Top five dead or alive.
I was influenced by a great emcee Jin the Emcee, on his latest project to give my list. I said Big was my all-time favorite but I this best describes who was the best during there time. I would explain but I will open the floor to debate. Maybe I will change my mind.

My top five is split up by decades.
80's
1.) Rakim Allah
2.) Big Daddy Kane
3.) KRS-ONE
4.) Slick Rick
5.) Grand Puba
Honorable mentionKool G Rap/LL Cool J
90's
1.) BIG
2.) Jay-Z
3.) Nas
4.) Scarface
5.) Ms. HillHonrable Mention to UGK, Black Thought, Redman, Ice Cube,Kurupt, Rah Digga, Big Pun
2000's
1.) Jadakiss
2.) Eminem
3.) Common
4.) Ludacris
5.) Freeway
Honorable mention: Canibus, Cassidy, Skillz, Llyod Banks, FabolousThese dudes will pass the torch for the next decade.

There are a lot of people I think should be up there but Its MY top FIVE. This is based on delivery, skill (including lyrics, timing, creativity) and popularity. Let me hear your picks.