This year the Hip Hop genre will be making 50 years since DJ KOOL Herc dropped the first breakbeat in the Bronx. In commemoration of the genre, Billboard, an American music and entertainment magazine has come up with a list of the top 50 greatest rappers of all time.
However, the list has been met with mixed reviews among some fans and even rappers themselves. For instance, Ice Cube has blatantly come out and labeled the list as “BullSh*t “. Despite being put at number 18, Cube claims he will stick to his own list.
Another notable critic of the list is the blog, Eminem.Pro. The blog that writes mainly about Eminem news says that Eminem “ is not giving a damn about these lists? “
Eminem is number 5 on the list of top greatest rappers by Billboard
Eminem who is credited with popularising hip hop in the middle of America and is seen as one the greatest rappers of all time was at position 5 on the top Ten. Something that has left some eyebrows raised.
Top 10 Greatest Rappers according to Billboard
1. Jay-Z
2. Kendrick Lamar
3. Nas
4. Tupac
5. Eminem
6. The Notorious BIG
7. Lil Wayne
8. Drake
9. Snoop Dogg
10. Nick Minaj
However, before coming out to criticize the list, it’s paramount that one understands the criteria that Billboard used in coming up with the list.
To begin with, Billboard narrowed its scope of the rap arena to North America and then looked at the body of work and achievements ( charted singles/albums and gold/platinum certifications ).
This was then added up by considering the cultural impact and influence of the artist’s work on the hip-hop genre’s evolution. And lastly, the longevity of the artist, the lyrics, and the flow topped the list of the key criteria followed.
