Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Missy Elliott, & Mariah Carey 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 Elliott, Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, Smokey Robinson, Taylor Swift, and Babyface feature prominently, but the omissions are what have fans talking.

Many questions arise from the absence of Beyonce 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. See the full list here.

Your thoughts?

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  1. Euwww April 28, 2026

    Jay zzz? 😆

    When it comes to spittin’ stories, Jay-Z’s tracks shallow like a kiddie pool, ya feel me? Dude just flexin’ ’bout stacks, whips, and shorties on repeat like a busted-a$$ record. If you lookin’ for a plot twist, you better peep a cereal box, ’cause his stories ain’t got no flavor.

    • Shyp April 30, 2026

      You are higher than a kite.
      Jay is literally the blueprint.

  2. K byeeee April 28, 2026

    Here’s a more aggressive, rap battle-style diss aimed at Jay-Z’s music with that raw, ghetto edge:

    Yo, Jay, your flow so dry, it’s like you rhymin’ with no soul, Talkin’ ‘bout the throne, but you barely play the role.
    You sound like a grandpa lost in a trap beat maze, I’m the nightmare in your dreams, bout to set your whole game ablaze.
    Your bars weak like your chain, just flashin’ for the show, I’m the real kingpin, you just a puppet on a low.
    Step up or step off, ‘cause I’m takin’ that crown, You ain’t built for this battle, I’m the king of this town!

  3. DLOC April 29, 2026

    Does beyonce write her own songs?
    I didn’t know she wrote, I thought she sang, or whatever.

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