Legendary hip-hop figures left out of game show’s top five rappers
In a recent episode of the American television game show Family Feud, the teams of Tori Kelly and Meghan Trainor went head to head. Their separate opinions have invariably coughed up a serious debate about the history of hip-hop and the cultural position of the likes of Jay-Z and Biggie Smalls.
Presenter Steve Harvey, at one point, asked the families, “Who is the greatest rapper of all time and their answers were not exactly what one might have expected. A member of the Trainor family said J. Cole, although he did not make the list of correct answers.
Additionally, included in the incorrect guesses were big names in the modern hip-hop game, including Kendrick Lamar and Lil Wayne. One contestant, though, a member of the Kelly family, eventually gave a correct answer in the shape of Tupac Shakur, who showed up in the number two slot on the board.
Kelly’s dad also gave a correct answer: The Notorious B.I.G., although Biggie had surprisingly been omitted from the top five names at number six. Jay-Z did sneak into the top eight in last place, but he was also a surprising omission from the top five rappers of all time.
Nowhere to be seen in the top eight were the likes of Nas, Drake and Ice Cube, who are all huge names in the rap game of different eras, leaving their stamp on the genre collectiely. The top five order ran as follows, Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, Eminem, Dr. Dre, LL Cool J, Biggie Smalls, 50 Cent and Jay-Z.
There was at least a bit of humour on the set of Family Feud in light of the surprising list, with host Harvey asking, “We in Rhode Island again, where we at?” and Kelly following up with, “You’re thinking as a Hip-Hop head. I don’t think that’s who answered these questions.”
Harvey then proceeded to offer her apologies for the list on behalf of the hip-hop world, announcing her stark surprise that Jay-Z propped up the bottom of the list. “I just wanna apologize to the entire hip-hop community,” he said. “Jay-Z’s last, what in the world?”
Family Feud had thrown up more controversy in another recent episode starring Megan Thee Stallion. The episode saw her asked to “Name something you’ve done to your mate’s feet,” and considering the fact that she had been shot in the foot by Tory Lanez, some couldn’t help but laugh, while others couldn’t hide their shock and embarrassment. It’s clear that host Harvey feels the same way about the supposed top rappers of all time.