Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking (2024)
Last year, we introduced our first Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking, with Joe Budden securing the top spot. The list sparked intense discussions both from those featured and others in the industry. As time passed, the hip-hop media landscape continued its constant evolution.
Then, in late March, Kendrick Lamar dropped a fiery verse on Future and Metro Boomin's track “Like That,” reigniting a major feud between Kendrick and Drake. This back-and-forth exchange dominated timelines and became a significant topic for hip-hop media. Those who engaged deeply in this rivalry reaped substantial benefits, while others who remained neutral lost visibility.
The 2024 Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking showcases the changes that have emerged now that the dust has settled. There are seven new entries this year, including a fresh face at the number one position.
Similar to last year, this ranking focuses on the current influence of each media personality rather than their entire career. The assessment is based on their impact since our inaugural list in 2023. Employees and hosts from Complex were not considered. Let the discussions begin.
25. Gabe P
Last year’s ranking: N/A
Featured on: On The Radar
Known for: Building a leading platform for rapper freestyles and music debuts
Followers: 79K IG; 840K YouTube
Notable moments this year: Drake and Central Cee freestyle; The Concrete Cypher; 41 interview
Gabe P transitioned from interning at Power 105.1 under Angie Martinez’s mentorship to launching one of the most popular new rap media platforms, On The Radar Radio. While this list ranks individuals, Gabe is undeniably the face of his platform, playing a crucial role in promoting new talents like Cash Cobain and Karrahbooo. He has become a trusted figure in identifying and showcasing emerging talent, which is the essence of hip-hop media. —Jordan Rose
24. Arshan Jawaid
Last year’s ranking: N/A
Featured on: Kids Take Over
Known for: Unproblematic rapper content
Followers: 124K IG; 125K YouTube
Notable moments this year: Cole Bennett interview; Lazer Dim 700 interview; Bryson Tiller interview
In another universe, Arshan Jawaid might not have made this list—not due to a lack of quality, but because his initial dream was to work at Complex. Undeterred by this setback, Jawaid built KTO from the ground up, driven by the mantra of self-reliance. Since his first rap interview in 2018 with Smooky Margielaa, he has interviewed artists like NLE Choppa, Ken Carson, and DD Osama, often being one of the first to spotlight emerging talent. KTO stands out by focusing on music over drama, with Jawaid aiming to create his own version of Complex. —Donnie Kwak
23. Jason Lee
Last year’s ranking: 11
Featured on: Hollywood Unlocked With Jason Lee
Known for: Humorous pop culture commentary and headline-making interviews
Followers: 3.6M IG; 540K YouTube (Hollywood Unlocked)
Notable moments this year: DDG Interview; Joyner Lucas interview
Jason Lee is highly connected within hip-hop media, blending celebrity coverage with personal engagement. On Hollywood Unlocked, he covers a wide range of topics, reminiscent of Wendy Williams at her peak. His coverage of the Kendrick and Drake feud has kept him relevant, providing his audience with insights on the ongoing beef while also creating viral moments with artists like DDG and Joyner Lucas. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
22. Adam22
Last year’s ranking: 19
Featured on: No Jumper
Known for: Controversial content and candid rapper interviews
Followers: 3.1M IG; 4.77M YouTube
Notable moments this year: Kodak Black interview; Foolio interview
Adam22’s No Jumper was once a pivotal platform for SoundCloud rappers but has now shifted towards more controversial content. Despite facing allegations and criticism for his provocative approach, Adam22 remains a significant figure in hip-hop media. He continues to provide a platform for underground rappers like Lil Reese and Kodak Black while also engaging in darker, more controversial topics, making him a polarizing yet influential personality. —Peter A. Berry
21. Van Lathan
Last year’s ranking: N/A
Featured on: Higher Learning
Known for: Level-headed hip-hop commentary
Followers: 595K IG; 202K X
Notable moments this year: Analysis of the Kendrick-Drake beef on Higher Learning
Van Lathan is known for his sensible and nuanced commentary. After gaining fame at TMZ, he has continued to provide insightful analysis through his podcast Higher Learning. His balanced takes on the Kendrick and Drake feud have been particularly noteworthy, mixing hip-hop knowledge with a broader cultural perspective. —Peter A. Berry
20. Trap Lore Ross
Last year’s ranking: N/A
Featured on: Trap Lore Ross
Known for: True crime documentaries
Followers: 1.21M YouTube; 165k Snapchat
Notable moments this year: YoungBoy: Real Killer or Fake Gangster documentary; King Von: Rap’s First Serial Killer documentary
Trap Lore Ross has found success in hip-hop’s true-crime era, creating long, investigative documentaries on alleged criminal activities of rappers. His work, while controversial, draws significant viewership and has made him a divisive yet impactful figure in hip-hop media. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
19. Nadeska Alexis
Last year’s ranking: 20
Featured on: The Nadeska Show, Rap Life Review
Known for: Skilled interviewing and fair commentary
Followers: 98.4K IG; 63.3K X
Notable moments this year: 4batz interview; ScHoolboy Q interview
Nadeska Alexis continues to bring insightful journalism to hip-hop media. Hosting The Nadeska Show on Apple Music, she has conducted notable interviews and provided balanced perspectives on various topics, solidifying her role as a respected voice in the industry. —Jaelani Turner-Williams
18. Sway Calloway
Last year’s ranking: 23
Featured on: Sway in the Morning on Sirius XM
Known for: Esteemed hip-hop interviews and freestyle sessions
Followers: 1M IG; 536K X
Notable moments this year: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence interview; That Mexican OT interview and freestyle
Sway Calloway remains a revered figure in hip-hop media, known for his credible and respectful interviewing style. His show, Sway in the Morning, continues to produce memorable moments, attracting a mix of established and emerging artists. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
17. Angela Yee
Last year’s ranking: 14
Featured on: Angela Yee’s Lip Service, Way Up With Angela Yee
Known for: Prolific hosting and comforting interview presence
Followers: 1.7M IG; 839K X
Notable moments this year: Offset interview; Cardi B interview
After leaving The Breakfast Club, Angela Yee has successfully established herself as a leading midday radio host with Way Up With Angela Yee. Her approach to interviews and engagement with listeners has been well-received, continuing her influence in hip-hop media. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
16. Big Boy
Last year’s ranking: 18
Featured on: BigBoyTV, Big Boy's Neighborhood
Known for: Comedic timing and energetic interviews in L.A.
Followers: 586K IG; 1.41M YouTube
Notable moments this year: ¥$ interview; Mustard interview; Dancing onstage with Kendrick Lamar
Big Boy remains a significant voice in L.A. hip-hop, known for his engaging and humorous interview style. He continues to attract major artists and create memorable moments, solidifying his status as a respected media personality. —Eric Skelton
15. Angie Martinez
Last year’s ranking: 12
Featured on: Angie Martinez IRL, The Angie Martinez Show on New York’s Power 105.1
Known for: Exploring the vulnerable side of celebrities
Followers: 972.5K X; 1M IG
Notable moments this year: Doja Cat interview; Jeezy interview; GloRilla interview
Angie Martinez continues to bring compassion and honesty to her interviews, creating viral moments with her podcast Angie Martinez IRL. She has also maintained her influence on Power 105.1, engaging with a diverse range of artists. —Kia Turner
14. Bootleg Kev
Last year’s ranking: N/A
Featured on: The Bootleg Kev Podcast, The Bootleg Kev Show
Known for: Wide-ranging interviews with notable hip-hop figures
Followers: 128K IG; 395K YouTube
Notable moments this year: NBA YoungBoy interview; Hog hunting with That Mexican OT; EST Gee walk-out interview
Bootleg Kev is known for his relaxed and conversational interview style. His ability to connect with artists and create engaging content, even during challenging moments, has made him a notable figure in hip-hop media. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
13. Rory & Mal
Last year’s ranking: N/A
Featured on: New Rory & Mal
Known for: Lively hip-hop debates and conversations
Followers: 84.4K IG; 273K YouTube
Notable moments this year: Hinting at the release of Drake’s “Push Ups”; the viral OVO Mal moments
Rory and Mal have carved out their niche in hip-hop media with their insightful commentary and lively debates. Their in-depth coverage of the Drake and Kendrick feud has solidified their place as reliable sources of hip-hop analysis. —Jordan Rose
12. Lil Yachty & Mitch
Last year’s ranking: N/A
Featured on: A Safe Space Podcast
Known for: Jokes, insider info, and hot takes
Followers: 85.9K IG; 308K YouTube
Notable moments this year: J. Cole interview; Lucki interview; Yachty teasing All the Dogs
Lil Yachty and Mitch bring a relaxed and entertaining approach to hip-hop interviews on A Safe Space Podcast. Their engaging style and willingness to share insider stories have made them a popular choice for artists. —Jaelani Turner-Williams
11. N.O.R.E.
Last year’s ranking: 5
Featured on: Drink Champs
Followers: 1.6M IG; 574K X
Known for: Drinking, smoking, and getting untold stories out of hip-hop legends
Notable moments this year: Benzino interview; Ludacris interview
N.O.R.E. remains a vibrant personality in hip-hop media, known for his uncensored interviews on Drink Champs. While he may have had fewer high-profile guests this year, his show continues to produce engaging content and viral moments. —Jaelani Turner-Williams
10. Nardwuar
Last year’s ranking: 22
Featured on: NardwuarServiette
Followers: 2.2M IG; 3.43M YouTube
Known for: Ridiculously researched questions and encyclopedic music knowledge, that silly hat, and interview-ending freeze frame
Notable moments this year: Tyler, the Creator interview; Ice Spice interview; Lazer Dim 700 interview
Nardwuar the Human Serviette continues to surprise and delight his interviewees with his deep research and unique style. His interviews with underground and mainstream artists alike have solidified his status as a respected and entertaining figure in hip-hop media. —Jordan Rose
9. Gillie & Wallo
Last year’s ranking: 4
Featured on: Million Dollaz Worth of Game
Followers: Gillie: 3.6M IG; Wallo: 2.6M IG; 1.57M YouTube
Known for: Comedic banter and honest conversations
Notable moments this year: YoungBoy Never Broke Again interview; Cardi B interview
Gillie and Wallo’s Million Dollaz Worth of Game continues to be a popular platform for candid and humorous interviews with a wide range of guests. Their relatable approach and engaging content have maintained their influence in hip-hop media. —Peter A. Berry
8. Anthony Fantano
Last year’s ranking: 13
Featured on: TheNeedleDrop
Followers: 2.88M YouTube; 928K X
Known for: In-depth YouTube reviews and snarky but informed commentary
Notable moments this year: The review of ¥$’s Vultures; The review of Gunna’s One of Wun; The review of Yeat’s 2093
Anthony Fantano continues to be a leading voice in music criticism, known for his scholarly yet humorous reviews on TheNeedleDrop. His refusal to compromise his standards, even with popular releases, has solidified his credibility and influence. —Peter A. Berry
7. Ebro
Last year’s ranking: 13
Featured on: Ebro in the Morning, The Ebro Show, Rap Life Review
Followers: 842K IG; 300K X
Known for: Being unafraid to share dissenting opinions or call out artists if necessary
Notable moments this year: Gunna interview; Sparking the “Drake has no regional sound” debate
Ebro Darden’s influence in hip-hop media continues to grow, with his roles at Hot 97 and Apple Music giving him a significant platform. His willingness to express unpopular opinions and his focus on music over gossip have made him a respected figure. —Kia Turner
6. DJ Vlad
Last year’s ranking: 9
Featured on: VladTV
Followers: 984K IG; 5.87M YouTube
Known for: Controversial guests and outlandish soundbites
Notable moments this year: Potentially helping the police solve Tupac’s murder
DJ Vlad’s interviews on VladTV continue to attract significant viewership, often featuring controversial and sensational content. His platform’s impact, including inadvertently aiding in solving Tupac’s murder, underscores his influence in hip-hop media. —Peter A. Berry
5. Elliott Wilson
Last year’s ranking: 8
Featured on: The Bigger Picture, Rap Radar Podcast
Known for: Conversations with rap legends, sparking hip-hop debates, pissing off streamers
Followers: 104K IG; 303.8K X
Notable moments this year: Elliott sparking debates about journalist vs. streamers; Elliott’s up-and-down relationship with Drake; Rap Radar Tyler, the Creator interview
Elliott Wilson’s extensive career in hip-hop media and his recent role as editorial director of HipHopDX and UPROXX have kept him in the spotlight. His involvement in significant debates and interviews has maintained his relevance and influence. —Kia Turner
4. Charlamagne Tha God
Last year’s ranking: 3
Featured on: The Breakfast Club, The Brilliant Idiots
Followers: 4.5M IG; 5.55M YouTube
Known for: Sensational commentary, asking provocative questions, and his “Donkey of the Day” segment
Notable moments this year: Being sampled by Future and Metro Boomin on “#1 (Intro);” Charlamagne breaking down beef
Charlamagne Tha God remains a dominant figure in hip-hop media, known for his provocative questions and insightful commentary. His influence extends beyond hip-hop, making him a significant voice in broader cultural discussions. —Jordan Rose
3. Kai Cenat
Last year’s ranking: 6
Featured on: KaiCenat on Twitch
Followers: 12M Twitch; 6.21M YouTube
Known for: High-energy content and ridiculous skits
Notable moments this year: Interviewing Nicki Minaj; Reviewing diss songs from Kendrick and Drake; Beefing With Kanye
Kai Cenat has seen explosive growth, with his platform becoming a major hub for hip-hop discussions and artist interactions. His engaging personality and ability to connect with major artists have made him a significant force in hip-hop media. —Jordan Rose
2. Joe Budden
Last year’s ranking: 1
Featured on: The Joe Budden Podcast
Followers: 1.42M YouTube; 1.7M IG
Known for: Insightful commentary and insider perspective around hip-hop and the industry
Notable moments this year: Breaking down Kendrick and Drake’s many disses; Beefing with Drake; Interviewing Larry Jackson
Joe Budden’s podcast continues to be a must-listen for hip-hop fans, offering a mix of insider knowledge and passionate debates. His ability to dissect complex topics and engage with his audience has kept him at the forefront of hip-hop media. —Kia Turner
1. DJ Akademiks
Last year’s ranking: 2
Featured on: DJ Akademiks on YouTube, Twitch, Rumble, Spotify, and Instagram
Followers: 5M IG; 1.6M X
Known for: Getting inside information from notable rappers; livestreaming the biggest moments in hip-hop
Notable moments this year: Being the most dominant media voice in the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake beef; becoming a meme
DJ Akademiks has solidified his position as the most influential figure in hip-hop media. His constant presence and ability to provide real-time commentary on major events, like the Kendrick-Drake feud, have made him a central figure in hip-hop discussions. Despite controversies, his impact and reach continue to grow, cementing his status at the top of the list.
