I don't know a rapper that has been on the top of the rap game for this long.
Seems like he's been a top 5 rapper (popularity wise) since a little after Carter I (2004) when he was screaming, "best rapper alive, since the best rapper retired."
Then all of those Squad Up and Dedication Mixtapes made everyone respect him.
Then Carter II dropped, definitely was top 5.
Carter III going Platinum in a week made him a rockstar, crossover household name.
He's influence on Pop Culture is unmatched. (come to the DMV)
President Obama acknowledged him.
Besides Jay-Z, no one compares really.