What Does It Take to Be a Great Emcee? Really.

There truly is no defined rubric for what makes someone stand out as a lyricist, but to me, several traits jump to the forefront as prevalent skills in those consistently considered the best.

So here is my quick checklist of desired attributes for building the perfect emcee:

-Cadence, vocal clarity and delivery style(s)
>> Bun B, Pharoahe Monch or Sage Francis

-Flow / pocket quality and diversity
>> Big Daddy Kane, Swamburger or Insight

-Emotional appeal and relatability
>> The Gift of Gab, Slug or Posdnuos

-Use of literary devices (alliteration, onomatopoetics, extended metaphors, syllable stressing, [internal] rhyme schemes, vivid imagery and storytelling, etc.)
>> Rakim, J-Live or The Notorious B.I.G.

-Word choice and variation
>> Aesop Rock, Black Thought or GZA

-Memorable, layered cleverness
>> MF DOOM, manChild or Aceyalone

-Wide range of subject matter and unique topics
>> Andre 3000, Kendrick Lamar or Open Mike Eagle

-Captivating performance live and on record
>> Chuck D, Lyrics Born or Watsky

-Innovation
>> Ice Cube, Treach or Q-Tip

-Regular, full display of numerous skills
>> Cee-Lo, Mos Def or Phonte

"If you ask me, it's much more than mastering ceremonies. Because a lot of masquerading cornballs don't realize it also means mad creativity." -J-Live