props to kplusk for giving downstate (YO, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle) it's just due. Long Island used to produce classic talent just like them but doesn't anymore and many have forgot about that.
Anyway, Manhattan has the least amount of critically acclaimed rappers (Big L, Mcgruff, early Cam & Immortal Technique) but ranks at the top when it comes to producing the best all around entertainment (Kurtis Blow, Rob Base, Doug E Fresh, 2pac, Puffy, Mase & Cam'Ron)
So in thread context, I gotta say:
1. Brooklyn (The best)
2. Queens (Second best)
3. Bronx (slept on, but still strong)
4. Staten Island (Meth, Ghost and Rae are but a small group but it's quality over quantity)
5. Manhattan is the worst as far as critical acclaim. They have the underachievers (Big L, Charles Hamilton, Max B, Juelz, Tru Life, Vado) & the Gimmicks (Diddy, Mims, Chicken Noodle Soup, Beastie Boys)