But Smino does it with a proficiency that blurs the line between the two, so you never know where you stand. In today’s age of the melodic rapper, fawning over an artist who is capable of alternating between rapping AND singing could incite eye-rolling. His disregard for the conventions of the English language is well-noted and he earns praise for his insistence that all words be as dexterous as his vocal performances. He toys with inflection, speed, and enunciation like any phrase is the most submissive form of putty. There’s a playfulness to his lyrics that is equally reflected in how he conveys them. Smino has so many places left to go, but he has already proven that he’ll never run out of ideas to fuel him on his journey.
It’s clear that Staples is in a class of his own amongst his peers and still has plenty of room for growth as he progresses throughout his career. It’s almost impossible to not bob your head along to his tracks and vibe to every single syllable coming from his mouth. On albums like Big Fish Theory and FM, Staples actively challenged himself, and brought even more experimentation and raps with a youthful exuberance that is both refreshing and catchy. On his album Summertime ‘06, Staples raps over distorted, abrasive beats while bringing a mix of subdued and high energy flows to the table. Combined with his recognizable cadence, Staples always comes through with a truly innovative flow that will have you rapping along with him to every song.
Hailing from Long Beach, California, Staples embraces everything that makes West Coast hip-hop so great, except he adds his own unique twist.
Vince Staples might be claiming the 50th and final place on our list but that is by no means a diss to his prowess on the mic. This was a group editorial effort, with contributions coming from:
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