Time Turner

Lore & Background

The source focuses entirely on the methodology behind the '50 Greatest Rappers' list rather than fictional lore. To determine the rankings, editorial boards from Billboard and Vibe established specific criteria: body of work (chart performance, certifications), cultural impact, longevity, lyricism, and flow. The process involved ten journalists led by Datwon Thomas, who deliberately excluded dancehall and reggaeton artists to keep the pool focused on North American rappers. This decision sparked immediate criticism regarding the omission of international talent. The list was released in stages starting January 11, 2023, culminating in the February 8 announcement that crowned Jay-Z as the greatest rapper of all time and Nicki Minaj as the greatest female rapper.

In Their Own Story

The narrative within the source revolves around industry reaction rather than a fictional plot. The 2015 list originally ranked The Notorious B.I.G. first with Lauryn Hill as the sole woman, but the 2023 revision expanded to fifty names. Debates erupted immediately; Ice Cube called the list 'irrelevant,' comparing rankings to 'assholes: everybody got one and they all stink,' while specifically snubbing Too Short's exclusion. Melle Mel, ranked 48th, questioned the influence of Eminem and Kendrick Lamar, suggesting Eminem's placement was due to his race—a claim he defended on his podcast by citing Eminem's own comments on white privilege. Conversely, Missy Elliott expressed humility at being in the top 20, and Kendrick Lamar validated his ranking with lines about Jay-Z ('HOV') on Beyoncé's 'America Has a Problem.'

Reader's Guide

This source serves as a record of critical reception and factual updates to the hip hop canon. It clarifies that Nicki Minaj (Trinidadian) and Drake (Canadian) were the only non-American artists in the top ten of the 2023 list, while Eminem, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Nas, and The Notorious B.I.G. appeared on both the 2015 and 2023 versions. The text highlights specific controversies, such as Curtis Roberts' critique that Billboard prioritized popularity over content, and Charlamagne tha God's view that it was too early for Kendrick Lamar and Drake to be considered greatest of all time. It also notes Ja Rule's dismissal via social media, claiming no 50 rappers exist who are better than him.

Did You Know?

• Eminem, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Nas, and The Notorious B.I.G. are the only rappers to be featured in both the 2015 and 2023 versions of the list.
• Nicki Minaj (Trinidadian) and Drake (Canadian) are the only non-American artists to be featured in the top ten of the 2023 revision.
• On both versions of the list, Kendrick Lamar is the youngest rapper spotlighted in the top ten.
• Melle Mel, ranked 48th, argued that Eminem is only considered among the best because he is white, and later defended his comments on his podcast by citing Eminem's own songs about white privilege.
• During his guest appearance on Ez Mil's single 'Realest', Eminem dissed Melle Mel and claimed that his race works against him in the hip hop industry.