Kool Moe Dee

Through his membership in the Treacherous Three, rapper Kool Moe Dee helped charter hip-hop's old school. Kool Moe Dee is the creator of the "fast rap," a style since utilized at one time or another by nearly every MC out to prove his or her skills. He is also considered one of rap's finest battle MCs, participating in one of hip-hop's first high-profile feuds when he accused LL Cool J of stealing his look and rap style. While Kool's commercial and creative appeal certainly peaked in the mid-1980s, he has remained a relevant figure in hip-hop. In 2004, he released the book THERE IS GOD ON THE MIC, in which he issued his "hip-hop report card" and ranked the top 50 rappers of all time.