a thoughtful web.
Good ideas and conversation. No ads, no tracking.   Login or Take a Tour!
comment by Maphen

Michael Jackson and Prince without a doubt.

And you're definitely on point with Kanye, emotional rappers like Drake and Kid Cudi, may've been doing it at the same time, but definitely wouldn't've been so popular without Kanye. Even with the ego, he showed an emotional, insecure, and hypocritical side that a lot of rappers would've avoided. Personally, I love both styles, but I probably wouldn't've gotten into the genre without his influence.

I also agree with Jay-Z, with the only stipulation being that his spotty discography may be a bit of a black mark. However, The Who and Queen have atrocious discographies and they're still remembered fondly.