All an internet poll would do is put 50 cent or JaRule at #1 because little kids cuttin' class at school during the day would log on and vote for their favorite artist (check the countdown on 106 and Park
) Trust me, I see it everyday on the job. I think a better way would be to come up with objective and operational criterior so that the "artists' " career's work would speak for them.
Some of the criterior could be:
-Lyrical talent (actually look at the lyrics on paper)
-Production values (original or creative "samples" involving jazz, new age, etc.)
-Longevity (Number of Albums released nation wide)
-Effect on the culture as a whole (how many other "artists" are influenced by them)
-Social relevance of the lyrics (meaningful, uplifting, or revolutionary lyrics, or just more machismo posturing)
-Record Sales (weighted very low, but necessary, hip-hop has to resonate with a wide group of people, namely oppressed people)
This way, the poll will be more true to the theme of "greatest of all time" rather than "greatest in my opinion"
Blackwatch!!!!!!
No internet poll!!!!
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