The internet is buzzing after Billboard unveiled its ranking of the “Biggest Rappers of the Century,” and unsurprisingly, Drake’s spot at the top has ignited intense debates among hip-hop fans. The 2000s have been one of the most competitive eras in rap history, rivaling the 90s and 2010s, and attempting to rank the biggest stars of this period was bound to cause a stir. Billboard’s list has done just that, with fans voicing strong opinions about who deserves their place.
The list’s top five includes Drake at number one, followed by Eminem, Kanye West, Nelly, and Jay-Z. The latter half features Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, and Ludacris, in that order. While some fans are celebrating the recognition of certain artists, others are questioning the list’s logic.
Fans React to Billboard’s Controversial Rankings
The Top 10 Biggest Rappers of the Century, according to Billboard 👀
1. Drake
2. Eminem
3. Kanye West
4. Nelly
5. Jay-Z
6. Lil Wayne
7. 50 Cent
8. Kendrick Lamar
9. Nicki Minaj
10. Ludacris pic.twitter.com/Kof0Vlh5QG— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) January 8, 2025
The Top 10 Biggest Rappers of the Century, according to Billboard 👀
1. Drake
2. Eminem
3. Kanye West
4. Nelly
5. Jay-Z
6. Lil Wayne
7. 50 Cent
8. Kendrick Lamar
9. Nicki Minaj
10. Ludacris pic.twitter.com/Kof0Vlh5QG— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) January 8, 2025
Drake supporters are ecstatic about their favorite artist’s position at the pinnacle of the list. Many have taken to social media to defend the ranking, with one user sarcastically quipping, “You mad because your darling is in 8th spot where he belongs? 😂” Drake’s dominance across charts, streaming platforms, and cultural influence is hard to deny, even for skeptics.
Meanwhile, the placements of other artists have stirred their own debates. Longtime fans of Ludacris and Nelly are pleased to see these early 2000s icons receiving recognition. “People in the replies are showing their age. I don’t think y’all understand how many hits Luda and Nelly were putting out in the early 2000s,” one commenter wrote.
However, not everyone is satisfied. Lil Wayne’s position at number six has left many baffled, with some arguing that his influence and success deserved a higher spot. Another divisive point is Nelly ranking above legends like Jay-Z and 50 Cent. “Nelly over Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, & 50 Cent is insane,” one critic stated.
A Test of Time for Hip-Hop Legends
The Top 10 Biggest Rappers of the Century, according to Billboard 👀
1. Drake
2. Eminem
3. Kanye West
4. Nelly
5. Jay-Z
6. Lil Wayne
7. 50 Cent
8. Kendrick Lamar
9. Nicki Minaj
10. Ludacris pic.twitter.com/Kof0Vlh5QG— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) January 8, 2025
The Top 10 Biggest Rappers of the Century, according to Billboard 👀
1. Drake
2. Eminem
3. Kanye West
4. Nelly
5. Jay-Z
6. Lil Wayne
7. 50 Cent
8. Kendrick Lamar
9. Nicki Minaj
10. Ludacris pic.twitter.com/Kof0Vlh5QG— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) January 8, 2025
This uproar reflects how stacked the 2000s were with iconic hitmakers. Billboard’s reasoning for the rankings—likely a mix of chart performance, cultural impact, and longevity—will never fully satisfy fans of such a competitive and diverse genre. The list also highlights the evolving tastes and generational divides among hip-hop enthusiasts.
For now, the debate rages on, but one thing is clear: the 2000s were an undeniable golden era for hip-hop, and these discussions only reinforce the influence these artists continue to wield in shaping the genre’s legacy.
