greatest of all time

LL COOL J Claims He’s “The Most Important Rapper That Ever Existed”

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GOAT conversations are among the most important components of the lifeblood of hip-hop, and they trace back to one of the culture’s most impactful and pioneering careers. LL COOL J recently hopped on Apple Music’s Le Code to argue why he’s the most important rapper in the genre’s history, although his thoughts on the actual GOAT conversation may surprise you.

“I’ma say this humbly, but I really mean this,” he began. “I think one day people are going to wake up and realize that LL COOL J is the most important rapper that ever existed. I truly believe one day people are going to say that. […] They’re gonna say when it comes to Fubu, ‘Yo, this guy introduced the whole idea of putting clothing lines. Even before that, he did Troop.’ When it comes to endorsements, ‘Oh, this is the guy who did Kangol and made the Kangol popular before people even did that.’ When they talk about television, they gon’ say, ‘Oh, this is the guy who did incredible stuff on TV and at the same time was still making incredible records.’ It wasn’t just doing TV and using rap as a launch pad. When it comes to business… I could go on and on and on and on.”

Read More: LL COOL J Explains Why Lil Wayne Will “Have His Day” After Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl

LL COOL J Knows His Worth

However, LL COOL J made the distinction between the most important rapper of all time, which he identifies himself as, and “the GOAT” or greatest of all time, which he finds to be more subjective. “Because there’s still a kid that the 2Pac album is the most important album to them,” he argued. “There’s still a kid that thinks Snoop made the records that changed their life. There’s still a kid that loves Biggie or loves Nas for their music and they should and have the right to do that. Do I call myself GOAT on the record? Of course, yes. I will say a lot of things on a record. But outside of being on the mic as an MC, there are too many rappers who have done too many important things for me to try to claim that I’m the one.”

Overall, it’s a more nuanced point of view from THE FORCE lyricist than a headline might suggest. While you can make the argument as to who changed hip-hop the most from their inception to the establishment of their legend status, LL COOL J certainly makes a strong case for himself.

Read More: LL COOL J And Flavor Flav Weigh In On Diddy’s Arrest With Concern For His Children

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Lil Wayne’s Son Says Playboi Carti Has Reached His Dad’s Level: “He’s There”

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Lil Wayne’s son, Lil Novi, says that Playboi Carti is the younger generation’s version of his father. Speaking about the topic of the greatest rappers of all time during an interview with Flophouse Atlanta, Novi placed Carti just below his dad and said that he’s reached his level. “Obviously, my dad but for me, I’d say like because Carti is like the Wayne now so yeah, Carti. If you really like think, he’s there, he’s reached that level. He’s done crazy numbers.”

When Kurrco shared a clip of the interview on Twitter, fans had mixed responses to the hot take. “I don’t think he knows how God tier of a rapper his dad is,” one user replied. Another argued: “Not even in the same stratosphere numbers wise. Wayne was big as Drake but cool with the kids like Carti. Whole different monster.” On another topic, others noted how similar Wayne and his son sound.

Read More: Lil Wayne’s Son Neal Previews Another Experimental Track, Fans Are Split

Playboi Carti Performs At Wireless Festival

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 02: (Editorial Use Only) Playboi Carti performs on the main stage during Day 2 of Wireless Festival 2022 at Crystal Palace Park on July 02, 2022, in London, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

Following in his father’s footsteps, Novi has been pursuing a music career of his own at a young age. He previously landed a feature on his father’s No Ceilings 3 mixtape. More recently, he’s been previewing experimental music on his social media pages. Novi is one of four kids Wayne shares with four different mothers. His others include Reginae Carter with ex-wife Toya Johnson, Dwayne Carter III with Sarah Vivian, and Kameron Carter with Lauren London. Check out Novi’s recent comments below.

Lil Novi Labels Playboi Carti The Greatest Of The New Generation

As for Wayne, he recently made headlines for performing at Travis Kelce’s Kelce Jam 2024 event over the weekend. Be on the lookout for further updates on Lil Wayne and his son, as well as Playboi Carti on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Lil Wayne’s Son Previews Wild New Music On Instagram Live

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Boosie Badazz Reveals His Top 5 Rappers Of All Time

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Boosie Badazz listed his five favorite rappers of all time during a recent interview with Bryant McFadden ahead of Super Bowl LVIII. In doing so, he named himself, 2Pac, DMX, Juvenile, and Scarface. Of the latter, he argued that Scarface is underrated in the history of hip-hop.

“Me, 2Pac, DMX, I always say Juvenile because he raised me. I say the people who raised me,” Boosie said, before adding that he knows every word to the 400 Degreez album. “I got a few more greats. Scarface. He’s so underrated.” He also remarked that he wants to get on NPR’s Tiny Desk.

Read More: Kodak Black Disses Boosie Badazz On New Song, “11AM In Malibu”

Boosie Badazz Attends BET Awards

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 25: Boosie Badazz attends the BET Awards 2023 at Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

When TheHipHopWolf shared the interview on Instagram, fans had plenty of support for Boosie’s takes. “Scarface is unquestionably the greatest rapper of all time. Argue with your mother,” one fan commented. Another added: “400 degrees is a zero skip album and I still bump that.” Other users complained about the nature of greatest of all-time lists in general. One wrote: “Conversation of Greatest all time needs to stop. Instead lets converse about who is YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE,” while another remarked: “Watch how many people argue with ‘His’ Top 5 like they’re not welcome to have their own Top 5.” Check out his full explanation of the top five picks below.

Boosie Badazz On His Favorite Rappers

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by THE HIP-HOP WOLF® (@thehiphopwolf)

Boosie’s far from the first rapper to name their top five artists in the genre. Just last month, Black Thought listed his picks for an interview with HipHopDX. He named Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Chuck D, and LL COOL J. Be on the lookout for further updates on Boosie Badazz on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Boosie Badazz Unleashes On Rod Wave Even Further For Sample Clearance Issues

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The post Boosie Badazz Reveals His Top 5 Rappers Of All Time appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Russell Westbrook Picks Nipsey Hussle As The GOAT Over JAY-Z, Eminem, & More

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Russell Westbrook picked Nipsey Hussle as the greatest rapper of all time from a list of options that include JAY-Z, Eminem, and more. For the decision, he narrowed down the pick from a 16-rapper bracket. The artists also included Ludacris, Ice Cube, Redman, Busta Rhymes, Ghostface Killa, Mos Def, Missy Elliott, Lupe Fiasco, Nas, Dr. Dre, The Notorious B.I.G., Lil Wayne, and 50 Cent.

In the video, Westbrook narrows the final four options to JAY-Z, Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne, and Nipsey Hussle. Fans had mixed responses to Westbrook’s choices. One agreed: “If you listen to the message, reality, and delivery overall. Nipsey was better. Nipsey mastered things without straying and made timeless music while doing it. I also think his international experiences, from this Ethiopian half, made him more aware.” Another emphasized with the difficult decision: “I felt his pain when it got to Nip and Wayne I was just listening to them today.”

Russell Westbrook Playing For The Clippers

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 20: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the first half of Game Three of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

It’s not the first time that the Los Angeles native has praised Nipsey Hussle. After Hussle was shot and killed in 2019, Westbrook posted the NBA’s second-ever 20-20-20 stat line and dedicated the performance to the late rapper. “Grateful to play the game, but that wasn’t for me, man. That was for my bro, man. That was for Nipsey,” Westbrook told TNT post-game. “Rest in peace to Nipsey, man. I’m just thankful to go out there and compete at a high level, man. Thankful to have these teammates. Thankful and humbled to go out there and play the game I love.”

Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed by Eric Holder outside of his Marathon Clothing store on March 31, 2019. Hussle was just 33 years old at the time. Holder received a sentence of 60 years in prison for the first-degree murder.

Read More: Nipsey Hussle’s Death: Timeline Of Events

Russell Westbrook Picks The Greatest Rapper Of All Time

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Joe Budden Calls Outkast “The Greatest Group Of All Time”

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Sure, it’s a pretty cold take at this point, but it’s still one of the most interesting and tough conversations to have. Joe Budden recently called Outkast “the greatest group of all time” during his appearance on the Drink Champs podcast with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. Moreover, it seems like they were answering prompts and taking shots, and one of the questions that came up was a choice between the Atlanta duo and Mobb Deep. “Well, Outkast is the greatest group of all time,” Budden began. “But I’m from New York… I mean, but Outkast is better than Mobb Deep.”

“I’m not gonna be on camera saying otherwise,” the Slaughterhouse alum added. However, he still gave due respect to Mobb Deep, which is a strong contender in that conversation in their own right. “But Queens, Mobb Deep, Rest In Peace Prodigy,” he remarked to the camera with a salute. As the cohosts agreed, they took a shot, most likely in honor of the fallen hip-hop legend. A lot more groups are usually part of that conversation, but there’s no denying that Outkast is often seen as the favorite.

Joe Budden Crowns Outkast As The GOAT Group

Still, it does open up a question about what’s considered a rap group in the first place. Sure, Big Boi and André 3000 have an impeccable discography (the best in the genre, some say), but they are two guys stacked up against groups like the Wu-Tang Clan. However, many include Organized Noize in that conversation for their indelible contributions to Big and Dré’s production, so that debate could last thirty more years and beyond. Unfortunately, an Outkast reunion or another album seems like the stuff of legend at this point, but one can dream.

As someone known for their often scathing takes, Joe gets a bit too much flack for just speaking honestly. In this case, it’s doubtful that many will be at his throat for making such an assumption when a GOAT contender (or two, if we’re being fair and honest) is in what he considers the greatest group of all time. The one thing we know for sure, though, is that this is an evergreen point of conversation for the hip-hop world. With that in mind, let us know what you think the greatest group of all time is in the comments and come back to HNHH for the latest on Joe Budden and Outkast.

Drake Responds To Jim Jones’ Massive Praise

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Drake responded to Jim Jones’ recent praise of the Toronto rapper on his Instagram Story, over the weekend. In doing so, he shared a picture of Jim Jones as well as a photo of himself dressed as Jim Jones’ Dipset partner, Cam’ron. Earlier in the week, Jones crowned Drake the greatest rapper of all time during an interview with Complex.

While praising Drake, Jim Jones also brought up Jay-Z as an option for the title, but argued that he “exited music a long time ago.” Drake, on the other hand, is “still going strong to this day.” The comments come after Drake invited Jim Jones and the rest of The Dipolmats to perform at his concert from The Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, earlier this year.

Dipset At Drake’s Apollo Show

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 22: (L-R) Juelz Santana, Freekey Zekey, Cam’ron, and Jim Jones of Dipset aka The Diplomats perform on stage during Drake Live From The Apollo Theater for SiriusXM and Sound 42 at The Apollo Theater on January 22, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

“I would say he’s the greatest of all time,” Jim Jones told Complex. “I would just give that to him. And I mean, there’s a lot of people from the beginning and people that invented Hip Hop, I know. But the greatest of all time, it’s a big statement, and the relevancy that he keeps showing year after year, hit after hit, record after record. Any song that he has put out has seemed to go multiple platinum. That’s never happened before in history.”

He continued: “I mean, there are a few other people that do astronomical numbers like that, but he really in it, you know what I mean? From all angles of music. It ain’t no place you go where they’re not going to play some Drake records to get the party started. He moves around here like the real Bruce Wayne. He’s my spirit animal, man. I just got to give credit where credit is due, and not taking away from nobody else.”

Drake’s Response On IG

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Jim Jones Says Drake Is The GOAT

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Jim Jones recently revealed in a new interview with Complex that Drake is his GOAT contender. Moreover, he spoke on how he’s been able to stay incredibly relevant in the game for such a long time. Also, he stressed the importance on numbers, as Drake’s songs seem to always go platinum. Of course, the Dipset legend has plenty of reasons to put the 6 God on this pedestal. Their performance together at the iconic Apollo Theater was a truly special moment for the culture. However, Jones is clearly giving credit where it’s due, because Drake’s been dominant for almost fifteen years.

“I would say he’s the greatest of all time,” the 46-year-old stated. “I would just give that to him. And I mean, there’s a lot of people from the beginning and people that invented hip-hop, I know. But the greatest of all time, it’s a big statement, and the relevancy that he keeps showing year after year, hit after hit, record after record. Any song that he has put out has seemed to go multiple platinum. That’s never happened before in history.

Jim Jones Calls Drake The GOAT

“I mean, there are a few other people that do astronomical numbers like that, but he really in it, you know what I mean?” he continued. “From all angles of music. It ain’t no place you go where they’re not going to play some Drake records to get the party started. He moves around here like the real Bruce Wayne. He’s my spirit animal, man. I just got to give credit where credit is due, and not taking away from nobody else.

“What [Jay-Z] has done to this game is astronomical,” the New York legend conceded. “He’s like Michael Jordan for what he has put on and what he has done since he came in the game and where he’s at right now. But Jay exited music a long time ago. And that space, that void, I don’t know if it’s a void, but Drake has not exited and he’s still going strong to this day and it doesn’t seem like he’s stopping no time soon... But in this day, us highlighting our era really don’t hold no merit in what’s functioning right now… So, we tend to forget a lot of that s**t from back in those days.” Let us know your take in the comments and stick around on HNHH for the latest on Jim Jones and Drake.

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LL Cool J Praises Chuck D In Response To Greatest Rappers List

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LL Cool J praised Chuck D on Twitter, Tuesday, in response to the Public Enemy rapper’s opinion on greatest of all time lists. He was recently named No. 34 on Billboard’s list of the Top 50 Rappers of All Time. In his post, Chuck made note of the talents of the many rappers who don’t make it on similar lists.

“Know This. The reason I don’t get shook by NOT being on any GREATEST rapper lists is simple. Once i see one of my PEer group on it , im good,” Chuck D said. “Thats how my fraternity rolls. #OGseniorCircuit.” LL Cool J later wrote back, “You have one of the greatest if not ‘the’ greatest voice in HipHop history. Song writing on another level!!!!! What’s touching Terror dome ?? You’re a [goat emoji] MC CHUCK D!!!”

LL Cool J In The 1980s

LL Cool J Performing Live At Hanover Nightclub, London 01/01/1985 (Sony Music Archive via Getty Images/Terry Lott)

The back and forth on Twitter comes days after Melle Mel came under fire for his various opinions on the aforementioned Billboard list. Appearing on The Art of Dialogue, the legendary Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five rapper called Kendrick Lamar overrated, argued that Eminem wouldn’t be ranked as high if he weren’t white, and much more. Chuck D came to Mel’s defense on social media after he began catching backlash. “Understand Melle Mel was so dominant over the rest of the pack in the first 5 years of records its hard to comprehend for born after MC folk,” Chuck D said. “Its why i call him Wilt Chamberlain and Wilt had a crate of critiques for the rappers after him including ME. Just Let Mel be Wilt lol.”

As for Kendrick Lamar, who lands at No. 2, Mel remarked that his music doesn’t “translate into the street part of Hip Hop.” He explained: “I don’t know what records he made like that. I might know one or two of them, but I don’t think you even hear Kendrick in the club like that.” Mel admitted that Eminem is talented, but said it’s his whiteness that makes him as popular as he is.

LL Cool J’s Message For Chuck D

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50 Greatest Rappers Of All Time List Shared Via Partnership Between Billboard & Vibe

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Creating a list of the 50 greatest rappers of all time is certainly no easy feat. There are so many artists who deserve a mention for their contributions to the genre and the culture. However, with only 50 spots, there will evidently have to be some notable exclusions.

In a new partnership between Billboard and Vibe, the duo of magazines are sharing their collaborative list of the 50 best rappers ever. On Wednesday (January 11), they shared the first 10, #50-41.

The #50 spot goes to Rick Ross, with Rev Run and Melle Mel above him at #49 and #48 respectively. MC Lyte comes in at #47, Jadakiss at #46 and the 45th spot belongs to Ice-T. Queen Latifah, Bun B and Redman follow, as they take the 44th-42nd spots in order. E-40 is the last rapper to make the first instalment of the list, coming in at #41.

Furthermore, the Bay Area legend is one rapper who took to his Twitter account to express his gratitude for his inclusion on the list. “Appreciate the recognition from @billboard & @VibeMagazine for their 50 Greatest Rappers of All-Time list[.] Still feel underrated nationally but nobody can deny my longevity, independent hustle, my unorthodox style and creative slang in this rap game!!” writes the 55-year-old.

However, it’s certainly inspiring some interesting reactions and responses on social media. Specifically, some fans seemingly disagree with Jadakiss being in the bottom 10. “E-40 ranked higher over Jadakiss on this 50 greatest rappers list,” writes one fan on Twitter.

“How you got a top 50 rappers list and Jadakiss is at the bottom of the list?” questions brokencool in his own response.

The list serves as a celebration of hip-hop correspondingly turning 50 years old this year. Each week, they’ll be further announcing the list’s next 10 rappers. The final top 10 will eventually be unveiled during the week of February 6. It will certainly be interesting to see who they rank where.

What do you think of #50-41? Do you agree or disagree with any of the placements? Comment your thoughts down below. Finally, make sure you stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates.

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Rolling Stone Snubs Celine Dion & More From Greatest Singers List

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Rolling Stone listed the 200 greatest singers of all time, earlier this week, leaving off several noteworthy artists. Among the biggest names not to be included were Celine Dion, Cher, Janet Jackson, and Nat King Cole.

The selections resulted in quite a bit of backlash from readers on social media. Rolling Stone appeared to respond to the comments afterward in a tweet sharing the article on Monday.

TOPSHOT – Canadian singer Celine Dion performs on the opening night of her new world tour “Courage” at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Quebec, on September 18, 2019. (Photo by Alice Chiche / AFP) (Photo by ALICE CHICHE/AFP via Getty Images)

“Before you start scrolling (and commenting), keep in mind that this is the Greatest Singers list, not the Greatest Voices List. Talent is impressive; genius is transcendent,” the publication wrote.

The top ten selections include Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday, Mariah Carey, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Otis Redding, and Al Green.

As for how Rolling Stone made their selections, they cited an artist’s “originality, influence, the depth of an artist’s catalog, and the breadth of their musical legacy.”

Despite not cracking the top 200, Dion is one of the most accomplished singers of all time. She’s won five Grammys, six AMAs, seven Billboard Awards, as well as much more. Seven of her albums have sold at least 10 million copies worldwide. Only a small list of female artists have been able to so.

“Celine Dion is not on the list? Just pack it up and pretend this didn’t happen,” one user tweeted at Rolling Stone.

Another wrote: “Y’all really trying to convince us that Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey are better at singing than Kelly Clarkson and THEE CELINE DION???”

Check out Rolling Stone’s full list of the 200 greatest singers of all time below.

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