Kanye West, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, mf doom, fort minor, styles of beyond, Pharoah Monche, Public Enemy, mc chris, Biggie, Del Tha Funky Homosapien...I'm a fan of good lyricism too (in most but not all of these choices is that apparent.)
The one hip hop record I've been playing non stop lately is not even by a particular artist. It's called Ocarina of Rhyme by Team Teamwork. It takes music from the N64 Zelda game and mashes it up with awesome rap and hip hop songs. It's both hilarious and awesome. Everyone I've played it for loves it.
http://8tracks.com/teamteamwork/the-ocarina-of-rhyme
I love this thread. I've discovered like 3 good new artists.