Chuck D Reacts To Melle Mel Rant On Eminem & Kendrick Lamar

Chuck D gives historical perspective on the man he believes to be the “Wilt Chamberlain Of Rap,” after his comments about Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and Lil Wayne.

The 50th anniversary of hip hop is fast approaching in a few months and the icons who shaped the genre are speaking on the current commentary pertaining to greatest rappers list.

The artist who is known for bringing street level awareness to the rap world with his group Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, has been very outspoken about modern day hip hop artists.

Melle Mel seems to believe that Kendrick Lamar and Eminem’s ranking by Billboard is not warranted in comparison to other influential hip hop artists such as Notorious BIG and Tupac Shakur.

“Nobody wants to rap like Kendrick Lamar. Nobody wants to rap like Eminem,” he said. “A lot of people wanted to rap, like ‘Pac and Biggie.” The pioneering rap star also had something to say about Lil Wayne’s ranking as well. Not only did he say that Eminem wouldn’t be a top 5 rapper if he was white, he also refuted Lil Wayne’s “best rapper of all time” claim because of his use of auto-tune.

Melle Mel says Lil Wayne is not the greatest rapper ever because he uses autotune. pic.twitter.com/NsV5jPYuTl

— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) March 4, 2023

In a recent interview with Zane Lowe, Weezy said that his no. 7 spot on Billboard’s top 50 rappers list was inaccurate and he should be at no. 1.

“Man, who the hell is before me?” Weezy said after Lowe asked him about his thoughts about the list. “Was the list including ALL Hip Hop, like before and after as well? I can deal with that.” Weezy added: “I will tell you that I am a muthafuckin’ one. Everybody whose names you named, they also know I’m number one. Go ask ’em. They know what it is.”

Eminem and Kendrick Lamar have not made any public remarks about Mel’s comment in the video above, but 50 Cent jumped on social media to retort the legend which has reached on various entertainment outlets.

“There was more money selling dope then being in hip-hop when Melle Mel was popping, the culture grown so much,” he said. “I’m not sure if it would be what it is today without artists like Eminem,” he added before stating that Melle Mell is hating on the younger generation.

CHUCK D DEFENDS MELLE MEL

Chuck D reminded the masses of Melle Mel’s contributions to the culture. Though the famed rap pioneer has a history of downplaying the success of those who came after him, Chuck D made it clear that the OG rapper is an integral force in shaping the culture we love and enjoy today. Chuck said that Mel is like the Wilt Chamberlain of hip-hop due to his dominance on the mic, as well as the parallels between Melle Mel and Chamberlain’s criticism of the younger generation.

“Understand Melle Mel was so dominant over the rest of the pack in the first 5 years of records its hard to comprehend for born after MC folk,” he explained. “Its why i call him Wilt Chamberlain and Wilt had a crate of critiques for the rappers after him including ME . Just Let Mel be Wilt lol.” Some people agreed with Chuck D’s take while others pointed out to Melle Mel’s frequent disrespect of new MCs.

Gotta have tougher skin and be GREAT not just popular. Few got it harder than what MEL tossed At myself and KRS . Just MAN up and keep it moving

— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) March 7, 2023

Chuck D also spoke about whether or not he is bothered by these lists being made by these outlets.

Know This. The reason I don’t get shook by NOT being on any GREATEST rapper lists is simple. Once i see one of my PEer group on it , im good. Thats how my fraternity rolls. #OGseniorCircuit

Some ppl making these lists were not around to see the impact of certain artists. Plenty of artists changed their flow and subject matter after PE. We wore medallions/clocks/ Malcolm X gear after PE’s influence. Production got louder and busier. I could go on….