If you’ve been following J. Cole’s recent interviews or social media feeds, chances are that you’re familiar with his concept of “new legends.” For those who aren’t, the premise centers around individuals who refuse to believe that any up and comer will be greater than those already heralded as greats.
It’s an interesting thought to consider. To our Jay-Z stans, let someone say that a certain Compton rapper is better than your beloved Hova. How would you react? Hilariously enough, we can hear your hearts palpitating at the sheer thought of this question from way over here.
In any case, every dog has its day. Rakim grabbed the torch from artists like Run-DMC. Next in line were Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and the like. It’s been a reoccurring cycle — one that’s actually happening as this is typed.
Dare we say that there are 10 young MCs (maybe more) that can out rap some of your all time favorites right now. We won’t say who they’re better than. That isn’t what this list is for. Know that there is validity to our selections, though.
See those below, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Photo: Sharone Poole
Chance The Rapper
Some would say that it’s too early in the game to deem the Chicago representative this good, but damn all of that. We know talent when he hear it. The only way you can expect a decline from Chance is if the MonStars take his abilities.
Earl Sweatshirt
The soft spoken Odd Future rhymer came back from a hiatus overseas with a fresh perspective on life. This translated into his rapping ability, which was already pretty scary.
ScHoolboy Q
It’s hard to properly categorize Quincy as one kind of artist. He has a clear appeal to Mary Jane connoisseurs, but he can also make single worthy tracks and rap his a$$ off. This versatility and a street edge gives him the leg up on a list of rappers, old and young.
Wale
One thing has remained consistent through the MMG rapper’s transformation from underdog to Grammy nominated MC. He has bars. And yes, he can outrhyme a bevy of his noteworthy OGs.
Curren$y
At 30 years old, consider Spitta to be the senior member in this club of wordsmiths. The sheer amount of high quality music he produces proves how thorough of an MC he is. Back in the day, artists let albums marinate for two years. Curren$y gave us four LPs worth of material in 2013 alone.
Action Bronson
The Queens local has clear influences from MCs like Kool G Rap, and we’d like to think that he represents where NYC Hip-Hop is going. Also, his Rare Chandeliers track “Eggs On The Third Floor” is trifling good.
Big K.R.I.T.
Early comparisons to two man groups like Outkast and UGK should have let you know the company the Mississippi native would be in. Consider him to be the shiny, new version of many of his southern predecessors.
J. Cole
Self-reflective rhymes and awe-inspiring flows are the Roc Nation rapper’s bread and butter. They’re also the reason he’s better than a lot of your favorite MCs at the tender age of 28.
Drake
Say what you will about the YMCMB artist’s affinity for crooning, many of you’re favorite artists don’t want any problems with rapping Aubrey. Also, a certain quote comes to mind: “I know of all the things that I hear they be poking fun at/ Never the flow though, they know I run that.” Coincidence? We think not.
Kendrick Lamar
The good kid from the m.A.A.d city has proved his worth as a formidable lyricist time and time again. Just ask King Hov.
