In the culmination to their countdown of hip hop’s best ever rappers, — as part of a collaborative effort to celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary — Billboard and Vibe have named Jay-Z the number 1 rapper in the history of hip hop. The rollout began with a January 11 reveal of the rappers ranked 50-41. Each week since, the two publications have revealed 10 more rappers, with the top 10 released on Wednesday.
This latest designation caps off an eventful week for Hov who was not only nominated for 5 Grammys, but also returned to the music award show’s stage as performer after an 8-year absence. The 24-time Grammmy winner performed alongside hip hop heavyweights DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, John Legend, and relative newcomer Fridayy on their thrice nominated hit-record “God Did” at the 65th annual Grammy Awards. The Brooklynite also extended his lead as the rapper to receive the most-ever Grammy nominations with 88.
Impact of Rankings
While Jay-Z’s coronation caused plenty of social media stir, the rest of the top 10 created many talking points itself. Filling out spots 2-10 are Kendrick Lamar, Nas, 2Pac, Eminem, The Notorious B.I.G., Lil Wayne, Drake, Snoop Dogg and Nicki Minaj. Notably, Kendrick Lamar–fresh off his 2023 Grammy win for Best Rap Album — was a point of contention. The Compton bred rapper leapfrogged the likes of 2Pac, Notorious B.I.G. and Eminem. The formers have long held a spot on hip hop’s Mount Rushmore, while the latter is the highest selling rapper of all-time. Similarly, Nas’ ranking is a well-deserved honor for someone who hasn’t always gotten his due. Although, he’ll have to settle for third behind his once-rival, Jay-Z.
Meanwhile, Queens native Nicki Minaj was the highest-charting woman on the list. Others cracking the top 50 include, Missy Elliot (19), Lauryn Hill (30), Lil Kim (31), Queen Latifah (44) and MC Lyte (47).
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