Stephen A. Smith weighs in: Eminem vs. Nas – Who reigns supreme?

In the world of hip-hop, few debates are as passionate and enduring as the one between Eminem and Nas. These two lyrical titans have left an indelible mark on the genre, but the question remains: Who truly reigns supreme?

The contenders

Eminem: The rap god

Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, burst onto the scene in the late '90s with his raw, unapologetic style. His rapid-fire delivery, intricate wordplay, and controversial subject matter quickly earned him a place among the greatest rappers of all time. From “The Slim Shady LP” to “The Marshall Mathers LP” and beyond, Eminem’s impact on hip-hop is undeniable.

Nas: The street poet

Nasir Jones, better known as Nas, emerged from the gritty streets of Queensbridge, New York, with his debut album “Illmatic” in 1994. His vivid storytelling, poetic lyrics, and social commentary resonated with fans and critics alike. Nas’s influence extends beyond music; he’s a cultural icon who has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre.

The debate

Stephen A. Smith, sports journalist and hip-hop enthusiast, recently tackled this age-old debate on the Connect The Dots podcast. His take? Eminem edges out Nas due to consistency.

Firstly, Smith praises Nas, highlighting the complexity and depth of his lyrics. Nas is known for his intricate wordplay, storytelling, and the depth of his content. Smith suggests that appreciating Nas's lyrics requires a deeper understanding of street knowledge and language comprehension to fully dissect and appreciate his work.

On the other hand, Smith also acknowledges Eminem's greatness. He notes that Eminem's style is more straightforward and accessible compared to Nas. Eminem's lyrics, while often layered and clever, are presented in a more direct and explicit manner. Smith suggests that Eminem's approach is simpler and easier for a broader audience to understand without needing as much background knowledge.

Ultimately, Smith gives the edge to Eminem despite his personal love for Nas. He implies that while both artists are exceptional in their own right, Eminem's ability to convey his message more directly and simply gives him a slight advantage in Smith's view.

"I think Eminem is one of the greatest ever. I also think Nas is one of the greatest ever," Stephen A said. "Nas' lyrics are off the chain, but it requires more street knowledge and just more of a comprehension of the verbiage to really dissect, whereas with Eminem...he gives it to you simple and plain. I'm going to have to say as much as I love Nas, and I do love Nas, I have to give the edge to Eminem."

While Nas’s “best of” catalog may surpass Eminem’s, Slim Shady’s consistent greatness tips the scales in his favor. It’s a subjective battle, but one thing is clear: Both artists have left an indelible mark on hip-hop.