A lot of people have their “top 5 dead or alive” lists, so do I. Only I decided to put a twist on mine. Walk with me.

Theres always a debate about who’s the “Greatest Of All Time”, “Best Rapper Alive”, or “Top 5 Dead Or Alive” and to be honest, I have 3 favorite MC’s. So its hard for me to join in the conversations. But with the current decline and loss of interest in mainstream hip-hop, I picked 3 of MY all-time favorite rappers that fell from grace.

#3. Ja Rule.
Yes, Ja Rule. With the help of long-time friend Irv Gotti, Ja started his climb towards top top of the rap game. His First Album “Venni Vetti Vecci” (which still gets play in the whip. Say somethin’ ’bout it.) served as his introduction to rap as an introspective. raspy voiced crooner with a lot to say, well sing, or yell, whatever floats your boat. He was even featured on the smash hit “Can I Get A” by Jay-z. Rumors were that he even wrote the hook. Things were looking up for the Murder Inc. front man as he realesed 3 consecutive platinum albums (Rule 3:36, Pain Is Love, and The Last Temptation, respectively).

Rule was on the road to establishing himself as future icon, but Arch-Nemesis 50 Cent became the death of his career, along with his horrid duet with Bobby Brown entitled “Thug Lovin’”. His Beef album (Blood In My Eye) was completely overlooked, and his final album “R.U.L.E”, (excluding his “best of” album “Exudus”) saw minimal success causing him to fade into obscurity.

Heres my favorite song from Ja, “Let’s Ride” from his debut “Venni Vetti Vecci”.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-09ZgSfpAI4[/youtube]

#2. DMX
Ok, DMX is definitely one of my favorite artists, and one of the most slept on artists in my opinion. But his rise and fall is just as interesting. The story of how he got signed is amazing to say the least. Then Def Jam executive Lyor Cohen says he visited DMX in Yonkers,NY and to his dismay, DMX jaw was broken and mouth wired shut. The dark man rapped with such intensity that the wires broke, thus leading to his record deal with Def Jam and his Debut album “I’ts Dark And Hell Is Hot” in 1998.

His passion filled songs and underrated story telling skills created a demand for his second album the same year “Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood”, and followed by my personal favorite “And Then There Was X”. There were even rumors of what would have been a super-group consisting of X, Ja Rule, and Jay-z. DMX even enjoyed a semi-successful career as an actor including the classic role as “Tommy Bunz” in Belly, Starring next to Steven Seagal in “Exit Wounds”, and partnering up with Jet Li in “Cradle 2 The Grave”.

DMX sadly was his own worst enemy, leading himself to a series of arrests and incarcerations (leading to a B.E.T reality series). After releasing his 2006 album “Year Of The Dog Again” he began dealing with legal troubles again. He is Now serving a prison bid in Arizona.

Heres one of my favorite songs from the “And Then There Was X” album, “What’s My Name?”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd6oeCFFlFQ[/youtube]

#1. Cam’ron
Ah man, the memories. Cam’ron is one of the wittiest rappers I’ve ever heard. His wordplay was second to none, and his style was adopted by fans worldwide (I never wore pink though, not my style, lol.). Cams 1st 2 albums “Confessions Of Fire”, “S.D.E. (Sports Drugs and Entertainment)” and went on to be overlooked gems.

When news broke that he was signed to Roc-a-fella records, the anticipation grew for Killa Cam’s next album “Come Home With Me” and he delivered with a great album, along with a new movement, the “diplomats” that would take the game by storm. In 2004 he released 1 of my favorite albums “Purple Haze” that is considered by many, including me, as a classic album.

When problems at the Roc caused a split, some artists stayed with Jay-z, others with Dame Dash, but Cam chose to show his business savvy and go independent. Doing so was a gift and a curse, it allowed him financial freedom, but it also lead him to release the movie “Killa Season” which lead a lot to be desired with sub par acting skills from cam and the Dip Set. His affiliation with the independent music label KOCH also lead to his career altering beef with 50 cent. Disapearing due to his mothers health problems, many fans believe that Cam was finished but with his recent resurgence (“I hate my job” in the video section) I believe that Killa Cam Has the best shot out the 3 in my list to make it back to the top.

Here’s “What Means The World To You” From his “S.D.E” album

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-Z2kRVQD3o[/youtube]

Bonus
Cam’ron ft. Kanye West “Down And Out

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjVGft5wqSc[/youtube]

Well, there’s my list, Free DMX, hold your head up Ja, and let’s hope Cam’ron gets back to his rightful position. Let me know what you think about this list, and your favorite artists that fell from grace.

As you can see, I’m in full grind mode.
I DO THIS.
Seriously though.
Catch me in the Seriousmag. com forums.