Media outlet Complex published a ranking of the 50 [3] best New York rappers of all time on its website.
The list attempts to quantify the legacy of one of the world's most influential music scenes by evaluating artists on songwriting, lyrical ability, influence, and cultural impact [4]. Because the New York rap scene is deeply tied to the city's identity, such rankings often spark intense debate among artists and fans.
Jay-Z earned the No. 1 spot [1], followed by The Notorious B.I.G. at No. 2 [2]. The rankings reflect a preference for artists who defined the commercial and critical peak of the genre in the U.S.
Not all artists reacted favorably to the results. Azealia Banks said, "I'm better than ASAP Rocky" [5].
Other tensions emerged regarding those omitted from the list. Max B was not included in the 50 [4], a decision that led to the rapper walking out of a Complex interview.
Complex developed the list by analyzing the long-term contributions of these artists to the hip-hop canon. The resulting rankings have since triggered a wide range of reactions across social media platforms, as users argue over the placement of modern stars versus legacy acts.
“Jay-Z earned the No. 1 spot”
This ranking highlights the ongoing tension between institutional music criticism and artist self-perception. By prioritizing 'cultural impact' and 'influence,' Complex creates a benchmark for success that often clashes with the subjective nature of lyrical skill, fueling the competitive nature of the New York hip-hop community.
