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Billboard's '10 Greatest Rappers of All Time', Tupac missing!

By MyJoyOnline
General News Billboard's '10 Greatest Rappers of All Time', Tupac missing!
NOV 18, 2015 LISTEN

Late American rapper, Tupac Amaru Shakur was good enough to be one of the world’s best all time rappers, Billboard has said.

According to recognised music chart site, Tupac can’t be counted among the ten best rappers to have blessed the mic.

The site, in what has forced many to call the site’s credibility into question, released the list of the ‘10 Greatest Rappers of All Time’.

From last to first, Billboard puts greatest rappers as follows: 10. Lil Wayne 9. Kendrick Lamar 8. Ghostface Killah 7. Lauryn Hill 6. Andre 3000 5. Nas 4. Rakim 3. Eminem 2. Jay Z 1. Biggie Smalls (Notorious BIG).

The list has not gone down well with critics, music lovers and fans alike. For many, the list is far from credible and are very much disappointed that Tupac couldn’t make the list.

Billboard in releasing the list clearly anticipated the backlash that will follow. The music chart site, known to be the most credible and a reference point said:

“Diehard fans, music nerds and critics love lists. But in rap, rankings like this take on a special level of import: aside from moving a crowd (shouts to Rakim), MC means proving you’re the best. In no other genre do artists so blatantly express their desire to outdo competition. That made Billboard's editorial list a more high-stakes undertaking than usual.

“Many favorites -- Kane, Drake, KRS -- didn’t make it, and each of those omissions hurts deep down. Note: we’re ranking these folks as MCs, not artists. That’s why Dr. Dre and Kanye West, for example, two legendary producer-rappers who don’t match the mic skills of those listed here, were left out. Even Tupac, perhaps the most influential rapper ever globally, is arguably known more for great songwriting than dominant bars.”

Music site, djbooth.net commenting on the release believes that the list is incomplete with Tupac.

“First off, Tupac is nowhere to be found on the Billboard top ten rappers of all-time. I’m sorry, but regardless of your stance on the east coast/west coast debate there’s no denying ‘Pac is much deserving of a spot somewhere in the mix. Arguably one of the most prolific rappers of all time, his musical library and legacy alone earn him a spot on whatever list is being compiled, hell he would be on the Mount Rushmore of Hip-Hop,” the site said.

djbooth.net added that, “While I appreciate not simply giving a spot to a name, this wasn’t the place to make that decision. Pac is easily a top 10 rapper if not simply for the fact that he helped inspire the current work of Kendrick Lamar, who did come in at number nine.”

Hiphopdx.com also said “Billboard dropped their big best rappers of all-time list and we couldn’t help but notice that a few notable names came up missing. No Tupac Shakur , anyone?”

Website, howlandechoes.com also punching holes into the list asked, Where is Pac?

“Now Tupac is far from the greatest spitter, but to discount his rapping ability entirely is just absurd. There is no question that Tupac displays the rapping talent and lyrical ability that deserves a spot amongst the upper echelon. Of course we can sit here and argue his social and cultural importance; he is still as famous of a figure as he was in his prime, but for a list that ranks rapping ability, to be devoid of Tupac Shakur seems a travesty. Songs such as Changes demonstrate the ability and sheer talent of the man,” the site said.

Follow me on Twitter @delaXdela and on Instagram at: citizendela.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Ernest Dela Aglanu (Twitter: @delaXdela / Instagram: citizendela)

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