**Since I’m new around here, let’s get right to the point. The name’s Justin Tinsley and, in essence, you can call me Karen’s wingman. Get used to the name cause you’ll be seeing it around here quite often. Combining with Karen’s nack for all thing exclusive, I’ll be bringing forth in-depth (often times inciting a debate) topics, artist spotlights and the occasional album review. If by slim chance my name sounds familiar, you’ve probably seen me over at CollegeRadioMusic. Yup, I’m pulling double duty. All for the love of hip-hop.**

One is the “King of New York” and arguably the G.O.A.T., and the other is one of the premiere names in hip-hop today and the “King of the South”. But how do they fare when matched on the same record together?

The title of “greatest rapper alive” is merely a subjective one. While fans, experts and rappers alike have always believed they knOw the requirements for such a title, at the end of the day it is all based on opinion, regardless of how many facts are brought forth and agreed upon. However, one of the most accepted artists to hold that crown is Sean Carter. With at least three classic records under his belt, hundreds of legendary songs to his arsenal and a seemingly never-ending amount of business ventures, Jay-Z has been the definition of a hustler for nearly 15 years and the blueprint (pun intended) for success and longevity in an industry which has a shorter lifespan (career-wise) than that of a NFL player.

Throughout his decade (plus) of dominance, the question of “who is the next Jay-Z?” has been lurking around hip-hop almost as much as basketball has been haunted with the “search” for its Jordan. Excluding the “other” Carter, T.I. is arguably the closest comparison to his northern prophyte. He boasts one of the most impressive catalogs in the game today and is one of the few “superstars” the genre has. His non-rap ventures have made the headlines as well including his clothing line, construction company, community service and acting career. Even VIBE magazine once dubbed the Grand Hustle front man as the heir to the elder Carter’s dynasty. The one sharp difference, however, happens to be T.I.’s struggle to sometimes pull away from the street life, something that Jay managed to do rather effortlessly once his musical career took off.

With success, especially in hip-hop, operating on the narrowest of roads, it only makes sense that the two would test their lyrical muscles (pause…if applicable) on the same track more than once. Since comparisons have been a cornerstone of the music since the days of Grandmaster Flash and Kurtis Blow, I’ve decided to analyze each track Hov and Tip have dropped bars on…together.

Song: “Watch What You Say To Me”
Album: T.I. vs. T.I.P.
Year: 2007
Jay-Z: “You talkin’ to the author, the architect of the blueprint/My DNA in your music, muthafucka you stupid?”
T.I.: “Tryin’ to refrain from being violent, but you come out your face/ I got my lawyer paid up ready to catch me a case”

Synopsis: While Cliff’s second verse is one of the more arrogant and entertaining of his career (and that line was eeirely prophetic), Jay wins this one simply because the moment he uttered his first bar, the listener knew the next 15 were going to be vintage, cocky Jay (and he didn’t disappoint). Plus, it was Jay sending subliminal shots at those who were taking swipes at his character at the time (i.e. The Game and possibly Lil Wayne). Subliminal Hov always leaves you wondering and with a few classic quotables in the process.

Winner: Jay-Z

Song: “Swagger Like Us”
Album: Paper Trail
Year: 2008
Jay-Z: “But I can’t teach you my swag, you can pay for school but you can’t buy class/School of Hard Knocks, I’m a grad/ And that all blue Yankee is my graduation cap”
T.I.: “Ain’t nobody hot as me/ Even if they rap they ass off, blast off and have outstanding qualities/ Sell a lot of records, I respect and salute that/ But spitting real life on hot beats, I’m the truth at”

Synopsis: This could arguably be one of the most popular songs to never have a video. Boasting the four biggest names in the sport, T.I. waited until Kanye, Lil Wayne and Jay himself had set the scene up perfectly for his closing. And closing is exactly what he did with a breathtaking verse that was undoubtedly the song’s best.

Winner: T.I.

Song: “Turn Off The Lights”
Album: “DJ Smallz & Rick Ross–Southern Smoke 28″
Year: 2006
Jay-Z: “I’m like the World Class Wrecking Crew minus the Jheri curl juice/ Still I manage to get every girl loose/ The six-deuce patruce, give her an excuse/ To turn out the lights like Con Edison do”
T.I.: “I know you used to niggas frontin’, that ain’t nothin’ to me/ Cause spendin’ money, poppin’ bottles, that ain’t nothin’ to me/ I did that in ‘93 when I was runnin’ the streets/ Movin’ O’s out of Caprice runnin’ from the police/ Now you ain’t gotta bring a bag when you comin’ with me”

Synopsis: Out of the three tracks, this was, by far, the hardest to judge. However, if I have to chose (and I do), the honor goes to T.I. simply because his flow on this > Jay’s. That’s right, I said it.

Winner: T.I.

*NOTE: This is in no way saying T.I. is the better rapper (although he’s not half bad). It is merely stating that the three times Tip and Jay have appeared on the same track together, Clifford has managed to win out.*

In case you wanted more tracks that involve the two, be sure to buff your collection up with these as well.

DL: Jay-Z–ASAP Freestyle

DL: Beyonce feat. T.I.–Upgrade You

And as an added bonus…

T.I.–Hell Of A Life (kudos to NahRight)