Twitter loves a good debate. When you add in rap fans, things can get wild and turn into a full on barbershop showdown. On Tuesday, the question heard around the globe was: Drake or Nelly? Though Drake is unarguably the most popular name in rap music today, his affinity for rap/singing song structures certainly wouldn't be possible without Nelly, and fans came ready to debate.
At the turn of the century, Nelly mastered the rapper/singer style and was the undisputed chart king with memorable songs like, "Hot in Herre," "Dilemma" and "Country Grammar." He even got Jay-Z to shout him out as one of the best rappers at the time in the track, "Excuse Me Miss." Drake, however, added his own melodic swag to the style and has created a lane of his own, but Twitter users couldn't agree on who does it better.
Some argued that record sales should easily determine a winner.
Rap twitter is debating Nelly vs Drake. This shouldn't be a debate, Nelly went diamond before streams counted without a major co-sign.
— TBG (@ThatBoysGood) January 17, 2017
Others felt that Drake's alleged use of a ghostwriter disqualifies him instantly.
If we wanna talk about what Drake would've been in Nelly's era, be real, he would've been run out the game when those ref tracks surfaced.
— Craig Bro Dude (@CraigSJ) January 17, 2017
Many felt that we should let them both win.
Nelly dominated his era. Drake is dominating his era. What's the debate?
— ⅅOOLEY???????? (@theofficialdoo) January 17, 2017
One user used Nelly's quick rise and fall against him.
Nelly was super popular for a few years.
Drake is pushing up on a decade straight.
Why is this a thing?
— Boogie Bousins (@bansky) January 17, 2017
Then, there was this user.
Nelly hadda walk so Drake could fly, it is what it is
— Trill Withers (@TylerIAm) January 17, 2017
Where do you stand on the debate? Should we let them both win? Can we enjoy Hotline Bling AND Hot in Herre at the cookout? And in the words of Dave Chappelle, "Where's Ja?" I guess that's another debate.
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