Ye, aka Kanye West, is one of the most influential artists of this century- and that influence reaches far beyond just the music world. Since 2004, Ye has dropped countless iconic albums, mixtapes, and collaborations, proving just how great he is for his musical ability. That might be exactly why fans hold him in such high regard, even though his achievements often sit in the shadow of his controversial personality. 

Billboard recently stirred up a few Ye loyalists with its list of the Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century. They ranked the ‘Donda’ rapper seventh in the list, crediting his greatest highs of this century in popular music alongside some lows that most artists would not be able to bounce back from. And it would be, indeed, not wrong to say that Ye has seen better days as an artist. Even though his impact on pop culture is undeniable, lately, the rapper has been working to find his rhythm again in music production.

Ye’s 2024 release, 'Vultures', which was supposed to mark his big return to the music scene after a controversial stretch and a subsequent hiatus, got a mixed reception from fans. And though the rapper is working on a new album, the debate over whether Ye is still as relevant as he was at his peak will just not go away. Still, the silver lining is that some die-hard fans would leap at any chance to defend their GOAT.

Ye Fans Dish Out Their Opinions on Eminem’s Artistry From the Get-Go to Present

Fans took issue with Billboard’s latest ranking, insisting that Ye deserved a higher spot on that list and not seventh. 

Ye’s recent public outbursts have cast a long shadow over how people view his legacy as an artist. Plenty of fans now turn away from his music, either because of his behavior or simply due to their feelings about the genre itself. And while fans are not outright demanding that Ye take the top spot on the Billboard list, they certainly feel that seventh place is a bit "too low", given all he has done for the hip-hop world. 

Many fans have also said they will not stand behind this ranking until they get a look at the full list.

So far, the pop stars in the top six spots have not been revealed. Following Ye in seventh, Justin Bieber takes eighth, Ariana Grande lands in ninth, and Adele rounds out the top ten. It seems fans are holding off judgment until they see who takes the top six before deciding if Ye's seventh-place ranking is fair.

Ye Samples a 1974 Iconic Song From India, Boasts His Production Skills in a Latest Video, Sending Fans in Euphoria

What do you think about fans' reaction to Ye landing the 7th spot in Billboard's Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!