Renowned psychologist and activist Dr. Umar Johnson caused a stir when he said that Eminem’s white complexion prevented him from being considered the greatest rapper of all time in a recent episode of Joe Budden’s podcast. Renowned for his candid opinions on matters of race and culture, Johnson contended that white artists shouldn’t be considered the “greatest rappers” because of the cultural and historical background of hip-hop.

Johnson discussed the intricacies of race in the music business on the podcast, arguing that the title of greatest rapper should only go to people who have experienced the particular hardships and obstacles that come with being African American. Despite being indisputably amazing, he contended that Eminem’s popularity does not fit the concept of hip-hop being a cultural expression that originated in African American communities.

Within the hip-hop culture, this viewpoint has generated heated debates about whether or not an artist’s race should be taken into consideration when evaluating their excellence. As one of the most important people in hip-hop, Eminem is well-known for his skill as a lyricist and his influence on the genre.

As the debate continues, fans, artists, and scholars are engaging in a broader conversation about the intersection of race, culture, and artistic merit in the realm of hip-hop. The controversy surrounding Dr. Umar Johnson’s remarks adds a new layer to the ongoing dialogue about representation and recognition within the genre.