Ye’s Bold Claim About Beating Kendrick Lamar
In a recent interview with Justin Laboy on The Download (released on February 4, 2025), Ye made a bold claim regarding Kendrick Lamar. The Chicago rapper asserted that he is the only artist capable of defeating Lamar in a rap battle. Known for his unapologetic confidence and larger-than-life persona, Ye explained why he believes his skills are unmatched, even by the “Alright” hitmaker. According to Ye, anyone who faces Lamar in a rap battle is bound to lose, but he stands apart, calling himself a “psycho genius.”
Ye and Lamar have crossed paths musically before, notably on the track “No More Parties in L.A.” from The Life of Pablo. This song saw both artists go bar-for-bar, but Ye now believes he is the only one who could truly stand toe-to-toe with Lamar in a battle. In his words, battling Lamar is like taking on Chun-Li in Street Fighter—no matter how hard you try, you can’t beat her. With this statement, Ye makes it clear that he doesn’t just respect Lamar’s talent—he also feels that his own abilities are on another level.
Ye’s Confidence in His Skills
Ye’s confidence in his rap abilities is nothing new, but his recent comments have raised eyebrows. The rapper described Lamar as a formidable opponent, referencing his previous feud with Drake, but also emphasized that he is the one who could potentially defeat Lamar. “If you rap against Kendrick, you will lose,” Ye stated, comparing Lamar’s rap skills to a certain unbeatable move in Street Fighter. He continued, saying, “This man does this,” referring to Lamar’s consistent dominance in the rap world.
While Ye acknowledges that going up against Lamar is a daunting challenge, he insists that his own genius would make the battle possible. “I’m a psycho genius,” he confidently declared, implying that his unique approach to music and lyricism gives him an edge that no one else possesses. Ye’s comparison of Lamar to a character in a video game highlights the rapper’s belief that Lamar’s style is as iconic and unstoppable as a signature move in a well-known fighting game.
The Kendrick vs. Drake Feud
Ye also weighed in on the ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, particularly referencing Lamar’s victories in their past lyrical battles. He agreed with the sentiment that Lamar “killed” Drake during their infamous rap battles, mentioning specific tracks that emerged from their rivalry, such as “Push Ups,” “Family Matters,” and “Not Like Us.” These songs showcased Lamar’s undeniable lyrical prowess, and Ye praised him for his ability to dominate in these exchanges.
Despite Lamar’s success in the feud, Ye believes that no one should ever count out Drake, comparing him to NBA star Steph Curry. “Yeah, for now,” Ye said when asked if Lamar had won the feud. “You can’t ever count out Steph Curry. That man might get 200 points in one song.” This comparison reflects Ye’s belief that even though Lamar may have won the battle, Drake is always capable of making a comeback. It’s a sentiment that mirrors the unpredictability of the rap game itself, where anything can happen at any given moment.
Ye’s Thoughts on the Evolution of Hip-Hop
In the interview, Ye also discussed the evolution of hip-hop and how artists like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and himself have contributed to shaping the genre’s current landscape. He praised Lamar for advancing the “frequency” of hip-hop, adding that both Lamar and his collaborator, Future, have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the genre. “Kendrick advanced the frequency,” Ye said, noting how Lamar’s innovative approach to rap has influenced countless other artists in the industry.
Ye also acknowledged that he has played a major role in pushing hip-hop forward, calling his contributions groundbreaking. He spoke about the work he’s done with producers like Metro Boomin and how his music, including songs like “Father Stretch My Hands,” has reshaped the sound of modern rap. “We’re doing the drums, bringing Metro [Boomin] on,” he said, emphasizing his belief in constantly evolving the sound of hip-hop.
The Current State of Hip-Hop
The conversation also touched on the current state of hip-hop and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in music production. Ye expressed his thoughts on how AI is beginning to impact the creation of music, suggesting that it will play a significant role in shaping the future of the industry. While Ye didn’t delve too deeply into specifics, it’s clear that he views technology as a tool that can be harnessed to create even more groundbreaking music in the years to come.
As Ye’s upcoming album BULLY is set to drop on June 15, 2025, fans are eagerly awaiting his next musical chapter. The album is expected to feature innovative production and powerful lyrics, further cementing Ye’s place as a key figure in the evolution of hip-hop. The album’s release date also holds personal significance, as it coincides with the 12th birthday of Ye’s eldest daughter, North West.
Ye’s Feud with Drake and Lamar’s Impact on Music
Ye’s recent remarks about Kendrick Lamar also brought up his own feuds in the rap world. Ye has a long history of public disagreements with other artists, including Drake and J. Cole. While these feuds have often been the subject of much media attention, Ye’s comments suggest that he doesn’t see these rivalries as personal but rather as part of the competitive nature of the rap industry. He believes that each of these artists, including Lamar, has advanced the “frequency” of hip-hop in their own way.
The ongoing competition in the rap game, especially between artists like Ye, Drake, and Lamar, continues to fuel discussions about who reigns supreme in hip-hop. While Ye may believe he is the only one who can truly compete with Lamar in a battle, the rap world remains dynamic, and any of these artists could emerge victorious at any given moment. The constantly evolving landscape of hip-hop ensures that the battle for supremacy is far from over.
