The internet has gone Top 50 crazy, thanks to a viral Top 50 Rappers of All Time list that surfaced earlier this week. The list, released by The Brew Podcast, sparked widespread debate, with questionable placements like Joe Budden ranked third—ahead of legends like Eminem, 2Pac, Black Thought, and André 3000. Fabolous cracking the top 10 was another head-scratcher. While there’s a lot to unpack about that list, let’s shift the focus closer to home—Africa.
If you follow me on social media, you know I love bringing hot topics back to the continent. You might not always agree with my approach, but sparking these conversations is what matters. Discussions like these rarely happen in Africa, and our homegrown heroes deserve the same recognition as their international counterparts. Plus, it’s always entertaining to watch old heads argue.
Since the viral list dropped on Monday, August 5, hip-hop fans, bloggers, and even celebrities like Mike Tyson, Ebro Darden, and Lil Durk have weighed in with their own Top 50 rankings. But who would make your Top 10—or Top 50, for that matter? Here’s the thing: no list is definitive. Yours isn’t, and neither is mine. These rankings are purely subjective, shaped by personal preferences and biases.
(Editor’s Note: If I may brag a little, my list is as close as you’ll get to a GOAT ranking for African hip-hop. I’ve made a conscious effort to include all the major pioneers and game-changers who’ve shaped the continent’s rap scene.)
Ranking African rappers is trickier than the North American debate. You have to consider factors like language barriers, the size of each country, cultural differences, and even political challenges. And let’s not forget the East African scene, which often gets overlooked in these conversations.
So, how do we approach this? Here’s a quick framework:
- Popularity: You can’t ignore an artist’s reach. How big are they outside their home country? If only five people listen to your music, it’s hard to make a case for GOAT status. Popularity often indicates an artist is doing something right.
- Longevity: At least 10+ years of consistent output, including guest features. No disappearing acts.
- Lyricism: A major factor, but not the be-all and end-all. Tupac isn’t the most lyrical, yet he’s a staple in GOAT debates.
- Versatility/Notoriety: This keeps you relevant. Being able to adapt and evolve is key.
- Battle-Tested: Let’s face it—you’re not the GOAT if you’ve never been in a rap beef. Beef is an essential part of hip-hop culture. Legends like Tupac, Biggie, Nas, JAY-Z, KRS-One, Ice Cube, and Drake have all been involved in rap battles at some point. Start a beef—even if it’s with the mailman.
You could also consider classic projects, but defining what’s a “classic” these days is tricky. (Don’t worry—I’ve got a list of classic African mixtapes coming soon.)
This list includes veteran African rappers like Obrafour, Modenine, Reggie Rockstone, and Proverb, as well as new-school stars like Nasty C, Emtee, and Cassper Nyovest. As expected, the internet had a lot to say about the rankings—some of it not so pleasant.
Let’s dive in and celebrate the artists who’ve shaped African hip-hop, sparking debates and inspiring generations along the way.
Since this is a thing now, I’m just going to drop this here. 🏃🏿♂️🏃🏿♂️ pic.twitter.com/7iBXZVEwD4— lazy Goat (@papermanCH) August 8, 2019
He barely rap in English.. Only his Ghanaians fans understand what he rap about… I can’t rate such a rapper— author specie (@007author) August 9, 2019
Sarkodie (number 1) and phyno is on the list and buy are indigenous rappers but no @olamide_YBNL . MI (mr incredible) is not on the list.. & @VectorThaViper on 45 hahaha 😂 you are a joke man. You need to go listen to Rap attack— tha successful (@streetly007) August 9, 2019
I do not see Hayze Engolah https://t.co/v4REZFCMxg— 🏁FINISHER ⚠ (@brizzy1080) August 9, 2019
Consistency but you ranked Modenine, M.anifest and Obrafour ahead of him? Anytime you hear anything about rap in Nigeria, MI Abaga is the brain behind it. He’s done more for Nigeria Rap culture than all other rappers— Lakeside Muller 🐅Ọmọ tọ’nsọ (@legzy00) August 9, 2019
I trust you coz @Sarkodie is no. 1 always…and my nigga @KingShukid254 is in there too https://t.co/thRhVLwI0D— 👽 (@Dj_TopSecret) August 9, 2019
You set yourself up for a firing squad.. 😂😂😂😂. You left out amazing rappers who are lost in translation while exalting others who are.. https://t.co/Kcb7n4AVUs— @RightHand2God (@MrBlu_Allday) August 9, 2019
No doubt Sarkodie got bars, but above Modenine? It’s a big noooo— SKRIPT (@AmSkript) August 9, 2019
What of SDC?— Z (@thekingzoey) August 9, 2019
Fact that there’s no one from TZ… the list is void 😂😂— FreeErickKabendera (@Wakazi) August 9, 2019
Should have started this post with the words ‘in my opinion’ cos there’s no way Sarkodie is no 1 and Vector is 45 😂😂😂— bobo_juice (@itz_cyrilshie) August 9, 2019
LMAO. No francophone rappers?LMAO.— Bóncoüse (@keleccini) August 8, 2019
🤡 https://t.co/GotfJyYSBm— Clinton Al-harazi Eleto (@ClintonSpel) August 8, 2019
Wtf is weird mc doing on the list ? Where is Gino ?— KayBangz aka 3plek (@kay_bangz) August 8, 2019
Stoogie T should be top 15, Sarkodie should be mid table https://t.co/vdTzeWHJiy— Poseidon (@Dha_mist) August 9, 2019
Olamide is not here ??— Temitope Morgan (@TemitopeMorgan) August 8, 2019
lol WHAT? 😂 pic.twitter.com/cg4pdXSxaS— steph (@steph_therapper) August 8, 2019
Definitely nicer than most in your Top 10. But we’ll get to it soon enough— 🇺🇬🇺🇬 (@TheMithMusic) August 8, 2019
No way Sark is better than Modenine x Proverb.— Miracle Boy (@iamDoli_Suave) August 8, 2019
You’re trying to get me mad, heheehhee— 🇺🇬🇺🇬 (@TheMithMusic) August 8, 2019
Sarkodie is not better than M.I or Modenine ❌❌❌ M.I is too 3 all time— Lakeside Muller 🐅Ọmọ tọ’nsọ (@legzy00) August 9, 2019
Where is baddo…olamide….????— •´¯`•.ИASҠY ß♡Y .• (@samuelnasky) August 8, 2019
🔥🔥🔥🔥😂 https://t.co/uC0IWaPhHL— Mandela In A Rari (@ThirdEyeMalawi) August 8, 2
Who would feature in your Top 10/50? Let us know in the comments. Also checkout Top Tier Collaborations Between Africa and North American Rappers.
Definitely nicer than most in your Top 10. But we'll get to it soon enough
— 🇺🇬🇺🇬 (@TheMithMusic) August 8, 2019
Sarkodie (number 1) and phyno is on the list and buy are indigenous rappers but no @olamide_YBNL . MI (mr incredible) is not on the list.. & @VectorThaViper on 45 hahaha 😂 you are a joke man. You need to go listen to Rap attack
— tha successful (@streetly007) August 9,
Definitely nicer than most in your Top 10. But we'll get to it soon enough
— 🇺🇬🇺🇬 (@TheMithMusic) August 8, 2019
Sarkodie (number 1) and phyno is on the list and buy are indigenous rappers but no @olamide_YBNL . MI (mr incredible) is not on the list.. & @VectorThaViper on 45 hahaha 😂 you are a joke man. You need to go listen to Rap attack
— tha successful (@streetly007) August 9,
