S. Samuel
[Each week, SOHH asks two entertainment personalities to name their Top 5 rappers of all-time. To make things tricky, we've created a "Hall of Fame" of emcees (see right) who are universally respected and therefore may not be mentioned. After Nature busted out his Top 5, New Jersey rapper David Rush unveils his picks.]
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Jadakiss. I’ve gotta say him. Whenever I think of Top 5 Dead or Alive, Jadakiss always comes to my head. To me, he’s one of the most consistent, verse for verse, rappers that’s out there. You know when he does a guest feature, somebody’s getting bodied. I gotta name him. -
Fabolous. Right now, I would give it to Fab. I just think Fab has always been consistent, rapping-wise. He’s always had something every year that hit people in the head for a good season. He’s made a buzz in the streets that’s so crazy and he always sounds like he’s a new rapper. I really respected how he’s never lost it.
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Joe Budden. I have to say Joe Budden coming out of New Jersey. I would probably never be allowed in New Jersey if I didn’t put him in there. I respect him and I’ve always been a fan. I still listen to “Calm Down” off his first album. That’s always been one of my all-time favorite records.
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Lil Wayne. I gotta put Weezy in just off what he did and the way he did it. You have to give Weezy respect. His hustle was so good and he made sure to be on everybody’s record. He can do pop music, rock music, rap music. He’s sold in every category. The consistency he has is amazing. Love him or hate him, he’s everywhere.
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Big Pun. I gotta put Pun down even though it was a short career. If Pun had the same amount of time that a lot of these rappers have, he’s one of the hardest bar-for-bar rappers that I know. The way he raps, he was just a big emcee. I think if he were still alive, he’d be one of the best out there right now. So I have to give it up to Pun.
Jadakiss. I’ve gotta say him. Whenever I think of Top 5 Dead or Alive, Jadakiss always comes to my head. To me, he’s one of the most consistent, verse for verse, rappers that’s out there. You know when he does a guest feature, somebody’s getting bodied. I gotta name him.
Fabolous. Right now, I would give it to Fab. I just think Fab has always been consistent, rapping-wise. He’s always had something every year that hit people in the head for a good season. He’s made a buzz in the streets that’s so crazy and he always sounds like he’s a new rapper. I really respected how he’s never lost it.
Joe Budden. I have to say Joe Budden coming out of New Jersey. I would probably never be allowed in New Jersey if I didn’t put him in there. I respect him and I’ve always been a fan. I still listen to “Calm Down” off his first album. That’s always been one of my all-time favorite records.
Lil Wayne. I gotta put Weezy in just off what he did and the way he did it. You have to give Weezy respect. His hustle was so good and he made sure to be on everybody’s record. He can do pop music, rock music, rap music. He’s sold in every category. The consistency he has is amazing. Love him or hate him, he’s everywhere.
Big Pun. I gotta put Pun down even though it was a short career. If Pun had the same amount of time that a lot of these rappers have, he’s one of the hardest bar-for-bar rappers that I know. The way he raps, he was just a big emcee. I think if he were still alive, he’d be one of the best out there right now. So I have to give it up to Pun.
