first of all, no MC battles off the top of their dome anymore except for one or 2 bars making fun of his pants and shit. it's all written.
that being said, I think canibus is the very best lyrically. He can rip you apart without mentioning your personal life - which is the true test. People like chino and eminem play on people's emotions too much, not to say they're not tight.
Just saying canibus and crooked are better.