Lyrical Geniuses: Exploring the Complex Wordplay of the Best Lyrical Rappers

Rhyming in rap has come a long way since the genre's early days in the Bronx in the 1970s. From the simple nursery-like rhyme schemes of Kurtis Blow's "The Breaks" to the complex rhymes of artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Eminem, different emcees have employed various approaches and techniques in their rhyme patterns. Join us as we spotlight 10 rappers who have transformed rap's rhythm structure with their intricate wordplay and lyrical complexity. 

The art of rhyming in rap music has undergone significant evolution over the years. In the 70s and 80s, most emcees' rhymes were built on AABB schemes, with lyrics focused on the house party or dance floor. A prototypical rap rhyme scheme can be heard in The Funky Four Plus One More's 1980 hit "That's the Joint."

"Jeff is the rhythm and Kay is the bass

Sha-Rock shocking the whole darn place

Now here's a little story ya got to be told

Party people in the place, you got a whole lot of soul"

In the above rhyme scheme, the AA correlates to the rhymes "bass" and "place," while the BB correlates to "told" and "soul." Early rhyming schemes, such as this one, also featured simple syncopation, unlike the more complex forms that later tracks would pioneer.

One of the earliest rappers to elevate rhyming in rap into a proper art form was Rakim. In the 1987 classic "Paid in Full," he showcased a loose rhythmic flow, incorporating sophisticated metaphors and internal rhymes in his verses.

"But now I learned to earn 'cause I'm righteous

I feel great, so maybe I might just

Search for a 9 to 5, if I strive

Then maybe I'll stay alive

So I walk up the street whistlin' this

Feelin' out of place 'cause, man, do I miss

A pen and a paper, a stereo, a tape of"

In this verse, Rakim utilizes an AAB internal scheme, rhyming "learn" and "earn" for the A rhyme, while "righteous" and "might just" form the B rhyme, resulting in a compound rhyme. This more sophisticated wordplay was unheard of in the late 1980s when "Paid in Full" was released. However, Rakim's ingenious use of compound schemes would have a marked influence on future generations of emcees.

British-American rapper MF DOOM is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished rhymers in hip-hop history. While multisyllabic and internal rhymes have been a fixture of hip-hop since the late 80s, this rap great takes them to a whole new level. In his 2004 classic "Vomitspit," where he raps 44 bars, 215 out of the 496 syllables are rhymed. This translates to 43% of his syllables being rhymed, the highest rate of any rapper. By comparison, Cam'ron has a rhyme rate of 41%, and Eminem records a rate of 38%. 

While Eminem's 0.38 rhymes per syllable may not be the highest, his complex rhythm schemes and wordplay earn him a spot in the pantheon of the most complex rhymers in hip-hop. The Detroit artist particularly stands out for his ability to bend words to fit his rhyme scheme. His delivery on “Lose Yourself” and "Rap God” showcases his technical skill, with the complex schemes on these tracks cementing his status as one of the most technically proficient rappers of all time.

New York-born rapper Aesop Rock has received criticism for being too verbose in his lyricism. However, what many critics find intimidating about his raps is precisely what makes him stand out as an emcee. He is known for his intricate rhyme schemes, which incorporate obscure references and cryptic metaphors to craft his abstract yet compelling stories. His extensive vocabulary and above-average delivery have established him as one of the most prominent rappers in underground hip-hop.

Compton heavy-hitter Kendrick Lamar is one of the top rhymers to emerge in hip-hop in recent years. His rhyming strategy typically prioritizes message delivery over a strict adherence to a rhyme scheme. He frequently switches between multisyllable internal rhyme schemes and changes in rhyme patterns every 2-4 bars. This complex rhyme pattern and his technical expertise, exemplified in tracks such as “DNA” and “Rigamortis,” have catapulted him to the top of the hip-hop world. With 17 GRAMMY Awards under his belt, he certainly deserves a place on any Greatest Rappers of All Time list.

One-half of the legendary hip-hop duo OutKast, Andre 3000 has earned his stripes as one of the most complex lyricists in hip-hop. He stands apart from other emcees for his ability to craft complex rhyme schemes while maintaining a melodic quality. His rhyme schemes often incorporate sung elements and different rhythmic patterns, as can be heard in this verse on UGK's "Int'l Players Anthem."

Nicknamed the God MC by many contemporaries, Rakim has been more instrumental in revolutionizing rap's rhyme schemes than perhaps any other rapper. His innovative use of compound rhymes and his complex lyricism on tracks such as “Paid in Full ” and “Follow the Leader ” paved the way for future generations of rappers. His smooth, laid-back delivery was also a novelty at a time when many rappers favored more aggressive styles.

The Roots' lead, Black Thought, has earned the respect and admiration of hip-hop purists for his technical proficiency and content-rich lyrics. He is known for his complex rhyme schemes, which frequently incorporate cultural and historical references. His extensive vocabulary and ability to deliver intricate rhymes with a smooth and consistent flow put him on par with the greatest emcees of all time.

Brooklyn rapper Mos Def (now known as Yasiin Bey) is known for his ability to blend poetic lyricism with commentary on social and political issues. One of the most forward-thinking artists in hip-hop, he often incorporates elements of spoken word and jazz into his rhyme patterns. His iconic style and artistic vision have solidified his status as a pre-eminent rapper, with Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, J. Cole, and Lupe Fiasco citing him as an influence.

GRAMMY-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco stands out for his complex lyricism, which often requires multiple listens to appreciate fully. His use of extended metaphors and conceptual storytelling, as seen in songs such as “The Cool ” and “Mural,” has established him as one of the most creative artists of his generation. While not as visible in the mainstream as some artists on this list, he is undoubtedly one of the most critically acclaimed rappers of all time and commands a considerable cult following.

Los Angeles rapper Busdriver is an experimental rapper who's known for his rapid-fire delivery and complex rhyme schemes. He often incorporates elements of jazz and electronic music in his raps while using dense vocabulary to craft his abstract stories. His lyrical style, evident in tracks such as "Imaginary Places" and “Eat Rich,” has inspired many artists in the underground scene, including R.A.P. Ferreira and Open Mike Eagle.

What sets hip-hop apart from other genres of music is its complex rhyme schemes, and few other artists have been more pivotal to the evolution of rhyme than the ones featured here. From the folded rhymes of Rakim to the melodic elements of Andre 3000, the techniques and approaches espoused and practiced by these top MCs have elevated rhyming into a bona fide art form.