Ruff Ryders vs. G-Unit: The Greatest Rap Crew Competition
In recognition of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, BET Digital, in partnership with Ambrosia For Heads, is celebrating the culture by hosting a bracket-style competition that allows you to determine Hip-Hop’s greatest crew.
Rather than having “experts” tell you who is the greatest of all-time, this is your opportunity to collectively make that decision. After giving the opportunity to any and all fans to provide feedback on which crews should be included, 32 collectives from different regions, styles, and generations have been selected—all vying for that #1 spot. When the final battle is over and the last vote is cast, you will have determined who is your Greatest Rap Crew of All Time. The voting began with eight crews from the East Coast, which were selected with your feedback. Now, that bracket is down to four.
RUFF RYDERS VS. G-UNIT
Both the Ruff Ryders and G-Unit are testaments to tenacity. The superstar figureheads of each of these crews had disappointing experiences in the industry. DMX and 50 Cent had each signed to Sony Records, who, despite singles, did not deliver their debut albums while signed. After those years of waiting, DMX and 50 Cent became juggernauts on their terms—releasing chart-topping debuts. When they seized the opportunity, they put on other artists who could relate to the drive, the struggle, and the will to win. Great and enduring artists, including Jadakiss, Lloyd Banks, Eve, and The Game, emerged from these respective movements. While X and Fif worked together in the early 2000s, The LOX and G-Unit clashed for a time before eventually making peace in the last decade. Both entities are New York City crews with hardcore hip hop roots and the ability to be commercially successful without compromising. The Ruff Ryders stunted on the Bad Boy Family in Round 1, while G-Unit backed down Roc-A-Fella to win their first battle. This Round 2 matchup promises to be as rugged as the crews doing battle. Only one squad makes it to Round 3, so vote with care.
Go to BET.com to vote on which of these crews you believe should advance to the next round, and to learn of the other East Coast crews that are battling in this round. You can also vote on Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtag #BETGreatestRapCrew and a hashtag with your favorite crew.