7 solid reasons why Billboard/Vibe top 50 rappers of all time list is flawed

This article is not to ridicule Billboard/Vibe Top 50 rappers lists of all time but to highlight areas greatly unattended to.

Billboard stated that the criteria for creating the list was purely on "Body of work/achievements,” followed by “cultural impact/influence,” and then “longevity". Then lastly by the more important factors which are "the lyrics that rapper writes, and the rapper’s vocal ability to deliver said lyrics".

I am not going to bore you with long talk but here are 7 reasons why the list is flawed.

1. Why is Dr Dre on the list in the first place?

One of the best ever Hip Hop producers of all time (which is still under review) had released 3 highly acclaimed albums over his illustrious Solo career of over 30 years but didn't write a word of it. But he's number 40? That's all I can say.

2. They have some rappers but they don't have better rappers.

There is 50 Cent in top 20 (which is funny to me) but no Jarule. You have Ice-T and Rev Run but no Kool G Rap. Gucci Mane is on the list but no Nelly, no Fabulous but Jadakiss is there.

3. Kendrick number 2 is a No! No!!

Arguably the best rapper in this generation, accompanied by the more melodic and popular Drake and also the more reserved but more diverse J.Cole. Kendrick has had more awards and acclaim but does that mean he overtakes the gods of the craft like Nas, Jay, Eminem who are still dropping it hot until now?

4. J.Cole is too far from Kendrick.

The last generation of Hip Hop had Jay, Nas and Eminem who sit on 1st, 3rd and 5th respectively. But for this generation which clearly has Kendrick, Drake and Cole has a way biased position of 2nd, 8th and 15th. Even from the previous generation of Rakim, Big Daddy Kane and KRS One they were positioned 13th, 20th and 24th. This shows a big level of sentiment towards Cole especially when the Hip Hop world is almost evenly divided between Kendrick and Cole.

5. Billboard/Vibe didn't set the right criterias.

As earlier said, Billboard declared their reasons for the list which was "Body of work, Impact and Longevity then lyrics and method of delivery. Which is very wrong. To really consider the greatest rappers of all time, there are what should be considered.

- Quality of Body of work

- Consistency/Longevity

- Diversity

- Quality of lyrics

- Cultural Impact

- Uniqueness of Art

- Flow, Style and Artistry.

6. Billboard/Vibe still didn't follow their set criterias.

If you look at the list critically and compare with their reasons then you will realize that. Big L ought to be on the list if Big Pun is 26th. Tech9ne ought to be on the list because of Body of work, impact, longevity. The Game ought to be on the list as well. You have Gucci Mane, Ice-T and Rev Run but no MC Hammer, Will Smith or even MF Doom. And please why is Andre 3000 on the list in the first place.

There are many more reasons I have to stress how Billboard/Vibe released a very poor list of poorly vetted rappers and poor criterias used.

If you want to see our own Top 50 deserved rappers of all time as properly vetted by HIP HOP HEAD (the best African Magazine) just drop your reaction on the comment section below.

Stay safe.