I’m not a die-hard hiphop head, I admit. I only recently (a couple of years ago) began to listen to rap again, despite growing up in the Bronx. I was a rocker kid who liked to skateboard. Rap was sort of the enemy. Well, I’m a big boy now and can appreciate both. Here’s a list of my fav rappers to listen to right now, and why. Obviously, this list is subject to change. I list the rappers loosely based on talent. (I’m aware that ranking rappers will always be a highly arguable thing and is very subjective. This is why I’m avoiding an “of-all-time” type of list.)

5. Childish Gambino

I believe that this guy in ten years or so is going to go down as one of best rappers. I don’t know if he currently gets the credit he deserves coming from Hollywood, and not Inglewood. Plus, we have the same birthday. He’s quick-witted, cocky, and multi-talented. He makes me laugh more than any other rapper by far, with lines such as:

Okay (Alright) I'm down with the black girls of every single culture
Filipino, Armenian girls on my sofa
Yeah I like a white girl, sometimes we get together
Need a thick chick though, so it's black and yellow, black and yellow

I love songs like “Freaks and Geeks,” “This Is America,” and “Bonfire.”

4. Logic

I love this dude. He reminds me of me in some ways: a nerd who likes video games, comics, anime and science fiction. He even writes SF stories (like I do)! Why do I listen to him? First, his tracks are amazing, so credit to one of the best record producers alive right now in 6ix. But mostly it’s the positivity and art in his lyrics, such as in “Everybody” and “1-800-273-8255.” Lest I forget, his freestyles are legendary. Some other songs I love include “Homicide” and “Everyday.”

3. Joyner

He’s definitely not like me, except that I also grew up in the “ghetto.” But great artists can relate with anyone. And his emotional depth pierces. That and his strong lyrical prowess and insane ability to control cadence and flow, make him stand out as a top tier rapper. There aren’t many people who are as authentic as this guy; he’s open that he’s not a “gangbanger.” And the variety in his content from songs as “I’m Not Racist” (which, as Em said, should have won a Grammy) and “Devil’s Work” to songs like “ISIS” and “Winter Blues.”

2. Kendrick

The guy won a fucking Pulitzer, ‘nough said. The depth of his lyrics. His style. He’s different. He’s a guy who could flow with the fastest of them but chooses not to. He’d rather dig deep with words and pathos. I respect that. Some of my favorite songs are “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe,” “DNA,” and “Humble.” I also love his feature in Imagine Dragon’s “Radioactive.” So dope.

Honorable mentions:

NF

This guy, too, I think, in ten years is going to get a lot more recognition. I think some people are sleeping on this dude, perhaps because they think he’s an Eminem wannabe since he’s another white rapper from Detroit. But there’s talent here other people aren’t seeing. He’s creative and different; look at his album covers and videos. And if you don’t think he’s talented, listen more closely to songs like “Options,” “The Search” and “Let You Down.” Big props to anybody with the balls to talk about their own issues with mental health (which includes Logic!).

Lil Wayne

He’s been in the game longer than the previous rapper, but will likely be even bigger in the future. Even if I can’t relate to some lyrics, one thing you can’t say is that this guy isn’t genuine. He keeps it real: the good, the bad, the ugly. I love the songs “Can’t Be Broken,” “Mirror,” and “Drop the World.”

1. Eminem

I think he’s the best rapper alive today. Yes, I realize that’s a bit cliche - and, paradoxically, highly arguable. But there’s nothing he’s not good at. His lyrics and metaphors are deep and so clever I often don’t get them till the next day while brushing my teeth: “Oh, shit! Now I get it!” Drops the toothbrush on the floor. His flow, his ability to change cadence, his prolificness. And does the man breathe? Or age? Is he vampire? He also taps into that legend status now, given how long he’s been killing it. I love Kamikaze, and I’m just now starting to get into his newest album Music to Be Murdered By. While I can’t relate to some songs, I love “Venom,” “Till I Collapse,” “Not Alike,” “Forgot about Dre” (featured), and “Rap God.” I basically have to listen to those songs if they come up on Pandora - no skipping allowed.