Ever since Billboard and Vibe’s top 50 greatest rappers list emerge, there has been a flurry of debate surrounding the #1 spot, which Jay-Z claimed. However, the other rappers who landed within the top 10 – or even lower – felt as though they deserved better positions. Lil Wayne, for example, chimed in during a recent interview with Zane Lowe. “I can deal with that,” Wayne said after learning that Biggie, Eminem, Tupac, Nas, Kendrick Lamar and JAY-Z were ahead of him. “I will tell you that I am a motherf**king one. Everybody whose names you named, they also know I’m No. 1. Go ask ’em. They know what it is.”
Many people agreed with Wayne’s take but a lot of individuals felt as if Eminem’s contributions to the culture were downplayed in the list. Some felt as though he should’ve ranked higher, given his influence and incredible sales history. However, most agreed that Jay-Z deserved #1. Over the years, the debate between Jay-Z and Eminem have run rampant in rap conversations. There’s no doubt that Jay aged better with time than Em but both undoubtedly shaped hip-hop at a critical time.
Math Hoffa Chimes In
Math Hoffa recently appeared on Vlad TV with Havoc where he discussed the influence of Jay-Z and Eminem with Saigon. During the conversation, Saigon asked him who he felt had a bigger impact on the game. Though he could’ve talked in circles about which rapper has the better catalog, the most money, or even the epic lyrical spar that is “Renegade,” he provided a far more eloquent response to the question. “Whoever mutually inspired both of them,” he said.
Saigon and Math Hoffa then began to ponder on all of the people who’ve inspired Jay-Z and Eminem, such as LL Cool J and Kool G Rap. Saigon pointed out that Eminem is really a hip-hop head at the core with a firm understanding of many of the underground legends and battle rappers who might not get as much shine in the widespread discourse surrounding hip-hop. Elsewhere, Hoffa discussed artists like Meek Mill, Cassidy and Sauce Walka successfully transitioning from battle rap to the music industry.
