Speed and technical prowess have always been hallmarks of elite rapping skill. While no rapper flows at top speeds throughout entire songs, many have mind-boggling bursts where they cram in a dizzying number of syllables per second. Tracking and ranking these moments has become a passionate hobby among hip hop fans eager to crown the fastest rapper of all time.
Dedicated chroniclers have dug through decades of material to scientifically calculate rappers‘ top speeds using waveform analysis. This method of visually examining rappers‘ vocal patterns allows for an objective syllables-per-second measurement of even the quickest tongue-twisting flows.
The latest edition of this research has yielded the most comprehensive list yet of the 150 fastest rappers ever. The top 10 alone features iconic speed demons, underground technicians, and exciting up-and-comers pushing the limits of rapid-fire rhyming.
The Top 10 Fastest Rappers
Kicking off the top 10 is Twista clocking in at 10.97 syllables per second. The Chicago veteran has long been one of the fastest in the game, earning the nickname "Tung Twista" in the 90s thanks to chopper-style hits like "Mobstability." Right behind Twista at 10.99 sps is Midwestern chopper Tech N9ne, a technical wizard whose speed still impresses fans decades into his career.
In the #8 spot, we have the late great Big L with 11.19 sps. The Harlem legend‘s frenetic delivery awed rap fans during his short career in the 90s, leaving a legacy as one of the most talented speed rap pioneers. Tied with Big L is Busta Rhymes, the hyperkinetic, charismatic Brooklyn MC renowned for his supersonic triplets and animated flow.
At #6 we have Twisted Insane with 11.31 sps, while #5 is taken by battle rap phenom Harry Mack with 11.37 sps. These relatively underground spitters prove today‘s fastest rappers can stand with the OGs. Rounding out the top 4 is Eminem associate Krayzie Bone at 11.50 sps, followed by Detroit chopper King Los at 11.55 sps.
And the two fastest rappers ever? Claiming the #2 spot is Eminem protégé Logic clocking an astonishing 12.05 sps during his viral 2013 track "Indubitably." But the new undisputed champion is Eminem himself, hitting 12.25 syllables per second in his 2020 music video for "Godzilla." Even in his 40s, the Rap God can still out-rap all challengers.
11-25: Legends and Worldwide Talents
The remainder of the top 25 features iconic artists along with international rappers and rising lyricists pushing the boundaries of speed. Old school legends like Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, and Q-Tip appear alongside 90s/2000s hitsmakers Mystikal, Ludacris, Andre 3000, and Twista once again.
UK grime MC Quazebolic represents for Europe at #15 with 10.99 sps. He‘s followed by North African rapper Samehada at #17 with 10.81 sps and Japanese spitter Lisa at #18 with 10.8 sps. This shows rapid rapping is now a worldwide phenomenon.
Newer rappers in the 11-25 range include Atlanta chopper Bali Baby (#19 with 10.73 sps), Chicago drill rapper Montana Of 300 (#22 with 10.62 sps), and Detroit‘s Valid (#25 with 10.54 sps). With their inclusion, the list demonstrates how younger generations continue raising the technical bar.
26-50: Underground Stars and Regional Heroes
…
Analyzing the 150 Fastest
Several interesting patterns emerge when analyzing the full 150 ranking…
The Rappers Who Appear Multiple Times
Certain artists like Twista, Tech N9ne, and Busta Rhymes appear numerous times, showing their sustained speed across decades. Underground rappers like Twisted Insane and Midwest choppers like Crucified and Mac Lethal have multiple top speeds as well, highlighting their technical focus.
Most Dominant Cities and Scenes
Midwestern cities like Chicago and Detroit have disproportionate representation. Their punchline-heavy local styles emphasize speed and rhythmic complexity. West coast and southern styles are well represented too while New York has fewer top speeds but multiple influential speed pioneers.
Not Just the US
While the US dominates, rappers from Italy, Ghana, Australia, Brazil, and more make the top 150. This illustrates how rapid rapping has spread globally as hip hop culture expands worldwide.
Pushing Limits: standout Fast Verses
Though the full list is too extensive to recap in detail, several performances stand out for pushing the boundaries of rap speed to new levels of insanity…
Twista on "Imma Kill Me A Nigga" – 11.2 sps
Rebel XD on "Supersonic Speed" – 11.63 sps
Twisted Insane on "Worldwide Choppers" – 11.67 sps
Harry Mack‘s 2020 viral freestyle – 11.83 sps
Skatterman & Snug Brim on "Worldwide Choppers" – 11.93 sps
Watsky on "Stick To Your Guns" – 12.20 sps
Eminem on "Rap God" – 11.27 sps
As the list shows, the hunt to identify the fastest rappers ever is far from over. New talent eager to claim the throne emerges regularly. Dedicated analysts also keep uncovering earlier untracked performances, expanding the historical record.
One thing‘s for sure – with its competitive spirit and emphasis on technical excellence, hip hop will keep producing rappers striving for ever more mind-blowing speed and verbal dexterity. While records will be broken, keeping tabs on the fastest MCs cements legends and gives flowers to overlooked underground masters. The iconic songs and verses documented here will inspire audiences and future rappers for decades to come.
