Billboard and Vibe just published their list of the top ten rappers of all time, ending their list of the top 50 MCs in honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. While many on social media voiced disappointment, that always happens in a list of any capacity. Everybody’s GOAT list looks a little different, and this list reflects a wide variety of criteria. For example, some rappers made the list for their lyricism, influence, catalog, or for their commercial success. Still, the consensus online seems to agree on it being a solid list, though many would change the order around. The ranking includes Biggie Smalls, Drake, Eminem, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Nas, Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac.
Moreover, Nicki Minaj placed at No. 10, Snoop Dogg at No. 9, and Drake at No. 8. Many might question Drizzy’s inclusion, given that he’s as much of a pop star as he is an MC. Still, he hasn’t left that love behind, as best evidenced by his most recent album Her Loss. However, these rappers share a few factors such as commercial viability, unique flows and styles, and most importantly, influence. Following them are Lil Wayne at No. 7, Biggie Smalls at No. 6, Eminem at No. 5, and Tupac at No. 4. Furthermore, Young Money dominated this list with three members, and Weezy in particular is the Southern representative here. Also, Nicki is the only female rapper included in this list.
Some stuff thats happened to Nicki this year
1. Ranked at #10 (#1 female rapper) on Billboard X VIBE’s Top 50 Greatest Rappers Of All Time ranking &
2. Won the first ever Billboard Power Artist Award
3. 1 of the artists fandoms kept bringing up during GrammysFOR A REASON pic.twitter.com/kJuScuVkzG
— Proud Of You Nicki ᴺᴹﾒ𝟶
(@ProudOfYouNicki) February 9, 2023
However, what people really chose to focus in on was the list’s top placements. According to Billboard, Nas is the third-greatest rapper of all time. Such an honor is fitting for one of the most impressive careers in hip-hop that continues to redefine himself. Through his King’s Disease series and album Magic, all Hit-Boy collaborations, he added four more excellent albums to the conversation. As such, Nas might be the most enduring legend on this list when it comes to quality and consistency. Although the Queens rapper has quite the repertoire, Kendrick Lamar at No. 2 represents how the newer generation carries the torch. Between his top-tier lyricism, untouchable discography, and appeals to both pop and underground tastes, he seems like the definitive hip-hop career.
Meanwhile, the No. 1 spot went to Jay-Z. Many of these MCs best qualities seem wrapped up in Hov’s trajectory, and he has the added moniker of trailblazer. Whether we talk about commercial viability, business acumen, lyrical skill, excellent catalog, or business extracurriculars, Jay has it all. Still, many people felt that this list needs some rearranging. “Jays not #1 he top 5 but he ain’t #1,” one user wrote, with another adding “This list needs to be switched up! Love the list but the placement is incorrect.”
On the other hand, some users wanted to see other rappers make the list. “Any list that doesn’t have JCole in the top 10 is made by people who don’t know rap,” one user claimed. For what it’s worth, he landed at No. 15 on Billboard‘s list. Check out the full list for yourself down below and let us know what you think about it and your own top ten rappers in the comments. As always, come back to HNHH for the latest on hip-hop culture and history.