Videos by According2HipHop
On Tuesday (May 5), Complex revealed its list of the most Powerful Names in hip-hop media. And many people were surprised to learn that media personality, DJ Akademiks, topped the list.
Complex Names Akademiks Most ‘Powerful’ Name in Hip-Hop
Akademiks came in at the top spot. With other top tastemakers such as Joe Budden, DJ Vlad, Jadakiss & Fat Joe, and Charlamagne The God rounding out the top five. Check out the full 35-person list below as caught by Kurrco on X.
#1: DJ Akademiks
#2: Joe Budden
#3: DJ Vlad
#4: Jadakiss & Fat Joe
#5: Charlamagne Tha God
#6: Anthony Fantano
#7: Rory & Mal
#8: Kurrco
#9: Ebro
#10: Plaqueboymax
#11: On the Radar
#12: Kai Cenat
#13: Big Bank
#14: Frazier Tharpe
#15: Cam’ron
#16: Jon Caramanica & Joe Coscarelli
#17: Bootleg Kev
#18: Gillie & Wallo
#19: N3on
#20: Nadeska Alexis
#21: Nardwuar
#22: Loren LoRosa
#23: Trap Lore Ross
#24: Shannon Sharpe
#25: N.O.R.E.
#26: Jim Jones
#27: The Art of Dialogue
#28: Kid Mero
#29: Arshan Jawaid
#30: DJ Hed & Gina Views
#31: Underground Sound
#32: Elliott Wilson
#33: Alphonse Pierre
#34: ImDontai
#35: Rob Markman
The most powerful names in hip-hop media right now, according to Complex:
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) May 5, 2026
▫️ #1: DJ Akademiks
▫️ #2: Joe Budden
▫️ #3: DJ Vlad
▫️ #4: Jadakiss & Fat Joe
▫️ #5: Charlamagne Tha God
▫️ #6: Anthony Fantano
▫️ #7: Rory & Mal
▫️ #8: Kurrco
▫️ #9: Ebro
▫️ #10: Plaqueboymax
▫️ #11: On… pic.twitter.com/msCr6pqiZY
The outlet also gave a description of the rubric that they used to compile the list. And what they believe qualifies as a “powerful” voice.
“Complex’s 2026 Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking maps who really move the conversation. In a year where rap has no dominant stars or overarching storylines, the media figures matter the most,” the outlet writes.
They also added:
“Power here means cultural influence—who can spark and steer viral rap debates. Everyone on the list was also asked to provide a temperature check on the genre—what they love about rap right now, and what they hate.”
