Steve Stoute Shares His List of the Top Five Most Influential Rap Artists Right Now, Omitting 50 Cent

He gives a valid argument as to why 50 didn't make the cut.

Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original
Not Available Lead

Steve Stoute recently stopped by Hot 97's The Angie Martinez Show in New York to talk about which artists he feels are the most influential in hip-hop right now. The rap entrepreneur shared his top five list, which included Jay Z, Dr. Dre, Diddy and Kanye West. Mulling over his choices, Stoute added Pharrell as his fifth selection, but also mentioned Rick Ross and Drake as individuals who are making their way up the ranks. 

Host Angie Martinez asks him about one omission, New York rapper 50 Cent. Steve Stoute explains that while 50 has had a successful music career, his recent contributions have been lacking in the influential department. "He hasn't had a hit in a really long time. He has not made anything musically that's changed anything in a very long time," he says. "I feel like he's always gearing up for something that never happens. Hopefully, now that he's independent and there's no record company to blame, his aggressive content can get on the air. I don't know."

Part one of Steve Stoute's four-part documentary series The Tanning of America: One Nation Under Hip Hop aired last night on VH1. The next three in the series will air throughout this week at 11 p.m. (EST).

[via The Angie Review]

Latest in Music