Even beyond the socio-economic similarities of the players, the owners, and the fans in both the major record label system and the NBA, the comparison of rap and basketball is inevitable. And both begin with an unavoidable rhythm. The bounce of the ball mirrors the knock of the 808, just as swagger isn't just flash, it's a necessity (unless you're Tim Duncan). Both the music and the sport thrive on the freestyle performances of its top artists working in unison with either a producer or the other four players on the court. At their respective best, they display a fluid machinery that balances a grace and power that climaxes in an awe-inspiring punch of inspiration. At their worst, well, it's the 2007 Timberwolves and a Soulja Boy record. While this comparison always pits the all-time greats of the genre against the NBA's future and present Hall of Famers, the URB Blog had to keep it contemporary by looking ONLY at those still rapping and hooping. With one exception, however, because Jay-Z ("wearin' the 4-5") will always be Jordan. If Nick Anderson stripping Jordan in the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals is to Kingdom Come, than that second three-peat is to American Gangster; from the career arc to the global branding to the sheer dominance, the CEO of the in-dus-try can only be compared to His Airness. With that said, in no particular order:

Lil Wayne - Dirk Nowitzki: Weezy and, umm, Witzki had the most dominating years of their already great careers in 2006. Dirk won the MVP and Wayne was the indisputable king of hip-hop, but when it came time to deliver the goods when it mattered most they both wilted. The Dallas Mavericks' upset in the first round of the playoffs is on par with sports' greatest collapses and only a championship can redeem Germany's greatest basketball export. While Wayne's disappointments haven't been that dramatic, his ho-hum verse on Kanye West's "Barry Bonds" is indicative of the emcee's inability to seize-or perhaps recognize-those cross-over opportunities.

T.I. - Dwyane Wade: Easily two of the biggest stars in their respective fields, both T.I. and D-Wade are at major crossroads in their career. Wade's reckless attitude has punished his body to the point where a full 82-game season may be in impossibility for the rest of his time in the NBA. Can he be as effective if he's worried about dislocating that shoulder again? And what about T.I.'s machine gun funk? One of the biggest selling rappers of the last few years, his very surrious weapons charges may land him jail for what should be the prime of his career. Even if he comes back, will he be able to viciously slur those tough talk bars that make for his menacingly best moments without violating his parole?

Jadakiss - Tim Duncan: It's really only purists who like these mainstays. While Jadakiss' highlights-his verse on Ghostface's "Run" is exhaustingly thrilling-are infinitely more exciting than Duncan's 14-foot jump shot and good foot work, he does fade into production more often than not. "The Virgin from the Virgin Isles," a nickname I'll copyright right now, is the definition of emotionless boredom; he's so boring that he may be the only reason why the NHL still has a TV deal.

Kanye West - Kobe Bryant: The only thing outweighing the talent on these guys is their ego, which in turn, is only outweighed by the hate that ego inspires, which ultimately, is outweighed by the collective cash that comes from album and jersey sales. They're the greatest performers in their respective worlds and their often obnoxious understanding of this fact makes them the penultimate love 'em or hate 'em guys.

will.i.am - Corey Maggette: These dudes are no one's favorite player, but they still put up monster numbers...albeit on teams people are embarrassed to root for.

Ludacris - Lebron James: The only men on this list other than Kanye to sit on Oprah's couch, the potential for awe-inspiring displays is out the roof with these guys. Every time down the court, Lebron has the ability to make one of the greatest plays in the history of the sport and a Luda verse will always put listeners on the edge of their seats. And just as Bron Bron makes his teammates better with an uncanny passing ability and court vision, Ludacris' guest spots can elevate just another R&B hit (Ciara's "Oh") into a musical moment of unadulterated genius.

Fat Joe - Shaquille O'Neal: Both these guys used to be so much better...and skinnier.

Wale - Kevin Durant: Close friends, both Wale and Durant grew up in DC, they are also at the same excitingly early point in their careers. Durant is the heavy favorite for NBA rookie of the year and a superstar in the making, with potential to join the D-Wades, Lebrons and Kobes of the league. Backed by Mark Ronson, Wale has a much better team around him than Durant's Sonics, but the sky is the limit with this not-for-long unsigned emcee and his crazy cadences and cross-over promise.

Ghostface - Dwight Howard: Even if Howard was years removed from puberty when Ghost started rapping, these guys are absolute beasts who have the ability to demolish anything in their path.

Aesop Rock - Shawn Marion: Lacking the star power of the others listed here, but Aesop Rock and Shawn Marion are venerable veterans who consistently put in quality work. But what truly unites these two are their unconventional styles. Marion shoots jumpers like the fat kid who can't jump and needs to use all the strength in his arms to release the ball from his chest (even as the Matrix can jump out the gym); it's ugly. Aesop's flow, meanwhile, is snaggle toothed and stream of conscious intelligentsia that doesn't match much else in contemporary hip-hop.

The Game - Kevin Garnett: The Big Ticket will probably be just as successful after his highly publicized trade-à la Game's move from G-Unit to Geffen-but it's doubtful he'll dedicate any games to Kevin McHale.

Young Jeezy - Tracy McGrady: He's just soooo sleeeeeeeeepy (Yeaaaaaaaaaaaah). T-Mac's play could hardly be called lethargic (geeaaaah), but between the bags under his eyes and his lankily effortless movements he doesn't look like he sleeps at night (night). Jeezy's flow has always been called lazy-he even admits to not being a lyricist-but just as McGrady is bottled volatility, your favorite trapper's favorite trapper's adlibs are as explosive as they get (get.....yeeeeeaaaaah).

Juelz Santana - Amare Stoudemire: Brimming with youth and raw ability, Stoudemire and Santana have matured in the face of adversity (surgeries and squad turmoil, respectively) to change their games for the better.

Nas - Ron Artest: Very few people (outside of Hilary Clinton) piss off conservatives like Nas and Ron Artest. "What do you mean he's calling his album the N-word?!?" or perhaps too poignant, "What do mean he's taking part of the season off to work on his rap record?!?" Their incredulously pale faces are perfectly confused. But even more than that, Nasir Jones and Artest knuckle down and do their job devastatingly well and with an incredible chip on their shoulder. Come to think of it, a democrat could probably learn or lesson or two.

Common - Paul Pierce: While both Pierce and Killah Com have steady stats and an exciting dependability in the clutch, they really are best at playing the second fiddle (be it Kevin Garnett or Kanye West).

Big Boi - Allen Iverson: One would think that Iverson would be the easiest placement on this list-after all, he was the NBA's first rapper all-star. Between the tattoos, the flashy sweat-soaking accessories, gosh...the doo-rags, and that swagger, The Answer's persona was definitely questionable among the old guard. However, Iverson works hard. He's a tireless midget amongst giants-after Thanksgiving dinner he probably weighs a buck-fifty soaking wet-who never takes a play off...just don't ask him about practice. OutKast's Big Boi is similarly relentless. Six proper full-lengths in less than 12 years is nothing to sneeze at.

André 3000 - Steve Nash: And here are the weirdoes of the bunch. Steve Nash dedicated an entire season to Radiohead's Kid A and André went from an ATLien to a certified alien. Yet, these guys have to be on your top 10 list. Certifiable MVP candidates until they retire, No Nickname Nash and Three Stacks are also unconventional in their playing styles as well. Nash has that funky, off-the-wrong-foot scoop lay-up and Big Boi's OutKast partner-in-crime loves to fill his vocal space without regard for being on beat. They've also been known to be fond of sweater vests.

Snoop - Ray Allen: These old reliables seem to be just awaiting a sharp decline and yet, they continue to turn heads and surprise detractors.

50 Cent - Vince Carter: So absolutely flashy, both Vince and Fiddy are definitely in it for the money and have been known to coast when the dollar ain't right.

Cam'ron  - Gilbert Arenas: So bizarre, so so so bizarre. Whether it's Agent Zero's simulated high-altitude house in DC or Killah Cam's boxers-and-wife-beater-garbed tirade against 50 Cent next to a cheap condo swimming pool, these guys are enthrallingly weird. And yet, when they're on top of their games no one is more exciting. And of course, there's their "swag." Cam'ron made pink cool years before Kanye could even think about wearing lime green and Arenas can turn away from a game winner just knowing that he made it. From "hibachi" to "no homo," the bottom line is that these dudes are on a planet of their own.