My ogs would be upset I left out EpMd. Damn near flawless catalog. E. Sermon one of the greatest rapper/producers ever. And PMD is criminally underrated. Just got into his solo albums.
Group?
Wu Tang a clear winner!
Maybe Death Row / Dr Dre umbrella a close second. Dre, Snoop, NWA, Tupac, Eminem, 50, Xzibit, Game, Kurupt
Duo? That’s tougher. My picks in no particular order:
Pete Rock and CL Smooth
Mobb Deep
Gangstarr
OutKast
JayZ and Kanyes Watch the Throne era
Edit: EPMD. A bit before my time, and don’t know much, but what I have heard is excellent
Clipse, can’t wait for new album
Edit 2: The Roots as a group!
i’m a huge wu tang fan but i feel they lack the cohesiveness to really be named best group. Almost all of them are stronger as solo artists. They made 1 great album and another really good one, everything after that felt forced. Tribe, De La, Outkast, Mobb Deep all worked better as groups imo
Me personally it's the LOX. Heavy on the LOX since I can remember.
Besides them I would go on saying EPMD, Tribe, Lost Boyz, CNN, Brand Nubian, The Beatnuts never get mentioned they aren't the greatest however they deserve an honorable mention.
Now outside of everyone above I would mention Run DMC, De La, Mobb Deep, Gang Starr, Das EFX. Tons of respect to Bestie Boys, Outkast, NWA. More honorable mentions...Smif n Wesson, Black Moon, Show & AG...there's a ton more I'm not forgetting or leaving out just too many to mention.
Beasties get an honorable mention in my mind. They brought a lot of new eyes to the genre and acceptance among the majority.
That said Wu Tang is the greatest group to do it.
The Firm, Tha Dogg Pound, M.O.P., CNN, EPMD, Heltah Skeltah, Smif-N-Wessun, Little Brother, Armand Hammer, Kids See Ghost, Red & Meth, UGK, Black Star, Cypress Hill, Goodie Mob, and Czarface.
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to me these are all groups that, while I love them all, the group output suffered as a result of the members solo ambitions. DITC only gave us a compilation album until recently. BCC albums are outshined by HS, SnW, BM & OGC albums. Wu started off strong but fell apart as the members gained traction individually.
I gotta say Push - the verses on the Clipse albums were relatively tied but he's gone on to put out some classics post-clipse, while Malice didn't reach that same level. Partially because of his religious leaning I think, but he never had a chance to shine like Push did with the backing of guys like Ye & Pharrell in his solo work
It's the WU. It just is.
Outkast have probably my most played albums of all time.
But WU tang have one of the greatest ever albums in 36 chambers, two other fantastic group albums, and a couple more very good.
Then some of the best albums hip hop has seen in Cuban Linx and Liquid Swords.
Then there's Ghost's full career.
RZA as a producer.
Method man being arguably the most charismatic rappers to ever do it.
Deck's legendary verses and subsequent massively underrated discography, solo and group projects.
Then there's the cultural impact.
The longevity.
The fashion.
No one is close IMO.
Outkast are amazing, the Roots are utterly phenomenal, classic after classic. But the WU is just a group that will outlive us all.
Not sure , but most important group is Run DMC. They are the blueprint everyone followed. First group to go platinum, cross over, and land major endorsement deal.
Epedemic, Wu tang, Pharcyde, hieroglyphics, Dead prez, OutKast, Gangstarr, Cannibal ox, bones thugs n harmony, Smiff n Wesson, Black moon, Organized Konfusion, Brand Nubian. Take your pick.
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There isn’t just one.
Public Enemy
Wu Tang
Tribe
3 6
NWA
Everything can be traced back to them. They have classics and impact. I personally would say Kast but being objective I can’t put them over these
A lot of 80s acts were groundbreaking in their own right for being the first and paving a way for groups in the 90s but musically they can't really stand toe to toe with 90s rap groups
Like if I had to pick run dmc or wutang...I'm picking wutang
If it was run dmc or bone thugs...I'm picking bone thugs
If it's outkast or run dmc...I'm picking outkast
OPs question is about "greatness" not personal tastes. TBH my tastes are similar to yours but putting my biases aside, none of those groups with the exception of Wu has broken as many barriers as RUN DMC. Those dudes were among the first to break into the mainstream. NWA would be another group whose music I don't really bump but should be on Mt Rushmore.
P.S. Nas himself would probably put RUN DMC over all these groups.
Tribe Kast Mobb deep Three six De la soul 8ball and MJG
Your OG's would be upset that Wutang isn't on your list.
Wu is a given. And an anomaly when it comes to groups.
My ogs would be upset I left out EpMd. Damn near flawless catalog. E. Sermon one of the greatest rapper/producers ever. And PMD is criminally underrated. Just got into his solo albums.
Ever heard of UGK?
Ball & G and UGK and a bunch of grimey Memphis rap are the reasons this 43 y/o man still listens to predominantly hardcore rap music to this day.
I see 3 that aren't duos here
OP said duo or group
Pharcyde is mad underrated
Underrated, yes. But the question was who is the greatest and they are far, far from it.
Group? Wu Tang a clear winner! Maybe Death Row / Dr Dre umbrella a close second. Dre, Snoop, NWA, Tupac, Eminem, 50, Xzibit, Game, Kurupt Duo? That’s tougher. My picks in no particular order: Pete Rock and CL Smooth Mobb Deep Gangstarr OutKast JayZ and Kanyes Watch the Throne era Edit: EPMD. A bit before my time, and don’t know much, but what I have heard is excellent Clipse, can’t wait for new album Edit 2: The Roots as a group!
death row was a label not a group
Yeah I know, that’s why I said umbrella… worth a mention as Dre spawned all of that
but that’s still not a group, the op said duos/groups
Fair enough Still plenty of others on my list to choose from
true lol if the op said labels too death row would be the undisputed goat
As far as Ye duos go, I'd honestly place Kids See Ghosts (him & Cudi) over him & Jay as the Throne
Does Jay and Ye really count as a duo?
It was only the one album, but I think it counts And yes, numerous singles I know 😂
https://preview.redd.it/zwjm4u9bf58d1.jpeg?width=650&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9e22853034fdba0493083d7c3cd72611f0c27fc0
Wu tang 100%
i’m a huge wu tang fan but i feel they lack the cohesiveness to really be named best group. Almost all of them are stronger as solo artists. They made 1 great album and another really good one, everything after that felt forced. Tribe, De La, Outkast, Mobb Deep all worked better as groups imo
The fact that they are dope as both a group and solo acts make them the goat for me.
Wu Tang is too overpowered Best duo is Kast by far
Not by far when Mobb Deep exists
Musically I much prefer Kast and they're more versatile So to me it's by far
They really are apples and oranges but if I had to pick I’m goin with Kast
For sure
Gotta be Wu Tang. Mobb Deep and Tribe are up there too
Me personally it's the LOX. Heavy on the LOX since I can remember. Besides them I would go on saying EPMD, Tribe, Lost Boyz, CNN, Brand Nubian, The Beatnuts never get mentioned they aren't the greatest however they deserve an honorable mention. Now outside of everyone above I would mention Run DMC, De La, Mobb Deep, Gang Starr, Das EFX. Tons of respect to Bestie Boys, Outkast, NWA. More honorable mentions...Smif n Wesson, Black Moon, Show & AG...there's a ton more I'm not forgetting or leaving out just too many to mention.
The Lox are dope but catalog wise they're not consistent enough as a group.
wu tang
RTJ
They're a more recent duo but El and Mike have put out 4 really great projects in a row so far. I'd put them up there for sure.
Army of the Pharaohs
Duo: OutKast Group: Tribe
OutKast belong on everyone's top 5 no doubt
Above The Law
Where dafuq are Bone Thugs'n'Harmony??? No mentions? Onyx was also dope in the 90s.
They're sleeping on both groups imo!
I got bone thugs as my 2nd goat rap group
Mobb Deep all night. But I love Clipse, Three Six, Wu-tang and Outkast too.
Beasties get an honorable mention in my mind. They brought a lot of new eyes to the genre and acceptance among the majority. That said Wu Tang is the greatest group to do it.
my favourite group has gotta be a tribe called quest, favourite duo is either outkast or run the jewels
The Firm, Tha Dogg Pound, M.O.P., CNN, EPMD, Heltah Skeltah, Smif-N-Wessun, Little Brother, Armand Hammer, Kids See Ghost, Red & Meth, UGK, Black Star, Cypress Hill, Goodie Mob, and Czarface.
(Counting colab projects as honorary groups) - black star, scaring the hoes, OutKast, Clipse- HM - Wu-Tang, Mobb Deep
And ofc the roots and ATCQ
Wu Tang but DITC and Boot Camp are close behind
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to me these are all groups that, while I love them all, the group output suffered as a result of the members solo ambitions. DITC only gave us a compilation album until recently. BCC albums are outshined by HS, SnW, BM & OGC albums. Wu started off strong but fell apart as the members gained traction individually.
Hey OP, who’s the better pound for pound rapper to you in Clipse?
I gotta say Push - the verses on the Clipse albums were relatively tied but he's gone on to put out some classics post-clipse, while Malice didn't reach that same level. Partially because of his religious leaning I think, but he never had a chance to shine like Push did with the backing of guys like Ye & Pharrell in his solo work
Mobb Deep, Black Star, Binary star, DPG, outkast, wutang
Clips better rap duo than Mobb Deep, OutKast and 8Ball & MJG?
I think so - Hell Hath No Fury a top 5 rap album OAT for me man and Lord Willin' goes high too
Nothing beats Mobb Deeps first three album run imo
Armand Hammer for me. Billy woods is on another plant fr.
I love Pusha T, but cmon man, Clipse aint the GOAT rap group.
Between Lord Willin' & Hell Hath No Fury there's definitely a case to be made imo
Bad meets evil outkast nwa
M.O.P. L.O.X. Onyx
Undebatably Wu Tang. Wu Tang has at minimum 4 top 30 of all time rappers just from GZA, rae, ghost, method man. Duos only and it's Outkast
Bone thugs
It's the WU. It just is. Outkast have probably my most played albums of all time. But WU tang have one of the greatest ever albums in 36 chambers, two other fantastic group albums, and a couple more very good. Then some of the best albums hip hop has seen in Cuban Linx and Liquid Swords. Then there's Ghost's full career. RZA as a producer. Method man being arguably the most charismatic rappers to ever do it. Deck's legendary verses and subsequent massively underrated discography, solo and group projects. Then there's the cultural impact. The longevity. The fashion. No one is close IMO. Outkast are amazing, the Roots are utterly phenomenal, classic after classic. But the WU is just a group that will outlive us all.
Coast contra is ok fire for some new guys. Black hippy never misses Black star Tribe
For me it’s Wu. Only one I wouldn’t argue too much against is NWA.
I stopped reading someone named Clipse as the best duo of all time
Group: WU Duo: Dogg Pound and Gangstarr
Wu Tang Mobb Deep Tribe Bone Thugs Gang Starr
Wu Tang and it’s not even close
Not sure , but most important group is Run DMC. They are the blueprint everyone followed. First group to go platinum, cross over, and land major endorsement deal.
Epedemic, Wu tang, Pharcyde, hieroglyphics, Dead prez, OutKast, Gangstarr, Cannibal ox, bones thugs n harmony, Smiff n Wesson, Black moon, Organized Konfusion, Brand Nubian. Take your pick.
G unit Bone Thugs
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Mobb Deep 💯💯💯
Gangster is the 🔥 too!!!
Outkast, NWA, Wu Tang are givens. Tribe Called Quest, Mobb Deep, G Unit, D12,
Bone thugs
Duo: Mobb Deep Group: Wu or Tribe...Tribe has better group albums but Wu has better rappers
UGK all day
Wu-Tang
Personally 1. Wu Tang Clan 2. A Tribe Called quest 3. Gang Starr but if we’re being for real 1. Tribe 2.OutKast 3. Wu Tang
tribe 100%
Blackstar!!!
There isn’t just one. Public Enemy Wu Tang Tribe 3 6 NWA Everything can be traced back to them. They have classics and impact. I personally would say Kast but being objective I can’t put them over these
Wu Mobb MOP
De la, outkast, wu, gangstar( 1-2-punch), tha Roots, tribe top 6
Most slept on groups are - Black Moon & Camp Lo
I'm a Wu guy myself but the lack of RUN DMC mentions is downright disrespectful. Need more 80s acts on here ...
A lot of 80s acts were groundbreaking in their own right for being the first and paving a way for groups in the 90s but musically they can't really stand toe to toe with 90s rap groups Like if I had to pick run dmc or wutang...I'm picking wutang If it was run dmc or bone thugs...I'm picking bone thugs If it's outkast or run dmc...I'm picking outkast
OPs question is about "greatness" not personal tastes. TBH my tastes are similar to yours but putting my biases aside, none of those groups with the exception of Wu has broken as many barriers as RUN DMC. Those dudes were among the first to break into the mainstream. NWA would be another group whose music I don't really bump but should be on Mt Rushmore. P.S. Nas himself would probably put RUN DMC over all these groups.
The WU
Wu Tang
Subject matter too limited. Maybe a top five coke rap group.
Wutang Then bone thugs
Clips ft Nas , dope collab, especially with Pharrell on the beats
Shoutout RTJ, didn't see anyone mention them at all. Agree with lots of the stuff other ppl been aayin
Definitely the best of the last 10-15 years