Artists’ Names Greatest Rapper of All Time At the 2025 MTV VMAs.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards took place at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7. During the event, Complex bumped into some of the artists and asked for their picks for the greatest rapper of all time. While most of them mentioned JAY-Z, Tupac & Eminem, some had some other names.
Producer Jermaine Dupri picked Biggie as his choice for the rap GOAT. Joyner Lucas said: “Undoubtedly Eminem.” Shenseea also followed Lucas and named the Detroit rapper: “I’m gonna give it to Eminem right now.”
J Balvin and DJ Snake named JAY-Z & Tupac. “Tupac has a different impact in the world until this day. You go to Asia, you drop a Tupac record in the club, everyone is going to sing along,” said DJ Snake. Freddie Gibbs then also named Tupac: “The greatest rapper of all time is Tupac Shakur.”
D Smoke then crowned JAY-Z, but also gave flowers to Kendrick Lamar: “Right now is Jay-Z. But I think Kendrick Lamar is one of the greatest rappers to ever do it.”
Summer Walker then named Lil Wayne: “Lil Wayne, he has the best metaphors of all time. Like, it’s like he doesn’t even think about it. It just flows effortlessly.” In the end, Ty Dolla Sign got confused, so he named himself: “Me when I rap.”
Check out the full thing below.
Who is the greatest rapper of all time? We asked artists at the #VMAs their thoughts. Who’s your Rap GOAT? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/LHpLIhujeT
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) September 9, 2025
