Ben Affleck Snubs Jay-Z and Eminem, His Rap Mount Rushmore Shocks Fans

Hollywood actor and director Ben Affleck has been making headlines again, but this time it’s not for his movies. While promoting The Accountant 2, Affleck gave the hip-hop community something to talk about by revealing his Rap Mount Rushmore. In an appearance on Complex’s “GOAT Talk” series alongside Jon Bernthal, Affleck named four rappers he considers the greatest of all time—and among them was none other than Lil Wayne.

This unexpected crossover between Hollywood and hip-hop has sparked lively discussions among fans of both industries. With Affleck’s picks including Eazy-E, Slick Rick, Kendrick Lamar, and Lil Wayne, the conversation surrounding who deserves a spot on the ultimate Rap Mount Rushmore has been reignited.

Ben Affleck Joins the Hip-Hop Debate

It’s not unusual for athletes, actors, or entertainers from other fields to weigh in on the ongoing debate of hip-hop greatness. From basketball stars to film directors, many have been asked about their top rappers of all time, and their answers often surprise fans. For Ben Affleck, an actor best known for films like Good Will Hunting, Argo, Batman v Superman, and The Town, the opportunity came during a promotional stop with Jon Bernthal for The Accountant 2.

During their appearance on GOAT Talk, the two actors were asked about their all-time greats in multiple categories, including sports legends, iconic films, and music artists. When it came to rap, Affleck didn’t hesitate to include Lil Wayne in his personal top four.

Lil Wayne’s Spot on Affleck’s Mount Rushmore

Affleck’s words were simple but carried weight:
“I think Lil Wayne should be on there.”

For someone outside of hip-hop to immediately point to Lil Wayne shows just how massive the rapper’s cultural impact has been. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Lil Wayne has evolved from a teenage star with the Hot Boys to a multi-platinum solo artist and label founder. With five Grammy Awards, countless mixtapes, platinum albums, and a generation of rappers influenced by his style, Wayne’s resume is nearly unmatched.

Affleck placing Wayne on his Rap Mount Rushmore highlights how Wayne’s artistry transcends the hip-hop world and cements him as a mainstream cultural icon.

The Other Legends on Ben Affleck’s List

While Lil Wayne got the headline, Affleck’s full Mount Rushmore pick is fascinating:

Eazy-E – Widely recognized as the “Godfather of Gangsta Rap,” Eazy-E brought West Coast rap to the mainstream as a founding member of N.W.A. His raw storytelling and influence on the hip-hop industry paved the way for generations of artists.

Slick Rick – Known for his unique voice and masterful storytelling, Slick Rick is often regarded as one of the greatest lyrical craftsmen in rap history. His work in the 1980s and 90s influenced countless MCs and remains timeless.

Kendrick Lamar – Considered by many as one of the best rappers of the modern era, Kendrick Lamar has redefined what hip-hop can be through his conceptual albums, Pulitzer Prize-winning work, and lyrical depth.

Lil Wayne – Representing the South, Wayne’s massive discography, unmatched mixtape era dominance, and role in shaping the careers of stars like Drake and Nicki Minaj make him one of the most influential rappers ever.

Together, Affleck’s choices span different eras and regions of hip-hop, showing appreciation for both the old-school foundation and the modern-day evolution of rap.

Why Lil Wayne Belongs on the Rap Mount Rushmore

Many debates about the Rap Mount Rushmore often include names like Tupac, Biggie, Jay-Z, and Nas. However, Lil Wayne’s inclusion is far from controversial. Here are some reasons why Wayne deserves his spot:

Longevity in the Game

Lil Wayne started rapping professionally in the 1990s as part of Cash Money Records. His ability to stay relevant across decades—through mixtapes, albums, and collaborations—proves his dominance. From Tha Carter III’s chart-topping singles to his viral mixtape run in the mid-2000s, Wayne’s career longevity is rare in hip-hop.

Influence on Future Generations

Wayne’s style, especially during his mixtape prime, influenced nearly every rapper who came after him. The way he played with punchlines, metaphors, and his experimentation with auto-tune paved the way for today’s hip-hop sound. Artists like Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Young Thug all credit Wayne as a major inspiration.

Numbers and Achievements

With over 120 million records sold worldwide, five Grammy wins, and multiple Billboard chart records, Wayne’s numbers back up his reputation. He also became the youngest solo artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 at age 16 with “Lollipop.”

Cultural Icon Status

Lil Wayne is more than just a rapper; he’s a cultural figure. From his signature “bling” era style to his skateboarding passion and unique persona, Wayne has influenced fashion, sports, and youth culture in ways beyond music.

Fan Reactions to Ben Affleck’s Rap Mount Rushmore

The internet quickly lit up after Ben Affleck’s GOAT Talk segment aired. Hip-hop fans, movie buffs, and social media users all had opinions on his list.

Some praised Affleck for including Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar, calling his choices modern yet respectful of rap history. Others questioned the absence of legends like Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, or Nas. The inclusion of Slick Rick and Eazy-E also surprised many younger fans who may not be as familiar with their legacy.

Regardless of the reactions, Affleck’s picks sparked conversations across the culture, and that’s exactly what makes the Rap Mount Rushmore debate so engaging—there’s no single correct answer.

The Debate: Who Truly Belongs on Rap’s Mount Rushmore?

Affleck’s list is just one perspective, but the larger debate about hip-hop’s Mount Rushmore continues to evolve. Common names that frequently appear include:

Tupac Shakur – Iconic lyricist, activist, and cultural figure whose influence transcends music.

The Notorious B.I.G. – Known for his lyrical storytelling, flow, and impact on East Coast hip-hop.

Jay-Z – With decades of hits, business success, and cultural influence, Jay-Z is often seen as one of the greatest.

Nas – Revered for his lyrical depth and classic albums like Illmatic.

Eminem – A global superstar who brought rap to mainstream audiences worldwide.

Lil Wayne – The king of mixtapes, cultural innovator, and mentor to some of today’s biggest stars.

This never-ending discussion proves how diverse hip-hop’s history is and how personal taste shapes who makes it onto someone’s GOAT list.

Lil Wayne’s Continued Legacy

What makes Affleck’s recognition so powerful is that Lil Wayne is still actively making music. Despite being decades into his career, Wayne continues to release projects, collaborate with new artists, and perform at major festivals. His work ethic and passion keep his legacy alive and evolving.

For longtime fans, Affleck’s acknowledgment only confirms what they’ve always believed: Lil Wayne belongs among the greatest rappers of all time.

Ben Affleck’s Love for Hip-Hop

While Affleck is best known for his acting and directing, this isn’t the first time he’s shown his love for hip-hop. Over the years, he’s spoken about growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, when rap was exploding into mainstream culture.

His choice of Slick Rick and Eazy-E proves that Affleck has an appreciation for hip-hop’s foundation, not just the modern stars. By mixing old-school legends with contemporary giants like Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar, Affleck showcased a well-rounded knowledge of the genre.

Wayne on Ben Affleck’s Rap Mount Rushmore

Ben Affleck’s shout-out to Lil Wayne may have surprised some, but for those who recognize Wayne’s impact on music and culture, it feels entirely deserved. Affleck’s Mount Rushmore of rap—featuring Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Eazy-E, and Slick Rick—isn’t the definitive list, but it’s a conversation starter that highlights the diversity and richness of hip-hop history.

At the end of the day, the debate about who belongs on rap’s ultimate Mount Rushmore will never end. But one thing is certain: Lil Wayne’s influence, longevity, and cultural impact have secured him a place in the conversation forever.