Without Me

Rhyme density equals the total number of syllables that are part of a rhyme ÷ total syllables.

In case I lost you somewhere in that first sentence, rhyme density is the most powerful statistic.  Let me show you an example.  If a song has a rhyme density of .40, that means that 40% of the syllables are rhymes and the other 60% are not. Pretty simple, right?

Let's take a glance at Eminem's "Without Me" which has a .49 rhyme density.

"So the FCC won't let me be

Or let me be me, so let me see

They try to shut me down on MTV

But it feels so empty without me"

FCC, me, be, me, be, me, me, see, me, MTV, empty, me.  Every single line contains at least two words that rhyme with each other and words from the lines to follow.

According to rapgenius.com, the five "best" rappers are:

1. MF Doom .44
2. Cam'ron .41
3. Big Pun .40
4. Eminem .38
5. Fabolous .36

Now, you are definitely wondering Who are MF Doom and Cam'ron? and I really don't blame you.  How could the best rappers be rappers we have never heard of?!?!  The answer is pretty simple actually.  A good rapper rhymes very well.  Guys like MF Doom are GREAT at rhyming.  But if MF Doom is so amazing, why isn't he that popular?  That's not a question I could answer because I am not sure.  What makes One Direction more popular than The 1975?  We have society to ask that question to.

[Source for info:  rapgenius.com]