Waka Flocka Talks Top Lists: "The Sound Of Hip Hop Today Is 'Cause Of [Me]"

BY Erika Marie 4.0K Views
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He thinks people are too sensitive when it comes to these lists.

The Top Rapper List craze has swept social media once again, and as usual, it has upset a few artists. While T.I. was building a record of who he considers to be the Top 50 Rappers of all time, someone else was crafting a list of Atlanta's 50 best emcees. Both Gucci Mane and 21 Savage weren't shy about vocalizing their disapproval, but Waka Flocka couldn't care less about his including. 

To be clear, Waka did make the "Atlanta Top 50 Rappers" list, taking the No. 26 spot, but he jumped on Instagram to share a video of himself talking about why he believes lists aren't important. "Aye, look man. All that, that list everybody doing and sh*t. That little rap list sh*t. Look man, I don't wanna be on that sh*t. First of all, I'm not from Atlanta," Waka said. "I was born in Jamaica Queens, New York, so I can't be on that list. If you wasn't born in Atlanta, why the f*ck you on [this] list. But I will say this, n*gga. The sound of hip hop today is 'cause of Waka Flocka. These beats are 'cause of me."

According to Waka, the fascination with Top Lists is something that is primarily an obsession in hip hop culture. "I don't see n*ggas in the EDM world saying who the number one this, or in the pop world. Why every time it come to our community, we gotta compete to be number one? F*ck being number one, bruh. Who get most money on shows? Who got ice? Who doin' sh*t for they community? Who really was broke five years ago and really up like f*ck? N*gga, you number one. Who really knocking out these shows? C'mon, bruh. That's really number one, my boy. Stop lettin' that list get to y'all n*ggas head. That sh*t lame."

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming the Co-Head of Original Content. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, and Amy Luciani—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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