Ben Affleck Reveals His Hip Hop Mount Rushmore Picks — And They’re Surprisingly Eclectic
Ben Affleck may not be the first celebrity you’d expect to jump into the ongoing Hip Hop Mount Rushmore conversation, but the award-winning actor and director recently surprised fans by offering his own take — and his list is as unconventional as it is insightful.
In a new interview with Complex, the Good Will Hunting star was asked to name his top four hip hop icons. Instead of dodging the question, Affleck leaned into it, sharing a mix of old-school legends and modern-day greats. His selections? Lil Wayne, Slick Rick, Eazy-E, and Kendrick Lamar.
“It’s kind of random, but yeah,” he admitted, laughing off the uniqueness of his lineup.
A List That Bridges Generations
Affleck made it clear that he couldn’t settle on just an all-time list or a present-day roster — so he decided to blend both. The inclusion of Lil Wayne reflects the massive cultural impact the New Orleans rapper has had over two decades, from his mixtape dominance to his role in shaping the sound of modern rap. Slick Rick, known for his storytelling prowess and iconic voice, adds a classic flavor to the list.
Then there’s Eazy-E, a founding member of N.W.A., who brought West Coast gangsta rap to the forefront in the late 1980s. His influence on the genre’s raw edge and rebellious spirit can’t be overstated. Rounding out Affleck’s picks is Kendrick Lamar, widely considered one of the most important voices in hip hop today, known for his lyrical complexity and sociopolitical commentary.
Hip Hop’s Mount Rushmore: Always Up for Debate
The Mount Rushmore of hip hop has become a regular topic in music discourse, especially on platforms like Twitter and shows like It Is What It Is, where hip hop icons Cam’ron and Ma$e recently offered their own spins — this time focused on white rappers. Their list included names like Eminem, MGK, Yelawolf, and Jack Harlow, with a nod to groups like 3rd Bass and legends like Mac Miller and the Beastie Boys.
Cam’ron emphasized the cultural importance of artists who helped white rappers gain credibility in a predominantly Black genre, saying:
“They had the Black community when it was really hard for a white person to excel in the Black community.”
Hollywood Meets Hip Hop
Ben Affleck’s contribution to the conversation adds a fresh twist, showing how hip hop’s reach has extended far beyond its origins and into all corners of entertainment. Though Affleck is better known for his roles behind and in front of the camera, his appreciation for the genre highlights how deeply hip hop has influenced generations — regardless of profession or background.
With Mount Rushmore debates continuing to pop up across social media and barbershops alike, Affleck’s list is a reminder that there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to honoring the legends of hip hop. Whether your picks lean old school or new wave, what matters most is the connection the music makes.
