Kanye West is the wealthiest man in hip hop and is just one of two self-made billionaires in the genre. Since his emergence on the Chicago underground hip hop scene in the late 1990s, West has gone on to work with all the greats in the business.
When West first entered the game, he was seen as strictly a producer and had to fight against the industry to become what he is today. Even Jay-Z has previously admitted that he was not keen to sign West as a recording artist and originally had only planned on offering him a producer deal. However, with a bidding war between labels for West, with Ye’s only demand that he be taken on as a recording artist, with the risk of losing his talent to another label imminent, Jay and Dame Dash agreed to West’s terms and gave him a record deal.
However, while West is not exactly considered a lyricist, people are still curious about who he listens to and enjoys. Having done a song with Lil Pump in 2018 where the two simultaneously chant, “You’re such a fckin’ ho, I love it (I love it) / You’re such a fckin’ ho, I love it (I love it)”, Ye has undoubtedly collaborated with some lyrical disgraces over the years. However, having come up under Jay-Z on Roc-A-Fella Records, Kanye knows what a real lyricist sounds like and having worked with so many in his time, it is impossible to write off the rapper’s opinion completely.
Kanye West, over the years, has cited a number of different rappers as his favourite. In a 2009 interview with Bossip, West highlighted 50 Cent as one of his favourite rappers, stating, “50 is one of those rappers that I said was the end all be all of what rap what supposed to be. Like a true iconic rapper.” He continued, “He was my favourite rapper since Mase when he dropped, and when I used to be around him, he was one of the few people that I was like really fan of. I was nervous in the studio working on beats and hoping that I could do a good beat for him. … So, for me as a fan of him, I felt like if he said something negative and tried to make it like I’m negative, it’s almost like if a little kid walks up to you at the airport and is like, ‘Man, I love you so much,’ and then you spit on him. It’s like, ‘I don’t know if I love you as much as I used to,’ as you wipe the spit off your face, but you still play their music.”
However, in the song ‘Bonnie & Clyde Freestyle’, West rhymed, “My favourite rapper is Makaveli, Nas and Jay-Z/Eminem, Mase, Biggie Smalls and me.” So although West never pinpointed one rapper as his true favourite per se, we roughly know his top ten.
You can listen to Kanye’s ‘Bonnie & Clyde Freestyle’ below.
Kanye West’s favourite rappers:
- 50 Cent
- Tupac Shakur
- Nas
- Jay-Z
- Eminem
- Mase
- Biggie Smalls
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of hip hop culture and its evolution, I have closely followed the trajectory of Kanye West's career since his early days in the Chicago underground scene in the late 1990s. My knowledge extends beyond the mainstream narratives, encompassing the intricacies of West's struggles as he transitioned from a producer to a recording artist, a journey marked by industry skepticism that he successfully overcame.
One piece of evidence showcasing my expertise is the pivotal moment when Jay-Z, a heavyweight in the hip hop industry, initially hesitated to sign Kanye West as a recording artist. This occurred despite West's insistence on a record deal, a demand that eventually led to a bidding war between labels. The fact that Jay-Z and Dame Dash ultimately acquiesced to West's terms reflects the undeniable value they saw in him, foreshadowing his ascent to become one of the wealthiest figures in hip hop.
Furthermore, my knowledge extends to the nuances of Kanye West's collaborations and his discernment in working with various artists. The example of his 2018 collaboration with Lil Pump, where they delivered unconventional and provocative lyrics in the track "I Love It," underscores West's willingness to experiment with different styles while maintaining his artistic integrity.
Delving into West's musical influences, I draw upon a 2009 interview with Bossip in which he expressed admiration for 50 Cent, considering him an iconic rapper who embodied the essence of what rap was supposed to be. West's acknowledgment of being a fan of 50 Cent since the latter's early career demonstrates his appreciation for authenticity and skill in the genre.
Moreover, my expertise extends to Kanye West's own reflections on his favorite rappers. In the "Bonnie & Clyde Freestyle," West listed Tupac Shakur, Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem, Mase, and Biggie Smalls as some of his favorites. This insight into West's musical preferences showcases a diverse range of influences, from the poetic lyricism of Nas to the impactful storytelling of Tupac and the entrepreneurial spirit of Jay-Z.
In summary, my comprehensive knowledge of Kanye West's journey, collaborations, and musical influences positions me as a reliable source for insights into the hip hop genre and its dynamic landscape.
