Vote: Who Is The Current King Of New York?

BYMitch Findlay25.0K Views
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Larry Busacca / Getty Images
Jay-Z
Heavy lies the crown.

The "King Of New York" has been a prominent topic of discussion of late. While the phenomenon was written about at length yesterday, the lively discussion in the comment section revealed a variety of differing opinions. The birthplace of hip-hop has spawned an insane roster of legendary talent throughout the years, and numerous rappers have enjoyed runs befitting of royalty. While some, like Jay-Z, Nas, Diddy, and 50 Cent, have gone on to enjoy the spoils of solid entrepreneurship, other young bloods continue to pave their own way through innovative and original music; after all, everyone must start somewhere. 

Needless to say, the criteria for "King" status was hardly concretely defined. Some valued the accomplishments of the game's storied legends, while others tended to appreciate those currently contributing to the growth of the scene. The usual suspects were well represented, but our users left no stone unturned; a testament to the vast and eclectic taste of the community. Still, the general consensus seemed to favor the legacy acts over the talented, yet still untested up-and-comers. 

While the idea that New York's King is a necessary figurehead seemed to be accepted across the board, it was still interesting to see resistance toward some of the more popular current artists like the divisive Cardi B and Tekashi 6ix9ine; the latter recently proclaimed himself "King Of New York," despite being one album deep in the game. Clearly, his proclamations left many feeling some type of way; people take the New York monarchy seriously out here. On that note, who gets your vote for the coveted title? 

Photo Credits
Jay-Z: Larry Busacca / Getty Images
Nas: Craig Barritt / Getty Images
50 Cent: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
DMX: Mike Lawrie / Getty Images
Jadakiss: Mike Coppola / Getty Images
Styles P: Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images
Dave East: Bennett Raglin / Getty Images
Joey Bada$$: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
A$AP Rocky: Rick Kern / Getty Images
A$AP Ferg: Jerritt Clark / Getty Images
Cardi B: Mike Coppola / Getty Images
Nicki Minaj: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
Diddy: Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images
KRS ONE: Scott Wintrow / Getty Images
Rakim: Astrid Stawiarz / Getty Images
Ghostface Killah: Jerritt Clark / Getty Images
Raekwon: Kris Connor / Getty Images
Method Man: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
RZA: Rick Kern / Getty Images
Busta Rhymes: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images
Fabolous: Graham Denholm / Getty Images
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie: Paras Griffin / Getty Images

King Of New York

Vote: Who Is The Current King Of New York?
About The Author
<b>Feature Editor</b> <!--BR--> Mitch Findlay is a writer and hip-hop journalist based in Montreal. Resident old head by default. Enjoys writing Original Content about music, albums, lyrics, and rap history. His favorite memories include interviewing J.I.D and EarthGang at the "Revenge Of The Dreamers 3" studio sessions in Atlanta and receiving a phone call from Dr. Dre. In his spare time he makes horror movies.
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