Popular rapper Eminem is one of the greatest in the hip-hop scene. Fans often debate the talents of other legendary rappers such as Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Biggie, Tupac Shakur, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Nas. While Eminem is a major name in the debate, some believe that his success is due to his race rather than his talent.
Recently, the Top 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time list by Billboard and Vibe caused controversy, and rap icon Melle Mel shared his thoughts on Eminem’s placement. The Detroit rapper landed in the fifth spot, a position that Mel believes he received only because he is white.
He acknowledged that Eminem is a capable rapper who has achieved great sales and has a unique rhyme style, Mel argued that his race played a significant role in his legacy.
Rappers defend Eminem
50 Cent was quick to come out in defense of Eminem. In his latest Instagram post, Fiddy shared Melle Mel’s picture and in the caption, he wrote: “There was more money selling dope than being in Hip Hop when Melly Mel was popping, the culture has grown so much. I am not sure if it would be what it is today with out artist like Eminem. S–t I am not sure I would be who I am with out him but you know it is competitive so ni–*s gonna hate. LOL f–k outta here ! We sucker free.”
Kxng Crooked also defended Eminem in the 5 minutes video clip the California rapper recorded specially for the topic: “That was the funnies clip I’ve seen all day. I could not stop laughing for 5 minutes straight because his posture is demeanor like he was serious. I was not offended by what he said because it’s his opinion but then I saw in my mind him and Marshall doing a battle and I could not stop laughing.”
Crooked continues: “I was not shocked what Melle Mel said. I was not surprised but let’s jump to educational part real quick. There is a privilege that comes with being white in the American Music Industry. That’s obvious. It’s just a fact. Now, let’s change Eminem into a black rapper real quick. He’s a black rapper. He has Jimmy Iovine, Paul Rosenberg, Dr. Dre behind him, how far do you think he’ll get with that kind of weaponry behind his music? I think we all can agree that he’ll get pretty far right? Now lets take color all the way out of the equation. If somebody decided to create a round table and only the most brilliant lyricists in the history of hip-hop could sit I’d be sitting at that table like ‘what’s happening Marshall?’ Eminem will be sitting at that table! So, as one of the most brilliant hip-hop writers in the history of the culture what do you think Eminem deserves? Every f–king thing he has cause he is brilliant.
“I’m not saying Rakim, KRS, Kool G, Kane, DOC, Pharoahe Monch, Kurupt etc don’t deserve it. They deserved the world too. All genius level lyricists deserve whatever accolades they receive for the hard work and dedication to the craft and to the culture that they put in and that does not exclude Eminem.” – Crooked I added.
