Wu Tang Clan architect RZA recently stirred the pot in the eternal debate over Hip Hop’s greatest lyricist. During his appearance on Drink Champs, hosted by N.O.R.E., RZA was presented with a classic “this or that” scenario, asked to choose between GZA and Nas, two emcees often celebrated for their lyrical mastery.
While hesitant to pit them directly against each other, RZA made his stance clear.
“For MC-ing, my favorite, best MC is the GZA,” he said. “I don’t think no MC could beat the GZA. I think what GZA has written for Hip Hop, no other MC can compare.”
He went on to highlight GZA’s foundational role within the Wu-Tang Clan and his lasting impact on Hip Hop. “Even if you go look at Rakim, who is one of the greatest to most people, Nas is one of the greatest. But if you look at what GZA offered to Hip Hop… he spawned me, Meth, Rae, Ghost… these are all from GZA, the enlightener.”
The comment fueled further discussion in the long-running debates that define Hip Hop’s history. Among them: KRS-One vs. Rakim, where KRS embodies street-level knowledge and revolutionary fire, while Rakim represents technical finesse and god-like flow. Another classic clash; DMX vs. Tupac. Both tapped into deep emotional wells, with ‘Pac playing the poetic prophet and X’s gritty street flow through trauma with unmatched energy.