We all know Eminem is number 1, but who is number 2?
1. Eminem
We will do this list backward because there is no suspense here (I also think it’s more interesting to know who barely made the list). Eminem is 1 in America, Europe, Africa, and on whatever planet those damn aliens the Mexican Government found the other day are from. There’s no need to try to build up some fake hype.
Eminem is a polarizing figure with a bark matching his bite, A+ rap skills, a long, impressive resume, and many mentees. He’s equivalent to the white basketball player who can go to any court in the hood and be the best player. If you don’t have Eminem in your top 5 rappers ever, I don’t want to hear your list or what you like for breakfast.
Favorite Eminem Album: “Marshall Mathers LP”
Favorite Eminem Song: “Lose Yourself”
2. Mac Miller
Mac Miller is arguably the most talented artist on this list. Miller knew how to put together infectious melodies, blend various genres, and, of course, knew how to whip some ass on the mic. I also love how his newer material fearlessly tackled mental health. Overall, Mac just knew how to make his music talk to you, whether you were black, white, Spanish, or Asian, which is why he’s so missed today.
Favorite Mac Miller Album: “Circles”
Favorite Mac Miller Song: “Donald Trump”
3. Beastie Boys
When the Beastie Boys were poppin’, I wasn’t born yet. However, I’ve studied their rise to the top.
From their dress style to their confident deliveries to their hardcore rap approach (Which almost sounded like a mockery of hip-hop music most of the time), this triplet from New York showed the world how creative hip-hop can be by mixing the genre with other genres and hitting us with lyrical content from a white perspective (Which was pretty new at the time). They’re also the first mainstream white rap act, so that should count for something, right?
Favorite Album: “Paul’s Boutique”
Favorite Song: “Intergalatic”
4. Paul Wall
PAUL WALL, BABY!
Though Paul Wall’s résumé is not as stacked as I wish it were, he is absolutely a legendary figure in hip-hop. From his impact on Southern rap culture to his role in making grills iconic, Wall has earned real respect and is often mentioned among the top white rappers to ever touch a mic.
I do not think Paul Wall is among the most technically skilled white rappers. Honestly, I do not think he cracks the top 25 if we are talking pure rap ability. However, when it comes to impact, he is easily in the top five. Paul Wall, as everyone ranked above him in that category, can walk into almost any Black establishment and get daps, hugs, and love off his presence alone. Hell, I might even say he could run the grill at a barbecue for ten minutes while the main guy takes a bathroom break.
Favorite Album: “The People’s Champ”
Favorite Song: “Sittin’ Sideways”
5. Yelawolf
Pound for pound, I think Yelawolf can stand next to just about anybody. While Catfish Billy has not had many major commercial moments and often speaks to an audience outside of my own lane, the second he touches a mic, the level of damage he does is undeniable.
What makes Yelawolf dangerous is that he is not just a flow specialist. Yes, he can switch cadences, ride chaotic production, and deliver technically sharp verses with ease, but he also brings substance, personality, and hard-hitting punchlines. There is grit in his music, but there is also intention behind it. He can give you Southern swagger, rock-star energy, introspection, and pure rap aggression all in the same breath.
He is one of those artists who may not always get mainstream credit, but among people who really listen to rap, his skill set is obvious. Do not sleep on Catfish Billy.
Favorite Album: “Love Story”
Favorite Song: “Til It’s Gone”
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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This Post Has 6 Comments
How does Harlow even manage this list and Aesop Rock was left out…. Even a middle age white woman in upstate NY wouldn’t dream of making that mistake.
It’s funny you say this now with Jack Harlow’s “Lovin On Me” single literally at the top of the charts lol.
I agree but at the same time understand where the writer is coming from. Aesop Rock is pretty much undeniably more talented but talent doesn’t equate to success. Jack Harlow is undeniably more successful. As much as we may hate that, we can’t dispute it. I also think Yelawolf is more talented but again, stats sadly speak for themselves lol
@Quincy – I dig the list, and don’t disagree with it from a success perspective. I think if anyone has an issue with it, they need to remember “Best” doesn’t necessarily mean “Most talented.” They need to just understand where you are coming from. Cheers!
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Unpopular opinion but Mac miller isn’t top 5.
Eminem
Beastie Boys
Yelawolf
Aesop rock
El-P
No hate towards Mac but he’s everyone’s darling because he died. To put him ahead of the beasties is pure blasphemy.
That’s extremely fair. I do think Mac Miller’s ear for music was amazing. Probably better than anyone on this list. I do respect your list a lot.