Hip-Hop Power Rankings: The Top 5

Jay-Z

Music: We can all complain about Jay’s musical output lately, but honestly our complaints boil down to, “You’re now only really dope, instead of being ridiculously dope like you used to be.” And while those of us who own “Reasonable Doubt” on vinyl aren’t particularly impressed, Jay’s music has finally truly transcended rap - there are suburban housewives bumping “Empire State of Mind”.

Trendsetting: I remember when Jay showed up at the end of the “Girls, Girls, Girls’ video rocking the only one arm in your shirt style and the next day have my school was doing the same, even though everyone looked unquestionably dumb. Now that’s a trendsetter, and his reach has only increased. Let’s not forget, the man did kill the most popular bullshit trend of the last few years.

Influence: This is ultimately what pushed Jay over the top. He’s easily the richest man in rap, owns his own label, clothing line and touring company, gets sit downs with Warren Buffet and Obama and, as if that wasn’t enough, is married to the most powerful woman in hip-hop (Beyonce). More simply put, if Jay ever got to the point where he said, “I don’t care how much money I have to spend, I’m going to kill that guys career” there’s not a rapper alive who would be able to survive.

Plus he’s in the Illuminati.