Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy has waded into one of hip-hop’s longest-running debates about who truly deserves to be called the Greatest of All Time (GOAT).
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Afrobeats giant revealed his personal picks, carefully balancing legendary figures with a voice from the new generation.
When asked to list his top rappers, Burna Boy narrowed it down to three names. Leading the pack was the late Tupac Shakur, widely regarded as one of the most influential rappers in history for his storytelling, cultural commentary, and political edge. He also named Big Pun, the Bronx heavyweight celebrated for his complex rhymes and sharp lyricism, a figure revered among hip-hop purists.
For his final choice, Burna Boy looked to the UK, highlighting J Hus as his representative of the new school. The British-Gambian artist, known for seamlessly blending Afrobeats, UK rap, and dancehall, has built a global reputation with his genre-bending sound, a quality Burna clearly admires.
Although his official list stopped at three, Burna Boy briefly acknowledged DMX, describing the late rapper’s unmatched energy and cultural impact before finalizing his choices.
By spotlighting rappers across eras and styles, Burna Boy reflected the wide range of influences that continue to shape his own artistry, a fusion of lyrical depth, cultural consciousness, and innovation.
Burna Boy names his GOAT Rappers:
2Pac
Big Pun
J Hus pic.twitter.com/wme85YS9Oc— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) September 24, 2025