Rap is an artform that takes place in spoken word form. It is a craft that is honed with wordplay, with practice, and with precision. Like any skill, the ability to rap has different measurements. Perhaps the most distinct is the ability to spit rhymes quickly. Fast rap is an increasingly popular style of delivery.
While not always the style employed, Chopper is a hip hop music style that is distinguished by its fast paced rapping. The original choppers (rappers using the chopper style) originated in the Midwestern United States. The form of delivery is influenced by the music of the Midwest in the 1990s. Its influence is rock influenced. Since, it has spread to other parts of the country, from California to the East Coast. The subgenre requires quick delivery while simultaneously emphasizing pronunciation.
Chopper rap is delivered twice or three times faster than normal. The rhyme schemes are also more intricate and more impressive. The beat per minute of these songs go from a rapid 90 BPM to 180 BPM, which is off the charts. The style is a means of showing off one’s emcee superiority. It has come to be a sign of a talented hip hop artist.
Because hip hop lends itself well to rankings and competitiveness is baked into its DNA, we have endeavored to rank the FASTEST and the most furious rappers in the game.
Honorable Mention
Yelawolf
Yelawolf is an Alabama son and looks the part. He is from the deep south and views himself as a symbol of “the people that are the core of America”. The rapper sings as well and brings his Nashville upbringing to his music style. He has worked with rock musicians as well as famous and hip hop stars. He is associated with and signed on to Eminem’s Shady Records. Much like his label owner, Yelawolf delivers wildly quickly. He has also worked with other rappers on the list. Yelawolf is able to deliver literally 7 syllables a second. And he does so while singing in a way that evokes bluesy moving rock.
Number Five: The Classic
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
The classic hip hop group, founded in 1991, is made up of rappers Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, and Flesh-n-Bone. The group comes from Cleveland, Ohio. Their music rolls smoothly, while clearly enunciating the lyrics in a way that evokes toughness while the sound retains that 90s r & b sound. Their music rolls and rattles along in the most cerebral way. The group started out when they were teens hanging out in a basement. They would ultimately sign with Eazy E and Ruthless Records after moving out to Los Angeles in pursuit of fame. Their biggest hits include “Tha Crossroads”, “1st of Tha Month”, and “Thuggish Ruggish Bone”. Their distinct style and quick delivery has left a lasting impression upon the genre and all who come across the famous group’s music.
Number Four: The Underground Chopper
Tech N9ne
Known most famously for his hit song, “Caribou Lou”, Tech N9ne has broken into the mainstream after spending years establishing his brand. The song is not as typically fast paced as his other work but it contains a hook that displays his quick delivery.
Tech N9ne is known for his rhyme schemes and his speedy delivery. Named after the semi-automatic gun, Tech N9ne’s delivery sounds literally choppy. The rapper has said that he intentionally raps in a cadence that evokes the sound of drums and percussion. It appears he would create the cadence first then write the lyrics to fill the space after having come up with the cadence. Tech N9ne has cited a variety of musical sources for his style. His influences show his ability to adjust his style to any beat or cadence.
Number Three: The O.G.
Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes is one of the most distinguished rappers on this list. Busta Rhymes hails from Brooklyn, New York, making his debut appearance on Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario”. On it, he coolly steals the spotlight at a young 18 years old. He has since only increased in speed and prowess.
He has averaged 140 words a minute on songs. His most popular song “Break Ya Neck” contains the distinct delivery and style which has inspired a generation of rappers to do the same. Busta Rhymes truly showed his fast rapping prowess on Chris Brown’s “Look At Me Now”. At that point, Busta was simply showing off. He put the world on notice that nobody can do what Busta Rhymes does.
Number Two: The Popular Vote
Eminem
Eminem has been working to top himself over and over again. Not only is the rapper a lyrical genius, but his delivery and enunciation is immaculate and elite. He has made it a personal mission to continue to break world records regarding delivery. Eminem’s ridiculous song “Rap God” broke the record for Most Words in a Hit Single. The song smushes 1,560 words in a song that lasts 6 minutes and 3 seconds. He has also worked with other artists on this list, showing that he is willing to show his stuff against the best. He has songs with Tech N9ne and Yelawolf as well as Busta. And an underrated quality to his qualification is the fact that his lyrics are dense and make references to a variety of topics that make his content even richer. Kings stay kings.
Number One: The Undisputed
Twista
Twista is the face of fast rap. He has perfected the craft. The Chicago rapper broke records all the way back in 1992 with 598 syllables in 55 seconds. All of his songs contain his distinct tongue twisting flow. His mainstream explosion came with the release of “Slow Jamz” featuring Kanye West and Jamie Foxx. The song is an instant classic and makes the listener’s jaw drop every time. His flow, his delivery, his enunciation – all of it is top tier and he deserves the top spot on this list. And the reason is because, not only does he contain all of these characteristics, but he does so in a way that does not suffocate the listener. Somehow, despite the ridiculous lyrical volume, he feels velvety smooth.
*** DISCLAIMER: For the purposes of this list, Andre 3000 and Kendrick Lamar did not qualify as they were not considered primarily Chopper rappers. Their emcee delivery is so varied that they were excluded from this list.
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