The New York Times has released its unranked list of the 30 greatest living American songwriters, placing influential voices like Erykah Badu, Missy Elliott, Kendrick Lamar, and Outkast at the center of a conversation about the artists who have shaped the sound of modern music.
The list, which is unranked, was compiled with input from more than 250 music industry insiders alongside six critics from the publication. Together, their selections highlight a wide range of songwriters whose work spans generations, genres, and cultural moments. Alongside Badu, Missy Elliott, and Kendrick Lamar, the roundup also includes Young Thug, reflecting the influence of contemporary hip-hop in defining today’s musical landscape.
The final list stretches across decades of songwriting, bringing together names like Nile Rodgers, Paul Simon, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, and Babyface. It also features Fiona Apple, Mariah Carey, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Lana Del Rey, The-Dream, Bad Bunny, Bruce Springsteen, and Smokey Robinson, reflecting the breadth of American songwriting across different eras.
As part of the feature, fellow artists contributed commentary on the names included. Pusha T highlighted Jay-Z, while Badu offered insight on Stevie Wonder. Stevie Nicks spoke on Taylor Swift; FKA twigs discussed Missy Elliott; Mike Will Made It reflected on Young Thug; Killer Mike praised Outkast; Tainy commented on Bad Bunny; and George Clinton shared thoughts on Kendrick Lamar.
According to the publication, the process involved reviewing submissions from hundreds of experts before editors worked through the selections to finalize the group. The focus remained on songwriters whose work has resonated widely, shaping both personal listening experiences and broader cultural moments.
The list ultimately brings together artists whose catalogs have defined decades of sound, from the rise of Atlanta’s hip-hop scene with Outkast to global chart dominance by figures like Bad Bunny. Across genres and generations, the selected songwriters represent music that has traveled through headphones, radio airwaves, social media platforms, and live performances, reflecting its lasting presence in everyday life.
