NY VS LA: Rap All-Stars

Few things go better together than hip-hop and basketball. So with 2023 being the 50th year of rap, and the NBA starting its All-Star Weekend tonight, we at Mixtape thought that we’d combine the two categories once again. Our digital team decided to try our hand at the oldest rivalry in the “sport”: LA vs. NY. And after an intense draft, we’ll leave you to judge which squad has the upper hand.

Criteria:

PG: Creative, team player, in command

SG: Consistent and has signature skill

SF: Versatile. Can do a little bit of everything

PF: Energetic and can step up if needed

C: Strong, dominant/powerful

Coach/Producer: Sets up team for success with plays/beats

PG - Q-Tip

When examining the best groups in hip-hop history, it’s impossible not to have A Tribe Called Quest anywhere but towards the top of that list. Boasting one of the best discographies of all time, along with pioneering the early jazz-rap sound, they played an integral role in the evolution of hip-hop. While Phife and Shaheed were important for their success, Q-Tip spearheaded the group. With his amazing abilities on both the mic and the boards (and not to mention an incredibly slept-on solo discography), he was an all-around talent that brought the best out of his teammates, much like a point guard does. -Spencer

SG - Nas

When the chorus said “The World is Yours,” 17-year-old Nasir Jones responded positively, “It’s mine.” From Illmatic in 1994 to The King’s Disease series of the 2020s, Nas is the epitome of the “N.Y. State of Mind.” He fits perfectly as the Shooting Guard on this team, as he has been consistently selling records for almost 30 years, and has his signature flow. While he may have had some faltering here and there, not many rappers can truthfully say they have had stellar success over four different decades. From sampling Für Elise to having a legendary beef with JAY-Z, Nas is among the most storied emcees. -James

SF - A$AP Rocky

A$AP Rocky is New York down to the very core. Even his birth name, Rakim Mayers, is a nod to legendary New York emcee, Rakim. While his music sounds unconventional compared to Nas or Mobb Deep, Rocky has been a trailblazer in the rap world for over a decade. He’s not only one of the drippiest celebrities and that lady-from-the-Super-Bowl’s baby daddy, but he is a contemporary trendsetter in scenes like psychedelic rap and trap. One of the most expressive and versatile rappers in the game right now, Rocky’s explosive delivery and ability to adapt will make him one of the East’s more prolific shooters. -Harry

PF - Nicki Minaj

Coming in as East’s power forward and the female representative, Nicki Minaj. Initially born in Trinidad, Minaj grew up in Queens, New York, and embodies the female rap game. Fierce, consistent, and committed, she has the experience that is obvious in her verses. Minaj is a lyrical force to be reckoned with and does not disappoint; her personality and versatility show throughout her top albums, such as Pink Friday and The Pinkprint. Recently ranked as the best female rapper of all time, she has experience and expertise in the field that will inspire her team. -Sam

C - Jay-Z

Jay-Z is an institution in New York. Since he took the torch from Biggie, Hov has been one of the top artists in the game- a powerful constant in an ever-changing industry. Dominant doesn’t begin to describe the caliber of Roc-A-Fella’s crowning jewel. There are 24 Grammy wins to his name, with 88 nominations to back that up. Watch the Throne might be gold, but it’s wreathed in platinum. Add 13 solo albums to that, all doused in the same color. The man might be 53, but Hov is timeless: the perfect five for our all-star five. -Mateo

Coach - Diddy

Like Jack Mckloskey with the Detroit Pistons, P. Diddy created Bad Boy Records that blessed hip-hop and inspired future generations. Working with Biggie Smalls, Rick Ross, Fabulous, and more, Diddy knew how to mentor these artists and make them hip-hop’s biggest names. Putting the east coast wave on the map, you can see his accomplishments as a label, creating multi-platinum-selling albums like Ready to Die, No Way Out, and the diamond-selling album Life After Death. Diddy’s talents in the booth and out solidify him as one of the best coaches in the industry. -D

PG - Kendrick Lamar

Like any great floor general, Kendrick Lamar understands that selflessness benefits those around him. The Compton rapper could have returned from his five-year hiatus with a “Good Kid Maad City 2” or any collection of pop-friendly hits stashed in his hard drive. Instead, King Kenny returned with Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, a vulnerable double album expressing his views on generational trauma and grief. In this extended therapy session, Kendrick revealed his deepest insecurities to impact as many listeners as possible. That genuine desire to positively affect and involve his fanbase cements Lamar as the quintessential point guard for the West Coast. -Noah W

SG - Snoop Dogg

With some of the most iconic features and one of the most recognizable voices in hip-hop, who other than Snoop Dogg deserves to be LA’s shooting guard? The Long Beach native is imperative for his team’s success, and his collabs with Tupac and Kendrick Lamar are testament to his role as a team player regardless of era. Snoop’s multi-decade career proves he is reliable and will make the right play, while projects like Doggystyle show he isn’t afraid to step up to the occasion. Snoop is a fundamental part of LA’s hip-hop identity, and a no-brainer for our LA All-Stars. -Lara

SF - Tyler, The Creator

Tyler, The Creator earns our small forward position because he can do a little bit of everything when you need him to. The multi-talented rapper/producer from Hawthorne has created one of the most diverse catalogs of the 21st century. From his harsh and controversial debut tape, Goblin, to back-to-back Grammy winning projects, Igor and Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler has transcended the standards of rap with his flexibility. He is extremely versatile and can adapt to any style of music he’s tasked with, making him a key asset for the West Coast starting five. -Alex

PF - Baby Keem

Since Baby Keem came onto the scene with the release of his hit “Orange Soda”, he has elevated himself to one of the most popular young voices in the game today. What makes the Carson native such a force is that for as good as he is at making hard-hitting bangers, he is equally as skilled at creating mellow, sentimental songs. Keem’s charisma and energy make for a dynamic player, getting him the start at the 4. Add on the unrivaled chemistry with his cousin Kendrick Lamar, and the LA All-Star squad has a dynamic duo to build around. -Davis

C - Tupac

Although he was born in Harlem, it would be impossible to construct a West Coast All-Star team without 2Pac. For the center position, we needed a strong and bold voice that embodies the physicality of the role. Pac makes his presence felt like a big fella in the paint on tracks such as “Hail Mary” and “All Eyez on Me.” The song “California Love,” which pairs Pac and Dr. Dre together, feels like a Shaquille O’Neal designed alley-oop play that serves as a reminder of the dominance and popularity of West Coast hip-hop. -Jake

Coach - Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre is the perfect choice as the coach for LA’s team. His respect from artists across all generations is unparalleled, and his beat diversity allows rappers to perfectly blend on his products. A good coach will put players in positions to succeed, and as a music icon, Dre provides experience and leadership that many other artists cannot. Working with all sorts of rappers since 1985 also proves that generational gaps won’t be a problem for any team he leads. Having produced countless West Coast classics, it will be easy work for Dre to create another with this stacked lineup of LA legends. -Kai