Top 5 (Dead or Alive) Lyrics

[Refrain x2]
Who's the best emcees, ain't no best
Who's the best who's the best, ain't no best
Who's the best emcees, ain't no best
Top 5 dead or alive, ain't no best

[Verse 1]
It started out with the legendary Kool Herc one of the greats
In 1980 Kurtis Blow hit us with The Breaks
From then it was on
Two years later Melle Mel dropped the Message
Round the same time I was born
Grandmaster caz cold crushin it was evident
Rakim campaign Eric B For President
Straight out the Bronx came the one known as Kris
Boogie Down Productions rappers gettin' dissed

Kane held the throne the streets knew it was his
Ever since they heard him just rhymin' with Biz
Slick Rick took us on Adventures with his bling
Kool Moe Dee told us that Knowledge Is King
Meanwhile LL was Rockin the Bells
Chuck D and Ice T told the cops go to hell
G Rap was Kool RUN was the sire
Sucker MC's I never admire

[Refrain]
[Refrain]

Mic skills ain't got nothin' to do with your gender
Clef's ill but L Boogie was my favorite member
Out the Fugees the tightest to drop
Latifahs the Queen, other chicks are Lyte as rock
Before NWA's family feud
Who kicked that gangsta shit like Eazy E and Cube
But still true lyricists smashin' the cuts
Up verbally like Ras Kass and Kurupt
E-40, Mac Dre holdin' down the bay
Still doin the thizz even though he passed away
Rest in peace it ain't about west or east
Coast beef the media can be a beast
Overnight acts just wanna top the charts
No intentions to contribute to the art

I absolutely refuse to let it fall apart
The Emcee is crafty we here to make our mark
They wanna know

[Refrain]

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Genius Annotation

Contains additional vocals from Nas as performed in “Ether”, from Jadakiss as performed in “Made You Look”, and from “Juicy” by Biggie Smalls

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Top 5 (Dead or Alive) Samples
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