[SuchFriendsAreDangerous]

Here is my top 5

1) Nate Dogg: Yeah, this dude DEFINED west coast rap choruses in the 1990s, and he was EVERYBODY's album, and especially their singles. If Tupac hadn't have died K-Cee and JoJo would have rivaled him but it is what it is and Nate Dogg holds the crown.

2) B-Legit: He actually has several solo records, but you wouldn't know it because all his best shit is rapping alongside e-40. And to be sure, e-40 would NOT be the same without him either. If e-40 hadn't be so damned prolific on his own, I'd dare see that HE'D be on this list. He otherwise fits the description, having initially made a career with feature verses on just about EVERY rapper out there, BUT he also made dozens of solo records which also showcased b-list rappers.. Indeed, this makes e-40 perhaps one of the most unique rappers in history having simultaneously been a big name rapper in his own right and yet perfectly being a b-list accessory rapper. He is a genre unto himself.

3) Big Syke: This dude WAS the Tupac/Deathrow sound. He had the cadence and delivery as well a voice dripping with pure swagger. Dude just sounded like Death Row.

4)Phife Dawg: This dude was always my favorite part of Tribe Called Quest but I doubt he could carry a group. Really, we all know Tip was the heart and soul of Tribe music.

5)Redman: I said it. I LOVE redman. I especially dig the Funk Doc era.. But lets be honest. This dude just didn't take his raps seriously enough to be a solo rapper. He NEEDS a collaboration to really pull it off. Its like he feeds off other rappers.. for example, I DON'T like Method Man, yet, when he combines with Redman they both get better.