Marc Lamont Hill and Vlad Debate Nas Being the Worst Beat Picker of All Time

Marc Lamont Hill stopped by VladTV to talk about growing up in Philadelphia, his brother going in and out of jail, what it was like to achieve a Ph.D, and his top five rappers. Marc talked about him and his brother's relationship and how he doesn't attribute his success and his brother's jail-ridden past to choices, "I think that's too simple, one it romanticizes my narrative, I made bad choices too, I made bad choices with him, we just didn't get caught. Lamont explained him and his brother were on the same level academically; his brother just had different types of needs. "In some ways, I got lucky, in some ways I had someone save me at the right time." Lamont goes on to talk about the fact that choices do matter, however making sure nobodies mistakes are over punished, while others are under punished. "Rich white people make the same mistakes as poor black people the difference is our mistakes are so hyper-scrutinized that we have no room for error."
Lamont also talked with us about his Ph.D. "Let me be clear I don't think Ph.D.'s are celebrated anywhere...I think in general as a nation we love popular culture figures... I think in general we live in a country that can be anti-intellectual....people like me cause I'm on TV if I wasn't on TV and i was saying the same sh*t no one would be like yooo that's that guy..." Hill explained him being on TV gives him a platform to speak on important issues and people should realize it's easier to get a Ph.D. than it is to get into the NBA. "We have to create opportunities for our young people to see a wider range of possibility... it's easier to play in the NBA, it's easier to get a Ph.D. than to play in the NFL." Hill also has some thoughts on the hip-hop community in general. "What I want for hip-hop is for us to be better than the world, to be better than what white folk is doing... I want us to be a threat."
Lamont also teaches a class on Jay-Z and Nas, which led to a conversation about who the best rapper is. Lamont gladly handed over his top five to Vlad picking, Jay-Z, Nas, Andre 3000, Lauryn Hill, and Black Thought.
Check out the clip above.

[@dimitrijetucovic1307]

Vlad said Barter 6 was a great album, he has zero credibility on hip hop.

[@WWeRockFan1001]

SONICALLY AND MELODICALLY AND PRODUCTION WISE IT WAS A GREAT ALBUM....LYRICALLY🚮

[@rakinholcomb7536]

Ima be real I don't give Af about lyrics, if the beat not hot I'm not fucking with it

[@dimitrijetucovic1307]

+Rakin Holcomb then you're whats wrong with hip hop

[@rakinholcomb7536]

That's why I agree with Vlad about Barter 6

[@joshuasutton983]

+Kennie Moore The most important part of a song is the beat because that is the music. If everything is about lyrics, you can just read poetry, but when it comes to making music it has to sound good or it won't work.

[@Rilawson9566]

Vlad has no credibility when comes to hip hop I knew it since he said young thugs Barter 6 was better than lil Wayne's whole catalog and saying illmatic was Nas only great album which is fucking BA

[@Rilawson9566]

BS

[@89d21]

exactly

[@SDREHXC]

A squirrel rubbings it's balls on a mic is better than everything Wayne released from the carter 3 onwards so he isn't that far off.

[@Makwood99]

Word

[@YouCanCallMeLizzy]

it was written was just as good as illmatic

[@marcoandell]

IT WAS WRITTEN was fire! it got slept on because Illmatic was so ground breaking. But it was still a classic.

[@mayonaze2g]

i listen to that waaaay more than illmatic in 2016

[@fatboifresh305]

+mayonaze2g me too

[@chistability5405]

Illmatic is incredible but It Was Written is dayum near if not just as good

[@raydar81]

Sorry just bein honest i rank nas album it goes like this: It was written Stillmatic Illmatic I knew ill was groundbreaking but i must say his flow grows after it

[@marcoandell]

@@raydar81 it does grow. But take a sec and look at it like this. When Ill dropped there was nothing like it. He was a baby. It was the first time a artist used multiple producers for one album. If you look at what was out at the time and not what came after the album is hard to touch.

[@CalSomething]

Vlad you smoking concrete and fertilizer thinking Micheal Jackson and Nas only have one classic album

[@ArMiNiSfUCkinRedicK]

Stillmatic Godson It was written 3 excellent nas albums Yup hes wrong

[@yes.ma_am]

So true

[@PhillySportsDylan]

Mj has 3 off the wall thriller bad

[@Suge8263]

U don't get on Michael Jackson level by having one classic album lol com'on brh

[@flavio7180]

Nas is not MJ level, and I’m not even that big of a MJ fan.

[@selfishstockton6123]

@@flavio7180 they both have 3 classics but MJs classics are bigger

[@ichris2011]

Black thought is the most underrated MC bro

[@Shining144]

he is underrated, AZ too

[@TheLoucho]

facts

[@Shining144]

+WWeRockFan1001 he is too! big l in my top 5 tho

[@ray32g]

+WWeRockFan1001 true🖒

[@jbizz80]

Pharoahe Monch yall...

[@toreall101]

I must admit, even though Nas is my favorite rapper & imo is far greater at rapping than anybody else, he has chosen a lot of wack beats through his career, but has also picked amazing beats.

[@toreall101]

as for the claim illmatic is his only classic, that's a ridiculous claim. It Was Written, Last tapes, Stillmatic, God's Son are all also classics.

[@Makwood99]

I am

[@ROB566100]

He defintley definitely has done both and that can't be denied

[@Cooley96]

Isn't this what every rapper has done though...?

[@kevinros1274]

+Cooley96 read my comment...I basically said the same thing..no rapper has picked hot beats every single time

[@HipHopUniverse]

Canibus' beats were even worse! He could be the G.O.A.T. if the beats on his albums (especially the first one) would be better. Nas had dope beats.

[@HipHopUniverse]

And this is his Top 5: Jay-Z, Nas, Andre 3000, Lauryn Hill, and Black Thought. Lauryn Hill better than Pac and Big?

[@jamessterling8934]

+Hip-Hop Universe Canibus would not have been the GOAT.And Lauryn Hill is better than pac

[@johnmiles6147]

+james sterling Lauryn Hill is not better than PAC she only has 1 classic album

[@DOPERMEANS]

2000bc was fire to me, Now ain't nobody fuckin wit the mastermind I'm like Einstein, a hundred and fifty times magnified Nicola Tesla an', Jon Von Neuman All wrapped up in the body in one human I rhyme the tightest, shine the brightest I blind the optic fibers in anybody's iris ... -Canibus

[@icantgetup]

he could be the GOAT?? wtf

[@GReid-ol5gk]

This dude Vlad got Cole over Kendrick? Wtf?

[@agentrocklee]

I'm I the only one who sees Vlad's point...other then the MJ having one CLASSIC album...but Cole album went harder then To pimp a butterfly

[@mc365mc]

+agentrocklee Vlad is a DJ, he likes popular music, not deep artistic expression. That's why he likes Thriller over Off the Wall SMH WTF is a "Beat It"?

[@MrThekidisback]

So do I. I like Cole better than Kendrick.

[@anthonymccommons6271]

+MrThekidisback Both J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar are the lyricists right now

[@MrThekidisback]

Anthony McCommons Word!

[@chistability5405]

Eminem is the GOAT as far as worse beat picker of all time

[@AmonRa1081]

Thank you! I haven't been able to stomach his albums for that very reason.

[@Robby818]

Actually That is a very fair argument. I never thought he had good beats, Considering he had dr dre.

[@redpiller169]

I think mmlp is his best produced album.

[@melvoHD]

Recently? Yes. Overall? No.

[@kdot2315]

nah his first 3 albums have incredible beats

[@iud9476]

But the bars Nas had will be listened to by the generation after the next generation

[@jqwbabatunde]

Facts

[@bendervelosoc.r.f8456]

yeah

[@abdeljones8132]

If this generation (including me lol) won't listen to em then I doubt the next will ...

[@sourpatchkid20]

Not really nas won't be remembered too long after he dies

[@MrStaano]

Illmatic is an all time classic.

[@Crillin112]

Everybody knows that Nas is a storyteller, so his beats/melodies are meant to reflect the story that he is telling, much like a "jazz artist", go figure. Most artists are obsessed with picking a dope beat, and making that the focus, knowing that we quicker recite nursery rhymes, than real lyrics. Nas makes his lyrics the center, and the beats/melody are more of a support. "Heaven" is a great example. I've found that the songs with the best lyrics and lessons tend to have questionable beats.

[@chistability5405]

Co-sign when I listen to Nas it's more of what he has to say. I say Eminem is the worse beat picker in hip hop history because I relate more to Nas and his ghetto street stories than Eminem even though Eminem has some all time word play if Nas has a garbage beat it's straight secondary IF that!

[@MusicIsAWayOfLife123]

Agree

[@oscarlyons7422]

I totally agree. Really hot girls don't need layers and layers of makeup. The words speak for themselves and the beats are pared back to allow for this. Beyond this I think "It ain't hard to tell" has one of the best beats of all time. Sampling human nature and putting it to the smoothest jazzy beat... beautiful.

[@Crillin112]

Oscar Lyons That's a good analogy, but I'd probably switch it around. Women that are about something, and are in harmony with themselves don't need to be really hot, nor would they care to be. Imitation is suicide. "One Love" is one my favorites, plus he portrayed one the stories in that song in "Belly" (the scene when he was talking with the young kid, and gave him jewels)...iconic.

[@Crillin112]

Lorenzo Richardson I guess my point is that, his artistic choice will find a way. It got him this far...over 20 years. There are too many lovers of music to let it die. Lyrically he's still a monster, which is more important, overall. Good beats are easier to come by. We're still talking about Rakim (who Nas is connected to), and when they play "Paid in full" in a soundtrack, youngsters are again like "who's that". Not to mention all the DJ's who sample, casing point....now they'll probably go get "The Fugees" if they didn't know before. True lovers of music walk that line, and know music from the 1930's.

[@NewPossibilities]

J Cole over Kendrick?!?!?! WTF. Nah, man.

[@Alr1ghtyThen]

+David Taylor at overall song making

[@Alr1ghtyThen]

+David Taylor Have you ever listened to any of J. Cole's mixtapes?

[@MaehiyaSOLDIER]

Kendrick covers concepts better, creatively - Cole is better at spitting bars. To me at least.

[@jasonbroomfield7199]

+The Reckless Recluse the warm up his best project

[@NewPossibilities]

J Cole is good emcee, but he is overrated. Kendrick has a better flow.

[@marriedwithtwokidslost2561]

BIGGIE AND JAY ARE SO OVERRATED, NAS IS BY FAR MORE LYRICAL THAN BOTH OF THESE GUYS. I NEVER UNDERSTOOD HOW THERE WAS EVER A DEBATE

[@19832006]

Thank you!! They are very overrated smh

[@Halfy06]

FACTS!

[@anthonyclark9159]

Agree

[@AtheneHolder]

marriedwithtwokids LOST AGREED!! OMFG I'm thinking this years now and people saying I'm crazy... You can close your eyes and see what he's talking about

[@mistahmst]

Putting great rappers down to lift other great rappers up is something only new school wannabe hip-hop heads do.

[@enockstjuste3719]

Vlad always fucking disrespecting Nas

[@Maal7432]

Enock St. Juste I'm sick of it, lol. He really got mad cuz dude said Nas is the goat. That's his opinion, and fair to put him #1.

[@iLLestTv]

Hell nah. Y'all heard New York State of Mind?? That shit heat till this day b

[@vladtv]

watch the video - I said after Illmatic

[@iLLestTv]

***** o 👌🏽 ight g ✊🏽

[@uncensored6177]

+djvlad stfu vlad

[@-thomas--1995]

+djvlad ny state of mind part 2

[@b617_3]

OK I was about to say Vlad u was about to get this L

[@jariusisaac3766]

it was written was fire album

[@MillionaireHoyOriginal]

He was spot on with Black Thought. I would replace Jay with Em and swap out Lauryn for someone else, but he has a legit top rappers list.

[@armyone90]

It was written is classic NY

[@jesswilson6012]

I am Woke my fave Nas album because largely believe it or not, the production. And I'm a producer. Go figure??

[@durr21]

Change the title to 'Vlad defends his idiotic opinions'. Vlad says 2 chainz is a lyricist.

[@agentrocklee]

2 chains HELLA underrated...TrapAvelli 3...fire!!!

[@Kayodoms]

2chains is hella corny with his punchlines about 90% of the time..he has like 10% decent bars.

[@mr.enigma4475]

To your surprise, 2 Chainz is a *low key* lyricist. He simply dumbed his content down for a more universal appeal. Check his verse on De La Soul's new album. He *SNAPPED* !

[@muzic533]

2chainz is also a college educated man ...

[@Kayodoms]

Kendrick Lamar hasn't dumbed down his lyrics, neither has j Cole. Shit there are a lot of rappers who stayed lyrical and became mainstream. 2chainz is not that great on my opinion. Hey a broken clock is right at least once a day. 2chainz might come out with a hot verse every once in a while. It doesn't make a some great lyricist.

[@JJPHILLYLG]

It's subjective. People sometimes state their opinions as if there are scientific facts attached to them.

[@PRINCERARA_]

AGREED

[@JJPHILLYLG]

Thulsa Doom lol

[@TripBtv]

+Thulsa Doom best line ever. Hilarious and true.

[@Elusive25]

you are supposed to stick by your opinion, if not what is the use??

[@seandafny]

Nah bra. Some things can be debated out to the point where both sides can definitely agree. Now getting them to admit to agreeing is a different story.

[@jahmelsmith511]

EMINEM IS THE WORST BEAT PICKER OF ALL TIMES

[@danyarsalar8184]

After 2002 yes

[@RealAmericanStar]

he does that so you listen to him not the beat lol

[@NoelG314]

that's cause he does his own beats lol

[@josegomez6549]

After Relapse, probs.

[@YungDonProdigy]

+Russel Starcevich then it's not music why would he want that

[@AARONKAYE]

Vlad has NO TASTE. I'm sorry. But come on!

[@AARONKAYE]

the_baker but it's every other interview tho?

[@jakeburcher862]

AARON KAYE facts.vlad was way off with this one

[@staycompassionate3811]

I lost respect for Vlads opinion on Hip Hop.....

[@bejitah]

_"It Was Written"_ is a bonafide classic piece of Hip Hop music. Vlad you gotta at least give Nas two classic nods, lol.

[@SBFat]

Nas is Legendary!!! Ya need to stop hating 😔

[@bobbyhyman4277]

who hating??

[@ken2388]

Vlad

[@monsterkis]

There was no hate it's a fact that the beats where wake that doesn't take away from his credibility son

[@lordshishio4853]

Vlad have this stupid iusse with nas albums after illmatic, ..talking bull shit about illmatic is only best album he have

[@nicholasmunguakubarikiyute6325]

He'll yea nas is over Jay z. Nas spit knowledge. The moment Jay z clowned nas for spitty knowledge that's when I lost respect for that fool

[@guardedsoulz7826]

Lauryn Hill in a top 5 is one of the funniest things I've ever heard.

[@Maal7432]

Nas is the goat. Vlad, that's not a crime to think that. Dude is incredible.

[@soolthegreat1581]

Tupac would rap over anything

[@TheNadroj10]

True but his voice was so damn good, he could make anything sound good. He could rap over a country instrumental and find ways to make niggas listen to it.

[@shinbakihanma2749]

It Was Written is Nas' best album.

[@WWeRockFan1001]

L

[@SoulOfTheSouth]

Yep it is. As a whole album, it was more cinematic and the production was on par.

[@nothere8747]

+SoulOfTheSouth L

[@MrWARBUCKS24]

yup that boy was the hood Martin Scorsese on that album

[@flowingqi8735]

nah Illmatic its impact on hip hop was massive. It Was Written is still dope album. But it wasnt unique its comparable to OB4QL and RD

[@Ms9mmBeretta]

Stillmatic and Lost Tapes were my personal favorites.

[@mikecampbell5178]

"Off the Wall" was definitely a beast.

[@SkaterJames760]

As a 30 year Hip-Hop head and its sad how people judge a true Hip-Hop artist like Nas because of the beats he picks. It's about the message in the song or the way you can relate to the artists music, which was not a popular thing to do in the Golden Era of Hip-Hop. Nas has worked with some of the best Producers in the world. Without doubt, he won't let anybody influence his choice of beats. He's been doing this for over 20 years and still makes me happy and proud to have been blessed with this genius in my lifetime. Everybody can Complain all they want but Nas ain't changing his music for nobody.

[@theiggod6921]

Niggas hate on Nas because of Jay Z saying Illmatic was his only classic, but Nas has a few classics . . . It Was Written, Stillmatic,

[@larry89]

Stillmatic was a classic. Gtfo here Vlad

[@holidaystyles7952]

Lupe better than Kendrick and Cole. Nas has made some bad tracks but them classic albums (Illmatic,It Was Written,Stillmatic,God's Son the Lost Tapes) shit even on his most hated album (Nastradamus) he could make a average beat sound crazy check 'Last Words' where he spits bout being a fuckin prison cell fire.Vlad reacted to Black Thought's name being brought up like he just said young joc smh

[@MusicIsAWayOfLife123]

Bruh Vlads credibility went out the window a very long time ago

[@arman-messidagoat9942]

💯💯💯💯 Lupe top 5 DOA

[@MusicIsAWayOfLife123]

+Nasty Nas lyrically no doubt

[@PlayaflyJoe27]

I'm glad you're smart enough to know that Lupe is light years better than overrated Kendrick and J Cole. My boy Lu never gets credit for being t5doa cause he refuses to dumb it down (pun intended). You're also right about Nastradamus. That album was a great album and would've been a classic had any other rapper put it out. Just like Lasers was a great album. Nas and Lupe are just held to a high standard that people look at the work they do that doesn't resemble what they are use to hearing. Not realizing their growth and how superior the music was they created!!!! Salute to you for knowing good music and lyrics.

[@arman-messidagoat9942]

+playaflywill27 One of nas best verse came from nastradamus aka 2nd verse of Life we chose nuthin comes more real than that honestly.

[@lewjones3]

some of my top 5 best rappers, aren't my top 5 favorite rappers to listen to.. does that make since to people?

[@traeboo538]

Yeah I feel you

[@Chr1ShawnKPD]

Yup, makes sense

[@realmontana6838]

It means you respect their stature of what they've done but just like any and everything something new comes along

[@ianlangille558]

It's a shame when a good rapper picks bad beats. It's kind of funny because a lot of rap artists today aren't good rappers, but they buy the best beats.

[@TheSupinesmokey]

Yea I can understand that if they dont make lots or club anthems and radio records but on the other it's weird because arent you mostly listening to to your top 5 when you play rap music in the house.

[@pryncep9127]

The way Vlad said black thought offended me. That man can rap circles around niggas.

[@dsword456]

When I hear someone say Jay Z is in their top 5, they loose all credibility as far as I'm concerned. HIGHLY OVERRATED!

[@brandonmogul-adlin531]

Have you heard Reasonable Dought, The Black Album and The Blueprint? 3 certified classics

[@tacsavory]

love J.Cole however he has nothing on Kendrick Lamar

[@kapo2012fb]

don't sleep on lloyd banks word play...

[@realmontana6838]

Top PLK

[@BGambino1215]

His first album was my favorite album back in the day still is in a way

[@jflip31]

Facts

[@TheWillog]

ok hahaha

[@ZMSportsnShorts]

He was the first mumble rapper...

[@cstarz214]

My vote is Canibus

[@adamphillip5305]

I agree, he coulda became a great with better beats.

[@israelbrewton3965]

Canibus isn't a vote because he didn't have a choice he got what wyclef gave him and then ended up getting blackballed so top producers didn't fuck with him. However he should've put some work in and learned how to produce himself

[@adamphillip5305]

You dont need top producers, he still picks wack beats from underground producers to this day.

[@chistability5405]

Dayum that's a good point. I totally forgot about Canibus horrendous beat picking. He may be over Em lol

[@emmanuelmakoba6085]

12:15 Vlad reacted like a kid refusing broccoli at the dinner table.

[@johnnygoodman5907]

"God's Son" is the best Nas Album ever.

[@vladtv]

Seems like we hit a nerve with this one...

[@jordinhocharles]

Vlad nobody likes you nigga

[@adamq87]

+Nebula Jo is right. we dont. we dont watch these videos to see or hear you.

[@MICHAELBRYANTDJMIKETOFCMW]

Vlad you need to interview Rhytym D the producer of Real Compton City G's for the late Eazy E. He is the only producer who worked for Death Row and Ruthless Records when all the sh!t was going down....

[@adesugbadapo]

Vlad....respect you maan...but DUUDE...you shock me every time with your top 5's ...but its your opinion tho...

[@TTSantiago821]

Vlad, you are insane to say Thriller is better than Off The Wall smh, I know that is your opinion but damn! Nas doesn't always pick the best beats...I'll agree but then again you are not listening to Nas because of the beats anyway. With an artist like Nas, the beat almost comes secondary to what this man is about to say over the track. Not once have I ever purchased a Nas CD thinking about the beats being sick.

[@LeonHuart]

Pac or Nas are my favorite rappers overall. But when it comes to MC's, Kool G Rap to me is the greatest ever.

[@WWeRockFan1001]

NAH EMINEM OR BIG L NAS

[@PassportKings]

You damn right on G Rap.

[@troyterry3226]

Kool G & Rakim are the GOATs

[@kevindurant7241]

Eminem is

[@cobama6483]

+WWeRockFan1001 Eminem ...stop wit the b.s!

[@snapbackBoi05]

Nas is the greatest ever.

[@hohepahape8625]

facts

[@daibm5392]

"It's easier to get a Ph.D than to get to the NBA." That's an eye opener, I just love it!

[@kenyafromcali]

Comparatively, Nas's beats are never on par with his lyrics and lyrical prowess. It is definitely a handicap for him and in his career.

[@stormblessedj]

The title is accurate as fuck. LETS NOT FORGET NAS STOLE TUPAC'S BEAT STREET DREAMS.

[@yutathehakislayer4720]

yo bro it's a beat Not lyrics and everybody rips people beats

[@ken2388]

they both sampled it from linda clifford "never gonna stop" by your dumb logic, pac took the gun concept of me & my girlfriend from nas " i gave you power" foh .. Nas >>> 2pac

[@stormblessedj]

ken2388 Your a fucking idiot kid. Which one came out first? Its the same beat nigga. #2 Tupac had no control over me and my girlfriend coming out.

[@Helmuesi911]

Nigga....you just went there dogg

[@aaronperry445]

***** nah I like all eyez on me more than street dreams in every way imo.

[@JamieLandan]

Nas had some questionable beats over the years, I'll give you that Vlad. But Nas, for me, was never about beats. He's a lyricist who's main concern is dropping ill bars. And saying MJ had one classic album is insane lmao. You're high for that one. MJ's weakest album would be a classic today if any of these popstars release it.

[@katec8796]

The fact that he put Lauryn Hill in his top 5 means he knows what's up. Nas, Lauryn Hill and Andre 3000 are my top 3 so I'm pretty happy with his choices. Everyone always gives the lame excuse that Lauryn Hill only had one solo album (besides the fact that both Miseducation and The Score are two of the greatest albums of all time) but Andre doesn't even have a solo album and most people would agree he's top 10. The sheer quality of Lauryn Hill's raps on Blunted, Score and Miseducation are better than most people's whole catalog lol if she were a guy it wouldn't even be a discussion. BTW Nas is like the Coltrane of Hip-Hop - his beats while I think they're amazing are second to his substantive lyrics unlike the Jay-z's of the world whose lyrics come second to the beats. Nasir Jones = GOAT

[@christopher399]

I don't understand why people put her on any lists. No offense... but she has barely released anything. Is she talented? Yes, absolutely! But she barely has a catalogue. She released one album more than two decades ago.

[@Brooklyn94269]

"Biggie is not in my top 5" "what's that?"- Vlad 😂

[@allforus4376]

"biggies not in my top 5" realest shit I ever heard

[@DJDoubJTV]

nas beat selection isnt that bad hes had some wack beats sure but his selection as a whole isnt as bad as people make it out 2 b

[@ddaniels295]

jay also pick wack beats, big had wack beats alot of m&m beats was wack everybody got wack beats

[@GMHannibal]

+D Daniels Jay did not pick wack beats bro. You're trippin. He had all kinds of great production and producers. Kanye, Timbaland, Rick Ruben, etc, etc.

[@mackvelly8899]

Nas has L.E.S giving him great beats. Most of Nas catalog wouldn't be listenable if it wasn't for him.

[@troyterry3226]

If the worse out of the great rappers for sure but there def rappers with worse beat selection.

[@mabey202]

Also, Vlad get outta here comparing Kendrick and Cole. Cole can't touch that man; Kendrick on top of his game lyrically and song-building.

[@alexanderjackson8389]

They're both in the same wavelength... None of them is Lupe

[@MusicIsAWayOfLife123]

+Spida Spirals Lupe is in the elite tier, Kendrick is 1 level below and Cole is the level after Kendrick. At a lyrical level Cole doesn't touch Kdot

[@MusicIsAWayOfLife123]

+crandaddy26 bullshit on a lyrical level Lupe Fiasco is miles ahead of Kendrick, so is Aesop but I agree on an artistic level no one in the game is touching him atm

[@WWeRockFan1001]

+crandaddy26 I SWEAR YALL SLEEP ON DRAKE 2009-2015

[@MusicIsAWayOfLife123]

+white america's worst nightmare Aesop Touché, but as for Lupe, did you not listen to Tetsuo & Youth? Very very relatable & educational too

[@theiggod6921]

"Eminem is the worst beat picker of all time"

[@yes.ma_am]

LMAO!

[@TheOutspokenIntrovert23]

Redman, Nas and Rakim are my top 3. "It Was Written" was a better complete album than "Illmatic", more well-rounded.

[@Theprimary13]

Nas, Talib Kweli, Pharaohe Monch,Royce 5'9, Cuban Link = TOP 5 LYRICIST JAYZ, BIGGIE,Eminem, PAC, PUN = TOP 5 Hit makers and incredible Masters of a Ceremony

[@subomiodumosu7818]

correction, section .80 was his first album ! don't know why people think it wasn't. And ur buggin Mark , saying Cole ain't on his level. THATS bonkers

[@abdeljones8132]

He had 3 or 4 projects before that but GKMC was his major label debut

[@NYCHeavyHitz212]

Kendrick is light years ahead of Cole. Cole is so overrated as a rapper.

[@davidawonaike1188]

K.Dot is Ahead of J.Cole when it comes to lyrics, point blank

[@dinorashad662]

it amazez me how Vlad always neglect or fail to mention The Lost Tapes..the album was flawless and I don't think he even heard it

[@johnsongtf683]

Kendrick is cool but J Cole went double platinum with no features bro 💿💿

[@datboycotvdotcom9593]

Cole the Truth!

[@UnplayedGaming]

Kendrick barely had any big time features except snoop dog... It's easy to not have features when you are already on top.

[@alexanderjackson8389]

He may not had features but he had collabs...

[@biggame2175]

He also had dre backing him lol

[@Roy_Al_Blak202]

+biggame2175 and Cole had Jay

[@zordrakxuxu6668]

this man just killed me "u better start doing drug testin on vladtv" almost hit the floor with that one.. xD

[@JFairclothTV]

I was with Marc up until he said Lauryn Hill was one of his top 5 lol smh 🤦🏽‍♂️ maybe that's his personal opinion but I think people give her way too much credit & in the time that she's been around, she hasn't done enough to be in any top 5 of anything, just from my perspective but to each is own

[@theiggod6921]

"To Pimp A Butterfly" was dope . . . but people find it hard to point out any memorable lines or lyrics or flows that he used on that album.

[@XTRABIG]

Big Pun. that first album is crazy

[@introvert8637]

Pun is lyrically better than Nas

[@ivanduvok]

no he ain't, he just waffles a lot, dope flow..but he ain't saying nothing, he ain't painting pictures

[@truskool1971]

+Omari Monyé Truth III nope - two completely different time lines ......as much as it about HOW nas was rhyming, its more about WHEN he was rhyming like he was ...because NOBODY was flowing / scheming like that at that time.

[@Flows765]

Vlad with these unreasonable curveballs smh, Nas greatest lyricist could definetly be #1 OVER biggie and Kendrick is just better than Cole in probably every aspect.

[@lovelyla85]

This ❤️

[@AF-Twice]

Ph.D's may not be "celebrated" in pop culture, but Ph.D's are respected by everyone.

[@MarcusJII]

Kendrick > Cole. Forever

[@coreybanks4943]

Still made hits out of em

[@mrvamplife1558]

facts bro💯

[@johnyewest8090]

nah got about 4 hits

[@josegomez6549]

I didn't know Illmatic had only four songs. Thanks for the correction, though. Appreciated.

[@israelbrewton3965]

+Johnye West lmao - it ain't hard to tell- halftime- if I ruled the world- street dreams- the message- affirmative action- owe me- hate me now- nas is like- I know I can- 1 mic- etc.....

[@murk4552]

what hits? Hits and misses?

[@DEVINEJUSTICEALLAH72]

Rakim,Big Daddy Kane, KRS ONE top three no matter what!!

[@MrWARBUCKS24]

Biggie Jay Z and Nas

[@muckmuckthageneral2691]

Exactly bro!

[@789qazify]

+MrWARBUCKS24 Big L, Biggie, nas

[@stevenjohnson4207]

you forgot kool mo dee

[@JayBabyEars]

yall gotta stop leaving g-rap out of this man lol

[@UnplayedGaming]

Why does everyone think GKMC is a debut album?

[@tropojay1]

It's kinda like how Slim Shady Lp is considered Em's debut despite infinite being his actual first album

[@graffProdigy]

Cuz that's when he went Pop!

[@KMas89]

great point

[@theiggod6921]

Infinite was't that bad . . .

[@o.gparamount3099]

and everybody loved pac cause he talk mass shit an didnt care bout the outcome. but look were that gottem. was it worthit? he said some realshit but he AINT THE GREATEST EVER

[@nmessai215]

The way Vlad reacted to Black Thought shows that he knows nothing about hip hop.

[@justhewop]

Don't agree with either man on all of their points but was kicked a lot of knowledge and gems from this video. Thank you, fellas.

[@jaycarter5455]

No lie I went back to listen to nas albums and Vlad is reaching when he says nas picks the worst beats... and Illmatic is not his best album to me, what about Gods Son Vlad? I am? Nastradamus? Lost tapes... those are fasho classics My guy

[@mistahmst]

I was with you until Nastradamus. I'm sorry, but that album was some bullshit.

[@KarmenTang100]

Deshun Williams Vlad is reaching but Nastradamus was not a good album. I'm a Nas fan but I just can't agree with that. It's your opinion though.

[@mildmagician2764]

GKMC isn't a debut album it's his sophomore

[@crandaddy26]

Lot of people don't know that!.... But GKMC was his first major release album! People 😴 on section 80. Another classic! Correction, I'm sorry, his first classic!

[@mildmagician2764]

crandaddy26 If Kendrick drops at least 2more great albums he will be the goat

[@truthseeker8647]

honestly kendrick will never be the goat..he'll just be another amazing artist..but no GOAT means he'd be better than pac & that ill never happen..2pac is the michael jackson of rap

[@mildmagician2764]

Cali Finesse I don't think people will ever be willing to let go of him

[@abc876]

+cali finesse 2pac - mj. sounds like a bad comparison

[@entertainmentalways1781]

J Cole is way better than kendrick I don't understand how people don't see that

[@basslinin]

The same way people dont see how you believe in jesus

[@hafaskater]

How is J Cole better than Kendrick?

[@amgaku]

I concur with Marc on the GKMC sentiments. That there is pure art. He painted a picture and I visualized CPT as I listened!

[@2dopetv236]

this aged perfectly for lamont 7 years later

[@jabbaranks6925]

I usually disagree with vlad but cole is better then Kendrick lamar

[@theunseenghost]

Lmfao.

[@hiphoprbloverjon9180]

Nah

[@shinbakihanma2749]

Marc is speaking a lot of real truth. insightful, genuine knowledge.

[@Gemini050788]

Biggie is cemented and held as the best because both of his albums are flawless and hold up against any two albums from anyone at any point in history. You can argue no artist has two albums better than Ready To Die and Life After Death. Maybe one or the other but not in honest faith both. Most quoted rapper of all time. Hands down. It's always a different line getting flipped. Classic features. Classic disses. Was the only undisputed King of NY. If anything biggies gift and curse was that he made rapping look like its easy.

[@HoodChefTV1]

Good interview

[@tobyk756]

what did he mean at the end when he said Lupe lyricism if it was a debate between j cole and Kendrick?

[@DrowningSorrows1]

Does Vlad have to have this Nas debate with every single person that even remotely brings him up? He's like a bitter ex girlfriend.

[@K4PO]

Great interview Vlad. Stillmatic is a classic.

[@Jahcrooks]

Unfortunatly the argument that The GREAT Notorious B.I.G. had only 2 albums always hurt him.

[@casinicrosby660]

Love how Lamont Hill articulated this

[@antoniosmith3592]

Vlad crazy, Black Thought is one of the dopest Lyricists ever...Hard to say my top 5 cause so many dope lyricists out there but definitely top 7.

[@brutuscassius1647]

So glad to see someone giving props to Black Thought. My GOAT since Illadelph dropped in like '96.

[@Lennoxroadpoe]

Nas has 4 classics Stillmatic Illmatic It was written God son In that order IDGAF what nobody say

[@user-gb2vk2ff8x]

I Am is hated on for some reason....I'll never know why though. Storytelling, party beats, experimental songs, ill 90's beats......

[@clarissawestbrook2203]

Nas is my favorite rapper and the GOAT in my opinion.

[@FNNickJamesTV]

Lauryn Hill's music really doesn't move me like that, but to each his own I guess. Black Thought is galaxies beyond pretty much anybody else that was mentioned, so I don't know where the fuck that reaction from Vlad came from. Andre 3000, Nas, Jay...can't really argue with that. But what pisses me off is every time the topic of top lyricists comes up people ALWAYS overlook Kool G Rap. BIG, Nas, Jay, Big L, Big Pun, Raekwon, Ghostface, Black Thought, old school Fat Joe, AZ, pretty much any underground rapper you can name...he birthed ALL their styles. Kane deserves his props too, but G Rap took it beyond what he did even. And he's STILL putting out insanely lyrical music to this day. EDIT: Rakim and Guru get top props right alongside G Rap.

[@jesswilson6012]

Dunstin Checksin Agree with a lot, but take away Premiers beats and Guru's probably not that hot. I love Gangstarr and Guru's not trash. I'm just saying I don't think he would be considered all that. He just meshed really well with Premier. But then again Premier has a way of bringing the heat to back up any MC. Name a song Premier produced that's just straight whack. Not gonna happen. He's a goat producer. Gurus not a goat lyricist.

[@majinbull17]

I 100% agree with Vlad about Kendrick and Cole. Anyone who says J. Cole can't hang with Kendrick lyrically hasn't heard the mixtapes.

[@vegalee8955]

2pac was the worst beat picker but the best lyricist

[@TheNadroj10]

Most of Pac's beats were more for you to enjoy his poetry than rather bump to it in the club or in the car. It wasn't till all eyez on me till I could say he really tried to make club music.

[@vegalee8955]

TheNadroj10 Yea that's true man

[@madboy8754]

GTFO HAIL MARY AMBITIOUS AS A RYDER WAS FYE BEATS

[@vegalee8955]

+madboy 87 Yea but I'm talking about overall

[@354allday]

+TheNadroj10 That describes Nas he picks beat that make you pay attention to what he saying ..Like Ross got a ear for beats but the nigga don't have any memorable verses..I rather be known for my lyrics than my beats

[@MrJohnnyYang]

much respect to this man for mentioning the Hmong people. the Asians minorities that people either don't know or have forgotten about us.

[@DJClintonPGH]

To ME, Nas' best beats were on his "I Am..." Album. That's my favorite Nas album, mostly for that reason.

[@KtotheG]

Michael Eric Dyson (PhD) and his brother (jail inmate) have the same narrative. Dyson blames his brother's plight on his being dark-skinned. He felt that it was a cause of him being treated differently. I think Marc makes a valid point about his "needs being different" from his brother's. You can raise two kids in the same household and one becomes a success while the other becomes a failure, if you treat them both the same, when they're different... or if you showcase favoritism with one child over the other... which happens a lot... particularly in single mother households where each child has a different father.

[@prenticeshalamar4706]

Thank you for mentioning Black Thought!