canibus was never mainstream he neva had a mainstream flow just some videos an thats it...as for sayin mainstream makes your raps shit id say no an yes.. no because your constantly elevatin so lyrically you grow if you want to such as nas.. but people do club bangas an shit to get you to buy the record an the real lyrical shit isnt the singles so for most lyrical emcees there raps never dumb down they just keep them non "trl" tracks on the album but release a "big pimpin" or some other club banga they have.. perfect example is 50 while we on that subject do you not think he could be lyrical? he can but thats not where the money is an when you havent had any paper you gon want all tha money you can get...

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