One of Those Top Five Lists (Because 10 Would be Too Many)

So, in lieu of doing real work (read, studying, researching, writing), I've decided to present a Top Five list, which in reality, is just a cheap and hackneyed method to update my blog. Of course, being that I've found such an easy way to present posts that require little mental capacity and sparse elaboration, it means I will probably bring many more Top Five lists to you in the future. Perpahs I should change the name of my blog to: Laziness Abounds. Not a bad idea, given that I'm exerting all my intellect on school work, thus leaving very small amounts of brain power leftover for this endeavour. But you know what? That's OK. Because I have fans out there, who cling to my every thought, my every sentiment, my every advocation. And I will not fail those loyalists who have remained steadfast and tied to my cause. You will not be forgotten in the Kingdom of Colin, which I have on rental at the moment from Jesus. Can you believe this guy? He leases me the kingdom, and he charges an exorbitant amount to keep it. For some reason, just because he's the Lord and Savior -- I've reminded him several times that he's only Lord and Savior to a select population, but he won't hear it because he has such an enormous ego -- he thinks he can charge me $400 a month for the kingdom. And I don't even get pool priliveges. I'm having my lawyer look into it, but he's Jewish, and his conversations with Jesus haven't gone well. Anyway, renegotiations are ongoing. I'm in my last year of the Jesus lease, and Muhammed is offering me another kingdom at half the price. The generousness of the Muslim people never ceases to amaze me.

All right, enough with the irreverence. On to the list!

Top Five Current Rap Acts

1. Nas -- Is there anyone better at the moment? Not likely. His combination of lyrical wizardy and social conscience make him the premier rapper in the game right now. He has shunned the traditional rap track topics that deal with such all-important issues as bitches, money and bling. His storytelling abilities are unparalleled, as well. Illmatic, It Was Written, Stillmatic, The Lost Tapes, God's Son and Street's Disciple are instant classics. They're all socially important with impeccable lyrical flow. As for the beef with Jay-Z? I would've taken it seriously if Jay-Z had illustrated some kind of talent. He, and the rest of the rap world, can't touch Nas.

2. The Roots -- This rap group, led by vocalist Black Thought, is unique because they dispose of canned, programmed beats for the sounds of real instruments. They are a band by all definitions for that reason. They combine rock, jazz and hip-hop elements seamlessly on their albums, and Black Thought, an underrated MC, showcases his lyrical ability and his attention to social causes. It's because they sound like no one else that they were able to get poet laureate Amiri Baraka to recite one of his poems on their album Phrenology. No doubt, that was a coup for the group. Illadelph Halflife has to be one of the most important rap albums of the last 15 years, as well. It's 20 tracks strong, and there's hardly a clunker in the group. Black Thought combines with Malik B on much of the album, and they produce a solid and spectacular effort.

3. Gang Starr -- The Guru is the most unappreciated MC in the game, and DJ Premier is the best DJ in the game. A deadly combination to be sure. Primo's silky smooth jazz beats with his standard and signature scratching produce an unobtrusive and elegant backdrop for Guru's unique voice and rock-solid lyrics. Their evolution as a group culminated with Moment of Truth from 1998. It's opening track, "You Know My Steez," features Premier and Guru at their finest.

4. Eminem -- Gotta give it up to the best pure lyricist in the game. He edges Nas in lyrical ability just slightly. He has become more of a political force in recent years. He maintains a great sense of humor, and his most offensive tracks are generally his most entertaining because he produces them on purpose. He knows it will offend people, and he savors his ability to get the goat of a general population with his tongue placed firmly in cheek. He oftentimes produces his own beats, and while they're well-defined, they lack much of the musical elements that transform a beat from mediocre to transcendent. But, he wants the listener to focus more on what he's saying, and frankly, he rarely disappoints in that regard.

5. Common -- He's an underground MC, whose latest album "Be" was produced by Kanye West, and as such, it became more commercially noticeable and viable. Kanye is a good producer, but an awful rapper, and it's no more evident than on a track he shares with Common and John Legend (a fine R&B artist in his own right). But still, Common shines on this short album. He takes aim at wannabe rappers and fake thugs on his track Chi City with the cutting commentary: "A black figure/In the middle of chaos and gunfire/So many raps about rims/Surprise niggas ain't become tires." Excellent commentary such as that is standard for all of Common's work.

There were a lot of choices for this Top Five list. Obviously, it's subjective, and at the moment, I'm digging these five right now. I didn't include Tupac, BIG, Run DMC, NWA or Public Enemy because I wanted to focus on current acts. It was tough to leave Raekwon, Scarface, Outkast and Immortal Technique off the list, but when you construct an all-star team, there are always a couple of snubs.

Feel free to comment on this blog with choices of your own.