Forget Rap Mount Rushmore – Wale Says Eminem’s Stan Tops All Music
Hip hop has no shortage of legendary records, but few tracks have managed to transcend the genre and culture at large the way Eminem’s “Stan” has. Recently, rapper Wale sparked a wave of discussion after he praised the song as “one of the greatest songs ever written in any genre of music.” His bold statement reignited conversations about the legacy of Eminem, the storytelling power of Stan, and how timeless records continue to define the art of hip hop.
Even though Wale left Eminem off his personal “rap Mt. Rushmore” during a recent interview, his tweet about Stan shows the deep respect he holds for Eminem’s pen game. This article takes a closer look at Wale’s comments, the cultural impact of Stan, and why the song continues to resonate more than two decades after its release.
Wale’s Respect for Eminem’s Writing
When asked to create his own Hip Hop Mt. Rushmore, Wale hesitated. He called the concept “a racist thing,” before ultimately listing Jay-Z, Black Thought, Lil Wayne, and J. Cole as his personal four. Later, he added Queens legend AZ as someone “super important” to his journey in music.
Notably, Eminem was not mentioned in Wale’s list. For many fans, this omission raised eyebrows, especially given Eminem’s massive impact on the culture. But Wale quickly balanced the discussion by highlighting just how powerful Stan remains.
By declaring the track one of the greatest songs ever written in any genre, Wale acknowledged something bigger than Mount Rushmore debates: the way music can move, haunt, and inspire people beyond charts and awards.
Why Stan Is More Than Just a Hip Hop Track
Released in 2000 on The Marshall Mathers LP, Stan immediately stood out as something different. Built around a haunting sample of Dido’s “Thank You”, the track follows the story of an obsessed fan who spirals into despair after failing to receive a response from his idol.
At over six minutes long, the record wasn’t a typical rap single. Yet it connected globally, topping charts in multiple countries and becoming one of Eminem’s most defining songs.
What makes Stan so remarkable?
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Storytelling: Eminem’s ability to embody the character of Stan while keeping the narrative chillingly believable demonstrated a level of writing rarely seen in mainstream music.
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Emotional Depth: Unlike many rap records of its era, Stan focused less on bravado and more on vulnerability, obsession, and tragedy.
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Cultural Impact: The term “stan” has since become part of everyday language, used worldwide to describe obsessive fans.
It’s this fusion of artistry, social relevance, and emotional resonance that explains why Wale and so many others rank it among the greatest songs ever written.
Eminem’s Storytelling Legacy
When people debate Eminem’s greatness, they often point to his technical skills: rapid flows, intricate rhyme schemes, and wordplay. But Stan showcased a different side—his storytelling genius.
This wasn’t the first time Eminem told stories in his music, but it was the clearest example of his ability to create vivid characters and bring listeners into their world. Fans weren’t just hearing a rap song; they were listening to a short film in audio form.
Other notable storytelling tracks from Eminem include:
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’97 Bonnie & Clyde – a chilling track told from the perspective of Slim Shady, detailing a crime with shocking detail.
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Mockingbird – a heartfelt letter to his daughter Hailie, showing his vulnerable side.
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Lose Yourself – an anthem about seizing the moment, told with urgency and intensity.
Together, these records solidify Eminem’s place as one of hip hop’s greatest storytellers, something even his critics often acknowledge.
Wale’s Own Artistic Perspective
For Wale, praising Stan is more than just giving flowers to a peer. As an artist himself, he’s long been known for weaving poetry and storytelling into his records. Songs like Diary and The Matrimony reveal his own dedication to detail, emotion, and narrative.
By spotlighting Stan, Wale indirectly highlights his belief in rap as literature—a form of writing that deserves recognition alongside novels, poems, and plays.
This is why his comment resonated so strongly. It wasn’t just about hip hop fans debating “greatest of all time.” It was about recognizing that songs like Stan push the boundaries of what music can be.
How Stan Changed Music and Culture
The influence of Stan is undeniable. More than two decades later, the song continues to impact both music and everyday life. Here are some of the ways it left its mark:
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Language: The word “stan” is now a dictionary term, used globally to describe obsessive fans of any artist or celebrity.
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Pop Culture References: From TV shows to internet memes, the character of Stan lives on in countless ways.
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Artistic Inspiration: Many artists cite Stan as proof that hip hop can be storytelling at its highest form.
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Academic Study: Universities and critics alike have dissected the song for its themes of fame, obsession, and the dark side of celebrity culture.
In short, Stan didn’t just influence rap—it reshaped popular culture itself.
Why Wale’s Praise Matters
In today’s rap world, discussions around GOATs (Greatest of All Time) often spark heated debates. Artists and fans alike argue over technical skills, chart dominance, influence, and cultural relevance.
Wale’s praise cuts through all of that. By saying Stan is one of the greatest songs ever written in any genre, he places Eminem alongside not just rap icons but the greatest songwriters in history.
That kind of recognition matters because it shows how hip hop has earned its place in the broader landscape of music. Tracks like Stan are studied the same way people analyze Bob Dylan, The Beatles, or Stevie Wonder.
Eminem’s Enduring Influence
More than twenty years after The Marshall Mathers LP, Eminem remains one of the most recognizable and respected rappers alive. His catalog continues to sell, his concerts pack arenas, and younger artists still reference him as an inspiration.
Songs like Stan are part of the reason why. They remind listeners that beyond the controversies and headline-grabbing antics, Eminem is above all a writer, poet, and storyteller.
Wale’s comment simply echoes what millions of fans already feel—that Stan is more than just a song. It’s a cultural touchstone that will outlive trends, generations, and even debates about who belongs on a “rap Mt. Rushmore.”
Final Thoughts: Stan as a Timeless Masterpiece
By praising Stan as one of the greatest songs ever written, Wale opened up a valuable conversation about hip hop’s place in the canon of great music. Eminem may not have been included in his personal Mt. Rushmore, but Wale’s acknowledgment of Stan reflects something far deeper: an understanding of how art can transcend genre and time.
More than two decades later, Stan remains as chilling, powerful, and unforgettable as the day it was released. And thanks to artists like Wale continuing to give it flowers, its legacy will only grow stronger.
For fans of Eminem, Wale, and hip hop in general, this is a reminder that great music doesn’t just live in the moment—it shapes culture, language, and art for generations.
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