In typical headline-grabbing fashion, Kanye West has once again stirred the hip-hop community by revealing his personal list of the “12 Rap Kings” – those he considers the greatest rappers of all time. The controversial producer and artist included himself among hip-hop royalty while notably excluding several contemporary heavyweights, creating immediate backlash from fans worldwide.
The 12 Rap Kings According to Kanye West
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) platform, West shared what he believes to be the definitive lineup of rap excellence:
“There are 12 rap kings: [Lil] Wayne, Me, Jay [Jay-Z], Drake, Biggie [Smalls], [2]PAC, 50 [Cent], EM [Eminem], LL [Cool J], Run DMC, Nas, Rakim.”
This carefully curated list spans multiple generations of hip-hop, from pioneering acts like Run DMC and Rakim to modern-day titans like Drake. West’s inclusion of himself alongside universally acclaimed legends like Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. has predictably raised eyebrows, though many critics acknowledge his undeniable impact on the genre.
Notable Omissions Spark Controversy
The list immediately generated heated debate across social media platforms, with fans and industry insiders questioning several high-profile omissions. Most notably absent are critical darlings Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, both widely considered among the most skillful and influential rappers of the current generation.
These exclusions appear particularly pointed given West’s recent public comments. In statements that surfaced earlier, West admitted that while Kendrick Lamar is “very good,” he doesn’t enjoy his music – a surprisingly candid admission that may explain Lamar’s absence from the list.
History of Tension with Excluded Artists
West’s complicated relationship with the excluded artists extends beyond mere musical preference. Last year, he publicly criticized J.Cole for apologizing to Kendrick Lamar over a diss track created in response to Lamar’s song targeting both Cole and Drake.
West was unequivocal in his disapproval, insisting that J.Cole had “goofed” by extending the olive branch to Lamar – perhaps offering insight into why neither artist cut his prestigious lineup.
The Ongoing Evolution of Hip-Hop Hierarchies
Lists like West’s serve as cultural touchstones that reveal not just personal preferences but deeper currents running through hip-hop’s ever-evolving landscape. These rankings reflect the continuing tension between respecting hip-hop’s foundational figures while acknowledging newer artists reshaping the genre.
As the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and other institutions continue to formalize hip-hop’s place in music history, debates about the genre’s most important contributors remain vitally important – even when sparked by controversial figures like West.
Conclusion
Whether you agree with West’s selections or find the omissions glaring, his “12 Rap Kings” list accomplishes what many of his public statements do: generating conversation about hip-hop’s past, present, and future. In an art form built on competitive spirit, perhaps these debates keep the culture vibrant and evolving.