The Uncut Truth: Complex's Top 50 New York Rappers List—The 10 Biggest Snubs And Shocks

The debate over who reigns supreme in New York hip-hop is eternal, but few publications have ignited the conversation quite like Complex. Their "50 Best New York Rappers, Ranked" list, initially published around the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, has recently resurfaced and gone viral again in late 2025, proving that the rankings—and the resulting outrage—are timeless. This list isn't just a collection of names; it's a controversial statement that pits the Golden Era legends against the modern Drill and Trap stars, sparking heated reactions from the public and the artists themselves, including Fat Joe and Jadakiss. We dive deep into the definitive rankings, the methodology, and the placements that have the entire rap world talking.

The Complex Music team curated this definitive ranking to honor New York's unparalleled impact on the culture, but their choices immediately drew fire for prioritizing commercial success and cultural impact over pure lyrical skill in certain controversial placements. The list attempts to span all five boroughs and multiple generations, from the foundational artists of the Bronx to the Brooklyn titans and the Queensbridge poets, creating a comprehensive but highly disputed hierarchy of MCs.

The Undisputed Top Tier: Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., and Nas

The top five positions on the Complex list are occupied by artists whose legacies are the very foundation of New York hip-hop, though their exact order will forever be debated by fans and critics alike. The list's ranking of the top five is as follows:

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• No. 1: Jay-Z (Brooklyn)
• No. 2: The Notorious B.I.G. (Brooklyn)
• No. 3: Nas (Queens)
• No. 4: Rakim (Long Island/Queens)
• No. 5: LL Cool J (Queens)

Placing Jay-Z at the number one spot is a bold move that Complex justifies by citing his unparalleled longevity, business acumen, and consistent evolution from street rapper to global mogul. While The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls) is often lauded for having the most perfect, albeit short, discography, Complex arguably weighed Hova's two-decade-plus dominance and cultural impact more heavily. Nas, the lyrical titan of Queensbridge, lands at a respectable No. 3, a placement many "lyricism-first" fans would argue is too low, especially when considering his magnum opus, Illmatic. The inclusion of Rakim, the undisputed pioneer of complex rhyme schemes and internal rhymes, and LL Cool J, the first mainstream rap superstar, rounds out a foundational top five that represents the evolution of the genre from the late 80s to the late 90s.

The first major shock comes immediately after the top five, with 50 Cent landing at No. 6. While his commercial dominance in the early 2000s with albums like Get Rich or Die Tryin' is undeniable, placing him ahead of other lyrical giants became an instant point of contention across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit. His placement highlights a key methodology of the Complex list: prioritizing global, mainstream success and cultural disruption alongside lyrical ability.

The Most Controversial Placements and Shocking Snubs

The true debate begins when analyzing the mid-to-lower tiers of the list, where established legends found themselves ranked below their contemporaries, and rising stars were included prematurely. These placements reveal a generational divide in how rap greatness is measured.

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The Disrespect to the Lyrical Elite

A significant portion of the backlash focused on the rankings of revered MCs known for their elite pen game and street credibility. The placement of Jadakiss (The LOX) at No. 16 was a major flashpoint. Known for his legendary freestyles and a catalog of classic verses, many fans and peers, including Fat Joe, felt that 'Kiss was severely "robbed" of a top-ten spot. Fat Joe, himself ranked at No. 31, publicly reacted to the list, questioning the criteria that placed a foundational Bronx rapper so low on a New York-centric list. Other artists who many felt were placed too low include:

• Busta Rhymes: A dynamic MC whose unique style and longevity should arguably place him higher.
• KRS-One: The 'Teacha' of the Bronx, whose influence on conscious and battle rap is immeasurable.
• Method Man: The most recognizable face of the Wu-Tang Clan, known for his charismatic flow and lyrical prowess.

The New School and Cultural Impact Shocks

The inclusion of modern, commercially dominant female rappers was perhaps the single most polarizing aspect of the list, showcasing Complex's willingness to value current cultural impact over decades of work. The biggest shock was the ranking of Ice Spice, who was placed at the No. 50 spot. While her rise in the Drill scene is meteoric and her cultural footprint in 2023/2024 is massive, her inclusion over established, long-running New York artists with extensive discographies caused an uproar. Critics argued that a rapper with only a few EPs and a debut album in the works should not be considered one of the "50 Best of All Time."

Similarly, the inclusion of Cardi B and Lil' Kim also sparked debate. While both are undeniable cultural icons and commercial powerhouses, the specific ranking of each prompted questions about the methodology. Lil' Kim's influence on female rap and fashion is foundational, while Cardi B's chart-breaking success and charismatic delivery make her a modern-day titan. The contrast between these contemporary picks and the low ranking of legends like Jim Jones (Dipset), who has been a consistent figure in the Harlem scene for decades, solidified the list's controversial nature.

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Notable Omissions: Who Was Snubbed Entirely?

For a list attempting to capture the 50 greatest, the omissions are often more telling than the inclusions. The debate over who was snubbed entirely is where the list loses the most credibility in the eyes of hardcore hip-hop fans. The exclusion of several highly respected, lyrical, and influential New York MCs is a major point of contention and a testament to the difficulty of compiling such a ranking.

Among the most glaring omissions are:

• Joey Bada$$: A torchbearer for the Golden Era sound in the modern era, whose albums like 1999 and B4.DA.$$ are critically acclaimed. His absence is seen as a major oversight for a rapper who embodies the lyrical tradition of New York.
• Dave East: Hailing from East Harlem, Dave East is widely respected for his prolific mixtape run and vivid storytelling, a direct descendant of the Nas-era lyricism.
• Juelz Santana: A key member of Dipset and a highly influential figure in the 2000s New York sound. His exclusion at the bottom of the list, especially when compared to Ice Spice's inclusion, was a major talking point.
• Max B: The pioneer of the "Wavy" sound, whose influence on modern New York rap is immense, despite his career being cut short by incarceration. His cult status and impact on rappers like French Montana make his omission a significant snub.

The Complex list serves its purpose perfectly: it sparks conversation. By prioritizing a mix of lyrical skill, commercial success, and current cultural impact, it inevitably alienates purists while acknowledging the genre's evolution. Whether you agree with Jay-Z at No. 1 or Ice Spice at No. 50, the list forces a necessary and passionate debate about the ever-changing definition of a "great" New York rapper.