VIBE's Best Rapper Alive Chart (2008)

The year was 2008 and Vibe released this chart to narrow down who the "Best Rapper Alive" was at the time. Now, I hate lists and this is no exception, but why not have a little fun with it, right? There were some tough choices as I filled out my chart. Lupe Fiasco vs. Q-Tip was difficult but ultimately I decided that Lupe is a better technical-rapper than Q-Tip and I feel like Q-Tip would agree. 50 Cent vs. Fat Joe, another one I think people will go against me on, but Fat Joe has been consistently releasing quality music since the early 90s and I enjoy his early catalog over 50's. Big Boi vs. Killer Mike, ouch - I could go either way here and ultimately neither are beating out Nas or Black Thought, so it's a lose/lose to debate it too heavily. Ghostface vs Raekwon comes down to preference, I'm not mad at either. T.I. vs Ludacris, I've just never been T.I.'s biggest fan so it is what it is. Ultimately, the hardest choices are knocking off Scarface and Black Thought - to any eMCee. I had no problems letting Hov take the L to Nas (again), fight me in the comments about it lol. Oh and this is not to be confused with the 2009 chart Vibe released that ultimately lead to beef between Joe Budden and the Wu-Tang Clan, culminating in Joe getting punched in the eye on his JoeBuddenTV. That was, however, a classic moment and not be forgotten! Switch out the artists who were "hot" at the time, for artists who are "hot" now and you have mostly the same list of legends vs. newcomers. Who do you think is missing that would make it into the later rounds, or ultimately win the Best Rapper Alive? Copied below is a blank chart, feel free to fill it out yourself, too.

"A Tribe Called Kast" (Blend Tape)

In short, this a dope blend tape from DJ Nappy Needles, featuring the lyrics of Outkast over beats by A Tribe Called Quest. The result is "A Tribe Called Kast," a 12-track ode to two legendary groups! At the memorial for Phife Dawg (R.I.P.), Andre 3000 revealed that he and Big Boi had discussed working with A Tribe Called Quest on an album; it is now one of the biggest 'what-if' moments in all of Hip-Hop. "A Tribe Called Kast" gives a glimpse at what those collaborations might have sounded like, while still remaining a bittersweet moment in the passing of the beloved, Phife Dawg. Peep it...

Baron Ricks "Rags To Riches / Harlem River Drive" (12", 1998)

This is a really dope 12" from Baron Ricks, who was 1/2 of the group Call O' Da Wild. Baron was down with Soul Assassins and the lead single, "Rags To Riches" had production from DJ Muggs as well as features from B-Real (Cypress Hill) and Chace Infinite (Self-Scientific). The B-Side banger "Harlem River Drive" boasts production from The Alchemist - executive produced by Muggs - which makes sense since we know Alchemist had been down with Soul Assassins through his earlier group, The Whooliganz. Despite all the West Coast affiliations, Baron Ricks was obviously from Harlem, NY and the record was mixed in New York at the legendary D&D Studios. Baron Ricks was featured heavily on Cypress Hill's "IV" album in 1998 too, which was probably his biggest look. The Call O' Da Wild records (3x 12" that I recall) were released prior to his solo work and each of them is worth digging up and listening to. The track "Clouds of Smoke" was also featured on the Bad Boys Soundtrack in 1994. For now, dig into the full "Rags to Riches" and "Harlem River Drive" 12" below...

Adult Rappers (Documentary, 2015)

What does life look like when "rapper" is your job description? This documentary feature pulls back the curtain on the world of 'working class' rappers. The film spotlights independent artists struggling to find a balance between making a living and pursuing their art alongside the never-ending saga of age and relevance. Weaved together through a series of 30 plus interviews that are devoid of the ego so common in the business of music, especially hip-hop, the film traverses the country (USA) to explore the myths and misconceptions of life as a full-time rapper. Adult Rappers is a documentary stuck on the realness. I'm proud to have been a fly on the wall for some of the taping of this documentary as my artist, Eternia, recorded her appearance at Brooklyn Bowl. Props to Paul Iannacchino for all of his hard work. You can now watch the Adult Rappers documentary...

Scarface "Diary Of A Madman" (Book)

"If you don’t know me, or my career, or who I am or what I’ve done, that’s what I’d tell you: I am you. I’m the way you think and the way you feel; the things you’ve seen and loved and the things you’ve seen that you can never unsee. I’m your hopes and your fears, the quiet, dark moments that house the secrets that you hold tight deep at night and the loud public moments that grip and rip your block in broad daylight. I’m the pain and the progress, the sadness and the celebration, the dream and the nightmare. I am you. I am your voice." - Brad ’Scarface’ Jordan, "Diary of a Madman."

DJ Spinbad "The 80s Megamix" (Mixtape, 1996)

"Here it is Folks! This one pretty much started it all for me. This has been called the most bootlegged mixtape of all time. Not sure if it's true, but it sounds impressive. I actually did this mix on a broken analog 4-track cassette recorder, but 1 track was broken so everything was recorded on 3," says DJ Spinbad. He's right - this was the one! Much respect to DJ JS-1 and DJ A.Vee, too. Dig into this flawless mix that helped change the game and put a lot of people on to DJ Spinbad.

Bahamadia "Kollage" (The Source Album Review, 1996)

Bahamadia's classic debut 'Kollage' was released 20 years ago today. “The title 'Kollage' was a reflection of my state of mind ... I first got interested in music from playing my parents’ and grandparents’ records, as well what I heard on the radio. I wanted 'Kollage' to reflect that diversity both lyrically and sonically.” With production from DJ Premier, Guru, Da Beatminerz, Ski Beatz & others, this project was masterful both in lyrics and production. "Chrysalis/EMI supported Bahamadia’s vision through five singles and a music video, including the powerful street-beat debut “Total Wreck,” a track that first appeared on the Guru’s collective Ill Kid sampler in 1994; the more chill “Uknowhowwedu,” a tribute to her Philly peeps, and the swag strut club banger “True Honey Buns” was further proof that B. was no joke." In retrospect, Bahamadia adds "I was given the opportunity, and I knew I had to make the best of it. I had no idea I was going to be part of history. I was just trying to make a good record." (via Ebony) Props to her, she did that and more! 

Mick Boogie Presents "The Pre-Up" (Mixtape, 2006)

The Pre-Up mixtape was done by Mick Boogie and hosted by Eminem and The Alchemist. It was a promotional mixtape released ahead of The Re-Up album on Shady Records in 2006. Fact is, Eminem didn't do many mixtapes, so this was no small feat for Mick Boogie to release this mixtape. In it, you'll hear Eminem alongside artists like 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Ca$his, Dr. Dre, Stat Quo, Bobby Creekwater, Proof, Prodigy, Kuniva, Bizarre, Obie Trice, and more. I have no real reason to share this mix at this point, except that I believe that streaming platforms will get so popular that artist and DJ mixtapes will get lost in the sauce, so it's nice to have this memory bookmarked 10 years later.