A recent debate sparked by a Beats, Rhymes & Lists on Twitter has users sounding off about their picks. The post reads, “Who’s the stronger lyricist? Eminem vs Black Thought.” Some of the discussion was polarized, with users fiercely defending their pick, while other users just couldn’t seem to choose. Many users cited the different strengths and weaknesses of the two artists, claiming that they’re both better than each other at different things.
One user siding with Black Thought writes, “It comes down to how much you weigh the values of what is being said with how cleverly those things are being said.” They add, “For me it’s Thought. Craft, content, and consistency. But I so benefit from being 43 and having heard a lot more hip hop. No disrespect to Eminem.”
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Some Users Claim They’re “Not Even Close”
Another cites the marketability of Eminem, writing, “Slim is a better star. More marketable, more latchable because of the audience. Maybe a better talent scout as well.” The user claims, “Thought though, actually spits circles around him when it comes to content.” Another Black Thought die-hard writes, “Black Thought and if you don’t think so explain to me how is Eminem better and I don’t wanna hear nothing about numbers I’m talking pure rap skills. Eminem hard but he not better than Thought, imo old Em was harder than Em of today.”
Eminem supporters also took to the comments to defend their pick. One writes, “Em. Black Thought is Dope, but his rhyme schemes are not as unique as Em’s. His work on the Roots albums were good, but some of it wasn’t that complex. Em has better storytelling tracks and more double entendres.” Another says, “Eminem, but Black Thought for knowledge and deep storylines, except for ‘Stan.’ ‘Stan’ was extremely well put together IMO. But black thought has a hole catalog of shit that has meaning over incredible wordplay. And tell me one person who is still not in love with. ‘You Got Me.’” A different user says, “Talking strictly skill set, Black thought doesn’t come close to Em. The only issue with Em however, is that we don’t always like the subject matter. And the issue with rap fans is that they stay defensive and can’t be objective about anything.”
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