The Bagfuel podcast crew, Hynaken and ES$O, recently took a deep dive into Complex’s latest list ranking the top Los Angeles rappers — and they weren’t shy about calling out some glaring issues, especially around The Game’s placement.
Complex’s list named Kendrick Lamar at No. 1, followed by Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Tyler, the Creator rounding out the top five. The Game landed at No. 11, right behind Nipsey Hussle at No. 10. The hosts argue that The Game’s position is a major snub.
“The Game is at least top 10, maybe even above Nipsey and Tyler,” said Hynaken. They praised The Game’s lyrical skills, commercial success, and cultural influence — especially in LA’s rap scene — saying his impact can’t be ignored, despite his “bully/troll” reputation.
The podcast also weighed in on other rankings. Eazy-E’s placement was defended for his foundational role in West Coast hip-hop, though some questioned whether he should rank higher than The Game. DJ Quik’s spot at No. 6 was debated too, with some hosts unsure if his rap skills matched his producer status.
The hosts took issue with several placements lower on the list, including Warren G, MC Ren, Daz Dillinger, and notably Too Short and Pop Smoke, who were ranked surprisingly low or missing altogether. They also pointed out Tupac’s absence or low ranking, noting he’s not from LA but remains integral to West Coast rap culture.
A major criticism was Complex’s lack of transparency on who curated the list and their criteria. Bagfuel emphasized the importance of local insight, suggesting that anyone ranking LA rappers should consult the community and those deeply embedded in the scene.
The debate extended to the top spots, with some feeling Snoop Dogg should be No. 1 over Kendrick Lamar, while others agreed Kendrick’s skillset and influence put him ahead. Tyler, the Creator’s No. 5 ranking was questioned given The Game’s larger footprint in LA hip-hop.Ultimately, Bagfuel’s hosts call for more authenticity and respect for the culture in future rankings. “We’d make a better list — we live and breathe LA hip-hop,” said ES$O, emphasizing the value of local voices and deeper understanding when ranking legends.
