What makes you a good rapper?

It seems like nowadays, people who listen to rap would rather listen to lyrically, well-versed rappers such as tu-pac, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Eminem,tech nine, etc. at least from my personal experience. While i do agree that rappers today have utterly terrible lyrics and more creative verses are preferred, i do not agree that having great lyrical skills is the only thing which essentially makes you a "good" rapper.

For example, many people I've encountered dislike rapper "Chief Keef" because of his horrible lyrics and flow. First of all, I've watched one of his interviews and he clearly stated that he is not a lyrical rapper. He hardly uses metaphors, but prefers to literally "get to the point" which is fine by my standards as long as there is some creativity to it. He's not necessarily a bad rapper, his lyrical content is repulsing to me, but i do give him credit for creating catchy songs such as "I don't like", "everyday", "Love Sosa" etc.

He did have a smooth and very rhythmical flow in many of his songs. Even in his latest album, although it wasn't as rich in creativity as earlier works, in some songs, his flow was still smooth and a bit melodious. I don't think it's sound judgement to dislike him just because you simply don't want people to think you have "bad taste" in music.

Which brings me to my next point, art has become more of a fashionable trend than an actual practice and beautiful expression of the self. Often, people criticize more than appreciate artwork and see it as an achievement to be made by "positive" people who are good role-models for citizens advocating for humanist values. Many have criticized him for his lifestyle and hence they dislike him as an artist. I find it to be quite absurd. Music is music, it's an art, not a lifestyle that deals with gangs, drugs, sex, women, etc. A person's art should not be ridiculed by their "negative" values, but you should look at it as their story, their way of expressing themselves through their art.

Comparing it to rappers such as Tu-Pac and Eminem, they have great lyrics and more quick-paced flow, but at times, i can't enjoy some of Eminem's songs since they sound a lot more like he's talking than actually rapping. Variety of flow is just as important as lyrical creativity.

What makes a good rapper? It's when you have an agenda to be heard, to have your own unique character reflected by your rapping voice and lyrics. Success is the key focus in expressing your life, beliefs, and values, even if your from the hood. From that point on, it doesn't matter if your a fake "gangster" or real or even what you rap about as long as you stay real to the art of music.