Unpopular opinion incoming, which is why I mixed in some wimmenz:
I absolutely hate it when people come out in public and announce to the world that they are the best. From football players to rappers to politicians.. celebrities ALL lose points with me (not that it matters) when they announce it to the world like a stated fact- even if there is a possibility that they are right.
Dave Chappelle said it, Kanye said it, and a few other notables.. and now Jay-Z is making the same kind of statement
*. It's one thing to say it in a verse (rappers have been doing that since forever), but when you get serious about that kind of thinking, that's just opening the door for an azz-whupping nobody saw coming.
By the way- at least lyrically speaking- I think Chino XL, Immortal Technique, Canibus, Marcus Hopsin, NF, Scarface, or Eminem could easily stand next to him on a stage, sidewalk, or grocery store checkout line without breaking too much of a sweat.
Just my .02.
*Disclaimer: This could be an attention-getter/ cash grab to make even more money and keep himself relevant by throwing down the gauntlet at all other rappers, but ever since he stopped combing his hair, I'm thinking the money may have affected his mind.