I'm not a fan of rap or hip/hop but you've got to admit that someone like Eminem and even Tupac were awesome lyricists - there was some definite talent there.
I agree even if you don't like them these guys were talented in expressing their story through words , it's poetry a modern commentary on politics , relationships , life , love , death , etc
I grew up when rap first took off and always been a fan rap now really doesn't resemble the old days when rap had a message ( fuck me I'm sounding old ) but now it's all about my dick is bigger than yours , I have more bling , I stack more paper , I fuck the best bitches , I can take your bitch if I want to
back then you had white lines by Grandmaster flash warning the brothers to stand clear of drugs , Public enemy talking about politics ,NWA talking about the cops and their abuses , Whodini talking about Friends , etc back then selling out was major issue but now every rapper is a sell-out and there seems to be less talent and more guys who have a single hit and you never hear from them again , there are still some talented guys but in my opinion they are few and far in between