The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids's Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums

[LyinKing]

well, I would suggest listening to a wide range of respected MCs to understand how they deliver their words, play with syllables, ride beats, etc etc.

It's not simply about speed, it's about cadence, delivery, beat riding, emphasis, rhyme structure etc etc. When people refer to 'flow' as a criterion, it's a phenomenon for which Rakim is largely responsible. The idea of fluidity, breath control, seamlessness.
Most revered MCs have developed distinct styles, and have modified said styles over the span of their careers.

If you listen to a selection ranging from, say:
Rakim
KRS-One
Tupac
Biggie
Nas
Scarface
Andre 3000
Redman
Eminem
Black Thought
Big Punisher
Big L
Pharoahe Monch
Chino XL
Percee P
Slick Rick
Common
Gregg Nice
CL Smooth
Bun B
Q-Tip
LL Cool J
Jadakiss

and so on, you'll get a sense of what I mean.