What solo rapper would you say has had the best career as a whole, when it comes to being consistent, relevant, and always a factor?

It's NOT a question on who you like best, who made the best music, or even who's been the most influential...but if you were a rapper, who's career would you like to have inside of Rap, meaning it's not about the movies, TV shows, or anything else outside of it?

This is how I see it....

Jay-Z - Blew up in 96, and still seen as a "Top 5 hottest rapper"...had the biggest single of the year last year (shared with Kanye, of course). Under pressure to where folks will judge him hard if they think his material is average or wack, but has large number of fans that will always defend his moves. Has probably been a "Top three rapper in the game" nearly his entire career since 98.

Snoop Dogg - Blew up in 93, and although he's not seen as being relevant in the way Jay and even Eminem are, whenever he makes a hit, folks will say "yep, he's back!" Isn't judged for making wack music, but gets props for his good music. Probably has the most creative freedom in Rap, along with Kanye (808's). Had the most hyped debut in history and delivered.

LL Cool J - Started in the Mid 80's, and had a strong run arguably to 2006. The only rapper to make hits in three consecutive decades. Also may be the only rapper to be seen as a sex symbol by ladies that still got major respect from guys and was able to please both sides of his fanbase.

Eminem - Probably the biggest selling rapper of all time after Pac (unless he's passed him). Even if certain Rap fans don't pay any attention to him, he seems to effortlessly go platinum whenever he drops. Able to take breaks from music and come back whenever he feels like it, and will still be just as major.

Nas - Blew up in 94, and one of the only rappers (maybe just him and Jay) who got major love on both sides, from the Underground and Hip Hop heads to the commercial heads. Always under pressure and judged hard when he tries to go for Radio. Has one of the most loyal fanbases who will almost fight you in his defense.

Other candidates....Lil Wayne, Ice Cube, KRS-One, Kanye West, Rakim, MC Hammer (hey)

Poll result (17 votes) Jay-Z (14 votes) Vote Snoop Dogg (0 votes) Vote LL Cool J (1 votes) Vote Eminem (1 votes) Vote Nas (1 votes) Vote Other (You idiot, you forgot [insert rapper]) (0 votes) Vote