The aged-old debate on who is a better rapper, DMX or Jay-Z, has been rekindled thanks to Drink Champs. NORE was interviewing the legendary rapper, DMX, when the question came up on who would he want to battle if he was to do Verzuz, an IG live battle series created by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland where artists go head to head as they play their famous discographies.
Without hesitation, DMX chose his old rap battle buddy Jay-Z. This, of course, wouldn’t be the first time that the two went at it. Fans were able to watch DMX and Jay-Z challenge each other to a freestyle battle while on the Hard Knock Life Tour which was captured on the 2000 documentary Backstage. Both from the birthplace of Hip Hop, it was hard to determine who won with fans praising both DMX and Jay-Z.
DMX is a strong component with all of his poetic lyricism mixed with a conviction for truth and depth. On the other hand, Jay-Z is the pedestal for prosperity rap as he paints a very vivid picture of his life from the ills of the Marcy Projects to the sunny side of Hollywood.
In our opinion, DMX won the Hard Knock Life Tour battle. Why? DMX had the punchlines that make you say Ugh. You cannot sit and listen to him rap and not hear an oooo or aahhhh. He’s the kind to eat parables and soliloquies for breakfast. Music notes are embedded in his heart. Listening to DMX is a baptism of the spirit in the trinity of Hip Hop music. For us, that’s the lyrical content, delivery, and overall swag. He is made for war, so it’s no surprise he has and could kill Jay-Z in a battle.
But, we have to keep it 100. Jay-Z is a business man. Listening to the discography of this legendary Brooklyn rapper, you already know he has the gift.
Where can we start? Reasonable Doubt is a classic, period! East Coast favorites “Can’t Knock the Hustle”, “Brooklyn’s Finest”, and “Ain’t No Nigga” are some of the major records on this album. But, true fans know the impact of such songs as “Regrets”, “22 Two’s”, “D’Evils” and “Dead Presidents”.
But, then there’s X, who had an equally amazing debut album with It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot. DMX’s impact would travel beyond New York to all the hoods across the world with songs “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem”, “Get At Me Dog”, “Stop Being Greedy” and “How’s It Goin Down”.
Jay-Z has released 13 solo studio albums, all that have gone platinum. DMX has released eight, with five albums going platinum.
It could be that DMX had to take a break to focus on finding his peace. Or it could be that Jay-Z knew how to play the politics well. But, when it comes down to the discographies, Jay-Z is quite the heavyweight.
We honestly think that Jay-Z would win a Verzuz challenge on discography alone. But, DMX would win a freestyle battle any day. They are both legends in Hip Hop history, the Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant of rap.
Who do you think would win the Verzuz battle?
