Charlamagne Takes Issue With Complex’s Hip-Hop Media Power Rankings

In May, Complex released its Hip-Hop Media Power Rankings list. And of course, it has sparked a lot of conversation around the industry. Radio host Charlamagne the God is the latest tastemaker to weigh in on the 35-person list.

Charlamagne Calls Out Complex Over Media Power Rankings

Despite coming in at the number six spot in Complex’s power rankings, Charlamagne still took issue with the list. During a recent episode of his and Andrew Schultz’s Brilliant Idiots podcast, Charlamage criticized some of the media personalities who did not make the list. Namely Rob Markman and Wayno.

“Rob [Markman] should be way higher on this motherf*cking list… Guys like Wayno, guys like Rob, they’ve been around for a while,” Charlamagne said in a clip caught by HotNewHipHop.

He went on to say that people like Wayno and Rob Markman offer “actual hip-hop commentary.” And deliver facts over feelings or personal agendas.

“They offer a lot in regards to actual hip-hop commentary and they correct the record on a lot of people who don’t know what the f*ck they’re talking about,” he said,

Check out the entire clip below:

After Complex released its 35-person list, the outlet gave a description of the criteria 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,” they explained.

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.”