Few artists in modern music have redefined hip-hop as boldly as Kanye West, known today simply as Ye. From producing soulful beats for Jay-Z in the early 2000s to crafting era-defining albums like The College Dropout and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye’s creativity has always been rooted in deep admiration for the artists who came before him. When asked about his favorite rapper, Kanye’s answers have shifted over time — reflecting his evolving artistic identity — but several names consistently rise to the top.
Jay-Z: The Blueprint for Greatness
Kanye West has repeatedly described Jay-Z as his “big brother” and one of his greatest inspirations. Their relationship began when Kanye was a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, crafting beats for Jay-Z’s The Blueprint (2001), one of the most celebrated rap albums of all time.
Kanye once said, “Without Jay, there is no Kanye.” Their creative partnership reached its peak in 2011 with Watch the Throne, a collaborative album that showcased both rappers at their artistic prime. Jay-Z’s lyrical sharpness and business acumen clearly influenced Kanye’s own approach to fame, power, and success.
Nas: The Poet of the Streets
Another rapper Kanye has often cited as a favorite is Nas, whose introspective lyricism and storytelling left a deep mark on Ye’s vision of what hip-hop could be. Kanye grew up listening to Nas’s Illmatic, a record he has called “flawless.” Years later, Kanye would produce Nasir (2018), returning the admiration in the form of collaboration.
Nas’s ability to blend social commentary with poetry mirrors Kanye’s own approach to addressing race, identity, and personal struggle in his music.
Tupac Shakur: The Revolutionary Spirit
Kanye has also spoken passionately about Tupac Shakur, calling him one of the most important voices in music history. For Ye, Tupac wasn’t just a rapper — he was a movement. In interviews, Kanye has praised Tupac’s emotional honesty and revolutionary attitude, traits that echo through Kanye’s own catalog, from Jesus Walks to Ye.
Drake and Lil Wayne: The Modern Icons
In the 2010s, Kanye frequently mentioned Drake and Lil Wayne as two rappers who pushed hip-hop into new sonic territories. Despite his sometimes rocky relationship with Drake, Kanye has acknowledged his talent and influence on the culture. Similarly, he’s credited Lil Wayne for changing the sound of mainstream rap and inspiring the next generation of artists.
More Than a Fan — A Student of the Game
Kanye West’s admiration for other rappers goes beyond fandom; it’s a reflection of his respect for hip-hop’s evolution. His favorite rappers — Jay-Z, Nas, Tupac, Drake, and Lil Wayne — represent different eras and philosophies within rap, all of which have shaped Kanye’s unique artistry.
Ultimately, Kanye’s “favorite rapper” isn’t a single name — it’s the sum of the legends who built the foundation he continues to expand. As Ye once said:
“I’m a fan first. Before anything else, I’m a fan of greatness.”
