My knowledge of rap is extremely limited (I'm a Pearl Jam man), but I know I've enjoyed work by Celestial Clockwork, Busta Rhymes, Outkast, Mos Def, The Beastie Boys, The Roots, and Q-Tip.

My first 3 rap tapes were Run DMC Raisin Hell
Beastie Boys Licensed To Ill
Fat Boys Crushin
then
LL Cool J Bad
I was breakin to rap music and not knowing who the artists were in '84 when I was 8 my older cousin put me on to it, but he eventually turned to heavy metal and I stuck with hiphop ever since.

Some artists worth mentioning that I didnt see mentioned
Is Sean Price from Heltah Skeltah, Slug from Atmosphere, Killah Priest, Papoose, you couldnt say any of these guys are the greatest or even top 10, but they are worth listening to. Killah priest might have the hardest lyrics in hiphop.

For a left-field artist, I have to mention MC Paul Barman. Sadly, he hasn't put much out (a few good singles, a classic/perfect EP, a very good album) so I couldn't make an argument that he's the best ever. I think he has a new full-length coming out this year.

Here's a track with him and MF Doom:



"Cock Mobster" is another great track.

damn you mean i'm not the only one that's heard of WC The only album I currently have from him is Maad Circle's Ain't a Damn Thing Changed. I had The Shadiest One but I lost it and I don't think I'm going to pick up Guility By Affiliation. I have both of Westside Connection's albums so I'm happy with that. I think he outshines anyone he's on a song with.

I also like E-40 from Vallejo and M.O.P. from Brownsville, BK.