From knowing their history to having a way with words, the 15 most intelligent rappers have more to offer than just rhymes about cash and cars. You might learn a thing or two by listening to them.
Drake (Getty) Drake was 2013’s most Tweeted about rapper. He definitely knows a thing or two about social media, and the personal stories behind his songs have made him immensely popular.
Jay Z (Getty) Jay Z made himself into a mogul instead of just another rapper, which he was one of the best at in his own right. Hov is a pretty smart man (but if he were REALLY smart he’d fix things with Solange … just saying).
Lupe Fiasco (Getty) Lupe Fiasco’s lyrical topics include terrorism, Islam, prostitution, and religion. But he did do a guest appearance on One Tree Hill, so…
Tupac Shakur (Getty) Tupac Shakur’s ability to pour his heart into his songs and speak honestly about the world adds him to the list.
Pharrell (Getty) Pharrell started out as a rapper before moving into producing and then coming back to the mic. His ability to do it all and do it all well shows his smarts.
Andre 3000 (Getty) Andre 3000, part of Atlanta’s Outkast, has long been considered one of the smartest rappers in the game.
Nas (Getty) Part anthropologist, part philosopher, Nas has earned his spot on this list.
Mos Def Mos Def, now known as Yasiin Bey, is a versatile talent, a rapper turned actor also famous for his notable role as Brother Sam in Dexter.
Talib Kweli Talib Kweli teamed up with Mos Def to form Black Star, a conscious rap duo who discussed politics in smart, provocative style.
Immortal Technique Immortal Technique, a Peruvian rapper raised in Harlem rapped about racism, religion, and class struggle.
Ludacris (Getty) Ludacris is a rapper, entrepreneur, and actor from Atlanta who is also graduate of Georgia State. He is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, a subsidiary of Def Jam Records.
RZA (Getty) We could have selected many members of the Wu-Tang Clan, but it all comes back to RZA, the creative and emotional leader of the seminal hip hop collective who produced their epic 36 Chambers.
Flavor Flav (Getty) Flavor Flav is whacky and seems a bit off his rocker, but he’s also a musical prodigy.
Common (Getty Images) Common is a rapper and actor from Chicago. In recent years he’s become a prominent voice in hip hop.
Del the Funky Homosapien Del the Funky Homosapien is a cousin of Ice Cube who made a name for himself with Heiroglyphics, with solo work, with Gorillaz, and by producing songs featured on video games.
Black Thought Black Thought, MC of The Roots, is famous for his live performance skills and his politically charged content.
Young MC “Bust a Move” rapper Young MC was a one-hit wonder, but its hilariously witty lyrics were no accident: He has an economics degree from the University of Southern California.