Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, is considered by many to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. He has sold over 220 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists in music history. Eminem is known for his incredible rapping abilities, controversial lyrics, and contribution to the evolution of hip hop. However, over the years, some other rappers have made claims that they are better than Eminem. This article will look at who these rappers are and analyze their claims.
Drake
Drake is one rapper who has hinted before that he is better than Eminem. In 2010, Drake released a song called “Thank Me Now” where he rapped the lyrics “Top 5 and that includes Biggie and Pac whore / And I got an evil twin so who do you think that 3rd and that 4th spot’s for?” This line suggests that Drake considers himself in the top 5 rappers of all time, which would put him above Eminem.
Drake has reached huge commercial success, having sold over 170 million records worldwide. He has demonstrated his rapping talent and versatility on hits like “Started From the Bottom” and “God’s Plan.” However, most hip hop fans would argue that Drake’s discography and impact on rap does not compare to Eminem’s yet. While he is talented in his own right, Drake simply does not have the extensive catalog, lyricism, or influence that Eminem does to be considered better.
Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar is another rapper some have argued may have surpassed Eminem. Lamar has been praised for his lyrical storytelling abilities, social commentary, and incorporation of jazz and funk influences in his music. Songs like “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “HUMBLE” showcase Lamar’s technical rapping skills.
Lamar has achieved tremendous critical and commercial success, winning 13 Grammy Awards and selling over 40 million records worldwide. He is often ranked among the greats like Tupac, Nas, and Jay-Z. However, most experts still do not put Lamar above Eminem yet. While Lamar may be more innovative and poetic, Eminem’s rhyme schemes, flow, and captivating music catalog are unmatched. Eminem also elevated rap into the mainstream like few others have. For now, Lamar likely needs more time before he can be considered better than Eminem.
J. Cole
J. Cole is a third rapper some have argued is potentially better than Eminem. Cole is known for his conscious, thoughtful lyrics and storytelling abilities. Songs like “No Role Modelz” and “Love Yourz” display Cole’s lyrical talents and perspective. He has also shown he can deliver catchy mainstream hits like “Work Out.”
While J. Cole is among the most skilled and successful modern rappers, most experts still do not place him ahead of Eminem. Eminem has more classic albums, cultural influence, record sales, and longevity in the game. Additionally, Eminem’s rhyme schemes tend to be more complex and his flow more dynamic than Cole’s delivery. J. Cole may keep progressing, but for now, consensus is that Eminem remains superior.
Kanye West
Kanye West is undoubtedly one of the most successful rappers and producers of the 21st century. With 21 Grammy Awards and over 140 million records sold, West has proven his talents. Songs like “Jesus Walks” and “Runaway” highlight West’s ability to create anthemic hip hop hits.
However, despite his accomplishments, most hip hop fans do not place Kanye above Eminem. While West may be a more inventive producer, Eminem outpaces him as an MC. Eminem’s rhyme schemes, storytelling, flow, and lyrical prowess surpass Kanye. West is unquestionably an all-time great artist, but his rapping itself has never reached the level of Eminem’s abilities. For that reason, it is hard to rank Kanye as better than Eminem as an MC.
Lil Wayne
Around the late 2000s, Lil Wayne was arguably one of the most popular rappers in the game. During this peak run, some began to argue Wayne was approaching the skill of rappers like Eminem and Jay-Z. Songs like “A Milli” and “6 Foot 7 Foot” showcased Wayne’s playful delivery and rhyming patterns.
However, over time, Lil Wayne’s claim as one of the greats has diminished. While in his prime he was untouchable, he has fallen off considerably. Most of his recent output is considered weaker than his early classics. For this reason, hardly any experts still argue Wayne could be better than Eminem. Eminem has far greater longevity, lyrics, storytelling, and cultural impact. It is unlikely Lil Wayne will ever again reach the point where rap fans ranked him as high as Eminem.
The Game
Back in the 2000s, The Game was one rapper who seemed to have animosity towards Eminem. On songs like “240 Bars,” Game claimed the West Coast rap scene did not need to recognize Eminem. He hinted that he and other West Coast rappers were superior.
However, over time, The Game’s catalog and prominence diminished. Meanwhile, Eminem remains one of the most acclaimed rappers today. No one would seriously argue that The Game is on the same level skill-wise or culturally. While Game achieved some solid hits, his catalog and lyricism pale in comparison to Eminem’s. This rivalry faded over time as Game failed to match Eminem’s consistent rapping talents.
Logic
Logic is a more recent rapper who some have compared to Eminem at times. Logic has shown impressive rapping abilities, especially his fast delivery and flow. Songs like “44 More” have strikingly technical rhyme schemes reminiscent of Eminem.
However, so far Logic has not achieved the extensive catalog or influence Eminem has managed during his career. While clearly skilled, Logic is still early in his career with just six studio albums so far. Eminem’s songwriting, hitmaking abilities, and cultural significance greatly outweigh Logic’s work to date. Logic may have the talent to eventually compete, but most fans do not rank him over Eminem yet.
Nick Cannon
In recent years, actor Nick Cannon engaged in a feud with Eminem through diss tracks. On songs like “The Invitation” and “Pray For Him,” Cannon claimed he was a superior rapper and tried insulting Eminem.
However, Nick Cannon is predominantly known as an actor, comedian, and TV host rather than a serious rapper. He has released just 3 albums compared to Eminem’s 10 multi-platinum works. No credible rap fans or critics consider Cannon even close to Eminem’s level as an MC. This beef seemed to be taken much more seriously by Cannon than Eminem fans or industry people. The vast majority agree Eminem easily remains superior to Nick Cannon as a rapper.
Joe Budden
Joe Budden is a rapper who many consider to be underrated and often overlooked. Songs like “Pump It Up” and “Walk With Me” display Budden’s introspective lyrics and refined craft. In recent years, Budden has argued multiple times on his podcast that he is better than Eminem.
However, most hip hop fans greatly disagree with this take. While Budden is talented in his own right, Eminem has outsold him significantly and has far more classic hits. Budden may be underappreciated, but arguing he is above Eminem seems an exaggerated take. Eminem’s rhyme schemes, storytelling concepts, and cultural significance greatly outweigh Budden’s work.
Royce Da 5’9
As Eminem’s rap partner in Bad Meets Evil, Royce Da 5’9 is an elite lyricist who some have argued is approaching Eminem’s level, if not already there. Royce possesses technical rhyme abilities comparable to Eminem, shown on songs like “Scary Movies” and “Fast Lane.”
However, most fans still give Eminem the edge due to his extensive catalog of classics, charisma, and sales. Royce Da 5’9 lacks the immense cultural impact of Eminem as a solo act. The fact they work so well together shows Royce is an elite wordsmith who complements Eminem, not surpasses him. For now, the slight majority still give Eminem the edge as the superior rapper and hitmaker.
Big Sean
Big Sean has become one of the most commercially successful mainstream rappers of recent years. With hit songs like “IDFWU” and “Blessings,” Big Sean has proven he can consistently make catchy hip hop hits. Some have argued that as he continues to grow in skill, he has approached elite rappers like Eminem.
However, Big Sean’s rapping remains considerably more simple and straightforward than Eminem’s work. Eminem exhibits far more complex rhyme schemes, witty wordplay, storytelling, and lyrical depth. While Big Sean has honed his mainstream sound, his rapping itself is nowhere near Eminem’s level of technical proficiency. Big Sean may continue evolving, but for now, there is no solid argument that he is a superior rapper to Eminem.
J. Cole Again
As exemplified earlier, J. Cole is one contemporary rapper who some have argued may have reached or even surpassed Eminem artistically. Songs like “MIDDLE CHILD” and “No Role Modelz” display Cole’s poignant lyrics and storytelling.
However, at this time in his career, few knowledgeable hip hop fans would definitively claim Cole surpasses Eminem. Eminem’s rhyme density, unique flows, vivid imagery, cultural impact and longevity remain incredibly rare. J. Cole is clearly one of the most talented rappers out right now, but he still has work to do before matching Eminem’s extensive body of acclaimed work. Only time will tell if J. Cole can progress his artistry enough to change more minds.
Conclusion
Eminem stands out as one of hip hop’s most skilled, successful, and iconic rappers of all time. Very few can truly compare with his rhyme complexity, dynamic flows, humor, storytelling, production contributions and lasting impact. While rappers like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Big Sean continue to progress, at this time none appear to have definitively surpassed Eminem artistically. Eminem has set the bar incredibly high through his catalog of classic albums, raw technical abilities, and sheer lyrical talents. It remains to be seen if any new school rapper will be able to definitively be ranked higher than Eminem in most expert and fan opinions. But as long as Eminem keeps delivering solid new music that connects with audiences, he appears poised to remain considered one of hip hop’s greatest of all time.