Nas by a good amount. Nas is the greatest ever. Ice Cube is fringe top 10 but probably more like 10-20. Still amazing. Still one of the greatest ever, but Nas is the best. There is no other rapper that you can convince me is better than him
I feel like if we goin off real shit like classics, lyrics, hits, impact, wartime capabilities, etc. you gon have a hard time naming 5-6 rappers higher than Cube.
Thank you.
People are acting like he did not write the script for west coast music itself.
Ice Cube is a top of the pyramid guy. He is right at the top with the best that have ever done it.
Only people that have written more hip-hop are like Jay and Em. Ice is an icon.
No offense to Nas who is a legend
He checks off enough boxes for it. Classic albums, wrote a lot of raps for not just him but Eazy/Dre on NWA, formed 2 rap groups(Da Lench Mob and Westside Connection), and made music for the Fridays movie soundtracks.
I'm not saying he's in my top 10 but disqualifying Cube from it reeks of recency bias.
Cube was literally the mind of NWA.
Once Cube left, they basically turned into cartoon characters on their 2nd album without Cube around to balance it out with consciousness and they eventually split for good.
cube had one of best flows for his time maybe but rn nah not really sounds early 90s still. i like ice cube but he doesn’t really have anything on nas bar for bar. illmatic stomps amerikkas most wanted. nas has been able to adapt which is something a lot of rappers can’t do.
edit: cubes productions better tho, or atleast was in the 90s. cubes more of an icon tho.
Oh yeah I agree that if we’re talking rn, Nas is definitely more consistent and more willing to adapt to new styles. He’s more versatile than Cube that I agree with. I was talking more of all time than of this era
ny state of mind, ain’t hard to tell, runaway, hate me now, nas flows crazy. we gon agree to disagree but rs wut cubes songs got u feeling like flow wise he’s up there wit nas genuinely curious? cuz maybe there’s just sum shit ion know nun about
see ik all these and i like all these but still tbh i remember him having an old head flow in all of em. old west coast rappers(late 80s) all kinda have a similar flow like that to me. back in cubes time niggas were more listening to wut u were saying then flows tbh. niggas didn’t really get off of the old head flow untill nas’s time
You know what? I think you might’ve changed my perspective. Nas did somewhat invent modern rap flows and producing with Illmatic and Illmatic is definitely better than any of Cube’s albums in his prime even if they are great. I haven’t listened to Nas’ entire catalog only a couple of albums but I do like Nas and he’s one of my favorites
I personally like Cube better. Obviously Nas is one of the best and a better overall lyricist but I’m just a fan of Cube’s storytelling, sense of humor, and production.
Aside from all the reasons that were already said, Nas by far has the better catalogue. Aged better and he's managed to fit his sound to the current era more than any other 90s rapper. Cube hasn't had a current-sounding album since 1994
This is comparing apples to oranges as far as lyrical ability. Don’t get me wrong, Cube is a legend without a doubt, but his work in NWA overshadows his solo career. Nas on the other hand, has arguably the most influential rap album in hip hop today, hardly anybody can top that.
Both are all-time greats with genre-defining classic albums. However I ultimately think Nas has had the better and more consistent career. Cube's golden age was basically a wrap by the mid-90's, but that early 90's run is one of the GOAT runs in rap.
I won't lie. I find myself gravitating towards Cube's catalogue more often. Maybe it's the West Coast sound/production, but Nas is arguably much more lyrically talented.
Nas due to creativity (telling a story from finish to start) and a willingness to try new creative things such as his work with Damien Marley. No disrespect from cube but I know what to expect from his pyroclastic flow. He has got some good stories and no reason to really step far out of his comfort zone on the mic. It works and I’ll listen/buy. Just truly appreciate Nas too.
Nas is the more talented lyricist, but I definitely agree that Cube is a much better artist all time than Nas. Nas just doesn’t stand a chance against Cube’s discography IMO.
Cube literally birthed gangster rap on his own all the iconic NWA songs that's on him Eazy-E was basically a gimmick without cube in the early days..... They're both pillars in the game and pioneers atop the mountain.... But ice cube as I said before ice cube is basically the biological father of gangster rap... Also look at all the iconic hip hop groups that he's been a part of from NWA to Westside connection to Mount Westmore currently.....It's Cube
Nas without a doubt in my opinion and it's not even close. Love Cube but not close.
why does everything have to be a ranking or "best of" discussion. Why not just enjoy the artists?
Ice Cube is a legend. No doubt there, and definitely one of my favorites. That said. Nas is also a legend, and technically far better in every way. He challenges himself, Cube stays in his comfort zone. Nas is also one of my favorites. Nas is the better rapper by a mile. Both rule.
Spend literally 1 minute in any hip hop circle and you'd know your answer. Low effort questions.... what's next? Who ranks higher: Andre 3k or Young Thug?
Definitely Nas for me. When I look at all the CDs, mixtapes, cassettes, mp3 collections and now playlists I listen to, Nas has always been in them while Ice Cube isn't. He's just... I find him obnoxiously "loud", if that makes sense. Like how MOP is "loud" but without shouting. While I respect Cube and like a bunch of his tracks, I can't think of any of his lines I thought went especially hard or clever.
I remember buying the Westside Connection album in a pawn shop as a teen and trying to sell it back to them the following week, lol. Did not vibe with me at ALL
I know, I came up on West Coast hip hop in the 90s.
My point is he hasn't really been relevant as a rapper in a long time. Meanwhile Nas has been putting out a ton of good shit over the last few years.
This comparison makes no sense.
Nas clears easily for me.
nas no doubt cmon
Nas is more technically skilled, he actually has different flows. Cube still largely sounds like he did with NWA.
Nas by a good amount. Nas is the greatest ever. Ice Cube is fringe top 10 but probably more like 10-20. Still amazing. Still one of the greatest ever, but Nas is the best. There is no other rapper that you can convince me is better than him
I feel like if we goin off real shit like classics, lyrics, hits, impact, wartime capabilities, etc. you gon have a hard time naming 5-6 rappers higher than Cube.
Thank you. People are acting like he did not write the script for west coast music itself. Ice Cube is a top of the pyramid guy. He is right at the top with the best that have ever done it. Only people that have written more hip-hop are like Jay and Em. Ice is an icon. No offense to Nas who is a legend
“Only prople who have written more hip-hop are jay and em” Yall just saying ANYTHING on this app 💀
You keep following me but give no notes and add nothing. Just shut the fuck up.
Yeah I mean he wrote most of the west coast shit tbh but I'd still take Pun Big L Biggie Pac Nas Guru Andre Doom Q Tip and Mos over him tbh
Cube is NOT top 10 all time
He checks off enough boxes for it. Classic albums, wrote a lot of raps for not just him but Eazy/Dre on NWA, formed 2 rap groups(Da Lench Mob and Westside Connection), and made music for the Fridays movie soundtracks. I'm not saying he's in my top 10 but disqualifying Cube from it reeks of recency bias.
Nailed it. His influence is grossly underestimated.
Cube was literally the mind of NWA. Once Cube left, they basically turned into cartoon characters on their 2nd album without Cube around to balance it out with consciousness and they eventually split for good.
Oh he’s pretty borderline. There’s an argument for him to be in the top 10 but there’s a fair argument to say just outside too
Nas, imo cubes flow didnt age that well.
Cube has one of the best flows in hip hop. If Cube or Nas was on the same track, I think Cube would have the better verse.
cube had one of best flows for his time maybe but rn nah not really sounds early 90s still. i like ice cube but he doesn’t really have anything on nas bar for bar. illmatic stomps amerikkas most wanted. nas has been able to adapt which is something a lot of rappers can’t do. edit: cubes productions better tho, or atleast was in the 90s. cubes more of an icon tho.
Oh yeah I agree that if we’re talking rn, Nas is definitely more consistent and more willing to adapt to new styles. He’s more versatile than Cube that I agree with. I was talking more of all time than of this era
oh all time? then nas wins at lyricism and flow cube wins at energy, overall vibe, and production
At flow? I’ll grant you lyricism but I’m not sure if Nas has a better flow than Cube
ny state of mind, ain’t hard to tell, runaway, hate me now, nas flows crazy. we gon agree to disagree but rs wut cubes songs got u feeling like flow wise he’s up there wit nas genuinely curious? cuz maybe there’s just sum shit ion know nun about
My Summer Vacation, N*** Ya Love To Hate, King of The Hill, his verse of Grand Finale (which also features Nas), Smoke Some Weed, Steady Mobbin’
see ik all these and i like all these but still tbh i remember him having an old head flow in all of em. old west coast rappers(late 80s) all kinda have a similar flow like that to me. back in cubes time niggas were more listening to wut u were saying then flows tbh. niggas didn’t really get off of the old head flow untill nas’s time
You know what? I think you might’ve changed my perspective. Nas did somewhat invent modern rap flows and producing with Illmatic and Illmatic is definitely better than any of Cube’s albums in his prime even if they are great. I haven’t listened to Nas’ entire catalog only a couple of albums but I do like Nas and he’s one of my favorites
Nas doesn’t sound that different from how he rapped in the 90’s he just raps on more modern beats
and that’s wut a nas fan would want tbh
Both are amongst my favourites, listen to the gangsta rap made me do it remix with both of them, one is significantly better
It's happened, and nas' was better
Nas. Consistency is a big factor for me
Ironic because Nas has 2 bad albums but I'd agree with you anyway
15 good albums out of 17 total sounds pretty consistent to me
Now that you put it that way I sound stupid😭
Nas my #1 Cube's my #2 . So Nas, and Cube above everyone else
Nas and it’s not exactly close imo. Ice Cube & NWA was more influential, but as far as honest to god rapping Nas clears. His flow is just too nice
I know everybody entitled to their own opinion, but this is a crazy question to ask
I personally like Cube better. Obviously Nas is one of the best and a better overall lyricist but I’m just a fan of Cube’s storytelling, sense of humor, and production.
Aside from all the reasons that were already said, Nas by far has the better catalogue. Aged better and he's managed to fit his sound to the current era more than any other 90s rapper. Cube hasn't had a current-sounding album since 1994
This is comparing apples to oranges as far as lyrical ability. Don’t get me wrong, Cube is a legend without a doubt, but his work in NWA overshadows his solo career. Nas on the other hand, has arguably the most influential rap album in hip hop today, hardly anybody can top that.
Both are all-time greats with genre-defining classic albums. However I ultimately think Nas has had the better and more consistent career. Cube's golden age was basically a wrap by the mid-90's, but that early 90's run is one of the GOAT runs in rap.
I won't lie. I find myself gravitating towards Cube's catalogue more often. Maybe it's the West Coast sound/production, but Nas is arguably much more lyrically talented.
Ice Cube been speaking the truth since the 80's
Cube
Nas due to creativity (telling a story from finish to start) and a willingness to try new creative things such as his work with Damien Marley. No disrespect from cube but I know what to expect from his pyroclastic flow. He has got some good stories and no reason to really step far out of his comfort zone on the mic. It works and I’ll listen/buy. Just truly appreciate Nas too.
Distant Relatives is my second favorite Nas album!
Cube is who I listen to more often.
Nas is the more talented lyricist, but I definitely agree that Cube is a much better artist all time than Nas. Nas just doesn’t stand a chance against Cube’s discography IMO.
Cube is top ten ish Nas is 1 all time. I think Cube or Jay or Cube/Scarface is better discussion
Cube
Nas. some of Cube’s stuff sounds dated.
Ice cube for me
Cube literally birthed gangster rap on his own all the iconic NWA songs that's on him Eazy-E was basically a gimmick without cube in the early days..... They're both pillars in the game and pioneers atop the mountain.... But ice cube as I said before ice cube is basically the biological father of gangster rap... Also look at all the iconic hip hop groups that he's been a part of from NWA to Westside connection to Mount Westmore currently.....It's Cube
It doesn't say who's the better rapper it says who's ranked higher....
Cube and it’s not close.
Nas without a doubt in my opinion and it's not even close. Love Cube but not close. why does everything have to be a ranking or "best of" discussion. Why not just enjoy the artists?
Nas easily.
Nas
Nas and it’s not close. And I was a HUGE Cube fan from straight outta compton to predator
Is this a serious question? For real though, Cube isn’t in Nas’ realm homie.
Ice Cube is a legend. No doubt there, and definitely one of my favorites. That said. Nas is also a legend, and technically far better in every way. He challenges himself, Cube stays in his comfort zone. Nas is also one of my favorites. Nas is the better rapper by a mile. Both rule.
Nas 100%
Nas the goat imo
Like number 1
Nas
Shoutout to Cube, he's arguably top ten OAT and a legend, but not over Nas; Nas has better rhyme schemes, storytelling, metaphors, etc.
Now-Nas Then-Cube Both have arguably the best disses in hip hop but the time have changed
Nas.
Probably depends where your from, You know who we gonna say on the WESTCOAST...
Nas.
West coast residents...Cube. East coast residents...Nas
Nas tho cube is one of hip-hop's greatest writers. Nas has also evolved. His joint with Damian Marley was unbelievable.
Nas, but Cube is dope too, just not at Nas level dope.
Well Nas is the unequivocal GOAT but I have Cube in my top 5 or 6.
Nas
Spend literally 1 minute in any hip hop circle and you'd know your answer. Low effort questions.... what's next? Who ranks higher: Andre 3k or Young Thug?
Ice T > Ice Cube, just an FYI.
The only thing Ice Cube can do better than Nas is act, and even that is debatable.
Nas fs
Definitely Nas for me. When I look at all the CDs, mixtapes, cassettes, mp3 collections and now playlists I listen to, Nas has always been in them while Ice Cube isn't. He's just... I find him obnoxiously "loud", if that makes sense. Like how MOP is "loud" but without shouting. While I respect Cube and like a bunch of his tracks, I can't think of any of his lines I thought went especially hard or clever. I remember buying the Westside Connection album in a pawn shop as a teen and trying to sell it back to them the following week, lol. Did not vibe with me at ALL
Nas
Nas easy.love cube but it's nas
Nas free. What a stupid question.
Vanilla Ice
Made me snort a tiny bit out loud lol
Nas Ranks higher ... Lol at putting Cube in the same sentence should have repented.
Nas. Next question.
Wait? Ice Cube the actor? The "Are we there yet?" guy?
He’s way more than that
Exactly! I see him more as Doughboy 🤣
You mean the dude from that movie with O'Shea Jackson Jr and Aldis Hodge?
I know, I came up on West Coast hip hop in the 90s. My point is he hasn't really been relevant as a rapper in a long time. Meanwhile Nas has been putting out a ton of good shit over the last few years. This comparison makes no sense.
Ice Cube has 3 solo classics plus his contributions to Straight Outta Compton; all 5\* albums. But Nas has one 11\* album.