Eminem has been the Great White Rapper for quite some time now. That was a title that was up for grabs since “Rapper’s Delight” dropped. It has changed hands many times; from the Beastie Boys to...um...uhh...Eminem. Alright, so maybe there haven’t been that many great white rappers. So Eminem’s current status as the greatest white rapper ever (and perhaps the greatest rapper ever) has some serious significance.
However, Eminem has slowly been declining in terms of his music. He is no longer releasing the quality of material that we are accustomed to receive from Slim Shady. I fully expect to maintain his hold of the Great White Rapper title for a couple more years, but there are some current white rappers that are coming for the crown. I have ranked twelve rappers by their likelihood of becoming the next Great White Rapper. This title not only means putting out quality music, but also achieving great mainstream success. Some rappers weren’t included in this list because I tried to choose rappers with more potential; so unfortunately Slug and El-P will not be found here. Now let’s journey through the future of the hip-hop anomaly:
The “Dude, Who the Hell Are You Talking About?” Division
12.) Despot
Strengths: Has great flow, great lyrics and a great voice to overcome the main obstacle of the white rapper. Also has some connects in the underground hip-hop scene, working with artists such as Das Racist, Danny Brown, Mr. Muthafuckin’ Exquire and El-P.
Weaknesses: His music doesn’t have mainstream appeal and the crew he rolls with isn’t going to get him there. When Despot is on point he can rhyme with the best of them, but he can also be mediocre at times. He doesn’t have much music out.
Comparisons: He is definitely the diminutive version of El-P with his hard underground sound.
Must-hear Song: His verse on Mr. Muthafuckin’ Exquire’s “Huzzah (Remix)”
Analysis: Personally, I am a huge fan of Despot. However, this isn’t a list of my favorite white rappers but instead a list of the rappers that have the potential to be the next Great White Hope. That being said, Despot does not have the mainstream appeal needed to blow up in hip-hop. He doesn’t have a huge fan-base and even the most hardcore of hip-hop heads mostly only know him from his features on other rappers’ songs. He needs to release something huge to even be considered a serious contender for the crown.
Chances of Becoming the Next Great White Rapper: Slightly worse than the chances that DMX starts breeding kittens.
11.) Brother Ali
Strengths: His lyrics are not only amazing, but they are also very socially-conscious. His voice and flow are easily identifiable and his beats tend to demand attention.
Weaknesses: He can stray away from the traditional hip-hop sound at times. His socially-conscious lyrics can grow old at times. His beats also tend to be hit-or-miss; they are either bangers or duds.
Comparisons: Ali’s voice is hard to compare to anyone, but if I had to compare him to anyone it would have to be west-coast MC Murs. Murs shares a similar flow and subject matter.
Must-hear Song: “Tightrope”
Analysis: The reason Brother Ali is so low on this list is simple; if he was gonna blow up then he would have by now. Brother Ali has a decent amount of exposure, but this Rhymesayers signee has yet to grow a mainstream audience. Ali doesn’t seem to care about becoming a mainstream success as much as he focuses on putting out quality music for his core fan-base. He definitely delivers in this sense by continually releasing critically-acclaimed releases, but it doesn’t seem to be enough.
Chances of Becoming the Next Great White Rapper: Similar to the chances that Yung Berg makes a comeback.
The Frat Pack Division
10.) Chris Webby
Strengths: The man can rap his ass off. He possesses an impressive flow and intricate rhyme patterns. He also has a huge, dedicated fan-base.
Weaknesses: Webby only raps about the typical subject matter you expect from frat-rappers; weed, partying and girls. I know most rappers only rap about these things, but it is just more aggravating when it is a white college kid. Also his beats are very weak. His fans tend to be somewhere in the 15-19 age range.
Comparisons: Webby sounds like every other white frat-rapper, but he doesn’t really have a mainstream comparison.
Must-hear Song: “50 Barz”
Analysis: Chris Webby is very good at rapping in terms of actually rhyming and keeping a flow, but his voice is annoying and the substance of his lyrics is uninspiring. He is far inferior than the other two rappers below him on this list, but this list is about the next heir to the white rapper throne not purely skill. Webby gets a spot on this list because of the fan-base he has. Any of his Youtube videos has a chance to get 10 million views, and he is always a hit at college campuses. Despite this high number of fans, he is hurt by his fans low number when it comes to age. His niche fan-base can’t legally drink or rent a car. This might be a key to success for the likes of Justin Bieber, but it hurts a rapper like Webby who is all about partying.
Chances of Becoming the Next Great White Rapper: Close to the chances of an Eminem/Mariah Carey collaboration
9.) Sam Adams
Strengths: Adams has a basic understanding of rap and how to do it. He songs are guaranteed to be pop hits amongst the college crowd. Girls love this man.
Weaknesses: I don’t know what is worse; his lyrics or his flow. He makes music that will never gain the respect of classic hip-hop fans, artists, or critics.
Comparisons: See Webby, Chris.
Must-hear Song: Not necessarily a “must-hear,” but definitely his most popular. “Driving Me Crazy”
Analysis: This is a rough stretch in the list for me. Listening the music of these last two artists has been a chore to say the least, but I guess I don’t have the same musical taste as your average female college freshman. This man has more fans than most rappers could dream of despite not possessing the skill that most rappers actually have. I can’t hate on him though; he knows what he is doing and is cashing in. I can definitely see Sam Adams being one of the most popular white rappers, but his lack of legitimacy will make him more of a Vanilla Ice than an Eminem.
Chances of Being the Next Great White Rapper: Slightly higher than the chances that Rick Ross has actually dealt drugs.
8.) OnCue
Strengths: His flow is outstanding and he doesn’t rely on the partying lyrics of his frat-rap brethren. Cuey also does a great job of meshing many different genres together on his song.
Weaknesses: His genre-bending can come off as a little cheesy at times. There are still questions about whether or not he can be taken seriously in the upper-echelon of hip-hop.
Comparisons: OnCue has a musical style that can be compared to Atmosphere.
Must-hear Song: "Breathe Me"
Analysis: I hate putting OnCue in the frat-rap division of this list, but that is only spot that seemed right for this musically enigmatic artist. He is genuinely a good artist, not just a rapper. He puts a lot of thought into the craft of songwriting and it shines through in his music. This is one rapper that I could see being caught in the Atmosphere level of rap fame; he will be acknowledged as one of the best but his style will keep him from mainstream success.
Chances of Being the Next Great Rapper: Equal to or less than the chances that Lil Wayne has stopped sipping sizzurp.
The Bad Boy Protege Division
Strengths: MGK has one of the craziest flows in hip-hop right now; his high-speed lyrical delivery is mesmerizing. He can also have some clever lines at time. MGK is also signed to Bad Boy Records and Diddy is sure to push this artist to the forefront.
Weaknesses: MGK doesn't have enough quality lyrics to match his uncomparable flow. His beats also leave a lot to be desired as he doesn't explore any beats outside the realm of Lex-Luger-style of production.
Comparisons: His most comparable peer is fellow list-mate Yelawolf. Both men share a rapid fire flow.
Must-hear Song: "Wild Boy"
Analysis: MGK can rap with the best of him in terms of delivery and flow, but I don't know if that is enough to carry him to the cream of the crop of white rappers (pun intended). He needs to mature his beats and his lyrics, but I don't know if Diddy is going to push MGK to artistic heights. However, I think MGK will ride his substantial audience to even more mainstream success than he has already achieved.
Chances of Becoming the Next Great White Rapper: Slighty greater than the chances of a Tyler the Creator-produced Chris Brown track being released.
The Feme Fatale Division
6.) Iggy Azalea
Strengths: Azalea has an impeccable flow and has had some amazing beats at her disposal. She is also gaining significant buzz and even signed a deal with Interscope Records. She also has the appeal of being an attractive female who can rap.
Weaknesses: Her lyrics aren’t particularly great. One also has to wonder if Azalea’s star will fizzle out quick once the gimmick of her being a white female rapper wears off.
Comparison: Azalea’s delivery is similar to Lil Kim’s with a slight white-girl-inflection.
Must-hear Song: “My World”
Comparisons: Azalea is a duel-threat in the sense that she is an exceptional rapper and an attractive woman. There is no doubt in my mind that she will blow up, but I don’t know if she will be capable of putting out quality music to maintain respect amongst critics and fans. I am also concerned with Azalea potentially falling into the same trap that Nicki Minaj did; the allure of creating pop music over hip-hop. This career path has ruined many great rappers and hopefully Azalea avoids this pitfall.
Chances of Being the Next Great Rapper: The same as the chances of Mystikal still being able to get the ladies to “shake that ass.”
5.) Kreayshawn
Weaknesses: She can't really rap and that will probably hurt her down the road. Her voice can become annoying and she has a very weak flow. She has also started beef with the likes of the Game and Rick Ross, which could hurt her in the industry. She is also beginning to lose some of the popularity she had just months ago.
Comparisons: V-Nasty
Must-hear Song: "Gucci Gucci"
Analysis: I don't fully understand Kreayshawn's inclusion in the public sphere. She seems like a west coast hipster chick that decided to ironically make hip-hop music, but for some reason she is taken seriously. I can't deny that the beat on "Gucci Gucci" is amazing, but unfortunately she had to rap over it. Despite her apparent lack of skill, she still has solid buzz and signed a huge deal with Columbia Records. She definitely has all the makings of a rapper to blow up.
Chances of Becoming the Next Great White Rapper: About the same chances of Dr. Dre's Detox being released.
The Underground Kings Divison
4.) Action Bronson
Strengths: Without a doubt, Bronson has the best flow of anyone on this list and he is definitely up there when it comes to his lyrics. He tends to use some of the best beats out and even ones that seem weird fit his voice perfectly. He has some serious connects in the NYC hip-hop scene by working with Cormega, Saigon, Roc Marciano and Das Racist. He is also a larger-than-life personality.
Weaknesses: Bronson’s lyrics often stray to the raunchy side and his songs are not for everyone. His larger-than-life personality could also be a turn-off to some hip-hop purists.
Comparison: Without a doubt, Ghostface Killah. Sometimes one can listen to Bronson and think that they might be listening to a lost track off Supreme Clientele.
Must-hear Song: “Tapas”
Analysis: Action Bronson has been killing it over the last two years by putting out quality releases in the form of Blue Chips, Well Done and Dr. Lecter. Bronson is a gifted rapper that is bound to gain the respect of most critics and artists. His fan-base is also continually growing. However, I can’t see Bronson becoming a mainstream success due to wild lyrics and antics. At the end of the day, he will be seen as one of the greatest Caucasian spitters to do it but he doesn’t have the appeal to the best one out.
Chances of Being the Next Great White Rapper: About 30% higher than that chances of Max B getting out of jail.
3.) Asher Roth
Strengths: A gifted lyricists that has a stronger conception of rhymes patterns than anyone in the game. He is beginning to use jazzy beats that better suit his delivery. He already has a solid fan-base from his “I Love College” days.
Weaknesses: “I Love College” is Asher’s main weakness. It gave him bad connotations amongst hip-hop heads and he is still trying to regain their respect. It also gave him a large audience that he is currently alienating with his new music.
Comparison: His voice is very much like Eminem’s, but his flow is much more similar to the rappers of the Pharcyde in the way that he is so silky smooth with his delivery.
Must-hear Song: “Pabst and Jazz”
Analysis: “I Love College” made me hate Asher Roth with all my being. I thought he was what was wrong with rap music; he cheapened to nothing more than just party music. I kept hearing he was a great rapper, but I never gave him a chance. Then I heard his mixtape Seared Foie Gras with Quince and Cranberry and my mind was blown. He was rapping with a smooth skill that was unlike any rapper out. He followed up that performance with the superb mixtape Rawth and Pabst and Jazz. He is a great rapper, but his new career trajectory has turned him into more of underground favorite than mainstream success.
Chances of Being the Next Great Rapper: About the same as the chances that Kanye West pep talks himself in the mirror every morning.
The On Deck Divison
2.) Yelawolf
Strengths: He has an amazing flow and delivery that make him easy to recognize. He is working with the greatest white rapper of all time, Eminem, and he is surrounded by label-mates Slaughterhouse, which is the most lyrical group in hip-hop.
Weaknesses: He needs to use better beats. Some of his beats are catchy, but they tend to be very weak. He also has some stereotypical partying lyrics that can grow tiresome.
Comparison: I’m going to be honest, I’ve never heard a flow like Yelawolf’s. Part of his success is that he has no rappers to be compared to.
Must-hear Song: “Hard White (Remix)”
Analysis: Yelawolf is the type of rapper that grows on you. I don’t think I’ve ever been more confused than when my friend showed me his “dope” freestyle over Gucci Mane’s “Lemonade.” It was the worst thing I had ever heard; I thought it was made to be a joke. Now I am in love with that flow. It is so different but that is what makes it so great. Yelawolf has great potential to a hip-hop giant along the lines of T.I. and Young Jeezy. He isn’t as skilled as Asher or Bronson, but he is in a much better of a position to launch his ascension in the hip-hop hierarchy.
Chances of Being the Next Great White Rapper: Slightly better than the chances of Waka Flocka Flame having the vernacular of a 3rd grader.
1.) Mac Miller
Strengths: Miller is a very good lyricist and his flow is fairly solid. He has a good ear for beats. He has also befriended some of the greats in hip-hop and received co-signs from them. He is huge, and his popularity is only growing.
Weaknesses: Their isn’t an aspect about him that stands out; he is good at many things but not great at anything. The inflection in his voice can get annoying at times. He has to avoid the comparisons to his frat-rapping peers.
Comparisons: Asher Roth is the main comparison he receives, but I would say his delivery is more reminiscent of the Chris Webb/Sam Adams group. His beat selection is similar to the jazzy groups of the 90s, such as De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and the Pharcyde.
Must-hear Song: “That’s Love”
Analysis: Mac Miller is the personification of the personal struggle I had making this list; I hate Mac Miller’s music but I can’t deny his success. He is bound to fly to the top level of hip-hop artists just based on the amount of support he has garnered at such a young age. Not only has he built an amazing fan-base without a record label, but he has also built some impressive connections in hip-hop. He has collaborations with Posdnous of De La Soul, Raekwon, Cam’ron, 9th Wonder, and Talib Kweli. He has found the perfect balance between mainstream success and support among artists in the genre. Eminem is ready to hand down his crown, and Mac Miller is the heir to the throne. I don’t know if that is a good or bad thing, but I do know it is a sure thing.
Chances of Being the Next Great White Rapper: The same as the chances of Drake crying at the strip-club after a long night of drinking, so around 95%.
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