honestly i hate these threads...
You cannot prove anything and i know im going to post my pick for a few top artist and about 95% of the people will disagree with me and they all have their own as well. there are definitly certain groups of hip hop and typically people tend to lean to one or another.
As for myself i would say this group of mine is easily #1 but then again no one else will so why argue, anyways here is a pretty strong list of my top artists and groups.
- Atmosphere (headshots), aesop, De La Soul, People Under The Stairs, Hieroglyphics/Souls of Mischief, Nas, Biggie, 9th wonder w/ others, Murs, Wu Tang, Lone Catalyst, Pharcyde.
Thats just a few that i can think of and i know that is over 3 but honestly anything in the genre i may agree with you. If you do not agree with this group then thats fine and im ok with your view on hip hop and as long as it makes you happy