Mos/Talib and all them are the best lyrically, but majority of people dont care about that no more. Its all about cool metaphores and similis with a slappin club beat. Thats all it really is now a days in mainstream.
All the muther fuckers that keep it real and keep it an actual art are the ones struggling. Sad but true. There are a select handful of mainstream dudes that every now and then surprise me with some real talent. But its few and far between. The people that really really tell it how it is dont really get radio/tv time.
Dont get me wrong Im a fan or Wayne/Kanye and all that cuz they do make music I like to listen to, but I would NEVER classify them as the best alive or dead. Just cuz u got the most record sales doesnt make you the best, it just makes you someone that knows what the majority of people want.