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In May, media personality DJ Akademiks was named the most powerful hip-hop media personality. With other top tastemakers such as Joe Budden, DJ Vlad, Jadakiss & Fat Joe, and Charlamagne The God rounding out the top five.
Ebro Sounds Off About Akademiks Topping Complex’s List
Akademiks topping the list has sparked a lot of debate. The latest person to weigh in is media personality, DJ Ebro. During a recent episode of the Ebro, Laura, and Rosenberg show, Ebro suggested that the list compiled by the outlet is a work to control the algorithm. And that the situation is mutually beneficial for both Akademiks and the outlet.
“They all are benefiting from the whole moment together, for the algo hustle,” Ebro said in a clip caught by HotNewHipHop on X.
He also says that whenever Akademiks talks about hip-hop, it is never in a positive light. And suggested that he is “sucking the juice” out of the culture.
“I only hear about Akademiks if it’s some sort of talked-ish about Kendrick Lamar or defending Drake… Most of it is not about culture growth, it’s about sucking the juice out of it in the worst ways possible.”
Ebro & Peter Rosenberg react to DJ Akademiks taking the top spot on Complex's Hip-Hop Media Rankings List, claiming it's all an "algo hustle" 👀
— HotNewHipHop (@HotNewHipHop) May 7, 2026
"They all are benefiting from the whole moment together, for the algo hustle."
"I only hear about Akademiks if it's some sort of… pic.twitter.com/ME6i7OKjCN
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.”
At the time of writing, Akademiks has not responded to the comment made by Ebro.
