I didn’t know that either. Though, according to this intriguing LA Times article, “Is Hip-Hop Haunted by Ghostwriters,” it’s true. The author pokes holes in other rappers’ claims of authenticity, most notably Diddy, as well. Jay-Z still somehow comes off looking like the man, though. Here are some excerpts:

Nas might have recently topped the US Billboard charts with his “untitled” album, but his most successful project remains (and will probably always remain) penning Will Smith’s Getting Jiggy With It. Maybe you knew that, maybe you didn’t, but what’s for sure is that Nas isn’t alone in the ghostwriting business.

Nevertheless, there’s something strangely hollow about listening to a ghostwritten rap. Pop-rap like Gettin’ Jiggy With It can perhaps be excused – it’s a fun track, who’s only sentiments are “I’m Will Smith, I’m successful”. But when it comes to supposedly personal tracks, like Diddy’s ode to Notorious BIG or Dr Dre’s The Message, dedicated to his late brother (written by Sauce Money and Royce Da 5′9″ respectively), you can’t help but feel somewhat cheated.

Kanye West’s Jesus Walks – co-written with Rhymefest – is just as difficult to stomach given the size of Kanye’s ego. Consistently mentioning himself as a “Top 5 MC”, you have to ask whether Common or Talib Kweli would ever spit someone else’s rhymes.

Jay-Z told Vibe magazine in an interview that he is “paid a lot of money to not tell you who [he] writes for”.

Trevor Timm is a Blast Magazine staff writer