Ed Sheeran Sparks Fan Backlash After Leaving Eminem Off His GOAT List

Ed Sheeran, one of the most successful global music icons, is known not only for his chart-topping hits but also for his admiration of hip-hop. Over the years, the British singer-songwriter has openly discussed his love for rap and his collaborations with some of the biggest names in the genre. Recently, Ed Sheeran sparked conversation across the music world when he praised 50 Cent as one of his greatest rappers of all time but noticeably left Eminem off his GOAT list. This revelation has stirred debate among fans, given Sheeran’s long-standing friendship and multiple collaborations with Eminem.

Ed Sheeran and His Love for Hip-Hop

Although best known for pop hits like Shape of You and Thinking Out Loud, Ed Sheeran has always been vocal about his love for hip-hop and rap. From his early career freestyling in London to his work with industry heavyweights, Sheeran has integrated rap influences into his artistry.

• He has collaborated with 50 Cent, Eminem, Stormzy, and Travis Scott.

• His style often blends acoustic melodies with rhythmic rap cadences.

• Sheeran frequently mentions hip-hop as a key inspiration for his songwriting.

Given this history, fans are always curious about who Ed considers the greatest rappers of all time.

Ed Sheeran Names 50 Cent in His GOAT List

During a recent conversation, Ed Sheeran openly praised 50 Cent, calling him one of the most influential and powerful rappers in music history.

• Impact of 50 Cent: Sheeran highlighted how Get Rich or Die Tryin’ shaped the rap scene and inspired countless artists.

• Longevity: He admired how 50 Cent’s career evolved from music into business and entertainment while keeping his credibility intact.

• Influence on culture: Sheeran acknowledged 50 Cent’s global appeal, saying his songs continue to resonate years after their release.

By placing 50 Cent on his GOAT rapper list, Sheeran showcased his appreciation for the rapper’s legacy and his personal influence on music listeners worldwide.

The Eminem Exclusion: A Shocking Omission

What truly surprised fans was Ed Sheeran leaving Eminem off his GOAT list. For many, this felt unusual because:

1. Collaborations: Sheeran has worked with Eminem on multiple tracks, including River, Those Kinda Nights, and Remember the Name.

2. Mutual Respect: Both artists have spoken highly of each other in past interviews.

3. Performance History: Ed Sheeran has performed live with Eminem, including appearances at major stadium shows.

Given this deep connection, the omission raised eyebrows and quickly became a hot topic among music fans.

Fan Reactions to Sheeran’s GOAT List

The internet was quick to respond once news spread that Eminem was not included in Sheeran’s list of greatest rappers.

• Eminem fans expressed disappointment, arguing that someone as influential as him deserved a spot on any GOAT list.

• Supporters of 50 Cent celebrated, saying it was refreshing to see 50’s impact recognized after years of being overlooked in mainstream debates.

• Neutral fans speculated whether Sheeran was simply keeping his list short or wanted to highlight a rapper who inspired him personally rather than choosing the most obvious names.

The mixed reactions prove how deeply personal yet widely scrutinized GOAT rapper discussions can be in the music community.

Why Eminem Is Often Considered a GOAT

To understand the controversy, it’s important to look at why fans consider Eminem one of the greatest rappers ever.

• Lyricism: Eminem is celebrated for his complex wordplay, rhyme schemes, and storytelling.

• Global success: With over 200 million records sold, he is among the best-selling artists of all time.

• Cultural influence: Eminem broke barriers in rap, introducing millions of global listeners to the genre.

• Awards and accolades: He has won numerous Grammys and even an Academy Award.

Leaving Eminem off the list naturally raised questions, considering his undeniable contributions to hip-hop.

Ed Sheeran’s History With Eminem

It’s worth remembering that Ed Sheeran and Eminem share a unique professional relationship.

• Their first major collaboration came in 2017 with River, which became a hit across multiple countries.

• Sheeran has often described Eminem as one of his childhood idols, recalling how he grew up listening to his albums.

• Eminem has also praised Ed’s songwriting abilities, calling him one of the most talented artists of his generation.

This history makes Sheeran’s decision not to include Eminem in his GOAT rapper conversation even more surprising to fans.

Could It Be About Personal Preference?

One possibility is that Ed Sheeran’s list reflects personal taste rather than objective ranking.

• For Sheeran, 50 Cent’s music may have shaped his youth more directly than Eminem’s catalog.

• Sometimes, personal impact outweighs global influence when artists name their inspirations.

• Ed has often emphasized the importance of authenticity in his choices, suggesting his GOAT list is more about personal connection than industry consensus.

If this is the case, then Sheeran’s praise of 50 Cent becomes less about exclusion and more about highlighting a figure who truly inspired him.

The Ongoing Debate About GOAT Rappers

This discussion fits into a broader cultural debate: who deserves the title of GOAT in rap?

• Common names include Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar.

• Criteria vary, from lyrical ability and cultural influence to commercial success and personal preference.

• Every artist, including Sheeran, brings a unique perspective to the table, often based on the music that shaped their upbringing.

Ed Sheeran’s opinion adds another layer to this ongoing conversation and proves how subjective these rankings can be.

50 Cent’s Legacy in Hip-Hop

By choosing 50 Cent, Ed Sheeran brought renewed attention to the rapper’s remarkable career.

• Debut dominance: His first album sold millions worldwide and produced timeless hits like In da Club.

• Business ventures: Beyond music, 50 built a reputation as a savvy entrepreneur in TV, beverages, and fashion.

• Resilience: Overcoming personal struggles and industry challenges, 50 Cent has remained a respected figure in both rap and entertainment.

Sheeran’s acknowledgment reinforces 50 Cent’s standing as a cultural icon and highlights how his music continues to inspire artists globally.

The Bigger Picture: Respect Beyond Rankings

Ultimately, Ed Sheeran’s GOAT rapper list shouldn’t be seen as disrespect toward Eminem. In fact, Sheeran has consistently praised Eminem’s artistry and acknowledged their collaborations as career highlights. Instead, his comments seem to underscore the personal nature of music admiration.

• Fans can love multiple artists without ranking them against each other.

• Personal impact often determines who feels like the “greatest” to an individual.

• Public debates show the lasting impact both Eminem and 50 Cent have on global audiences.

Conclusion

Ed Sheeran praising 50 Cent while leaving Eminem off his GOAT rapper list has sparked widespread debate in the music community. While some fans view it as a snub, others see it as an honest expression of Sheeran’s personal influences.

What is clear is that both 50 Cent and Eminem remain towering figures in hip-hop, each shaping the culture in unique ways. Sheeran’s comments remind us that the concept of a GOAT is highly subjective, influenced by personal experiences, emotional connections, and musical impact.

At the end of the day, whether fans agree with Sheeran or not, the conversation proves the enduring influence of rap legends and the role they continue to play in shaping artists across genres.