Tupac vs. Biggie: Who's the greatest rapper of all time? | The Tylt (2024)

Tupac vs. Biggie: Who's the greatest rapper of all time?

By Deron Dalton

Published 3/24/20

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Tupac vs. Biggie: Who's the greatest rapper of all time?

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#TeamTupac

Tupac's music is regarded as poetry. His lyrics are about his personal struggles, racism, growing up in poverty, social ills, imprisonment and his childhood.

His music has inspired this generation of rappers, including Kendrick Lamar. Several Tupac albums were released posthumously, leading to years of speculation that he's not actually dead. The aggressive flow and lyrical skills that make Tupac a poet are why many argue he is the greatest of all time.

Justin Charity for Complex spells out why Tupac is better than Biggie.

The Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac’s most obvious rival in the East/West Coast wars of the mid-’90s, was the more proficient rapper on various rhythmic and lingual counts; though critical retrospect tends to exaggerate the simplicity of 2Pac’s rhyme schemes and vocab. In any case, B.I.G. was never quite the font of rage and grandiose action that’s inspired three (so far) generations of rappers—from Eminem and 50 Cent, to Lil Boosie, to Meek Mill and J. Cole—to follow 2Pac’s blueprint after the rapper’s violent demise.

https://giphy.com/gifs/dancing-alone-VGsT1jzgSQM5a

#TeamBiggie

But not everyone agrees Tupac is the GOAT.

Biggie was Pac's biggest rival in the game. Biggie came on the scene and took East Coast rap to the next level. His sick flow, storytelling and freestyle skills made him a legend overnight. Tupac might have the edge in regards to lyrical ability, but Biggie dropped tracks with the kind of polished technical skills no one had heard before. Just listen to "Juicy."

Angel Diaz for Complex argues why Biggie is better than Tupac.

No 2Pac album is better than Ready to Die. Big's first album is right up there with Illmatic and Paid in Full for the "greatest rap album ever created" title. It had storytelling, top-notch production, it was street and commercial at the same time, and offered otherworldly wordplay. He set the tone for what was to come: commercial viability for hip-hop. Tracks like "Gimme the Loot," "Juicy," and "One More Chance" stood side-by-side without feeling disjointed. "Big Poppa" and "One More Chance (Remix)" shot Big into super stardom, and they laid the foundation for his sophom*ore effort.

https://giphy.com/gifs/notorious-big-FZfq5X8UoAc3S

Also be sure to listen to Fiercely Fandom with Deron.

Senior Fandom Editor Deron Dalton hosts this fun podcast about pop culture through the lens of fandoms and stan culture. Deron is a fanboy and his expert guests are fan people! Join in on listening to some fan talk and let us know exactly where you stan.

He recently caught up with Entertainment Editor Keydra Manns about the impact of the rising women in hip-hop.

Kedyra also shares a special clip of her interview with Charlamagne Tha God, co-host of "The Breakfast Club," giving his two cents on the hottest women rappers.

https://fiercely-fandom-with-deron.simplecast.com/episodes/the-future-of-hip-hop-is-female

#TeamTupac

Many critics consider "Me Against the World" to be Tupac's most personal album, as he incorporates elements from his childhood, trouble with the police and imprisonment. Tupac was imprisoned while the LP became his first to debut atop the Billboard 200. The album included hits like the personal "Dear Mama." On the track, he talks about growing up in poverty but also shows his great appreciation for everything his mother, Afeni Shakur, had done for him.

Watch the music video to Tupac's "Dear Mama" below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=12&v=Mb1ZvUDvLDY

#TeamTupac

"All Eyez On Me" was released more than seven months before Tupac's tragic death on Feb. 13, 1996, but the album's success continued well after he was murdered in September of that same year. The album was certified Diamond upon selling more 10 million copies. Lead singles "California Love" and "How Do U Want It" both topped the Billboard Hot 100.

Watch the music video for "California Love" below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=5wBTdfAkqGU

#TeamBiggie

"Ready to Die" was Biggie's iconic debut, a celebrated album that ultimately cemented his legacy. Biggie got his start on Craig Mack's "Flava in Ya Ear" and also scored a promotional hit with "Party and Bulls***." But the album's lead single, "Juicy," is what made him a rap god, and it remains the reason why many regard him as the greatest. On the track, he talked about the struggles of everyday life in New York City.

Watch the full music video to Biggie's "Juicy" below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JZom_gVfuw

#TeamBiggie

"Life After Death" was technically released posthumously, but Biggie completed the album before his death. He scored mega #1 hits with "Hypnotize" and "Mo Money Mo Problems" on the Billboard Hot 100. Like "All Eyez On Me," Biggie's final album is certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Watch the music video for "Hypnotize" below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=glEiPXAYE-U

FINAL RESULTS

Tupac vs. Biggie: Who's the greatest rapper of all time?