Tupac was 'OK' no better or worse. He was a fruity little dancer with Digital Underground, then got a part in a movie, then started to act like he character he played, then got shot by real 'thugs'. He was a tragic victim of his own chosen lifestyle & he took people to the grave with him that would otherwise still be alive today. He gets no respect from me.
Favorite rappers, Biggie, Slug of Atmosphere, Vinnie Paz of JMT, Sage Francis, Cormega, Jigga, Esoteric, Eyedea, Jus Allah, Apathy, Celph Titled, MC Zion from Zion I, MURS, MF Doom, Grimm, Kool G Rap, Aesop Rock, Atoms Family, Rubberroom, 2Mex etc etc there's a great load of rappers out there that I love. The underground is rich in originality & talent. I worship at the altar of independant rap.

EDIT: To Aurey, Prefuse 73 is a Producer, not a rapper, but fine choices my friend