Probably one of the most controversial topics in hip hop — Who is the GOAT? From your local barbershops, social media platforms, and even on-air radio, deciding who the greatest is, always creates very interesting dialogue. You usually always have the same names floating around for this conversation. Tupac, Biggie, Hov, Eminem, and Nas.
Definitely a tough list to choose from. Each of these artists are already respectively solidified in the hip hop hall of fame for different reasons.
How do we decide who the greatest is? What metric or rubric do we go off of? What criteria do we factor in? Albums sales? Lyrics? Grammy awards? Or can we simply just go off of preference? Going through the resume of each of these artists and listing the different reasons why would make for a novel so I’ll get right to who I think the current GOAT is and WHY.
“Allow me to reintroduce myself my name is…”
Before you all get riled up, let me explain why I feel Hov is the greatest to ever do it. It’s 2017 and if you don’t think Jay-Z is at least ONE of the greatest, I don’t know what to tell you. Since dropping Reasonable Doubt in 1996, the Brooklyn native has scored 14 number 1 albums, over 1oo million records, 21 grammy awards, and the man can flat-out rap. Whether its a catchy banger like Big Pimpin’, or an emotional story like Song Cry, Hov always displays his lyrical prowess. I cannot think of another rapper who’s had such success over a lengthy timespan. Reasonable Doubt dropped in ’96. 4:44 dropped this year in 2017. That’s over 20 years of reigning dominance. Every major artist that has come along in that timespan has expressed their respect and gratitude to the hip hop mogul. From the likes of Eminem, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Kendrick, J. Cole, and countless others. He’s literally the definition of “your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper.” His influence on hip hop and even pop culture has been recognized on a global scale. His collaboration with Eminem on Renegade will go down as one of the greatest hip hop collabs and lyrically profound songs of our time. Also another gem to throw in there– he’s married to one of the greatest performers ever, Beyonce, and has 3 beautiful children with Queen Bey.
The repertoire speaks for itself. With that being said, who do YOU feel is the greatest of all time. Share your thoughts and opinions below!!
