Music is subjective but if you attempt to make a purely objective argument Nas probably has the strongest case

[EBK String]

He completely changed the game and the way rappers rapped when he dropped illmatic in 1994. You can see the quantum leap hip hop made comparing an album from 1993 to 1995 with lyricism and flows.

He is one of the greatest if not the greatest lyrical technician in the game with the ability to still talk about relatable things and make good music.

He has had commercial success with multiple platinum albums and hit singles while still getting love from the lame backpack lyrical miracle loving nikkas.

He has been in the game 30 years and still is dropping quality albums and his pen is still moving.

Pac is my goat just because his music was just something different that hit you on a spiritual level it’s like he wasn’t rapping and was giving sermons, but that isn’t something objective you can quantify.

 

[Neuromancer]

I don't think there's much argument here against his longevity and impact at least there shouldn't be. But hey I'm just a guy on the Internet

 

[Reptile]

 

[lurker emeritus]

we all know that nas inspired the game, but i always wondered who inspired nas (to rise to that level to inspire others)
most of his peers, when you go back before illmatic...they sounded kinda regular...even nas tho
so i wonder if there's something i haven't heard that sparked that advancement...

 

[Neuromancer]

 

[Neuromancer]

we all know that nas inspired the game, but i always wondered who inspired nas (to rise to that level to inspire others)
most of his peers, when you go back before illmatic...they sounded kinda regular...even nas tho
so i wonder if there's something i haven't heard that sparked that advancement...

I can only assume it was Rakim who did what Nas did during his generation. Combine that with Slick Rick's story telling and you probably have the two halves that built up to Nas we know today.

 

[Iverson_64]

Nas is my personal GOAT but man.....we gotta let people just vouch for whoever they think the GOAT is.

And I'll help you get a debate going with this thread.

@Cladyclad @Street Knowledge

 

[WIA20XX]

Honest question, who took what Nas did, and either ran with it or elevated what he did?

Post up actual songs.

 

[Neuromancer]

Honest question, who took what Nas did, and either ran with it or elevated what he did?

Post up actual songs.

This is a good question. I'm going to say GKMC is a good example of Nas' thematic story telling.



I think 2014 Forest Hills drive did some what as well.



Not to the same degree but I think a case can be made.

 

[Cladyclad]

Nas has the worst solo album from a goat contender
nas has the worst double album for a goat contender
and for the last 20 years he has no cultural relevant record even though he dropped like 10 albums.

how his he the goat lol


im out

yall got me wasting my damn time

 

[Pop123]

I think the same thing man. Just lay Nas' rap resume on a table, beginning to now, then give your spiel about why he's #1 on the list...it's hard to argue against. Him and Jay-z have the most solid, close to undeniable claims for #1 imo. I got Jayz #2, respectfully.

 

[Nuuko]

Music quality isn't subjective though...even though it takes some serious musical knowledge in order to be qualified to talk about it.

And there is maybe only 3 rap artists (2 of them starting their career post 2000/2010) that make flawless music.

 

[derro13]

It's funny you said music was subjective, when it isn't, and then started mentioning a bunch of subjective shyt

 

[Yecht]

His 7 weed plates in a row (and counting) say otherwise

 

[tysigna]

You can't claim lyrical techniques are objective but say musical composition, techniques and musicianship is subjective lol.