. However, it is important to consider what techniques join these rappers together, given the variety and differences present within the rap scene. Whether fans discuss Biggie’s effortless flow, Tupac’s emotional and fiery tone, Nas’s storytelling, or Jay-Z’s swagger and bravado, the most sought-after aspect of an MC is his overall style and what separates him from the rest of the pack. Many hip hop fans marvel at the core elements of a rapper’s skill set: wordplay, rhyme, flow, lyricism, to name a few.

