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The hip-hop community has been abuzz with the longstanding debate between Lupe Fiasco and Kendrick Lamar concerning who holds the superior lyrical prowess. This contention has been revisited recently, with Lupe Fiasco maintaining his stance that, despite admiring Kendrick Lamar’s storytelling and overall artistry, he does not consider him a “top tier lyricist” by his standards.
In a series of social media exchanges and public statements, Lupe Fiasco has articulated his criteria for lyrical excellence, highlighting his preference for complex punchlines and bars, which he believes Kendrick lacks. Despite this, Fiasco concedes that Lamar’s ability to craft songs and his broader artistic impact surpass his own, praising Lamar’s overall contributions to the music industry.
On the other hand, Kendrick Lamar has taken a more reserved approach to the debate, emphasizing everyone’s entitlement to their opinion and avoiding direct confrontation. This underscores Lamar’s focus on his craft rather than engaging in public disputes.
Lupe Fiasco tells Ae Verb that Kendrick Lamar ain’t dangerous as a lyricist. He also say that Drake is a better rapper than Kendrick. Full audio below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/uoS1Uto7cU
— A.M.K (@Famekom) April 16, 2024
The discussion also touches on other lyricists whom Lupe Fiasco regards highly, such as Aesop Rock and Black Thought, suggesting that his benchmark for lyrical skill is considerably high. This reflects not only on his self-assessment of his lyrical abilities but also on his expectations from his peers.
This ongoing debate highlights the subjective nature of “lyricism” in hip-hop, which often depends on personal taste and the specific elements of rap that listeners value. While some may prioritize narrative depth and the ability to convey complex emotions, others might place a higher value on wordplay and the density of puns and metaphors.
The conversation between Lupe Fiasco and Kendrick Lamar serves as a fascinating case study of how artistic values can differ even among the most respected artists in the hip-hop community. It invites fans and critics alike to reconsider what defines a “great” lyricist in a genre that continues to evolve both technically and thematically.
