RAP POWER RANKINGS 02.17.11

The definitive word on the movers and shakers in the wide world of rap.

1. Killer Mike "Burn" - Killer Mike is Amerikkka's Most Wanted reincarnated. And you can add "Burn" right to the top of his resume. If you're the praying type, you should add a remix with Boots from the Coup to the top of your list of requests.

2. Saigon The Greatest Story Never Told - Do rap albums age like fine wine when they sit around for years before being released? The prosecution directs your attention to Exhibit A, Big Boi's Sir Lucious Left Foot, and Exhibit B, Saigon's The Greatest Story Never Told. Will Detox be Exhibit C?

3. Nation of Thizzlam Presents The 50 Greatest Bay Area Rap Songs - This is rap. This is rap on drugs. Any questions?

4. Dubstep - Remember the scene in Children of Men when Michael Caine plays that purposefully obnoxious music because Clive Owen has a headache? Wasn't that dubstep? Can't we wait for 2027 before it gets popular?

5. Pusha-T "My God" - Rapping about the nuances of cocaine sales should be boring by now. But Measuring Cup P manages to keep it fresh.

6. @GhostfaceKillah - Starks handed out jewels of Valentine's Day advice 140 characters at a time on Monday. Choosing one best example is impossible, but here's our best attempt.


7. 89 Skratch Gangstaz Gangstaz Need Love, Too - Speaking of romance, there really is no better way to get your girl in the mood than this 32-track mix of love songs from your favorite rap tough guys, including rare cuts from E-40, Dr. Dre and the kings of baby-making music, South Central Cartel.

8. "The Bold & the Beautiful" - Amber and her mom pulled off the rigged paternity test, but can she keep her secret long enough to land a payday from Liam and his dad, Bill Spencer?

9. Tyler the Creator "Yonkers" - This video sparked some hilarious rap blogger beef on Twitter and features bug eating, barfing and the black eyeball effect "True Blood" used during season 2.


10. CunninLynguists "Stars Shine Brightest" - The instrumental sounds like a rap version of the quiet storm. Normally that wouldn't be a compliment, but it works here.


This post was written by:
Trey