Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Missy Elliot & More Crowned Among Greatest Living Songwriters

Published: Tuesday 28th Apr 2026 by Nadia Mumuni

Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar & Missy Elliot greatest songwriters list

The New York Times has set social media ablaze after unveiling its list of the 30 greatest living American songwriters. But not everyone is impressed.

Full story below…

Compiled from votes by industry insiders and critics, the ranking spotlights heavyweights like Jay-Z, praised for his lyrical complexity, with the publication dubbing his ‘Reasonable Doubt’ album as “one of the greatest debut albums in any genre.”

Kendrick Lamar also made the list for his genre-blending artistry, especially thanks to material from his ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’ album.

Elsewhere, names like Missy Elliot and Babyface feature prominently, but the omissions are what have fans talking.

Many questions arise from the absence of Drake, J. Cole, and Eminem, with critics accusing the list of overlooking key voices shaping modern music.

As the debate rages on, it seems there’s no clear agreement in sight.

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