In an article published yesterday on CNN titled A case for Nas, hip-hop's finest MC, Eliott C. McLaughlin calls Nas "the greatest lyricist of all time." In the article, he argues that Nas deserves the status of G.O.A.T. lyricist because of his longevity and ability, and explains why he ranks Nas higher than Jay-Z, 2Pac, Biggie, Eminem, and the rest.
As for Nas, he's not ready to compile a list of the greatest rappers just yet. In the article, he's quoted saying, "It's wayyyyyy, way, way too early in our lives. It's great to put a list together, but don't take it too seriously because your list won't matter 10 years from now or 15 years from now. It'll be a different list."
As for Nas' thoughts on 2Pac and Biggie, he says, "I just think Biggie was something else. He was the Hitchcock of this thing, man. He told you a story. There was a seriousness that came with it that can't compare with nothing." He adds, "I'd probably be better if they were still around. I think I'd be a lot better."
Read excerpts from the article below.
On Longevity:
It also ties Nas with Snoop Dogg or Snoop Lion or whatever his name is, and it puts the Queens native one plaque ahead of Eminem, Too Short, OutKast and LL Cool J, all of whom belong in the greatest-ever discussion, as well.
On Jay-Z vs. Nas:
He's a hit maker extraordinaire, maybe the world's best, but that doesn't translate to best lyricist. Jay-Z acknowledged as much on "Moment of Clarity" when he rhymed, "If skills sold, truth be told/I'd probably be, lyrically, Talib Kweli."
