In an era where words like GOAT and Classic get tossed around more than pizza dough, the conversation requirements for what makes an artist achieve legendary status are often never mentioned. So, while there are numerous arguments as to what makes an MC elite, one is the three-album run – a consecutive pace of albums released that dominated our speakers, souls, and Hip Hop arguments. So below is a list of the best MCs to do it to date, and if you’re upset, that may be a personal problem:
1. Lil Wayne:
(1) The Carter 1
(2) The Carter 2
(3) The Carter 3
Before the Carter series, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr was considered the third best in the Hot Boyz (behind Juvenile and B.G.) for being a small size teen with more brash than skill set. After the series, he became arguably the greatest rapper alive since the greatest rapper retired (at that moment).
2. Kendrick Lamar:
(1) Good Kid Mad City
(2) To Pimp a Butterfly
(3) DAMN
During this run, KDot could rap a story about why ketchup & mustard go together, and we would all head nod to the chorus and write think pieces on the track.
3. OutKast:
(1) Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
(2) ATLiens
(3) Aquemini
It is likely the GOAT of all three-albums runs.
4. Lil Kim:
(1) Hard Core
(2) Notorious K.I.M.
(3) La Bella Mafia
Queen B was the first boss MC with a mic, fur coat, and lingerie.
5. 2Pac:
(1) Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.
(2) Me Against the World
(3) All Eyez on Me
On Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z Pac was beefin with then Vice President Dan Quayle, Me Against the World is one of Hip Hop’s greatest albums ever, and All Eyez on Me was the culture’s first double album. So, yea, say no more.
6. DMX:
(1) It’s Dark, and Hell is Hot
(2) Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood.
(3) …. And Then There Was X
Any rapper who dropped an album at the same time as X’s run was either big brave or big dumb.
7. Missy Elliot:
(1) Supa Dupa Fly
(2) Da Real World
(3) Miss E… So Addictive
The creative Queen of lyrical visions sits on a throne of her own universe.
8. A Tribe Called Quest:
(1) People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
(2) The Low-End Theory
(3) Midnight Marauders
Another possible GOAT three-album run.
9. Eric B & Rakim:
(1) Paid in Full
(2) Follow the Leader
(3) Let the Rhythm Hit’em
The MC and DJ GOATS.
10. DJ Quik:
(1) Quik is the Name
(2) Way 2 Fonky
(3) Safe & Sound
Quik holds the title of Hip Hop’s greatest and most underrated producer in the
culture.
11. T.I:
(1) Trap Muzik
(2) Urban Legend
(3) King
T.I.’s music was superior when he was battling against himself (Tip).
12. Kanye West:
(1) College Dropout
(2) Late Registration
(3) Graduation
Groundbreaking.
13. Tyler the Creator:
(1) Flower boy
(2) Igor
(3) Call Me if You Get Lost
Tyler’s run represents the perfect combination of artistry and MC’ism because of his constant pursuit to challenge himself by taking a risk with each release.
14. Nas:
(1) King’s Disease 1
(2) King’s Disease 2
(3) Magic
Nas and Hit-Boy are doing some of the culture’s most essential work between old school/new school. Nas sounds lyrically refreshed, while Hit-Boy’s well-matched production challenges all Nas-is-the-worst-beat-selector critics.
Check out the Three-Headed Crown playlist HERE
