Why do you have to be lyrical to be considered a great rapper?

[Kobe Bryant]

I think if ppl listened to Wayne in depth that would understand. I like listening to Nas when tipsy, he makes sense and he is a smart man. I just think ppl need to give Wayne a chance because not all his style is recycled. He does switch it up, sadly its really only seen in his mixtapes and has no light mainstream.

I like Wayne. He's a good artist. And he has good lyrics. Carter 2 was a lyrical album he went off on that one. I just thought that this new album was lacking some of the ****ers he had on Carter 2.

I'm for sure not all about lyrics. I like to listen to **** to ride to a lot. It just changes on any given day depending on how I feel. At the same time though listening to rappers like Common and Nas, they drop some real lines that you think about from time to time.

[Floyd Sinclair]

lyrically you have to be good to be considered a great rapper. In other words, lil wayne is no longer great. Theres some people who pay too much attention to flow and swag, but theres some who pay too much attention to lyrics. You have to factor in everything...

flow
lyrics
swag (formerly known as charisma)
creativity
longevity
consistency
concepts
versatility
content
complexity

Most great lyricists are great rappers, can anyone name a counter example?
I cant

And to whoever it was that said redmans not good lyrically, i would agree hes not great but to say hes not good...**** outta here

[Truth]

I've seen people consider redman even a great lyricist.

[Floyd Sinclair]

I think he can be great at times but overall i would call him good...close to being borderline great.

[Xyei]

I assume you mean lyrical content, ie meaningful lyrics. I do love that but one of my favorite rappers MF Doom is a bit schizophrenic and never really raps about anything meaningful. His flow is absolutely sick though so I love his music. I also love the beats he produces. He has the most unique flow I've ever heard.

[Truth]

[abadger]

Rap is words spoken over music, or lyrics, if you will. Ergo being lyrical is a definite advantage.

[fasman]

It helps if songs don't just talking abour the same thing over and over again...

But being lyrical is jus something extra, there alot of good rappers whose lyrical abilities are average but still make dope tracks, it all depends on how the finished product is and if that includes great lyircs that are deep and send a message well thats a bonus...

But being over lyrical is also a flaw, people just get bored and switch off...

[AztecWanker]

great lyrics = great rapper

....next

[Xyei]

Check this. His thoughts don't flow together but his flow is amazing the way it goes with the beat. IMO.