M.E.T.H.O.D. MAN

One of my favorite topics of discussion in the world of rap is the debate about who is the best rapper/ lyricist. Youngins whose balls have yet to descend often say Kanye West or Lupe Fiasco. Old school heads who once rocked asymmetrical flat tops, shiny Addidas jump suits and Kangol hats will say Big Daddy Kane, Rakim or MC Lyte. For Negrohemians obsessed with consciousness, like yours truly, the honor goes to Mos Def*, Talib, the Tribe or De La Soul. Generic ones who know no better say Biggie, Tupac, Jay-Z or even worse, Eminem.

Truthfully speaking, we all have different tastes and hip hop is too varied to have a title for best rapper. And what are we judging when determining a rapper's goodness? Is it their ability to create quality records that are consistently successful? Focusing purely on lyricism and delivery, it is surprising that Method Man is not given more recognition when discussing possible hip hop greats. His raspy voice and easy going flow allowed him to be featured on many hit singles from other artists during his extensive career. His rhymes are raw and always fresh. So for this week's Throwback Tuesday, I am giving the M.e.t.h.o.d. Man an honorable mention for one of the game's best.

I knew the lyrics of this song when I was 6 years old.

He started out with the WuTang Clan in 1993, he was one of the group's more visible members. He dropped his solo LP Tical a year after featuring the hit singles "All I Need" and "Bring the Pain." However, I prefer the songs he made when he teamed up with Red Man with my favorite being 'Da Rockwilder.' An unapologetic weed enthusiast, his lyrics are typically street-themed like the other 95% of rappers. But unlike 95% of other rappers, he is really good. And yes, Joe Budden, you are a part of that mediocre majority.

This song is BANANAS!!!!

*Mos Def is the best rapper alive.