Podcast Summary: "Inside Complex’s Top 25 Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Something Wrong With The Podcast
• Host: Julian Delgado
• Episode: Inside Complex’s Top 25 Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking
• Release Date: July 25, 2025
• Description: A podcast where your intrusive thoughts are said out loud. Each week, Julian discusses cultural issues while acting as a humorous, unlicensed therapist. Listeners can join the show by leaving a voicemail for advice.

Introduction to Complex's Top 25 Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking

In this episode, Julian Delgado hosts Jordan to delve deep into Complex's 2025 Top 25 Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking. The discussion sets the stage by introducing the concept behind the rankings and the evolution of the list over three years.

Key Points:

• Origin of the List: The idea was conceived three years ago by a Complex team member while having a Chipotle bowl at Grand Central. The aim was to create an unbiased ranking system to showcase the most powerful media personalities in hip-hop.

  Jordan explains:
  "[00:20] Unnamed Host: Complex released their 2025 second installment of the Hip Hop third installment of. Of the Hip Hop Media Power Ranking."
  "[02:38] Jordan: Yeah. Power Ranking. It's not like the best, it's not the hottest."

• Objective: The list measures power based on platform influence, the ability to impact artists' projects, and the likelihood of being cited in news if they critique a project.

  Jordan emphasizes:
  "[02:57] Unnamed Host: So emphasis on the word power."
  "[02:50] Unnamed Host: ...we're ranking these personalities on... their power and influence."

Criteria and Creation Process

Julian and Jordan break down the methodology behind the rankings, highlighting the collaborative nature of the selection process.

Key Points:

• Selection Committee: Approximately eight individuals from both the music and content teams collaborate to evaluate and vote on the rankings.

  Jordan details:
  "[03:28] Jordan: Yes. ... it's four of us total... ultimately it's a group vote between the music team and then also some other members of the content team."
  "[04:24] Unnamed Host: ...we finalized it this morning."

• Ongoing Evaluation: The team continuously monitors the hip-hop media landscape, noting emerging influencers and shifts in power dynamics to inform the annual rankings.

  Jordan explains:
  "[04:41] Jordan: ...starting to meet about the list probably starts in this year, maybe early June... conversations are ongoing because... we're consuming hip hop... making note of who's rising in power."

Highlighting Significant Changes and Top Rankings

A significant focus is placed on notable movements within the rankings, particularly the rise of Plaqueboy Max and the steady position of Kai Blackboy.

Key Points:

• Plaqueboy Max's Rise: From being absent last year to securing the fourth spot, Max's innovative "in the Booth" live collaborations with artists have set him apart.

  Host comments:
  "[07:33] Unnamed Host: ...the biggest jump was Plaqueboy Max. From he wasn't on the list last year to jumping all the way to number four."

  Jordan elaborates:
  "[08:23] Unnamed Host: Yeah. They weren't cutesy. These were like legitimate out there."

• Kai Blackboy at Number One: Kai maintains the top position due to his expansive platform and influence, despite not labeling himself a traditional music critic.

  Jordan states:
  "[22:38] Jordan: Like that's not his lane."
  "[22:42] Unnamed Host: His lane. Yeah."

• Joe's Consistent Influence: Joe remains at number three, bolstered by a comprehensive New York Times feature detailing his $20 million annual earnings, underscoring his entrenched power in the hip-hop media sphere.

  Host questions:
  "[12:03] Unnamed Host: ...the New York Times piece... did that influence his rank?"

  Jordan responds:
  "[12:11] Jordan: Joe was locked in at three... the 20 million dollar New York Times piece... still in the top three is splitting hairs."

Analysis of Media Figures' Impact

The discussion moves towards analyzing how different media personalities wield their influence within the hip-hop community.

Key Points:

• Neutrality vs. Active Criticism: Kai Blackboy is praised for maintaining neutrality, allowing his platform to speak volumes without overt bias.

  Jordan acknowledges:
  "[22:38] Jordan: Like that's not his lane... he still is doing that on the most powerful platform in hip hop media."

• Fantano’s Independent Criticism: Fantano remains a staple at number eight, recognized for his authentic and influential music reviews that significantly sway public opinion.

  Jordan highlights:
  "[24:46] Unnamed Host: ...when a heavyweight titan drops, they're gonna run to him to see the review..."
  "[25:18] Jordan: ...Fantano's personal rating matters... that's a testament of how much power he holds."

Representation and Gender Dynamics

Julian and Jordan address the gender imbalance in the rankings, emphasizing the need for greater female representation in hip-hop media.

Key Points:

• Limited Female Presence: Currently, only a few women like Gina Views are recognized, highlighting the male-dominated nature of the industry.

  Jordan reflects:
  "[46:06] Unnamed Host: How can more women make this list?... someone that probably can speak more to what you're going through."
  "[46:28] Unnamed Host: ...a woman’s voice... Arshan Jawed is dope."

• Opportunities for Female Journalists: Suggestions include creating platforms dedicated to female rap and entertainment, providing them with exclusive content and a distinct voice.

  Host suggests:
  "[46:30] Unnamed Host: ...the ability to own that type of content... someone that can speak more to what you're going through."

Critiques and Community Reactions

The episode touches upon the inevitable disagreements and critiques that arise from ranking influential media personalities.

Key Points:

• Elliot's Drop in Rankings: Elliot slides from fifth to seventeen, a significant fall attributed to less active content and platform issues, sparking debate among listeners and community members.

  Host observes:
  "[41:40] Unnamed Host: He was five last year... He's falling faster than Trump's approval rating."

  Jordan explains:
  "[42:25] Jordan: ...spending a lot of time putting this list together... people fell off because the field got more competitive."

• Respecting OGs and Legacy Figures: Acknowledgment that some legendary figures like Sway and Funk Flex aren't on the current list, reinforcing that the rankings focus on present influence rather than legacy.

  Jordan states:
  "[57:19] Unnamed Host: ...Sway isn't on the list anymore. Funk Flex was on last year. He's not on it..."
  "[57:48] Unnamed Host: ...this is just complex telling them they should retire."

Predictions for Next Year's Rankings

Looking forward, Julian and Jordan speculate on potential shifts and emerging figures who might climb the rankings in the coming year.

Key Points:

• Rising Stars: Anticipation for figures like Gina Views and burgeoning underground media influencers to make significant leaps in influence.

  Jordan predicts:
  "[53:39] Jordan: ...I definitely think Gina Views gets on the list."
  "[54:47] Jordan: ...she interviewed Lucky recently... building that from the ground up."

• Continued Evolution: Recognition that the hip-hop media landscape is highly dynamic, with constant changes influenced by artist relationships and shifting consumption patterns.

  Host concurs:
  "[54:59] Jordan: ...it's changing every single day."
  "[55:00] Unnamed Host: ...depending on what artist is having a moment."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with reflections on the challenges of creating unbiased rankings and the importance of supporting diverse voices within hip-hop media.

Key Points:

• Encouraging Feedback: Invitation for listeners to engage with the rankings, offer their opinions, and understand that no list can be universally agreed upon.

  Jordan concludes:
  "[57:10] Jordan: ...this year it's like in the NBA when you have a new 25 best players list. We're not making a legacy list, but a right-now list."
  "[59:43] Unnamed Host: ...no list is ever universally loved."

• Acknowledging Efforts: Appreciation for the dedicated team behind the rankings and the broader community that supports hip-hop journalism.

  Jordan gives shout-outs:
  "[51:11] Jordan: ...shout out to Andre G, Armand, Sadler Wango... Regina Cho and everyone writing."
  "[52:54] Jordan: ...shout out to Frasier Tharp, GQ's Jeff Weiss... push the written word."

Notable Quotes:

• On the Nature of the List:
  "[02:38] Jordan: Yeah. Power Ranking. It's not like the best, it's not the hottest."

• Plaqueboy Max’s Influence:
  "[08:26] Jordan: Like legitimate songs that did streaming numbers."

• Fantano’s Impact:
  "[24:46] Unnamed Host: So it's... he can critique every album."
  "[25:18] Jordan: ...Fantano giving Tyler's album an 8 has legitimate power to sway somebody's opinion."

• Gender Representation:
  "[46:03] Unnamed Host: How can more women make this list? I think pay them more."

• On Elliot’s Ranking Drop:
  "[41:57] Jordan: ...you still tip your hat to the OGs. But the field is getting increasingly more competitive."

This episode offers an insightful exploration of the factors that determine influence within hip-hop media, highlighting both established and emerging figures. Julian Delgado and Jordan provide a nuanced discussion on power dynamics, representation, and the ever-evolving landscape of media influence in the hip-hop community. Whether you're deeply entrenched in the scene or a casual listener, this episode sheds light on the intricate web of media power that shapes the culture.