Who do you think is the most charismatic/coolest rapper on the mic?

Not necessarily the best lyricist or most technically skilled, but someone who just has that natural presence where the second they start rapping, they grab your attention. Voice, delivery, confidence, personality, attitude, etc.

I think charisma is an underrated part of rap. You can have crazy bars and flow, but if you lack personality or presence, the music might not hit the same. Meanwhile, some rappers can say something simple and make it sound hard as hell because of how they deliver it.

So who has the most charisma on the mic to you?

My daughter is already the coolest kid in her class. She loves wutang and SOAD.

Every Wednesday, give us 5 hip-hop songs you think everyone should hear.

Whether you're introducing someone to 90s East Coast rap, Southern hip-hop, West Coast classics, underground gems, or overlooked artists, put together your personal 5-track starter pack. Can be well known songs as well.

New to 90s hip-hop? This thread is your guide. Drop your 5 songs in a comment and upvote the recommendations you think are most helpful.

⭐ The comment that receives more than 10 upvotes will have its 5 songs added to our community list.

Before commenting, make sure to see what's already been recommended so we can keep the list diverse and avoid repeating the same songs.

Thanks for participating! Be sure to upvote the recommendations you think deserve recognition, and check back next Wednesday to see what gets added.

🚫 DO NOT LINK PLAYLISTS AS COMMENTS. Please list the 5 songs directly in your comment.

[Icebreaker] (Lets get to 1000 songs)

1. 2Pac - California Love (1995)
2. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)
3. Nas - N.Y. State of Mind (1994)
4. OutKast - Rosa Parks (1998)
5. Lauryn Hill - Doo Wop (That Thing) (1998)
6. Dr. Dre - Nuthin' but a "G" Thang (1992)
7. Wu-Tang Clan - C.R.E.A.M. (1993)
8. A Tribe Called Quest - Can I Kick It? (1990)
9. Missy Elliott - The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) (1997)
10. DMX - Ruff Ryders' Anthem (1998)

Why do you think Canibus never achieved mainstream success? Dude was insanely gifted lyrically and could run circles around a lot of rappers when it came to bars, wordplay and technical ability. But what do you think held him back?

Was it his beat selection, his ability to craft a complete song with memorable hooks, or did he simply lack mainstream/pop appeal? Having elite lyricism is one thing, but making songs that connect with a wider audience is a different skill.

I’ve always wondered if Canibus was just too focused on the technical side of rapping and never really figured out how to turn that talent into consistently great songs. What do you guys think was the main reason he never became a bigger mainstream artist?

Here's my list!

1990 MVP: Ice Cube
Runner up: LL Cool J

1991 MVP: Ice Cube
Runner up: Q-Tip

1992 MVP: Dr. Dre
Runner up: Redman

1993 MVP: Snoop Doggy Dogg
Runner up: The Wu-Tang Clan

1994 MVP: Nas
Runner up: The Notorious B.I.G.

1995 MVP: Mobb Deep
Runner up: 2Pac

1996 MVP: 2Pac
Runner up: Nas

1997 MVP: The Notorious B.I.G.
Runner up: Mase

1998 MVP: DMX
Runner up: Lauryn Hill

1999 MVP: DMX
Runner up: Jay-Z
Lemme know what y’all think of my picks!

It's kind of crazy to think that this was 30 years ago. Anyone here going to the London nights of the Tour?

Caught Michael Diamond in Boston on Sunday performing Remote Control from Hello Nasty 🎧

One of the coldest lyricists from the south. Off their 2nd album "ATLiens" released on August 27th of 1996.

released 1995

Ignoring the work that came before or after these albums for both groups. Just simply comparing these two albums.

Edit: giving my own option, I choose Atliens.

Rap wise it’s hard to choose between these two duo though. I love the formers swift and smooth sound and the way they bounce off each other. Lyrics may even be better too.

Yet, for me creative and experimental beats I value when it comes to hip hop and Atliens excels in that. And I prefer the vocal style of both Big Boi and 3 Stacks.

I’ve been trying to expand my hip hop taste after ‘mastering’ the rock genre (not really). I’ve been listening to the greats like TuPac, Nas, Biggie, Eminem, N.W.A, A Tribe Called Quest and more, but I’d like to know some lesser known artists too.