Check Out 'Verzuz' Rapper Power Ranking (1-10)
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What rapper would be the most difficult to beat in a Verzuz match?
Ever since Timbaland and Swizz Beatz began the battle series in early 2020, that’s been the question on everyone’s mind. Every few weeks, a new debate lights up social media about potential matchups.
Just a couple of weeks ago, a cross-generational conversation about Jay-Z and Lil Wayne broke out online, and everyone argued about whether Hov is actually unbeatable or not.
Verzuz is a matchup-based series, and we all have dream battles we’d love to see, but it’s time to settle a debate about the best rappers who could participate in a match someday.
Borrowing a page out of the book of the sports media world, the Complex Music team has put together a set of power rankings.
It’s important to note that this isn’t a ranking of the best rappers of all time.
We’re specifically looking at living rappers who could participate in Verzuz, and ranking them based on how their career, catalog, and stage presence would translate to a battle. Without further ado, it’s time to get into the power rankings.
Here are the picks for the top 10 rappers who could compete in Verzuz.
10. Missy Elliot
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 33
Top 10 hits: 9
It’s about time Missy Elliott gets her flowers, not only for her vision in music videos, but for her incredible discography as well.
Right out of the gate, Missy could shut down her competition with her 1997 album, Supa Dupa Fly, including hits like “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” and “Sock It 2 Me.”
From her 2000s era, she could play songs like “Work It,” “Gossip Folks,” “Pass That Dutch,” and “Lose Control.” Aside from her own tracks, she could also dip into an impressive bag of guest features, including songs like “1,2 Step” and “Not Tonight.”
Being onstage at a Verzuz battle, Missy would put on a show, share legendary stories, and prove once again just how important and influential she’s been.
9. LL Cool J
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 28
Top 10 hits: 8
LL Cool J is one of the older competitors who made it into the top 10, but the Verzuz format lends itself well to legendary veteran acts like him.
With his diverse catalog and years in the game, combined with great stage presence, he’d give all generations a show to remember.
LL has hits that span over three decades, and he’d have lots of smashes to choose from in a battle.
From the ’80s, he could play songs like “Going Back to Cali,” “Rock the Bells,” and “I Need Love.” His ’90s anthems include “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Hey Lover.”
And finishing out the 2000s, LL could hit fans with songs like “Luv U Better” and “Headsprung.”
LL Cool J deserves all the respect in the world, and a Verzuz match would remind people of all ages of his massive impact on rap.
8. Future
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 128
Top 10 hits: 4
For the past 10 years, Future has dominated the rap game, and the charts. That may not seem like a long time compared to some of the older acts on this list, but his music has become so synonymous with rap’s current sound that it’s sometimes difficult to think of a time before Future these days.
Instead of going through individual songs, it might be more effective to list out the albums and mixtapes that Future could just play through without any objections from the crowd.
Not many rappers have dominated the past decade like Future has, and he’d be a challenging opponent for anyone.
7.Nick Minaj
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 119
Top 10 hits: 19
Nicki Minaj has built a large, fiercely loyal fanbase due to high-energy performances, charisma on and off the stage, and a pure ability to tear a mic.
In a battle of deep cuts, she wins by tapping into her dense catalog of mixtapes, playing songs like “I Get Crazy” featuring Lil Wayne, the “Best I Ever Had” remix featuring Drake, and the cult classic, “Itty Bitty Piggy.”
Not only does she have the catalog to dominate a Verzuz, but her stage presence alone would be enough to carry the whole show.
It wouldn’t matter who was put in front of her; she would make sure her bout was the most memorable yet.
6. 50 Cent
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 41
Top 10 hits: 13
Let’s say, for the sake of this list, there are three incarnations of 50 Cent. There’s Mixtape 50, whose venomous bars and clever flips cemented his legend before his studio debut even arrived. (We’ll fold “How to Rob”-era 50 in here, too.) Then there’s Album 50, whose hits were inescapable for years.
And, finally, there’s Post-Rap 50, the Instagram troll who commands an audience of 27 million and uses the platform to promote a series of successful TV shows.
5. Snoop Dogg
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 43
Top 10 hits: 11
Out of everyone who has already participated in a Verzuz battle, Snoop Dogg may have been the most impressive. During his iconic 2020 showdown with DMX, the legendary Long Beach rapper reminded us just how special a career he’s had.
Playing a collection of hits spanning from the early ’90s to present-day, he walked us through rap history, running through songs like “Gin and Juice,” “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” and “The Next Episode.”
As he reminded everyone during his first Verzuz match, Snoop is one of the most likeable, beloved entertainers of our time, and it was impossible not to root for him while he danced around the stage, cracked jokes, and told legendary stories between songs.
4. Kanye West
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 133
Top 10 hits: 20
What would a Kanye West Verzuz battle look like? Well, he showed us a little preview during his recent Free Larry Hoover concert with Drake, running through a dizzying, decades-spanning setlist that went from “Jesus Walks” to “Gold Digger” to “Touch the Sky” to “Stronger” to “Black Skinhead” to “Mercy” to “Runaway” to “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” to Donda hits like “Hurricane” and “Come to Life.”
Kanye’s biggest hits cross multiple generations and subgenres, giving him a something-for-everyone advantage in a Verzuz battle that few could compete with.
Kanye has the catalog, the showmanship, and the spark of unpredictability that could give him a W against any artist on any given day.
3. Lil Wayne
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 178
Top 10 hits: 25
If getting the crowd hype is the objective here, Lil Wayne’s catalog means he can’t not understand the assignment. His first solo album was in 1999, and he could pull from more eras than almost anyone on the list.
Linearly speaking, he could get in the frenetic Cash Money and Hot Boyz bag. Then he could perform favorites from "Tha Carter and Tha Carter II."
Simply put, his range and depth of catalog (especially nostalgic bangers) would give anyone on this list a long night, including those ranked over him.
2. Drake
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 259
Top 10 hits: 54
Drake once said, “I got more slaps than the Beatles,” and he wasn’t lying. In 2019, he surpassed the Beatles to have the second-most Hot 100 entries ever. Then, just two years later, he became the artist with the most Hot 100 entries with a total of 222, and it’s only been up from there.
In a "Verzuz" battle, he could pull from big pop radio hits, club bangers, deeper lyrical records, songs from nearly every rap subgenre you could think of, and everything in between.
1. Jay Z
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 103
Top 10 hits: 22
There’s one main thing that sets Jay-Z apart from Drake on this list: the street hits. Drake can pull from almost any rap lane and region, but there’s a certain kind of raw, snarling, gritty brand of rap that Drake can’t deliver as convincingly as Jay.
Now that Verzuz is in a live concert soundclash mode, appeasing the crowd is crucial, and part of that comes with matching your opponent’s energy.
Jay’s Tunnel-tested tracks like “Where I’m From,” “It’s Hot,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “Money, Cash, Hoes,” and “Blackout,” are damn near automatic round winners vs. Drake for many fans—that random selection could be a quarter of the battle right there.
Ditto bangers like “Welcome to New York City,” “U Don’t Know,” “Public Service Announcement,” “Dirt Off Your Shoulder.” Jay has been around for 25+ years, going an album-a-year for some stretches, which means he has a catalog that, to quote Royce Da 5’9”, checks every box.
What are your opinions on this ranking?
NB: There will be continuation of this ranking (20-11) and (30-19) stay with me and make sure you don't miss those articles.
CC; @Billboard & Complex.com
#InternationalMusic #hiphopmusic #BillboardxBoomplay
Ever since Timbaland and Swizz Beatz began the battle series in early 2020, that’s been the question on everyone’s mind. Every few weeks, a new debate lights up social media about potential matchups.
Just a couple of weeks ago, a cross-generational conversation about Jay-Z and Lil Wayne broke out online, and everyone argued about whether Hov is actually unbeatable or not.
Verzuz is a matchup-based series, and we all have dream battles we’d love to see, but it’s time to settle a debate about the best rappers who could participate in a match someday.
Borrowing a page out of the book of the sports media world, the Complex Music team has put together a set of power rankings.
It’s important to note that this isn’t a ranking of the best rappers of all time.
We’re specifically looking at living rappers who could participate in Verzuz, and ranking them based on how their career, catalog, and stage presence would translate to a battle. Without further ado, it’s time to get into the power rankings.
Here are the picks for the top 10 rappers who could compete in Verzuz.
10. Missy Elliot
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 33Top 10 hits: 9
It’s about time Missy Elliott gets her flowers, not only for her vision in music videos, but for her incredible discography as well.
Right out of the gate, Missy could shut down her competition with her 1997 album, Supa Dupa Fly, including hits like “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” and “Sock It 2 Me.”
From her 2000s era, she could play songs like “Work It,” “Gossip Folks,” “Pass That Dutch,” and “Lose Control.” Aside from her own tracks, she could also dip into an impressive bag of guest features, including songs like “1,2 Step” and “Not Tonight.”
Being onstage at a Verzuz battle, Missy would put on a show, share legendary stories, and prove once again just how important and influential she’s been.
9. LL Cool J
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 28Top 10 hits: 8
LL Cool J is one of the older competitors who made it into the top 10, but the Verzuz format lends itself well to legendary veteran acts like him.
With his diverse catalog and years in the game, combined with great stage presence, he’d give all generations a show to remember.
LL has hits that span over three decades, and he’d have lots of smashes to choose from in a battle.
From the ’80s, he could play songs like “Going Back to Cali,” “Rock the Bells,” and “I Need Love.” His ’90s anthems include “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Hey Lover.”
And finishing out the 2000s, LL could hit fans with songs like “Luv U Better” and “Headsprung.”
LL Cool J deserves all the respect in the world, and a Verzuz match would remind people of all ages of his massive impact on rap.
8. Future
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 128Top 10 hits: 4
For the past 10 years, Future has dominated the rap game, and the charts. That may not seem like a long time compared to some of the older acts on this list, but his music has become so synonymous with rap’s current sound that it’s sometimes difficult to think of a time before Future these days.
Instead of going through individual songs, it might be more effective to list out the albums and mixtapes that Future could just play through without any objections from the crowd.
Not many rappers have dominated the past decade like Future has, and he’d be a challenging opponent for anyone.
7.Nick Minaj
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 119Top 10 hits: 19
Nicki Minaj has built a large, fiercely loyal fanbase due to high-energy performances, charisma on and off the stage, and a pure ability to tear a mic.
In a battle of deep cuts, she wins by tapping into her dense catalog of mixtapes, playing songs like “I Get Crazy” featuring Lil Wayne, the “Best I Ever Had” remix featuring Drake, and the cult classic, “Itty Bitty Piggy.”
Not only does she have the catalog to dominate a Verzuz, but her stage presence alone would be enough to carry the whole show.
It wouldn’t matter who was put in front of her; she would make sure her bout was the most memorable yet.
6. 50 Cent
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 41Top 10 hits: 13
Let’s say, for the sake of this list, there are three incarnations of 50 Cent. There’s Mixtape 50, whose venomous bars and clever flips cemented his legend before his studio debut even arrived. (We’ll fold “How to Rob”-era 50 in here, too.) Then there’s Album 50, whose hits were inescapable for years.
And, finally, there’s Post-Rap 50, the Instagram troll who commands an audience of 27 million and uses the platform to promote a series of successful TV shows.
5. Snoop Dogg
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 43Top 10 hits: 11
Out of everyone who has already participated in a Verzuz battle, Snoop Dogg may have been the most impressive. During his iconic 2020 showdown with DMX, the legendary Long Beach rapper reminded us just how special a career he’s had.
Playing a collection of hits spanning from the early ’90s to present-day, he walked us through rap history, running through songs like “Gin and Juice,” “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” and “The Next Episode.”
As he reminded everyone during his first Verzuz match, Snoop is one of the most likeable, beloved entertainers of our time, and it was impossible not to root for him while he danced around the stage, cracked jokes, and told legendary stories between songs.
4. Kanye West
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 133Top 10 hits: 20
What would a Kanye West Verzuz battle look like? Well, he showed us a little preview during his recent Free Larry Hoover concert with Drake, running through a dizzying, decades-spanning setlist that went from “Jesus Walks” to “Gold Digger” to “Touch the Sky” to “Stronger” to “Black Skinhead” to “Mercy” to “Runaway” to “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” to Donda hits like “Hurricane” and “Come to Life.”
Kanye’s biggest hits cross multiple generations and subgenres, giving him a something-for-everyone advantage in a Verzuz battle that few could compete with.
Kanye has the catalog, the showmanship, and the spark of unpredictability that could give him a W against any artist on any given day.
3. Lil Wayne
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 178Top 10 hits: 25
If getting the crowd hype is the objective here, Lil Wayne’s catalog means he can’t not understand the assignment. His first solo album was in 1999, and he could pull from more eras than almost anyone on the list.
Linearly speaking, he could get in the frenetic Cash Money and Hot Boyz bag. Then he could perform favorites from "Tha Carter and Tha Carter II."
Simply put, his range and depth of catalog (especially nostalgic bangers) would give anyone on this list a long night, including those ranked over him.
2. Drake
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 259Top 10 hits: 54
Drake once said, “I got more slaps than the Beatles,” and he wasn’t lying. In 2019, he surpassed the Beatles to have the second-most Hot 100 entries ever. Then, just two years later, he became the artist with the most Hot 100 entries with a total of 222, and it’s only been up from there.
In a "Verzuz" battle, he could pull from big pop radio hits, club bangers, deeper lyrical records, songs from nearly every rap subgenre you could think of, and everything in between.
1. Jay Z
Billboard Hot 100 entries: 103Top 10 hits: 22
There’s one main thing that sets Jay-Z apart from Drake on this list: the street hits. Drake can pull from almost any rap lane and region, but there’s a certain kind of raw, snarling, gritty brand of rap that Drake can’t deliver as convincingly as Jay.
Now that Verzuz is in a live concert soundclash mode, appeasing the crowd is crucial, and part of that comes with matching your opponent’s energy.
Jay’s Tunnel-tested tracks like “Where I’m From,” “It’s Hot,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “Money, Cash, Hoes,” and “Blackout,” are damn near automatic round winners vs. Drake for many fans—that random selection could be a quarter of the battle right there.
Ditto bangers like “Welcome to New York City,” “U Don’t Know,” “Public Service Announcement,” “Dirt Off Your Shoulder.” Jay has been around for 25+ years, going an album-a-year for some stretches, which means he has a catalog that, to quote Royce Da 5’9”, checks every box.
What are your opinions on this ranking?
NB: There will be continuation of this ranking (20-11) and (30-19) stay with me and make sure you don't miss those articles.
CC; @Billboard & Complex.com
#InternationalMusic #hiphopmusic #BillboardxBoomplay
Comments (25)
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New Comments（25）
Khalmandro
PRINCESSAUDREY
good
Angel Godbless
nice one
Mwandu Msendo
nice
gregutalor
well placed
francischbyd
This is cool
sanga og
@Godlover john:
[0x1f602][0x1f602]how sure are u?
Godlover john:
the king of battle is @jay Z
Nzuri hii