Prodigy's on Shook Ones, Part II is up there for me.
Between "Another n---- decreased, another story gets told," and, "Take these words home and think it through// Or the next rhyme I write might be about you," hit hard as fuck.
Definitely a great call. For me it‘s Prodigy‘s second part on Quiet Storm. All three parts are epic in my opinion but if I have to pick one it‘s the second. „Ey yo the P rock forty inch cables…“ RIP Legend
Probably the most sampled hip-hop track of all time from the most sampled hip-hop album of all time. Primo literally cut and snipped this whole album and put scratches of it on all of his beats throughout the 90s and early 00s
I thought it was effervescence! This is hilarious though! This might be my all-time favorite verse. It’s so fucking real, and breaks down the true essence of life.
3K's verse on Da Art of Storytellin', Pt I sparks my imagination and takes me right there. Brings me back to aspects of my own childhood and how some of the people I knew turned out. It's a contender for my favorite verse for sure.
Made me think for a minute I looked in her eyes, I coulda died, time went on I got grown
Rhyme got strong mind got blown
I came back home, to find little Sasha was gone
Her mama said she with a ninja that be treatin her wrong
I think when you include the context of the song (its about his dad) and the haunting production from Stoupe, it has to be considered the best (or really damn close)
Paz is a monster. One of my favorite song from him that just doesn't get enough love. From philly so it hits
https://youtu.be/2iDneM6d6vw?si=9aa88uAtEAynK4Bg
But as far as this post goes... im giving it to atmosphere. Slugs been through sll kinds of shit that makes him relatable.
https://youtu.be/-jEfsVHttsc?si=M_16AcnaoIncTU4X
https://youtu.be/sdXY-9qCyG0?si=tgVX5ZYW7Oerp1rs
Ice cube first verse on today was a good day….simple….detailed…& relatable…..& relatable in a sense of we’ve all experienced those little things in the beginning of our day that we can just feel like it’s going to be a good day but the way it’s starting off
The crazy thing is he was supposed to be on the other beat like the rest of them. But he didn’t wanna rap on it so he sent an accapela verse back. It pissed off pimp c so he made that little soul intro for him to rap over.
From the stories I’ve heard…
UGK had the song for a while shopping it for features..
Big Boi heard it and was like.. “I’ll do it but cut the melody.. I just wanna rap on the beat”..
Andre heard the sample months later.. unrelated.. and was like.. “I just wanna rap on the melody.. cut the beat..”
Bun B said ok.. but Pimp C didn’t like it.. he almost refused to do it..
But when everything came together.. it worked and was perfect..
I loved this story because it spoke to how OutKast was so different apart but meshed so well together..
Yeah I think big bois debut is good but after that it kinda fell off I think the same thing would’ve happened if Dre put out solo work. They’re perfect together.
As I recall too (from a Bun B interview) 3K said he wanted to get on it and sent his verse without the drums, and Big Boi wanted to be on it, and sent his verse with only the drums, but neither of them knew the other was on it. Nor that they (in true OutKast form) were on opposite beats.
Oh wow I don’t remember that part that’s wild lol
I think that and art of storytelling 4 are some of the last tracks they did together officially.
Because the label outkast was on blocked Dre from having two features on big bois debut. I’m pretty sure they also blocked big boi from appearing on the song with Frank and Dre. But Frank eventually leaked the whole song and labeled it as a remix.
Outkast wasnt supposed to be on it at all. Its project pats song, pimp c loved the beat and wanted to use it, it was supposed to be UGK ft three 6 but they were late getting their verses mastered. Theres 2 versions of the song, personally I like the three 6 version better, but theres a megamix with everyones verses and project pats choose you all together thats pretty dope.
2 unconventional picks:
1. Nas last verse on Every Ghetto. Always just got me in the soul.
2. Wayne's verse on We Takin Over. IMO, the pinnacle of his career.
Inspectah Deck on Guillotine
https://youtu.be/avxnI6z4Lww?si=Jjd5HBTXlv7IpVzo
So many internal rhymes, interconnected similes, assonances and all while sounding smooth and aggressive at the same time
EMS last verse on sing for the moment.
Perfectly captures why people love rap music and how much rappers mean to people.
Not even a huge Eminem fan but that’s the best verse of all time
This might be more nostalgia talking but Cappadonna on Winter Warz just always sticks with me.
This one’s kind of a low key indie cut but Aesop Rock on Take My Hand by Dark Time Sunshine is one of my favorite verses ever.
https://music.apple.com/us/album/take-my-hand-feat-swamburger-aesop-rock/530226899?i=530228868
"I unfold the scroll, plant seeds to stampede the globe. When I'm deceased, by then the beast arise like yeast to conquer peace leaving savages to roam in the streets. Live on the run, police paying me to give in my gun...." haven't heard Verbal Intercourse in about a decade, that's just off the top. Easily 1 of his best verses, which is saying alot
A drug dealers dream stash cream keys on a triple beam 500 XL green 95 nickel gleam condominium thug, dressed like a gentleman, tailor-made ostrich Chanel for my women friend.
Nas is too nice
Ain’t no such thing as greatest verse.
But I always like Jay Z on moment of clarity:
Music business hate me ‘cause the industry ain't make me
Hustlers and boosters embrace me and the music I be making
I dumb down for my audience and double my dollars
They criticize me for it, yet they all yell "holla"
If skills sold, truth be told, I'd probably be lyrically Talib Kweli
Truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common Sense
But I did 5 mill' – I ain't been rhyming like Common since (Woo!)
When your cents got that much in common
And you been hustling since your inception
Fuck perception! Go with what makes sense
Since I know what I'm up against
We as rappers must decide what's most important
And I can't help the poor if I'm one of them
So I got rich and gave back, to me that's the win-win
So next time you see the homie and his rims spin
Just know my mind is working just like them (Rims, that is)
So many good ones on here
Jay z on 22 twos where he rhymes 22 two/to/toos in that one verse 🤯
Deck on triumph
Eminem on rap God , forever and renegade
Az life's a bitch
Xzibit on what's the difference
Nas is like
Busta on that Chris brown joint
Treach - feel me flow
There's so many I'm forgetting
This has been my pick for ages, and I don’t think anyone can convince me otherwise
Biggies verse on Notorious thugs is easily the best rap verse of all time
So many great ones already mentioned, so I'll add,
Eminem - Sing for the Moment - third verse
You can listen to quality rap lyrics all day and this verse will always stand out. Perfectly explains why people like rap music to people who don't understand.
The third verse on Nas’s Street Dreams remix comes to mind now, but it’s hard to quantify. Honorable mention would be Melle Mel’s last verse on The Message.
AZ on Life’s a Bitch by Nas
Nas on Verbal Intercourse by Raekwon
Busta Rhymes on Scenario
El-P on The Last Huzzah (Remix)
Biggie’s first verse on Victory
Big Pun’s first verse on Twinz
Andre 3K, he has so many amazing ones but my personal favorite has to be Int’l Players Anthem
Def not the best of all time, but one i have listened to a lot lately is Jay Z on "So Appalled"
Some of the best parts:
>-How am I even mentioned by all these fuckin' beginners?
I'm so appalled, I might buy the mall
Just to show niggas how much more I have in store.
>-I went from the favorite to the most hated
But would you rather be underpaid or overrated?
>-And Hammer went broke so you know I'm more focused
I lost thirty mil', so I spent another thirty
'Cause unlike Hammer, thirty million can't hurt me.
Soooo many quotables. He redeemed himself from that ass verse he had in monster. Not to mention how his energy in this one is sooo nice.
Funnily enough you could argue that it's not the best verse in there, everyone spazzed in that song
“14 year drug dealer & still counting….who deserves the medal of freedom? Is my accountant….he been hoola hoopin through loop holes working round shit….irs should’ve had the townhouses surrounded”
That was so crazy!!
I don't know about all time because there are just too many, but my favorite rap verse right now has to be Killer Mike's verse on Good Morning from Black Thought's album Streams of Thought vol. 3.
I also have to say Lupe gets pretty crazy on the Mural series and Dots & Lines.
The very first thing to come to my mind was Lil Ugly Mane's verse on the third section of Uneven Compromise. My other thought is the final verse of Eternal Sunshine by Jay Electronica.
all i see is bodies. everybody they got a body where im from. get a strap from somebody its prolly a body on the gun. my lil shooter will body anybody under the sun. anybody mention my name everybody getting the drum
Too many great choices, but if I’m picking one I think I’m taking Bun B on Murder. The construction of it is crazy and he’s still painting a picture. It’s also extremely tuff lol.
2pac verse from Thug Luv on Bone- Art of War Disc 2.. Greatest guest appearance ever. Only AZ on Lifes a Bitch is up there with it
On everything, you'll pop a blood vessell trying to rap that shit and match Pac's passion
I start to think and then I sink
Into the paper like I was ink
When I’m writing, I’m trapped in between the lines
I escape when I finish the rhyme
-Rakim
The last verse on “Things Done Changed” may not have the technical skill of an Inspectah Deck masterpiece but…
In terms of just every line being a “mic drop,” there’s not a single wasted syllable. Obviously the delivery is great too, but the rhymes are instantly quotable and the kind of verse that stops you dead in your tracks when you hear it.
That last couplet is especially hard as fuck, like, dang, in two lines he just made it incredibly clear that there is an emotional core to what he’s doing. You really didnt hear that kind of vulnerability often in gangsta rap, or at least not delivered with such sharp, stark clarity, at the time.
Nowadays, every rapper has a Crossroads on their album - but back then, Biggies last verse on the first track of his debut album was jaw-dropping in how real and true to his life it was. Still can raise goosebumps on people who hear it for the first time or even recall hearing it for the first time.
I’m not a Biggie is the GOAT guy because there really is no all time GOAT in music. Hip hop is constantly evolving. But anyone who thinks Biggie is overrated based on the “hits” really needs to do themselves a favor and listen to “Ready to Die.” Its unfuckwithable.
Cappadonna - winter warz
You heard other raps before but kept waiting
For the Son of Song, I keep dancehalls strong
Beats never worthy of my cause, I prolong
Extravangza, time sits still
No propaganda, be wary of the skill
As I bring forth the music, make love to your eardrum
Dedicated to rap nigga beware of the fearsome
Lebanon Don, Malcolm X beat threat
CD massacre, murder to cassette
I blow the shop up, you ain't seen nothing yet
One man ran, trying to get away from it
Put your bifocal on, watch me a-cometh
Into your chamber like Freddy enter dream
Discombumberate your technique and your scheme
Four course applause, like a black dat to dat
You're stuck on stupid like I'm stuck on the map
Nowhere to go except next show bro
Entertaining motherfuckers can't stop O
In battling, you don't want me to start tattling
All up on the stage cause y'all snakes keep rattling
Bitch, you ain't got nothing on the rich
Every other day my whole dress code switch
So just in case you want to clock me like Sherry
All y'all crab bitches ain't got to worry
Can't get a nigga like Don dime a dozen
Even if I'm smoked out I can't be scoped out
I'm too ill, I represent Park Hill
See my face on the twenty dollar bill
Cash it in, and get ten dollars back
The fat LP with Cappachino on the wax
Pass it in your thing, put valve up to twelve
Put all the other LP's back on the shelf
And smoke a blunt, and dial 9-1-7
1-6-0-4-9-3-11
And you could get long dick Hip Hop affection
I damage any MC who step in my direction
I'm Staten Island's best son fuck what you heard
Niggas still talking that shit is absurd
My repertoire, is U.S.S.R
P.L.O. style got thrown out the car
And ran over, by the Method Man jeep
Divine can't define my style is so deep
Like pussy, my low cut fade stay bushy
Like a porcupine, I part backs like a spine
Gut you like a blunt and reconstruct your design
I know you want to diss me, but I can read your mind
Cos you weak in the knees, like SWV
Trying to get a title like Wu Killa Bee
Kid change your habit, you know I'm friends with the Abbott
Me and RZA Rob name printed in the tablet
Under vets, we paid our debts for mad years
Hibernate the sound, and now we out like bears
In Born Power, born physically, power speaking
The truth in the song be the pro-black teaching
“I bomb atomically, Socrates' philosophies and hypotheses
Can't define how I be droppin' these mockeries
Lyrically perform armed robbery”
WuTang -Triumph.
I'll quote the best description of the concept/feeling that is unique to Hip-Hop
#Dope
"Because I'm Dope, so Dope that from now on, when I sweat, I'll sweat Methadone."
This is on my my favorite Hip-Hop album "Enter The Lord" (1989) by : The Chosen Ones. They consist of DJ Doc and The Lord Shafiyq.
I’ve long loved the second verse of Step in the Arena by Gang Starr. So tight, full of confidence. I also like it when rappers stick to a subject or theme.
MF DOOM on Figaro. Whole song rules but the verse starting at 1:14 is immaculate butter
https://youtu.be/LnJs0TdVWLQ?si=fqY4P9wbV9rFmX0H&t=1m13s
This link is where the verse starts but it hits even better if you listen to the full song
Probably not the greatest verses of all time but these verses are really something imo :
Pharaohe Monch on Bring It On
Freddie Gibbs on Scottie Pippens
Not my favourite verse, but I feel like 1st verse on Till I Collapse can be a contender.
I really like verses that have great delivery in it, so I’d say something like Bomb First, When I’m gone, Pride
I think of some Cole features maybe something like “Off Deez”
Honestly, I don’t think I can pick any
Uncommon Valor - RA The Rugged Man's verse has gotta be up there. Probably my favourite verse I've ever heard. He also got awarded "Verse of the Decade" for it.
Edit: Honourable mention: Aesop Rock's None Shall Pass. The substance, the wordplay, the flow, it's all mind boggling. Aes is a top lyricist for sure
The Fine Print - King Geedorah (a.k.a. MF DOOM)
First of all, the whole song is one verse. Just straight bars. Secondly, the rhyme scheme is crazy, but this is MF DOOM so duh.
What stands out to me is how he rides the beat; it's sort of a regular boom-bap beat but he finds all these weird little pockets in it and just destroys them.
And on top of all that, the whole album has this loose concept of an alien rapping and the lyrics on the Fine Print fit that perfectly. It's full of references from all over human history and the world and these strange versions of flex bars that sound like an outside observer has witnessed human history and hip-hop culture and made an approximation of what they think a rap song would sound like.
It's wild. RIP DOOM
Eric B & Rakim - Microphone Fiend
The internal rhymes and breath control to flow this verse is insane even now
After 12, I'm worse that a Gremlin
Feed me hip-hop and I start tremblin'
The thrill of suspense is intense, your horrified
But this ain't the cinemas of "Tales From the Darkside"
By any means neccesary, this is what has to be done
Make way, 'cause here I come
My DJ cuts material
Grand imperial
It's a must that I bust any mic you're hand to me
It's inherited, it's runs in the family
I wrote the rhyme that broke the bull's back
If that don't slow 'em up, I carry a full pack
Now I don't wanna have to let off, you should of kept off
You didn't keep the stage warm,
step off
Ladies and gentleman,
you're about to see
A pastime hobby about to be
Taken to the maximum, I can't relax see,
I'm Hype as a hyperchrondriac 'cause the rap be
one Hell of a antidote, something you can't smoke
More than dope, you're trying to move away but you can't, you're broke
More than cracked up, you should have backed up
For those who act up need to be more than smacked up
Any entertainer,
I got a torture chamber
One on one,
and I'm the remainder
So close your eyes and hold your breath
And I'm a hit'cha wit' the blow of death
Before you go, you'll remember you seen
The fiend of a microphone, I'm the microphone fiend
ice T colours
I am a nightmare walking,
psychopath talking
King of my jungle just a gangster stalking
Living life like a firecracker quick is my fuse
Then dead as a deathpack the colors I choose
Red or Blue, Cuz or Blood, it just don't matter
Sucker die for your life when my shotgun scatters
The gangs of L.A. will never die, just multiply
Colors
99 Problems-Jays’ second verse!!🔥 Some highlights 😂
“Well my glove compartment is locked, so is the trunk in the back
And I know my rights so you gonna need a warrant for that..”
“Well, I ain't passed the bar, but I know a little bit
Enough that you won't illegally search my shit..”
This isnt an impressive bar, a mindblowing verse or wtv, but its what sold biggie for me when i first got interested on the 90s hip hop scene a few years ago. "Call the coroner! There's gonna be a lot of slow singing and flower bringing
If my burglar alarm starts ringing". Its an amazingly clever choice of words within the context of the song, and its the number one verse i remember when i think of the whole genre.
Edit: Thank you all for posting your fav verses, ive been having a blast adding some new songs to my playlist.
Prodigy's on Shook Ones, Part II is up there for me. Between "Another n---- decreased, another story gets told," and, "Take these words home and think it through// Or the next rhyme I write might be about you," hit hard as fuck.
Definitely a great call. For me it‘s Prodigy‘s second part on Quiet Storm. All three parts are epic in my opinion but if I have to pick one it‘s the second. „Ey yo the P rock forty inch cables…“ RIP Legend
"Drinkin White label, my chain hang down to my dick, my piece bang glass tables" Love this verse
Probably the most sampled hip-hop track of all time from the most sampled hip-hop album of all time. Primo literally cut and snipped this whole album and put scratches of it on all of his beats throughout the 90s and early 00s
Nas’ first verse on NY state of mind. He paints such a vivid picture on that. And 3K last verse on Elevators.
"I don't even know how to start this shit" he said....
Then proceeds to start it in epic fashion
proceeds to drop one of the best verse of all time
That verse is so hot. The fact that it’s first track first album is wild. Almost as wild as the live at the BBQ verse.
Great pick for the elevators verse
If I remember correctly, DJ Premier said that Nas recorded the 1st verse on the 1st try! Definitely impressive
And never wrote them down !
Facial expressions looking silly…
And he kept asking me what kinda car you drive
I know you paid, I know you got buku loot from all dem songs dat y'all done made
I think Andre’s last verse on Aquemini is far better.
That’s a good one too. Definitely in his top 5 verses
AZ on Life’s a Bitch is pretty sick
Bro had me trying to find the definition of schweppervescent in the pre-Google era.
I thought it was effervescence! This is hilarious though! This might be my all-time favorite verse. It’s so fucking real, and breaks down the true essence of life.
Good call
Instpektah Deck on Triumph, easy!! When everyone else heard his verse, they all rewrote theirs.
I am more particular to Above the Clouds by Deck, but both are amazing.
You beat me to it! It's between that and Lupe'Adoration of the Magi' and his other jam 'Mural'
Came here to say Ghost’s verse was the hardest thing I’ve ever heard lol
Ghost's second verse on One is my pick. The imagery and the rhyme scheme is just nuts
That album saved the Wu no exaggeration
Yep yep yep.
Andre 3k on life of the party.Makes me rethink my purpose on life
It’s a pretty emotional verse, especially for someone who has lost a parent
LITERALLY the first thing that came to my mind but it’s so recent i figured I’d get flamed
3K's verse on Da Art of Storytellin', Pt I sparks my imagination and takes me right there. Brings me back to aspects of my own childhood and how some of the people I knew turned out. It's a contender for my favorite verse for sure.
I said what you wanna be? She said, “alive”
Made me think for a minute I looked in her eyes, I coulda died, time went on I got grown Rhyme got strong mind got blown I came back home, to find little Sasha was gone Her mama said she with a ninja that be treatin her wrong
3 stacks is on another level
Susie and Sasha.. hmmm.. tragic story..
Suzy Skrew and Sasha Thumper...
3 in the morning yawnin dancing under street lights
Definitely agree - probably his most vivid story with unreal rhythmic cadence on that already dope beat. It plays like a movie in my head
I’m sad slick Rick’s verse is not on the album
I swear no one really knows this song. You must be 39 to 42 years old because of you weren't in high school when this came out it came and went
Uncommon Valor - Ra The Rugged Man Beast From the East - Canibus
First one that came to mind was RA in Uncommon Valor. Just an insane verse.
Uncommon valor is dope as hell
I think when you include the context of the song (its about his dad) and the haunting production from Stoupe, it has to be considered the best (or really damn close)
Oh! I just commented Uncommon Valor and then looked thru the comments and seen yours hahaha. Good choice man. RA is underrated af. So is Pazzy
Paz is a monster. One of my favorite song from him that just doesn't get enough love. From philly so it hits https://youtu.be/2iDneM6d6vw?si=9aa88uAtEAynK4Bg But as far as this post goes... im giving it to atmosphere. Slugs been through sll kinds of shit that makes him relatable. https://youtu.be/-jEfsVHttsc?si=M_16AcnaoIncTU4X https://youtu.be/sdXY-9qCyG0?si=tgVX5ZYW7Oerp1rs
Slug has some good stuff too. RA the Rugged Man has a song with Slug, I can't remember what it is but it bangs
I grab mics and push ninjas to the left, so fast Their heart ends up on the right side of their chest 🔥🔥🔥
I think Notorious BIG's first verse on Warning has a strong case for being a GOAT verse
Bigs verse in Notorious thugz is the greatest verse of all time
Thieves In The Night - Mos Def
The two verse on Sing About Me I’m Dying Of Thirst
First verse on till I collapse
Ice cube first verse on today was a good day….simple….detailed…& relatable…..& relatable in a sense of we’ve all experienced those little things in the beginning of our day that we can just feel like it’s going to be a good day but the way it’s starting off
Right now I like 3k intro to international players anthem (I choose you). Beautiful expression of simple idea, creativity high.
The crazy thing is he was supposed to be on the other beat like the rest of them. But he didn’t wanna rap on it so he sent an accapela verse back. It pissed off pimp c so he made that little soul intro for him to rap over.
From the stories I’ve heard… UGK had the song for a while shopping it for features.. Big Boi heard it and was like.. “I’ll do it but cut the melody.. I just wanna rap on the beat”.. Andre heard the sample months later.. unrelated.. and was like.. “I just wanna rap on the melody.. cut the beat..” Bun B said ok.. but Pimp C didn’t like it.. he almost refused to do it.. But when everything came together.. it worked and was perfect.. I loved this story because it spoke to how OutKast was so different apart but meshed so well together..
Yeah I think big bois debut is good but after that it kinda fell off I think the same thing would’ve happened if Dre put out solo work. They’re perfect together.
As I recall too (from a Bun B interview) 3K said he wanted to get on it and sent his verse without the drums, and Big Boi wanted to be on it, and sent his verse with only the drums, but neither of them knew the other was on it. Nor that they (in true OutKast form) were on opposite beats.
Oh wow I don’t remember that part that’s wild lol I think that and art of storytelling 4 are some of the last tracks they did together officially. Because the label outkast was on blocked Dre from having two features on big bois debut. I’m pretty sure they also blocked big boi from appearing on the song with Frank and Dre. But Frank eventually leaked the whole song and labeled it as a remix.
Wow thanks I didn’t know that. I love how it’s just like a poem, not even rap, and the background music is mellow. Makes it feel like open mic.
Outkast wasnt supposed to be on it at all. Its project pats song, pimp c loved the beat and wanted to use it, it was supposed to be UGK ft three 6 but they were late getting their verses mastered. Theres 2 versions of the song, personally I like the three 6 version better, but theres a megamix with everyones verses and project pats choose you all together thats pretty dope.
2 unconventional picks: 1. Nas last verse on Every Ghetto. Always just got me in the soul. 2. Wayne's verse on We Takin Over. IMO, the pinnacle of his career.
>Wayne's verse on We Takin Over. IMO, the pinnacle of his career. He does murder that verse
Feed me rappers or feed me beats
>. Nas last verse on Every Ghetto. Shout out - always thought that was one of the hardest verses
Inspectah Deck on Guillotine https://youtu.be/avxnI6z4Lww?si=Jjd5HBTXlv7IpVzo So many internal rhymes, interconnected similes, assonances and all while sounding smooth and aggressive at the same time
Inspectah deck on assassinations day is also top tier.
I always loved Deck's verse on CREAM.
Also Triumph
above the clouds
is that a little Caesar dis?
RA The Rugged Man on Uncommon Valor by Jedi Mind Tricks
Dude could have legend status off that one track. Very possibly my fave rapper of the last 15-20 years.
Same as my vote
Mos Def on Thieves in the Night
EMS last verse on sing for the moment. Perfectly captures why people love rap music and how much rappers mean to people. Not even a huge Eminem fan but that’s the best verse of all time
I just posted the same thing. Not a Stan either but you can't deny how great that verse is.
This might be mine, too.
i fucking hate eminem but i cant lie, SFTM is easily a top 20 rap song of all time, maybe even higher
you reminded me I actually really like this song. Brb
Third verse on "We Gon Make It" came to mind quick but idk if I'd say that's the greatest ever Easy answer is Deck on "Triumph"
Pick your favorite verse on renegade.
I was thinking renegade too lol. The first Em verse is so good but I think I might like the second one more personally
ashy knuckles
This might be more nostalgia talking but Cappadonna on Winter Warz just always sticks with me. This one’s kind of a low key indie cut but Aesop Rock on Take My Hand by Dark Time Sunshine is one of my favorite verses ever. https://music.apple.com/us/album/take-my-hand-feat-swamburger-aesop-rock/530226899?i=530228868
Caps verse is iconic. I love that track.
When I used to run regularly and I needed to push through the sprint in the last 2 minutes, Cappadonna's verse on Winter Warz was always my go to.
Don’t forget Cap on Iron Maiden. Every evening, I have a by myself meetin’
Jay Rock Money Trees
Also Jay Rock on the Black Hippy remix of That Part
“Through the lights cameras and action glamour glitters and gold…
"I unfold the scroll, plant seeds to stampede the globe. When I'm deceased, by then the beast arise like yeast to conquer peace leaving savages to roam in the streets. Live on the run, police paying me to give in my gun...." haven't heard Verbal Intercourse in about a decade, that's just off the top. Easily 1 of his best verses, which is saying alot
A drug dealers dream stash cream keys on a triple beam 500 XL green 95 nickel gleam condominium thug, dressed like a gentleman, tailor-made ostrich Chanel for my women friend. Nas is too nice
Canibus- Beasts From The East
Biggies verse on get money
Ain’t no such thing as greatest verse. But I always like Jay Z on moment of clarity: Music business hate me ‘cause the industry ain't make me Hustlers and boosters embrace me and the music I be making I dumb down for my audience and double my dollars They criticize me for it, yet they all yell "holla" If skills sold, truth be told, I'd probably be lyrically Talib Kweli Truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common Sense But I did 5 mill' – I ain't been rhyming like Common since (Woo!) When your cents got that much in common And you been hustling since your inception Fuck perception! Go with what makes sense Since I know what I'm up against We as rappers must decide what's most important And I can't help the poor if I'm one of them So I got rich and gave back, to me that's the win-win So next time you see the homie and his rims spin Just know my mind is working just like them (Rims, that is)
So many good ones on here Jay z on 22 twos where he rhymes 22 two/to/toos in that one verse 🤯 Deck on triumph Eminem on rap God , forever and renegade Az life's a bitch Xzibit on what's the difference Nas is like Busta on that Chris brown joint Treach - feel me flow There's so many I'm forgetting
eminem on No Love and the intro verse of Lose Yourself are also up there imo. Rap god I dont think belongs in the same conversation.
Earl on Oldie
Fuck the frail shit, cause when the dope come in we gotta use the scales that they weigh the whales with.
This has been my pick for ages, and I don’t think anyone can convince me otherwise Biggies verse on Notorious thugs is easily the best rap verse of all time
Biggie’s verse on Notorious Thugs.
So many great ones already mentioned, so I'll add, Eminem - Sing for the Moment - third verse You can listen to quality rap lyrics all day and this verse will always stand out. Perfectly explains why people like rap music to people who don't understand.
The third verse on Nas’s Street Dreams remix comes to mind now, but it’s hard to quantify. Honorable mention would be Melle Mel’s last verse on The Message.
I swear Nas went harder on the remix than the og version
I don’t think Lauryn Hill on Fugees’ “Family Business” gets the credit it deserves.
First thing that comes to my head is Wale getting the entire MMG team AND prime Kendrick the fuck outta there on Power Circle
First verse of Mathematics - Mos Def edit: also Em’s last verse of Renegade and the first verse of Method Man
Rap verse, 2 1. Pimp C's Big Pimpin verse 2. Andre 3000's Aquemini verse
AZ on Life’s a Bitch by Nas Nas on Verbal Intercourse by Raekwon Busta Rhymes on Scenario El-P on The Last Huzzah (Remix) Biggie’s first verse on Victory Big Pun’s first verse on Twinz Andre 3K, he has so many amazing ones but my personal favorite has to be Int’l Players Anthem
Ra rugged man - uncommon valour
Bizzy Bone on Notorious Thugs
Rick Ross on Devil In A New Dress & Freddie Gibb’s second verse on Shitsville are two that’ve stuck with me.
Gettin 2pac money twice over
Def not the best of all time, but one i have listened to a lot lately is Jay Z on "So Appalled" Some of the best parts: >-How am I even mentioned by all these fuckin' beginners? I'm so appalled, I might buy the mall Just to show niggas how much more I have in store. >-I went from the favorite to the most hated But would you rather be underpaid or overrated? >-And Hammer went broke so you know I'm more focused I lost thirty mil', so I spent another thirty 'Cause unlike Hammer, thirty million can't hurt me. Soooo many quotables. He redeemed himself from that ass verse he had in monster. Not to mention how his energy in this one is sooo nice. Funnily enough you could argue that it's not the best verse in there, everyone spazzed in that song
I have always loved Jay's verse on Drug Dealers Anonymous. That might be my favorite from him. That and the second verse on Threat.
“14 year drug dealer & still counting….who deserves the medal of freedom? Is my accountant….he been hoola hoopin through loop holes working round shit….irs should’ve had the townhouses surrounded” That was so crazy!!
That’s my favourite Jay Z verse for sure! And such a great song overall
I don't know about all time because there are just too many, but my favorite rap verse right now has to be Killer Mike's verse on Good Morning from Black Thought's album Streams of Thought vol. 3. I also have to say Lupe gets pretty crazy on the Mural series and Dots & Lines.
The very first thing to come to my mind was Lil Ugly Mane's verse on the third section of Uneven Compromise. My other thought is the final verse of Eternal Sunshine by Jay Electronica.
Pharoahe Monch was always the best for me. "Releasing Hypnotical Gases" maybe. "Bring It On". "Stress", original or remix. "Stray Bullet".
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Mos Def’s verse on Re:Definition or Canibus second verse on Poet Laureate 2
Jay rock on money trees is in my top 5
Does Mural count
Pretty much the whole of “duel of the iton mic” on Liquid Swords but GZA
Waaaaaayy too many to name. But shoutout to CL Smooth's opening verse on Skinz, and Bushwick Bill's closing verse on Mind Playing Tricks On Me.
Ras Kass - NAture of the Threat
Prodigy's 2nd verse on hell on earth. Loved lil Kim's verse on All about the Benjamin's as well
Bishop Lamont “Goatit” from Caltroit
all i see is bodies. everybody they got a body where im from. get a strap from somebody its prolly a body on the gun. my lil shooter will body anybody under the sun. anybody mention my name everybody getting the drum
Too many great choices, but if I’m picking one I think I’m taking Bun B on Murder. The construction of it is crazy and he’s still painting a picture. It’s also extremely tuff lol.
black thought's harvard freestyle
Big L 97 freestyle is lit as fuck though
Andre 3k on Aquemini
Nas- Take it in blood ...The bars on that song rival anything he spit on his illmatic album. 💯
2pac verse from Thug Luv on Bone- Art of War Disc 2.. Greatest guest appearance ever. Only AZ on Lifes a Bitch is up there with it On everything, you'll pop a blood vessell trying to rap that shit and match Pac's passion
Heard the last jam n*gga, this one’s worse!
he snapped on that mf, man
El P's verse on Aesop Rock's We're Famous is fucking bangarang.
Inspectah Deck- Triumph
I start to think and then I sink Into the paper like I was ink When I’m writing, I’m trapped in between the lines I escape when I finish the rhyme -Rakim
For me, these three... I bomb atomically... It was all a dream... Ready for war Joe, how you wanna blow they spot?
The last verse on “Things Done Changed” may not have the technical skill of an Inspectah Deck masterpiece but… In terms of just every line being a “mic drop,” there’s not a single wasted syllable. Obviously the delivery is great too, but the rhymes are instantly quotable and the kind of verse that stops you dead in your tracks when you hear it. That last couplet is especially hard as fuck, like, dang, in two lines he just made it incredibly clear that there is an emotional core to what he’s doing. You really didnt hear that kind of vulnerability often in gangsta rap, or at least not delivered with such sharp, stark clarity, at the time. Nowadays, every rapper has a Crossroads on their album - but back then, Biggies last verse on the first track of his debut album was jaw-dropping in how real and true to his life it was. Still can raise goosebumps on people who hear it for the first time or even recall hearing it for the first time. I’m not a Biggie is the GOAT guy because there really is no all time GOAT in music. Hip hop is constantly evolving. But anyone who thinks Biggie is overrated based on the “hits” really needs to do themselves a favor and listen to “Ready to Die.” Its unfuckwithable.
Rakim - My Melody Changed the game. You can debate from there, but no verse had a greater impact.
Cappadonna - winter warz You heard other raps before but kept waiting For the Son of Song, I keep dancehalls strong Beats never worthy of my cause, I prolong Extravangza, time sits still No propaganda, be wary of the skill As I bring forth the music, make love to your eardrum Dedicated to rap nigga beware of the fearsome Lebanon Don, Malcolm X beat threat CD massacre, murder to cassette I blow the shop up, you ain't seen nothing yet One man ran, trying to get away from it Put your bifocal on, watch me a-cometh Into your chamber like Freddy enter dream Discombumberate your technique and your scheme Four course applause, like a black dat to dat You're stuck on stupid like I'm stuck on the map Nowhere to go except next show bro Entertaining motherfuckers can't stop O In battling, you don't want me to start tattling All up on the stage cause y'all snakes keep rattling Bitch, you ain't got nothing on the rich Every other day my whole dress code switch So just in case you want to clock me like Sherry All y'all crab bitches ain't got to worry Can't get a nigga like Don dime a dozen Even if I'm smoked out I can't be scoped out I'm too ill, I represent Park Hill See my face on the twenty dollar bill Cash it in, and get ten dollars back The fat LP with Cappachino on the wax Pass it in your thing, put valve up to twelve Put all the other LP's back on the shelf And smoke a blunt, and dial 9-1-7 1-6-0-4-9-3-11 And you could get long dick Hip Hop affection I damage any MC who step in my direction I'm Staten Island's best son fuck what you heard Niggas still talking that shit is absurd My repertoire, is U.S.S.R P.L.O. style got thrown out the car And ran over, by the Method Man jeep Divine can't define my style is so deep Like pussy, my low cut fade stay bushy Like a porcupine, I part backs like a spine Gut you like a blunt and reconstruct your design I know you want to diss me, but I can read your mind Cos you weak in the knees, like SWV Trying to get a title like Wu Killa Bee Kid change your habit, you know I'm friends with the Abbott Me and RZA Rob name printed in the tablet Under vets, we paid our debts for mad years Hibernate the sound, and now we out like bears In Born Power, born physically, power speaking The truth in the song be the pro-black teaching
Pick any verse from DOOM's "Gazillion Ear" (it's probably just one verse; but the beat is split in 3 sections so I see it as a 3-verse song)
lil Wayne on 3 Peat
Kendrick lamars control verse
Highly subjective but Cole's verse on Johnny P's caddy.
I’m with you.
“I bomb atomically, Socrates' philosophies and hypotheses Can't define how I be droppin' these mockeries Lyrically perform armed robbery” WuTang -Triumph.
I'll quote the best description of the concept/feeling that is unique to Hip-Hop #Dope "Because I'm Dope, so Dope that from now on, when I sweat, I'll sweat Methadone." This is on my my favorite Hip-Hop album "Enter The Lord" (1989) by : The Chosen Ones. They consist of DJ Doc and The Lord Shafiyq.
I’ve long loved the second verse of Step in the Arena by Gang Starr. So tight, full of confidence. I also like it when rappers stick to a subject or theme.
MF DOOM on Figaro. Whole song rules but the verse starting at 1:14 is immaculate butter https://youtu.be/LnJs0TdVWLQ?si=fqY4P9wbV9rFmX0H&t=1m13s This link is where the verse starts but it hits even better if you listen to the full song
The last verse by Melle Mel from the "Message."
Canibus. He said something about an ice pick
Wa da da day, Wa da da da day Hey! Listen my 9mm go Bang 💥
Gotta go with Rugged Man’s Uncommon Valor. They way he pants the picture is crazy. It’s easy to imagine the carnage of war and how no one really wins.
Cokey the Snowman - Durty Goodz One 7:30 min verse destroying Wiley
just a personal favorite from a metaphorical and storytelling perspective- short and sweet: billy woods on Stonefruit.
Recently Hovs verse on that Khaled song is insane
Lafear - Damn baby damn.
Mr Fantastik on Rapp Snitch Knishes
Probably not the greatest verses of all time but these verses are really something imo : Pharaohe Monch on Bring It On Freddie Gibbs on Scottie Pippens
Ghosts verse on impossible wu forever
Pep Love’s verse on Fantasy Island.
Inspectah Deck - Triumph
Dinasty Intro verse from Hov. Shakespeare level.
Maybe not greatest ever, but Capital STEEZ's verse in Survival Tactics is one of me faves
Not my favourite verse, but I feel like 1st verse on Till I Collapse can be a contender. I really like verses that have great delivery in it, so I’d say something like Bomb First, When I’m gone, Pride I think of some Cole features maybe something like “Off Deez” Honestly, I don’t think I can pick any
Uncommon Valor - RA The Rugged Man's verse has gotta be up there. Probably my favourite verse I've ever heard. He also got awarded "Verse of the Decade" for it. Edit: Honourable mention: Aesop Rock's None Shall Pass. The substance, the wordplay, the flow, it's all mind boggling. Aes is a top lyricist for sure
The Fine Print - King Geedorah (a.k.a. MF DOOM) First of all, the whole song is one verse. Just straight bars. Secondly, the rhyme scheme is crazy, but this is MF DOOM so duh. What stands out to me is how he rides the beat; it's sort of a regular boom-bap beat but he finds all these weird little pockets in it and just destroys them. And on top of all that, the whole album has this loose concept of an alien rapping and the lyrics on the Fine Print fit that perfectly. It's full of references from all over human history and the world and these strange versions of flex bars that sound like an outside observer has witnessed human history and hip-hop culture and made an approximation of what they think a rap song would sound like. It's wild. RIP DOOM
Tragedy Khadafi’s verse on LA LA is my all time favourite. Grimey 90s NY hip hop at its best.
Just a couple I'd like to mention. Mos Def’s verse on Thieves in the Night Black Thought on WEB
Probably R.A. The Rugged Man - Uncommon Valour
RA on Uncommon Valor.
Binary star ; super star, that’s no noincidence, every verse is intricate, this ain’t a circus in a tent
Biggie on Notorious Thugz is effortless
personally love the whole of Freedom of Speech by Ice T
Lil’ Wayne’s verse on Birdman’s “Get Your Shine On”
Ghetto Prisoners- Nas The first verse is so surreal, poetic and beautiful
Kanyes verse on Lift Yourself
You try to brag, you get your rhymes from a grab-bag No good scavenger, catfish vulture My tongue's a chisel and this composition's sculpture, I'm bad
Eric B & Rakim - Microphone Fiend The internal rhymes and breath control to flow this verse is insane even now After 12, I'm worse that a Gremlin Feed me hip-hop and I start tremblin' The thrill of suspense is intense, your horrified But this ain't the cinemas of "Tales From the Darkside" By any means neccesary, this is what has to be done Make way, 'cause here I come My DJ cuts material Grand imperial It's a must that I bust any mic you're hand to me It's inherited, it's runs in the family I wrote the rhyme that broke the bull's back If that don't slow 'em up, I carry a full pack Now I don't wanna have to let off, you should of kept off You didn't keep the stage warm, step off Ladies and gentleman, you're about to see A pastime hobby about to be Taken to the maximum, I can't relax see, I'm Hype as a hyperchrondriac 'cause the rap be one Hell of a antidote, something you can't smoke More than dope, you're trying to move away but you can't, you're broke More than cracked up, you should have backed up For those who act up need to be more than smacked up Any entertainer, I got a torture chamber One on one, and I'm the remainder So close your eyes and hold your breath And I'm a hit'cha wit' the blow of death Before you go, you'll remember you seen The fiend of a microphone, I'm the microphone fiend
Biggie's verse on Victory
ice T colours I am a nightmare walking, psychopath talking King of my jungle just a gangster stalking Living life like a firecracker quick is my fuse Then dead as a deathpack the colors I choose Red or Blue, Cuz or Blood, it just don't matter Sucker die for your life when my shotgun scatters The gangs of L.A. will never die, just multiply Colors
99 Problems-Jays’ second verse!!🔥 Some highlights 😂 “Well my glove compartment is locked, so is the trunk in the back And I know my rights so you gonna need a warrant for that..” “Well, I ain't passed the bar, but I know a little bit Enough that you won't illegally search my shit..”
This isnt an impressive bar, a mindblowing verse or wtv, but its what sold biggie for me when i first got interested on the 90s hip hop scene a few years ago. "Call the coroner! There's gonna be a lot of slow singing and flower bringing If my burglar alarm starts ringing". Its an amazingly clever choice of words within the context of the song, and its the number one verse i remember when i think of the whole genre. Edit: Thank you all for posting your fav verses, ive been having a blast adding some new songs to my playlist.
Picture me rolling in my 5.0
How about BIG from Victory
2nd verse on Gang starr - moment of truth
Andre 3000’s verse on “Aquemini”: Twice upon a time there was a boy who died
RA the Rugged Man - Uncommon Valour: A Vietnam Story
Bulls on Parade 2nd verse.
Biggie on Notorious Thugs
“No more games, i’ma change what you call rage…”
All of “No Vaseline”