Jay-Z walks this Earth in a different elk than any of his fellow emcees. Recently, online debates have sprung up posing which artists might be able to challenge Hov on a Verzuz stage?
Quite clearly, nobody would be able to match the echelon and grandiose range of hits that Jay has concocted within his lifetime. Jay-Z is the enigma for the black man. His extraordinary business acumen coupled with the ultimate force, Beyonce make him the most decorated man to walk this planet.
“The blue-eyed devil has twisted his Christianity, to keep his foot on our backs…to keep our eyes fixed on the pie in the sky and heaven in the hereafter…while he enjoys his heaven right here…on this earth…in this life.”
Malcolm X
Jay-Z certainly reaps the rewards of his efforts and never needed a handout, record label or endorsement to build his empire. Still, he continues to aggressively pursue additional ventures and seems to have never fallen off with his lyrical caliber either.
It has been established that nobody could stand on that Verzuz stage with Jay-Z. Just to make things interesting, here are a few that might be considered as reputable opponents.
ALIVE
Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Eminem
These three artists carry extensive discographies and are the only three hip-hop artists in history to sell one million copies of an album in one week. Also, they each have smashmouth powerhouse albums (Get Rich or Die Tryin) that could easily go head to head with any Jay-Z album.
Million in a Week: Tha Carter III, The Massacre, The Eminem Show & The Marshall Mathers LP
Jadakiss
This man never ceases to set the booth ablaze. His consistent stream of hits and ability to never fall off puts him neck and neck with the likes of Hov. The missile that was sent from Roc-a-Fella higher ups to put him at war with Beanie Sigel only strengthened his pen. This beef battle-tested Jadakiss and made his beef with 50 Cent seem like a cakewalk. Not many can go toe-to-toe with Jadakiss.
LL Cool J
LL’s mass appeal cannot be denied. His discography stretches decades and the songs he put forth have made quite the impact during his day. He now stars in prominent acting role and had a large part in making Daymond John’s (Shark Tank) streetwear brand FUBU sell millions worth of clothing.
DEAD
DMX
Just recently, we lost the X Man DMX. In their initial battles DMX and Jay-Z would go bar for bar and take part in historic cyphers. Kareem ‘Biggs’ Burke the silent third partner of the Roc became sold on Jay-Z’s ability after battles with DMX. His fanbase, pain poured onto wax and spontaneity would make him a formidable opponent to face off against Jay-Z.
Tupac & Biggie
These two individuals go without saying that they are the two greatest emcees to ever live. Their cadence, hit-making ability, stylistic flow and downright tenacity pit them as top-tier opponents against Hov.
Obviously, their discography would not be as extensive except Tupac might have a very clean shot at the throne. Reason being, he wouldn’t spend time deliberating about a song and working to perfect it. Tupac would record a song knock it out in one take push everything to the side and do another song. Both men downright prophets in their own right.
Big L & Big Pun
Big L intended to sign with Roc-a-Fella but decided not to as his man McGruff couldn’t get in as well. He was an extremely loyal individual and one of the most poised emcees in the game. His combinations, entendres, breath control and vicious lyricism made him nearly impossible to defeat in any circumstance.
Big Pun was the only Latin emcee to ever go double platinum. It is a shame that those around him and himself did not want to seek permanent solutions to his obesity issue. Because his wordplay, tonal perception, lingo and individualism made him an unstoppable force. The one and only son of Tony..
It is extremely evident that nobody is touching HOV on the Verzuz stage in this day and age. With that being said, let this article take you back and showcase some of the finest emcees to ever grace the microphone.
Also, if you have Paramount+ check out Backstage an excellent documentary which gives a great look at the 50 city Hard Knock Life Tour featuring Jay-Z, DMX and many more.
Bask in the FRESHness.
FreshNewsNow 