10 Rappers Who Should Also Be In The Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Jay Z‘s induction into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame this week marked the first time a rapper has achieved that feat, a well-earned accolade for one of the biggest Hip-Hop artists of all time. However, the selection of Hov in the Hall has undoubtedly sparked a flurry of debates in homes and barbershops nationwide.

Of course, everyone’s opinions will vary but there are some undeniable lyricists that have earned the right to be considered among the greatest songwriters of all time. Names that immediately come to mind are names like Slick Rick, Kool G Rap, Nas, both rapping members of De La Soul, Dave and PlugWon, and more.

We’ve compiled our top 10 rappers who should be joining Jay Z in the Songwriters Hall of Fame on the following pages. Please chime in with suggestions, debate, questions and whatever else in the comments section.

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Photo: WENN.com

1 – Rakim

photo: MCA Records

The God MC has several mind-blowing verses, and few could go wrong with classics like “SMicrophone Fiend, “Follow The Leader,” “Paid In Full,” “Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em” and more.

2 – Slick Rick

photo: Def Jam

Slick Rick might be the storyteller’s storyteller and his 1988 debut album, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, holds up well in the 21st Century. And while “Children’s Story” is always going to be a classic, The Ruler has provided many an amazing verse over the decades.

3 – Scarface

It’s rare that Jay Z has been outclassed when it comes to cameo appearances, but his feature on Scarface’s Kanye West-produced “Guess Who’s Back” was dope but Face Mob got him. The Houston has always been a thinking man’s rapper and shined both as a member of The Geto Boys and as a soloist.

4 – Nas

‘Fresh Dressed’ New York premiere at the SVA Theater
Featuring: Nas
Where: New York City, New York, United States
When: 18 Jun 2015
Credit: Alberto Reyes/WENN.com

Nasir “Nas” Jones was good as a teenager and has maintained that ability even as he’s deep into his 40’s. The Queensbridge veteran is arguably the best writer in modern Hip-Hop history and has a verified classic in Illmatic coupled with dozens of verses worthy of induction into the Hall.

5 – Common

Hip-hop rapper Common out and about in Beverly Hills
Featuring: Common
Where: Beverly Hills, California, United States
When: 26 Aug 2015
Credit: Winston Burris/WENN.com

Com Sense came into the game in the 90’s with the lyrical spiritual miracle flow but each year, the Chicago MC and actor added depth and character in his bars. Even his missteps show glimpses of intellectual and emotional songwriting.

6 – Outkast

Wireless Festival 2014 – Day 3
Featuring: Big Boi,Andre 3000,Outkast
Where: London, United Kingdom
When: 06 Jul 2014
Credit: WENN.com

Counting as our sixth and seventh entries, the duo of Outkast, consisting of Big boi and Andre 3000, redefined what we thought of Southern Hip-Hop. Three Stacks is still very much sharp at the game, if sporadic, and Big Boi has managed to carve out a decent solo career.

8 – Big Daddy Kane

Rapper Big Daddy Kane performs live at the Soul School Festival 2015
Featuring: Big Daddy Kane
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
When: 08 Aug 2015
Credit: W.Wade/WENN

The Prince of Darkness’ influence on modern MCs cannot be ignored, and he’s penned one of the biggest rap hits in Biz Marke’s “Vapors” and that alone might make him worthy.

9 – E-40

We can hear the collective groan now but Forty Water is as influential and important as any of the aforementioned. E-40’s influence on slang for the last two decades and more is undeniable and his relevance even in his so-called “middle age” is a testament.

10 – Melle Mel

Melle Mel
Film premiere of ‘Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap’ held at the HMV Apollo
London, England – 19.07.12
Featuring: Melle Mel
Where: London, United Kingdom
When: 19 Jul 2012
Credit: WENN

The legendary Melle Mel and his booming voice changed Hip-Hop by sheer will alone. As the main songwriter and face of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Melle Mel is a surefire choice as an inductee.