Ranking Rappers

In honor of the recent releases of NBA 2K10 and NBA Live 2010, I thought it would be interesting to apply the games' ranking systems to rappers today. For those of you unfamiliar with how these titles rate NBA players, I'll give you a short run down. Basically they take several attributes that make up the game of basketball such as shooting, dribbling and passing just to name a few, then apply a number between 50 and 99 based on the player's skill level. All of these aspects are then combined to form an overall rating for the player represented in the game. For example, Kobe Bryant overall ranking is 97; that rating is based on outstanding characteristics in all aspects of the game.

Basketball has a wide range of skill sets to rate, much more than can be applied to a MC's talent level. I decided to pick five attributes to rate and came up with a pretty well rounded average based on the following:

Lyrics: What an MC says to compose his overall message to his fans. A rapper must be able to expand his/her vocab beyond basic rhyming and cliches.

Content: The topic levels of Hip Hop have not changed much over the years. Most MCs talk about the basic three subject matters to get their music heard--money, dope and bitches. A MC that is able to expand his range of content past these typical motifs usually have more longevity in the game.

Delivery: This is how the MC delivers himself to the public. This aspect is difficult for many to master. A lot of people will not listen to someone whose unable to change it up over different types of production. Some listeners prefer how you say it over what you say.

Charisma: Just basic presence on the microphone. The ability to command an audience as well as willing to take risk. Some rappers have enough charisma to get away with saying or doing things that others can't

Beat Selection: This is very important in the creative process of making an album. Some rappers choose to rhyme over anything and as a result the music suffers. Fans might cut the track off before the first word is spoken. Some have an extraordinary ear for music; they know what producer or track can best compliment their styles.

So now they we've broken down the different skill sets, let's get to some ratings. I'm starting with four of the most popular MCs out right now. Remember these are my ratings; feel free to post your own on some of your favorite MCs or the same ones if you disagree with my opinion on those below.

Jay-Z
Lyrics - 88
Content - 72
Delivery - 95
Charisma - 97
Beat Selection - 98

Overall - 90 (Damn it!)

Nas

Lyrics - 95
Content - 98
Delivery - 85
Charisma - 82
Beat Selection - 77

Overall - 87

Lil Wayne

Lyrics - 88
Content - 60
Delivery - 98
Charisma - 98
Beat Selection - 82

Overall 85.2

Kanye West:

Lyrics - 79
Content - 88
Delivery - 8o
Charisma - 91
Beat Selection - 99 (This was a little unfair since he makes his on beats, but what can you do?)

Overall - 87.4

Well, this rating system didn't turn out quite like I wanted it considering Nas is my favorite MC and Kanye is not even in my top 5. But I had to be honest with the rankings from my perspective, I knew I shouldn't have chosen "beat selection!" Anyway, rate your favorite MCs and see where they rank! Post them in the comments.