The G.O.A.T. (Hip Hop Edition)

The argument over who or what is the "Greatest" in any genre is one that is as old as mount Mutumbo. There are posted lists splattered all over the mainstream media over what is the greatest movie of all time, album, artist or whatever insignificant rubbish big brother wants us to bicker over like C-Webb and Kenny Smith over the all-star team selections(Anyone remember Webber being that passionate during a game?) What people often fail to realize is that its all subjective. There are some exceptions; in sports you can drudge up some random stats that most people won't even bother to verify to make a case for your favorite player being the second coming of Jesus Shuttlesworth. There's a New York Times article out there on Shane Battier being better than Jordan. (Ok, I'm exaggerating, but it does make a case for Battier being the best winner in the game). Yet even when you can include stats in the equation, it all comes down to your opinion and preference. My grandfather will argue with you until you're his age about how Magic is the greatest player ever. When everyone else in the world counters with Jordan, he holds his position and brings up stats that sound more unbelievable than Akon's criminal record. But that was his era, he watched Wilt average 37 points and 27 rebounds (Wow) to justify him being better than Shaq. He's watched Bill Russell shut down that same player and win 11 rings to advocate Russell as the best center ever. I didn't watch those players play, (they were embarrassing athletically challenged white players well before I was born), but you can convince me that Currency writes for Lil Wayne before I'm persuaded into thinking that Shaq wouldn't Ether both of those players. But that's just my opinion.

In regard to Hip Hop, the argument is solely based on opinion and nothing more. Some cite record sales, lyrics, production, content, and swagga to back their claims for the G.O.A.T. But these attributes are all based on what one feels is most important. Remember when Nellie was number 1 in album sales? Was he the best in the game? (if you answered yes to that question, click here). Yet there were people out there who would swear on Hip Hop's shallow grave that he was the greatest. (No wonder why they called them the St. Lunatics).

Go to an art show or visit a musuem; experience the contrasting cultures, styles and aesthetics of human creativity. You'll probably notice someone entranced while starring at a painting, while another spectator passes the same piece without a second glance like Bow Wow's "New Jack City II" was on display(Was he even born when the first one came out?) Yeah, I think its a blast to explain with conviction why an MC might make you rewind his every line, or how a producer might make you wish that no one was spittin over his track, but beware of that passion. I know cats who are ready to pull a Kermit Washington on anyone who thinks that B.I.G. is better than Pac. I've seen altercations worse than the Pistons/Pacers '04 brawl(Think Artest running into the stands swinging at women and children) over the Jay Z vs. Nas war. Pac, Biggie, Nas, Jay, Weezy, KRS-1, Rakim, Chuck D, L.L., Cube, T.I., Andre 3000, the list can go on forever. A case for the crown can be made for any one of them. You can continue to bicker and debate this until "Detox" is released, but the bottom line is that there "Aint no best." -Nas (Ether)