Charli XCX and Margot Robbie pick their GOAT rappers

Pop meets rap: GOAT edition
Inside Charli XCX & Margot Robbie’s GOAT rapper picks
Inside Charli XCX & Margot Robbie’s GOAT rapper picks | usa today

Charli XCX and Margot Robbie may come from different corners of entertainment, but when it comes to rap and hip hop, they clearly have strong opinions. The pop innovator and the Oscar-nominated actress recently appeared together on Complex’s popular GOAT Talk series, and one question quickly stood out: Who is the greatest rapper of all time?

The episode, released on February 9, 2026, arrives at a busy moment for both stars. Charli is expanding her creative reach in film, while Robbie continues building her reputation as both a leading actress and powerhouse producer. Yet in the middle of promoting new projects, the conversation turned to rap, and fans are still talking about it.

Hip hop debates never really end, and that is part of the culture. Naming a GOAT rapper is serious business in rap circles. So when two global stars confidently share their picks, the internet listens.

Charli XCX and Margot Robbie share their GOAT rapper picks

When asked to name the greatest rapper of all time, Charli XCX answered without hesitation. "Goat rapper. I'm going with Young Thug," she said. Then she doubled down: "Yeah, I'm going with Young Thug."

Her choice makes sense. Young Thug has long been seen as one of the most experimental voices in modern hip hop. His flow, vocal style, and fearless approach to genre have reshaped rap music over the past decade. Charli, known for pushing boundaries in pop, choosing him feels aligned with her own creative energy.

Margot Robbie went in a different direction, one rooted in classic rap dominance. "I'm gonna go with Lil Wayne," she said with clear enthusiasm.

Lil Wayne’s legacy in hip hop is undeniable. From his legendary mixtape run to his influence on a new generation of rappers, his impact on rap culture runs deep. Robbie’s pick reflects an appreciation for longevity and lyrical legacy in the rap world.

The exchange itself was light and fun. At one point, they reacted with quick affirmations like "Mmm" and "Ugh. Yeah," keeping the mood relaxed rather than overly analytical. But even without long explanations, their answers carried weight. In rap and hip hop culture, sometimes the name alone says everything.

Rap and hip-hop energy meets major film releases

While the rap debate grabbed headlines, both stars are also entering major film moments. Charli XCX recently premiered The Moment, a mockumentary directed by Aidan Zamiri, at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The film is set for theatrical release on January 30, 2026.

She also stars in Erupcja, directed by Peter Ohs, arriving in theaters on April 17, 2026, and is preparing for an untitled horror project directed by Takashi Miike. Additional 2026 titles include I Want Your Sex and The Gallerist.

Margot Robbie, meanwhile, takes on the role of Catherine Earnshaw in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, which premieres in theaters on February 13, 2026, after a January 28 screening at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. The film is produced by her company, LuckyChap Entertainment, and is already generating strong early buzz.

Still, it was the rap and hip-hop conversation that added a fresh layer to their public personas. Seeing a pop disruptor and a Hollywood heavyweight speak confidently about GOAT rappers reminds fans how deeply hip hop culture reaches across industries.

At the end of the day, debates about rap’s greatest will always continue. That is the heartbeat of hip hop. But hearing "Young Thug" and "Lil Wayne" enter the chat from two unexpected voices made this moment feel real, unscripted, and very on-brand for a culture that thrives on opinion and passion.

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