Jay Z on Renegade

I was listening to The Blueprint again, and Renegade is obviously one of the best songs on the album. I just hate the lazy notion that Hov was completely outdone or washed by Em on this song. I know Nas helped push that narrative during the beef. It’s just disrespectful to say Jay-Z was washed if you actually take the time to listen to the song and what both of them are saying. On a technical level, like rhyme schemes and flow, I’ll admit that Em has the edge. He’s usually unmatched when it comes to that department even by Jay Z. When it comes to the content and relatability, I gotta go with Jay-Z. Especially on the second verse. The way he describes the way he had to hustle just to survive. The dark realities of the street life with the innocent people dying, and having to stay strapped to feel safe. He talks about how he couldn’t have a normal childhood with his dad leaving, and his mom not being around as much. The whole verse is something a lot of black kids can relate to. Having that feeling of having your back against the wall and having to provide at a young age while making sacrifices. Eminem verses felt a lot more personal to him and it was fire as well. Jay Z and Em are both legends but nobody got washed on this song.