Karl's Top 7 - Favorite Rappers

It's time for the second Karl's Top 7, and this time were going to look at that guys that, in my opinion, spit the hottest fire. These aren't my favorite rappers currently working, and I had to leave a bunch guys off that I think are totally awesome (*cough* B.o.B. *cough*) but that just means that the ones that are here must be pretty dope. So, here's the list

7. Childish Gambino
Donald Glover, who plays Troy on Community (which I have already mentioned as being one of my favorite shows on TV), also raps under the name Childish Gambino, and as it turns out, he's pretty sick. Though he is yet to sign with a record label, he released his first album for free download last July, and has a few mixtapes out as well. His style is VERY similar to Lil Wayne, though not anywhere near as gangster. He spouts some of this best lines I've ever heard, whether it be "fresh to death like a mint cemetery" or "I can say anything, call me John Cusack". Unlike his role on Community though, Gambino is not a joke rapper, often stating it in his songs (like in Untouchable - "People saying I should make a funny rap like SNL did, If I don't take myself seriously who the fuck else will?"). His flow still needs time to develop, but Gambino is definitly one to watch for in the future.
Songs to check out - "Bitch Look At Me Now", "I Be On That", "Put It In My Video"

6. Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne is one of the biggest rappers out there right now, dropping tons of music out, and not missing a beat after getting out of prison. Weezy is definitly one of the most talented rappers out there, mixing great flow with some insane lyrics. His newest single "Six Foot Seven Foot" proved that a stay in prison didn't change his music at all, and the Carter 4 looks like it's gonna be sick when it comes out. Wayne is also known for branching out into other genres, like his verse on the Weezer song "Can't Stop Partying" and his Rebirth mixtape.
Songs to check out  - Dr. Carter, Drop the World, Six Foot Seven Foot

5. Snoop Doggy Dogg
The Big Snoop Dizzle has been one of the best for the last two decades, going from old schools classics like "Ain't Nuthing But a G Thang" and "Gin and Juice" to newer hits like "Drop It Like It's Hot" and "That Tree". He even has songs in rock band, and they're awesome. Snoop is also a big screen legend, with timeless roles in Old School, Half Baked and Starsky and Hutch. According to the great Katt Williams he is also a proffesional pot smoker. Rapper, Actor, Marijuana Proffesional - sounds like a triple threat. The song I chose below best shows why Snoop is so very awesome.
Songs to check out - "Who Am I (What's My Name)", "Ridin in My Chevy", "My Medicine"

4. Drake
Woo Canada. Drake has been one of my favorite new rappers, with Thank Me Later being one of my favorite albums from last year (even if it was a bit disappointed when I first heard it). Drake can both go off and croon, resulting in very different songs all put together. Drake and Lil Wayne working together almost always turns into awesomeness, and I'm excited to hear the next album from both of them. Plus, he's Canadian. You gotta root for your Canadians whenever you can.
Songs to Check Out - "Fireworks", "Ransom", "Miss Me"

3. Kid Cudi
Last year, he might have been number one. Man On The Moon: The End of Day is one of my all time favorite albums, rap or otherwise. Perfect album for just putting on and relaxing. Man on the Moon wasn't as great, but it was still a good album. Cudi was also cool on the show How to Make it in America, and he is releasing a rock album this year, which should be sick. Also, saw his concert, and it was fucking awesome.
Songs to Check Out - "Freestyle 09", "Heart of a Lion", "Man on the Moon"

2. Jay-Z
Sean Carter is one of, if not the, greatest rappers of all time. He's been dropping albums consistently over the last 15 years, and has many classic albums, including The Blueprint, Black Album and Reasonable Doubt. He is the head of Roc Nation, and is responsible for bringing us the rapper that is #1 on this list. Plus, he's got a hot ass wife. Long Live Hova
Songs to check out - "Heart of the City", "Already Home", "Big Pimpin"

1. Kanye West
I know he's a douchebag, but fuck if he isn't good. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was my favorite album from last year, and it's Kanye's best album. That's saying a lot too, considering how good College Dropout, Late Registration and Graduation are. Yeah, 808s and Heartbreak wasn't as good as his other albums, but it wasn't bad either. Kanye even kills it on otherwise shitty songs (check out his verse on Chris Brown's "Down" - he's awesome, the song not so much). He should be dropping another album this year, and I'm already pumped.
Songs to check out - "Get Em High", "Big Brother", "Diamonds from Sierra Leone (Remix)"

Disagree? Leave a comment and I'll tell you why you're wrong.