there you go- the two most successful white rap acts ever [critically and commercially]. thats not such an insignificant criteria for comparrison when you realize that they are nearly the only successfull white rap acts ever as well as being two of the most successful rap acts of any colour.

You can't compare them man. The colour of your skin really doesn't say anything about your ability to rap! This thread is funnier than it is meaningful.

Beastie Boys all the way.

I second that

Like many others said: Beastie Boys all the way

not so much the colour of your skin, but where you come from and how you fit in society definitely does. how many great black country artists hav their been? how many great white reggae artists hav there been? this isnt coincidence- these forms of music come from a certain place with specific influences and backgrounds. there hav not been many successful white rap acts cos rap comes from and has overwhelming remained with african americans. eminem and the beastie boys hav been at marketed disadvantage from the start because of the colour of their skin. its taken a lot more convincing of main rap crowd for them and/or theyve needed to crossover and pull in a different audiance to rap- both of which theyve accomplished. the comparison is more than valid- its obvious.

I would say that learning to rap would be like learning to play any popular musical instrument. We hear rap all the time around us. While it's roots lay with the African Americans, its influence isn't restricted to them. Simply because Eminem and the Beastie Boys were white and may not have lived in the black ghettos doesn't mean that they wouldn't be exposed to rap and in fact may have recieved about as much exposure as a black man who did live in the ghettos. Therefore, I'd say that where you are in relation to the rap centers has little to with your ability to rap.

I think, like you said later in your post, the real acheivement here is the commercial one. As soon as an image came into question is when the colour of their skin became an issue, if a superficial one. Seriously, the first time I heard Eminem on the radio, I just assumed he was African American and when I found out that he was a white rapper, my opinion of him didn't change, but that's me. I know more than a few people who, in Eminem's early days, ignored him because of this.

I can understand why they both stick out in the rap world, but I still don't see why they should be compared. Besides their skin colour, they are two very different acts.

Historically we have had comparison threads that are much more of a stretch than this. I agree that these two acts have basically nothing in common, and that common skin color is not much - truth be told, there are many black rappers without a fraction of Eminem's talent, and certainly there are artists of quite a few colors lacking the creative vision of the Beastie Boys.

But really, we've had worse here, and these are both rappers at least.

i don't see anything wrong with comparing any two bands/rappers/whatever no matter how different. and if they don't have much in common, the comparison just boils down to subjective personal preference instead of say, objectively comparing the technique of two lead guitarists. no big deal.

Beastie Boys definatly, eminem just gets on my nerves sometimes.

I take it you voted for Eminem?

If so, don't leave town...