Freestyling is an art form that is one of the most beautiful things to witness in hip-hop. The act of spitting off the top is a skill rappers need to showcase when they’re on a radio show, for their fans at a concert or just kicking it with friends. There’s just something about watching your favorite rapper spit witty wordplay, analogies, double entendres and slip in a diss or two. When a rapper is in the zone, crushing one of the game’s most popular beats, it should get any hip-hop fan excited.
Who can forget The Diplomats or Eminem ripping the mic during BET’s iconic video mixshow, Rap City: Tha Basement? Or Royce Da 5’9, Mr Porter and Slim Shady on Tim Westwood? How about Jay Z freestyling over Kanye West’s “Grammy Family” on Hot 97’s Funkmaster Flex show? There was the iconic The Notorious B.I.G. and Nas freestyle where Method Man introduced both of them to the masses as well. The list can go on and on. In 2016, there’s been a bunch of freestyles that prove rappers young and old still got it. From rising Brooklyn star Young M.A to West Coast veteran The Game and more, hope you enjoyed some of the best freestyles displays of yesteryear.