Ben Affleck may be best known for his Oscar-winning film career and iconic roles in blockbusters like Good Will Hunting, Argo, and Batman v Superman, but the Hollywood heavyweight also has a deep appreciation for hip-hop culture — and he just proved it by dropping his personal Mount Rushmore of rap.
In a recent interview with Complex, the star actor dove headfirst into one of the most hotly debated topics in pop culture: who deserves a spot on the mythical hip-hop Mount Rushmore. And his picks? A mix of old-school legends and modern-day rap royalty that left fans both surprised and impressed.
Here’s who made Ben Affleck’s exclusive rap Mount Rushmore — and why each artist represents a different piece of hip-hop history.
1. Lil Wayne: The Lyrical Legend
Leading Affleck’s list is none other than Lil Wayne, the New Orleans rap icon who has dominated the game for over two decades. With a staggering discography that includes Tha Carter series, Wayne’s impact on the rap industry is indisputable. He’s known for his prolific output, intricate wordplay, and mentorship of younger rap stars like Drake and Nicki Minaj — both of whom now top the charts regularly.
Ben’s selection of Wayne comes at a perfect time. Although Wayne was surprisingly left out of the Super Bowl LIX halftime performance in his own city this year, fans are hyped for the upcoming release of Tha Carter VI, expected to drop in June 2025. The album is already building momentum with teasers and cryptic social media posts, promising a return to the lyrical wizardry that made Weezy a rap icon.
Affleck’s choice also subtly nods to Wayne’s staying power. While the rap industry evolves quickly, Lil Wayne remains a constant force, bridging the gap between early 2000s hip-hop and today’s trap-heavy era.
2. Eazy-E: The Godfather of Gangsta Rap
Next up on Ben Affleck’s list is a major throwback: Eazy-E, the trailblazing rapper and founding member of N.W.A., widely regarded as the godfather of gangsta rap. Known for his raw, unapologetic lyrics and fearless approach to controversial topics, Eazy-E helped shape the sound and rebellious spirit of West Coast hip-hop in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Eazy-E’s inclusion shows that Affleck isn’t just caught up in current trends — he respects the foundation of the culture. Through tracks like Boyz-n-the-Hood and Real Muthaphuckkin G’s, Eazy gave a voice to disenfranchised communities and brought attention to social issues that still resonate today.
Despite his untimely death in 1995 due to complications from AIDS, Eazy-E’s legacy lives on in modern rap, particularly in artists who use their music to challenge authority and reflect on street realities. Affleck’s pick highlights a deep appreciation for the roots of hip-hop and those who risked everything to speak the truth.
3. Slick Rick: The Storytelling Maestro
Affleck’s third selection adds an eclectic twist to the list — Slick Rick, the British-American rapper known for his unique accent, fashion flair, and legendary storytelling abilities. With hits like Children’s Story, Mona Lisa, and La Di Da Di, Slick Rick helped define the golden age of hip-hop in the 1980s and early 1990s.
“I grew up listening to Slick Rick,” Ben said in his Complex interview, giving a nostalgic nod to the artist’s influence during his formative years.
What makes Slick Rick’s presence on this Mount Rushmore so special is his timeless appeal. Even decades later, his influence can be heard in artists like Nas, J. Cole, and even Kendrick Lamar. In fact, rumor has it that Slick Rick might be plotting a long-awaited comeback album this year — which would mark his first solo project in more than two decades.
If true, it would be a fitting return for a rapper often considered one of the most underrated legends in hip-hop history.
4. Kendrick Lamar: The Reigning King of Rap
Last but not least is Kendrick Lamar, arguably the most critically acclaimed rapper of the modern era. Affleck’s inclusion of Kendrick comes at a moment when the Compton native is once again dominating headlines — thanks to his explosive diss track Not Like Us, which set the internet on fire and fueled his high-profile feud with Drake.
Kendrick, a Pulitzer Prize-winning artist, has been praised for his socially conscious lyrics, complex storytelling, and genre-defying soundscapes. Albums like To Pimp a Butterfly, good kid, m.A.A.d city, and DAMN. have earned him a place in rap’s elite, not just as a performer, but as a visionary.
By adding Kendrick to his Mount Rushmore, Affleck bridges the old-school and new-school, showing respect for the pioneers of the genre while acknowledging the evolution of hip-hop into a dominant cultural force.
Why Ben Affleck’s Picks Matter
In a genre as rich and diverse as hip-hop, everyone has their own take on who deserves to be on the Mount Rushmore. But Ben Affleck’s list stands out because it reflects not just personal taste, but an understanding of hip-hop’s historical significance. From the streetwise storytelling of Slick Rick to the aggressive innovation of Eazy-E, the lyrical wizardry of Lil Wayne, and the introspective genius of Kendrick Lamar — his choices showcase a deep respect for the culture.
Affleck, who’s had a long and public relationship with urban culture (remember that viral video of him rapping along to Ice Ice Baby on The Tonight Show?), seems to be more than just a casual fan. His selections offer a cross-generational appreciation of rap’s evolution — a rare thing among Hollywood A-listers.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Buzzes Over Affleck’s Rap Icons
Unsurprisingly, the internet had a lot to say about Affleck’s Mount Rushmore. Some fans applauded his bold choices, especially his shoutout to Slick Rick, a name often left off mainstream rap lists. Others debated who was missing — names like Tupac, Nas, Jay-Z, and Biggie immediately flooded Twitter threads and Reddit forums.
Still, many fans praised Affleck for blending commercial success with cultural impact. In a genre often split between old heads and Gen Z fans, his list managed to satisfy both camps.
Final Thoughts: Ben Affleck’s Hip-Hop Cred Just Went Up
Ben Affleck may not be dropping bars anytime soon, but his rap Mount Rushmore proves he’s got serious knowledge of the game. By honoring a diverse set of rappers who each contributed uniquely to the genre’s legacy, he’s earned a bit more street cred than most would expect from a Hollywood superstar.
Whether you’re a lifelong hip-hop fan or new to the genre, Affleck’s picks serve as a reminder that rap is more than music — it’s storytelling, rebellion, and artistry rolled into one. And with icons like Lil Wayne gearing up for Tha Carter VI and Slick Rick potentially making a comeback, this Mount Rushmore might not just be a tribute to the past — it could be a preview of what’s next.
