Kanye West has thrown more fuel into hip hop’s eternal “Who’s the best?” debate and this time, he didn’t crown himself. In a rare move, Ye sided with Eminem, placing the Detroit legend above both J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar when it comes to lyrical prowess.
In response to a post by Drink Champs asking fans to name the most untouchable rapper “bar for bar,” Ye quote-tweeted with:
“J. COLE AND KENDRICK CAN’T TOUCH THE WHITE BOY.”
J COLE AND KENDRICK CANT TOUCH THE WHITE BOY https://t.co/OD0ErkQiV4
— ye (@kanyewest) April 24, 2025
Unsurprisingly, the comment lit up social media, racking up over 1,200 reposts and sparking a wave of heated debates.
Is Ye Speaking Facts Or Just Stirring the Pot?
Critics are quick to point out that Ye might be personally biased. He’s previously admitted to “hating J. Cole’s music”, largely due to perceived jabs from Cole’s 2016 track False Prophets. Meanwhile, Ye has had a love-hate relationship with Kendrick, once praising him as a “psycho genius,” then accusing him of being a pawn in hip hop beefs during his Super Bowl halftime show.
Still, Ye’s respect for Eminem’s pen game is nothing new. He’s long hailed Em as a master lyricist and even rapped alongside him on Forever with Drake and Lil Wayne back in 2009.
Eminem: The Numbers Speak
From a sales perspective, Eminem is untouchable. He’s the highest-selling rapper of all time, per Guinness World Records, and the only hip hop artist with three diamond-certified albums (The Eminem Show, The Marshall Mathers LP, and Curtain Call).
But when it comes to cultural relevance and influence, fans argue that Kendrick Lamar holds the crown today. His Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers era, followed by a Grammy sweep and a historic Super Bowl LXI performance, has reaffirmed his spot on hip hop’s Mount Rushmore.
The Final Verdict?
Ye’s statement has reignited a timeless conversation: Is lyrical skill about technique, storytelling, impact, or all three? Eminem may dominate in complexity and flow, but Cole and Kendrick’s cultural storytelling and social consciousness make them generational voices.
Whether Ye’s praise for Eminem is genuine or just another shot in an ongoing grudge match, one thing’s clear the rap GOAT debate is far from over.
Who’s your pick: Eminem, Cole, or Kendrick?
