Who’s got the best pipes in the industry? The Bad For The Community podcast crew took on the challenge of ranking some of the biggest names in music, from Rihanna and Ariana Grande to Chris Brown and The Weeknd, sparking a heated debate over vocal ability, range, and artistry.
The hosts rated each singer on a scale of 1 to 10, considering factors like vocal control, power, and emotional delivery.
- Rihanna landed at a 7, with the consensus that while she’s a global superstar, her vocal prowess isn’t her strongest asset.
- Ariana Grande was placed at a 9, with some arguing she deserved a slight drop to 8.5 due to technical preferences. Her vocal range and control, however, were undisputed.
- Tinashe fell between a 6 and 7, though some felt she shouldn’t be in the same bracket as Rihanna.
- Keke Palmer was rated a 7, but one host admitted they couldn’t recall specific songs that showcased her vocal chops.
- Mary J. Blige was placed between 8.5 and 9, with praise for her signature tone and emotional delivery, though some felt her range wasn’t on the same level as Ariana’s.
When it came to male vocalists, opinions were even more divided:
- Drake was ranked a 3, with the group agreeing that while he can hold a melody, he’s not a powerhouse singer.
- The Weeknd scored between 6.5 and 7, with debates over whether his tone truly resembled Michael Jackson’s or if it was just a stylistic influence.
- Chris Brown stirred the most discussion, with rankings ranging from 5 to 7. Some praised his earlier years for showcasing more vocal talent, while others argued he leans too heavily on autotune in his recent work.
Other notable mentions included Jamie Foxx (7-8), Sean Paul (3-4), Beyoncé (9-9.5), and Mariah Carey (9.5), with Whitney Houston setting the gold standard at a perfect 10.
The conversation sparked debate over what truly makes a great singer—soulfulness, vocal range, or technical control. Some felt Chris Brown had greater range than The Weeknd but lacked the same emotional depth. Others argued The Weeknd had hit notes Chris never had.
The episode wrapped with one final question: Has Chris Brown ever delivered a true R&B ballad? One host firmly believed his catalog lacked the deep, heartfelt moments found in classic soul, leaving the discussion open-ended.
