Jay-Z compared to Michael Jordan
Impact:
Jay-Z has solidified himself as the top rapper in hip-hop by remaining consistent for 17 years. He released his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996. Just think of all of the rappers who came and went since then. Jay-Z finds ways to stay relevant by aligning himself with hot artists (i.e. Kanye West, Justin Timberlake); hot producers (i.e. Mike Will, Hit Boy); and marrying the hottest chick in the game ( i.e. Beyonce). His business projects outside of hip-hop also keeps his name alive. In turn, Michael Jordan also knew how to use his talent to become a global phenomenon. Years after his final retirement, Jordan continues to be a top endorser and his apparel line brings in billions.
Skills:
Lyrically, you can debate if Jay-Z is the best. Nas, Big Daddy Kane and Rakim can all argue against Jay-Z’s skills, but he’s still dominant as a lyricist. Jay-Z has a meticulous approach to every song. He knows when to be lyrical, crass, militant, braggadocio and personal. He seems to often lean more on the braggadocio raps, but he’s always eloquent in his delivery and knows how to make a hit song.
