G.O.A.T. Status : Billboard And Vibe Ranks Jay Z As The Greatest Rapper Of All Time

Over the years, music lovers and Hip Hop fans have debated who is better or rated higher among their favorites. Different rankings and reasons have come to light in recent years, and Billboard, in conjunction with Vibe, has released its ranking.

The list of the top rappers of all time, compiled by Billboard and Vibe, is headlined by the multi-award-winning artist and entrepreneur Jay Z.

The list was made public in recognition of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Billboard and Vibe revealed this list of “The Top Rap Artists Ever Heard” on Wednesday, February 8, 2023.

Shawn Carter, better known by his stage name Jay Z, is a famed rapper and 27-time Grammy winner whose remarkable career has spanned almost three decades.

Regarding the ranking, Billboard and Vibe state:

“So it took a lot of deliberation and deep discussion to reason our way to what we believe is a well-thought-out, authentic list that reflects hip-hop’s foundational pioneers, evolutionary trailblazers, and contemporary mainstays. In addition, that mix also encompasses 50 years of cultural milestones for a genre initially dismissed as a fad — and now recognized as the industry’s market-share leader.”

Flamboyant rapper Rick Ross debuts at position 50, renowned rapper and musician Lauren Hill is ranked at position 30, while successful rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent is positioned at position 17.

Kanye West, a dynamic creator, and generational talent, are ranked 11th, which makes it odd that he didn’t make the top 10.

Nicki Minaj, ranked at number 10, is the highest-ranking female on the list. Drake, the most successful rapper of all time, is rated eighth.

Lil Wayne is rated No. 7 for his accomplishments and influence. On the other hand, notorious B.I.G. and Tu Pac are No. 6 and No. 4, respectively.

The Top Ten are Nicki Minaj at number 10, Snoop at 9; Drake at 8; Lil Wayne comes in at 7; the Notorious B.I.G at 6; Eminem at number 5; Tupac comes in at 4, while Nas, Kendrick Lamar, and Jay Z make up the Top 3.