Ten Best Lyricists of All Time

You've seen lists like "Best Looking Rapper" or "Hottest Guitarist Ever," but these kinds of lists are what puts lyrics in the back seat to looks and reputation. Lyrics are easily the most important part of a song and without it, there would be no good music left.

1. Tupac Shakur - With songs such as "Dear Mama" and "Brenda's Got a Baby," among many others, Shakur has made a name for himself to be one of the greatest lyricists of all time. It really is a wonder as to how successful and how many great songs he could put out if he did not get shot and killed in 1996. Tupac Shakur is easily the best rapper in the music industry, let alone being the best lyricist of all time.

2. Bob Marley - Marley is much different than Shakur. Bob Marley is a much more relaxed artist. His songs "No Woman No Cry" and "Is This Love" show how great of a lyricist he could truly be. It is a shame that he died of cancer at such an early age because, much like Shakur, he could have been one of the greatest artists of all time.

3. John Lennon - John Lennon must be on the list for best lyrics of all time. Lennon, along with all the other members of The Beatles, wrote songs and lyrics. Lennon, though, wrote some of the most important songs for the band. Although Lennon did not release this song with The Beatles, the song "Imagine" showcases how great of a lyricist John Lennon really is.

4. Eminem - Though Eminem is sometimes looked down upon for the wacky and sometimes disgusting lyrics he produces, it is the most real lyrics around. There is no "bubblegum pop" lyrics for Eminem. Every single line means something and adds to each song. Eminem is probably today's best lyricist, though he is underrated because his best music isn't quite suitable for the radio. Eminem deserves the #4 spot for the best lyricist of all time.

5. Nas - Anyone who has heard the album "Illmatic" knows how great Nas really is. His lyrics are some of the best of all time. He really is a lyricist first, rapper second, and musician third. Though Nas has never followed up the greatness that was "Illmatic," Nas can still be considered one of the best lyricists of all time.

6. Bob Dylan - Here is an interesting artist. Bob Dylan is by far the best lyricist of all time in the folk rock genre he was in. Bob Dylan wrote about politics and a lot more deep topics, but was never really considered a great artist until he wrote "Like a Rolling Stone," which has been considered one of the best songs of all time. Lyrically, Bob Dylan was a true genius.

7. John Fogerty - Though he doesn't receive quite as much praise as he should receive, John Fogerty was truly a great lyricist. The lead singer and lyricist of the band Creedence Clearwater Revival has written some of the most important songs in the last 50 years. Fortunate Song was one of these songs. John Fogerty will go down as one of the most underrated lyricists of his time.

8. Maynard James Keenan - Though his style of music is not quite ideal for everyone, Maynard James Keenan has made the band Tool what it is today. Keenan is one of the more deep lyricists in the genre of rock these days. With songs like "Sober" and "Schism," Keenan can easily be considered one of the best lyricists of all time.

9. Rakim - Rakim, along with being a great lyricist, is also considered to be one of the best and most inspirational MC's of all time. Growing up in New York, Rakim found the way to rap and if he didn't, the industry wouldn't be nearly as good as it is today.

10. Zach de la Rocha - Here is the lead singer and lyricist for the band Rage Against the Machine. Here are some of the most powerful political lyrics in today's rock. Zach de la Rocha is not only a great lyricist, but is also great at getting his point across through song.