GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Lyrical Rappers

Statistics show that the most lyrical rappers tend to have a higher vocabulary range, more complex rhyme schemes, and a greater variety of literary devices used in their lyrics compared to other artists.

Highlights: Most Lyrical Rappers

  • In the 'Top 100 Lyrical Rappers' list by Ranker, Notorious B.I.G. places in the top 5,
  • Jay-Z scored an impressive 12 number 1 albums on the Billboard 200, indicating strong lyricism often rewarded with commercial success,
  • Nas’ album "Illmatic" often praised for its lyricism scores a 10/10 on Pitchfork,
  • Ice Cube wrote approximately 50 of NWA's songs, showcasing his impressive lyrical skill,
  • Eminem's "Rap God" stands out for its 1,560 words in less than six minutes,
  • Wu-Tang Clan’s album "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" is ranked the 1st best East Coast hip hop album by Genius,
  • Common’s album "Be" received a Metascore of 81, showing high critical acclaim for its lyricism,
  • Andre 3000 from Outkast is ranked in the top 10 of the 'Greatest Rappers of All Time' by NME,
  • MF DOOM’s album "Madvillainy" often praised for its lyricism scores a 9.4/10 on Pitchfork,
  • Lauryn Hill is ranked as the 36th greatest rapper of all time by Ranker, indicating high lyricism among female rappers,
  • Rakim is revered for his lyrical complexity and has influenced the likes of Nas and Jay-Z,
  • Black Thought, lead vocalist of The Roots, churned out a 10-minute freestyle on Funk Flex’s Hot 97 show, showcasing exceptional lyrical endurance,
  • Kanye West’s album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" received a Metascore of 94, indicating high critical acclaim for its lyricism,
  • Joey Bada$$'s debut mixtape "1999" is touted as one of the most lyrical rap projects of the decade by XXL,
  • Aesop Rock has an average of 8,805 unique words in his discography, indicating high lyrical diversity,
  • Lupe Fiasco's album Food & Liquor achieved a Metascore of 83, showing high critical acclaim for its lyricism,
  • The song "New York State of Mind" by Nas has been cited as one of the greatest lyrical rap songs of all time,
  • Mos Def’s album "Black On Both Sides" received critical acclaim for its complex lyrics, earning an 80 on Metacritic,

AI Transparency Disclaimer 🔴🔵

Find all AI Apps we have used to create this article.

Hint: If you are a student, academic or journalist we can wholeheartedly recommend them :)

✍ We save hours writing with Jenni’s AI-powered text editor* and also use Rytr* for creating articles.

📄 We find information more quickly in our research process by chatting with PDFs, Reports & Books with the help of ChatPDF*, PDF.ai* & Askyourpdf*.

🔎 We search for citations and check if a publication has been cited by others with Scite.ai*.

🤖 We use QuillBot to paraphrase or summarize our research.

✅ We check and edit our research with ProWritingAid and Trinka.

🎉 We use Originality’s AI detector & plagiarism checker* to verify our research.

Table of Contents

The Latest Most Lyrical Rappers Explained

In the ‘Top 100 Lyrical Rappers’ list by Ranker, Notorious B.I.G. places in the top 5,

The statistic that Notorious B.I.G. places in the top 5 of the ‘Top 100 Lyrical Rappers’ list by Ranker indicates that he is highly regarded for his lyrical abilities within the hip-hop community. This ranking suggests that Notorious B.I.G. is recognized for his skill in crafting intricate and impactful lyrics, likely characterized by his storytelling prowess, wordplay, flow, and overall lyrical dexterity. Being in the top 5 of such a list is a significant accomplishment, as it situates Notorious B.I.G. among the elite lyricists in the history of rap music, highlighting his enduring influence and legacy in the genre.

Jay-Z scored an impressive 12 number 1 albums on the Billboard 200, indicating strong lyricism often rewarded with commercial success,

The statistic that Jay-Z has achieved 12 number 1 albums on the Billboard 200 is indicative of his exceptional talent as a musician and lyricist. It highlights his ability to consistently produce music that resonates with a wide audience and garners significant commercial success. Achieving this level of chart-topping albums demonstrates not only Jay-Z’s skill in crafting compelling and meaningful lyrics but also his adeptness at connecting with fans and staying relevant in the ever-evolving music industry. This statistic reflects both his artistry and his business acumen, showcasing his ability to maintain a strong presence in the music world over the years.

Nas’ album “Illmatic” often praised for its lyricism scores a 10/10 on Pitchfork,

The statistic that Nas’ album “Illmatic” scored a perfect 10 out of 10 on Pitchfork is significant because it highlights the exceptional quality and impact of the album’s lyrical content. Pitchfork is a reputable music publication known for its critical reviews and ratings, making a perfect score a rare and prestigious accomplishment. The fact that “Illmatic” achieved a flawless rating underscores the album’s enduring legacy as a masterpiece of storytelling, social commentary, and poetic expression within the genre of hip-hop. This statistic solidifies Nas’ reputation as a highly skilled lyricist and solidifies “Illmatic” as a groundbreaking and influential work in the history of music.

Ice Cube wrote approximately 50 of NWA’s songs, showcasing his impressive lyrical skill,

The statistic indicates that Ice Cube, a member of the rap group NWA, was responsible for writing roughly 50 songs for the group, highlighting his significant contribution to their music catalogue and showcasing his talent as a lyricist. This statistic suggests that Ice Cube played a crucial role in shaping NWA’s sound and lyrical content, demonstrating his prowess in crafting compelling and impactful verses. Ice Cube’s ability to pen such a substantial portion of NWA’s songs underscores his importance within the group and his influence on their overall musical success.

Eminem’s “Rap God” stands out for its 1,560 words in less than six minutes,

The statistic that Eminem’s “Rap God” contains 1,560 words in less than six minutes highlights the exceptional lyrical density and speed at which Eminem delivers his verses in the song. This feat showcases Eminem’s exceptional skill as a rapper, demonstrating his ability to pack a high number of words and complex rhyme schemes into a relatively short time frame while maintaining clarity and coherence. The statistic also underscores the technical mastery and precision that Eminem is known for in the hip-hop community, solidifying his reputation as one of the genre’s most skilled and innovative artists.

Wu-Tang Clan’s album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” is ranked the 1st best East Coast hip hop album by Genius,

The statistic ‘Wu-Tang Clan’s album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” is ranked the 1st best East Coast hip hop album by Genius’ indicates that among all East Coast hip hop albums analyzed by Genius, including those by various artists and groups, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” has been rated as the top-ranking album. This ranking suggests that the album by Wu-Tang Clan is highly regarded for its significance, influence, artistic quality, and cultural impact within the East Coast hip hop genre, as determined by the criteria and evaluative process employed by Genius in their rankings.

Common’s album “Be” received a Metascore of 81, showing high critical acclaim for its lyricism,

The statistic stating that Common’s album “Be” received a Metascore of 81 indicates that the album garnered high critical acclaim for its lyricism. The Metascore is a weighted average of scores given by various music critics and publications, consolidating their reviews into a single numerical value. In this case, a Metascore of 81 suggests that the majority of critics evaluated the album positively, particularly highlighting the quality of the lyrics on the album. This high score indicates that Common’s lyrical content resonated well with critics and contributes to positioning “Be” as a well-received and notable album within the music industry.

Andre 3000 from Outkast is ranked in the top 10 of the ‘Greatest Rappers of All Time’ by NME,

The statistic stating that Andre 3000 from Outkast is ranked in the top 10 of the ‘Greatest Rappers of All Time’ by NME indicates that he is recognized as one of the most skilled and influential rappers in the history of the genre by a reputable music publication. This ranking suggests that Andre 3000’s artistry, lyricism, and overall impact on hip-hop music and culture have been widely acknowledged by critics and fans alike. Being placed in the top 10 of such a prestigious list implies that Andre 3000’s contributions to the rap genre have resonated with audiences and industry experts, solidifying his legacy as a standout artist in the history of rap music.

MF DOOM’s album “Madvillainy” often praised for its lyricism scores a 9.4/10 on Pitchfork,

The statistic “MF DOOM’s album ‘Madvillainy’ often praised for its lyricism scores a 9.4/10 on Pitchfork” highlights the critical acclaim and high rating received by the album on the music review website Pitchfork. With a score of 9.4 out of 10, ‘Madvillainy’ is recognized for its exceptional quality in terms of lyrical content, a key aspect in hip-hop music. The high score reflects the album’s innovative production, intricate wordplay, and unique storytelling, all of which have contributed to its reputation as a classic in the hip-hop genre. The statistic not only underscores the album’s artistic merit but also serves as a validation of MF DOOM’s skill and influence on the music industry.

Lauryn Hill is ranked as the 36th greatest rapper of all time by Ranker, indicating high lyricism among female rappers,

The statistic that Lauryn Hill is ranked as the 36th greatest rapper of all time by Ranker suggests her significant impact in the rap genre, particularly in terms of high lyricism among female rappers. This ranking reflects her exceptional skills as a wordsmith and storyteller, showcasing her ability to craft compelling and thought-provoking lyrics. As one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, Lauryn Hill has been celebrated for her unique blend of rap, soul, and R&B, as well as her insightful social commentary and powerful delivery. This statistic highlights her enduring legacy within the rap community and solidifies her status as a trailblazer for female artists in the genre.

Rakim is revered for his lyrical complexity and has influenced the likes of Nas and Jay-Z,

This statistic highlights the significant impact that Rakim, an influential rapper, has had on the hip-hop genre and on other prominent artists like Nas and Jay-Z. Rakim’s reputation for intricate and thought-provoking lyrics has earned him a revered status within the music industry. The fact that he has influenced artists of the caliber of Nas and Jay-Z further solidifies his importance in shaping the landscape of rap music. This statistic underscores Rakim’s enduring legacy and the enduring influence he has had on subsequent generations of artists, illustrating his lasting impact on the evolution of hip-hop culture.

Black Thought, lead vocalist of The Roots, churned out a 10-minute freestyle on Funk Flex’s Hot 97 show, showcasing exceptional lyrical endurance,

The statistic that Black Thought, lead vocalist of The Roots, delivered a 10-minute freestyle on Funk Flex’s Hot 97 show highlights his remarkable lyrical skill and endurance as a rapper. Freestyling for such a lengthy period requires not only creativity and quick thinking but also a strong command of language, rhythm, and flow. Black Thought’s ability to maintain a high level of lyrical quality and coherence over 10 minutes demonstrates his talent, experience, and mastery of the craft. This accomplishment showcases his exceptional abilities as a rapper and solidifies his reputation as one of the most skilled lyricists in the hip-hop industry.

Kanye West’s album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” received a Metascore of 94, indicating high critical acclaim for its lyricism,

The statistic indicates that Kanye West’s album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” received a Metascore of 94, reflecting a high level of critical acclaim for its lyricism. A Metascore is a weighted average of scores given by selected critics, representing an overall consensus of the album’s quality. In this case, the Metascore of 94 suggests that a majority of critics evaluated the album’s lyrics positively, finding them to be a standout feature of the work. This high score not only recognizes the skill and artistry of Kanye West’s lyricism but also serves as an indicator of the album’s overall quality, implying that it is well-crafted and impactful in its storytelling and wordplay.

Joey Bada$$’s debut mixtape “1999” is touted as one of the most lyrical rap projects of the decade by XXL,

The statistic indicates that Joey Bada$$’s debut mixtape “1999” is highly regarded for its lyrical content within the realm of rap music. The acknowledgment by XXL, a prominent music publication in the genre, suggests that the mixtape is widely considered to showcase exceptional lyricism. This recognition places “1999” among the elite rap projects of the decade in terms of its skillful wordplay, intricate rhymes, and meaningful storytelling. To be labeled as one of the most lyrical rap projects of the decade by a credible source like XXL speaks to the profound impact and admiration that Joey Bada$$’s work has garnered within the hip-hop community during the specified time period.

Aesop Rock has an average of 8,805 unique words in his discography, indicating high lyrical diversity,

The statistic stating that Aesop Rock has an average of 8,805 unique words in his discography suggests that he has a significant level of lyrical diversity in his music. This means that across all of his songs, Aesop Rock tends to use a wide range of different words, contributing to a varied and intricate vocabulary within his lyrics. Having a high number of unique words indicates creativity and complexity in his songwriting, as it shows a tendency to avoid repetition and explore different linguistic expressions. This level of diversity can be indicative of a skilled and imaginative lyricist who puts a considerable amount of thought and effort into crafting his songs.

Lupe Fiasco’s album Food & Liquor achieved a Metascore of 83, showing high critical acclaim for its lyricism,

The statistic indicates that Lupe Fiasco’s album “Food & Liquor” received a Metascore of 83, which signifies a high level of critical acclaim. A Metascore aggregates reviews from various sources such as music critics, publications, and websites to provide a consolidated score that reflects the overall reception of the album. In this case, a Metascore of 83 suggests that the album was well-received by critics, particularly for its strong lyricism. This score is an indication of the quality of the album according to the collective opinion of professional music reviewers and may indicate that “Food & Liquor” is considered a notable and praiseworthy release in the music industry.

The song “New York State of Mind” by Nas has been cited as one of the greatest lyrical rap songs of all time,

Based on the statement provided, the statistic highlights the critical acclaim and recognition that the song “New York State of Mind” by Nas has received within the realm of lyrical rap music. This implies that industry experts, critics, or audiences have collectively praised the song for its exceptional lyrical quality, likely pointing to its poignant storytelling, intricate wordplay, and vivid imagery. The designation of being one of the greatest lyrical rap songs of all time suggests that the track has not only resonated with listeners but also holds significant cultural and artistic significance within the context of rap music.

Mos Def’s album “Black On Both Sides” received critical acclaim for its complex lyrics, earning an 80 on Metacritic,

The statistic that Mos Def’s album “Black On Both Sides” earned a score of 80 on Metacritic indicates that the album received substantial critical acclaim, as Metacritic aggregates reviews from various music critics to provide a single score. A score of 80 suggests that the album was well-received and praised for its complexity, particularly in terms of its lyrics. This score reflects a consensus among the critics that the album demonstrates a high level of artistry and depth in its lyrical content. Overall, the statistic highlights the critical success of “Black On Both Sides” and positions it as an esteemed work within the music industry.

References

0. – https://www.www.complex.com

1. – https://www.www.allmusic.com

2. – https://www.www.billboard.com

3. – https://www.www.metacritic.com

4. – https://www.pudding.cool

5. – https://www.consequence.net

6. – https://www.pitchfork.com

7. – https://www.www.nme.com

8. – https://www.www.guinnessworldrecords.com

9. – https://www.www.ranker.com

10. – https://www.genius.com

11. – https://www.www.songfacts.com

12. – https://www.www.xxlmag.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!