Jay-Z

Although it was way back in 1996, I remember hearing and loving Jay-Z’s first single, “Ain’t No N*gga,” like it was yesterday. What I definitely didn’t know back then, however, was that Jay-Z would beat Elvis Presley’s record as the solo artist with the most No. 1 albums of all time. For Jay-Z, putting up No. 1 albums—11 in a row—seemed to be as easy as breathing. But what is more important than his sales is his effect on American popular culture. Hip-hop is the first cultural phenomenon represented by a face from the community where the phenomenon originated. This wasn’t possible for rock and roll or blues or jazz, genres whose roots stretch around the world, but which were always represented by a white face, whether it was Elvis or Mick Jagger or Benny Goodman. But now, the confirmed king of rap is black. And that means a lot. By changing hip-hop, Jay-Z helped change the face of America and its racial politics. Kids in Beverly Hills now understand the plight of kids in Brooklyn housing projects. Without hip-hop there is no Barack Obama, and without Jay-Z, hip-hop wouldn’t be where it is today. I love Eminem. I love the Beasties, and I will love the next Indian, Italian, Spanish, or Asian rapper as well. But the king will always be an African-American from NYC. I look forward to the day when he passes the Beatles’ record sales, 'cause damn, he already crushed Elvis and his blue-suede shoes.