Kanye West has declared himself the only rapper capable of defeating Kendrick Lamar in a rap battle. In a recent interview with Justin Laboy, Ye praised Lamar’s lyrical prowess but insisted his own “psycho genius” mindset sets him apart. His bold claim has reignited discussions about rap supremacy and whether anyone can truly challenge Lamar.
As hip-hop fans debate Ye’s statement, many reflect on Lamar’s dominance, especially after his recent victory over Drake. Here’s what we know about West’s comments and their impact on the rap world.
Kanye West talks about beating Kendrick Lamar in a rap battle
During an interview on The Download podcast, Ye acknowledged Lamar’s unmatched lyrical ability, stating, “If you rap against Kendrick, you will lose.” He compared Lamar to Chun-Li from Street Fighter, emphasizing his unbeatable style. However, West suggested he could be the exception, referring to himself as a “psycho genius.”
West’s comments follow Kendrick Lamar’s highly publicized feud with Drake, in which Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us became a defining moment. The song dominated multiple categories at the 2025 Grammy Awards, cementing Lamar’s reputation as an elite battle rapper. Many in the hip-hop community, including Joe Budden, have advised against challenging Lamar—an opinion Ye echoed. Still, West maintained that his unique artistry gives him a fighting chance.
Ye’s claim is particularly notable given his own history with rap feuds, including clashes with Drake, Jay-Z, and Pusha T. However, he is not known for direct battle-style diss tracks. His confidence in taking on Lamar has sparked debate—some see it as his signature bravado, while others view it as a legitimate challenge.
Beyond his battle claims, West also weighed in on the Kendrick-Drake feud, stating, “Kendrick killed Drake—he’s dead.” However, he suggested that Drake could make a comeback, comparing him to NBA superstar Steph Curry, known for his incredible game recoveries. Ye acknowledged Drake’s influence on hip-hop, crediting him with “advancing the frequency” of the genre.
West briefly inserted himself into the Lamar-Drake rivalry last year by taking shots at Drizzy on a remix of Like That. He and Lamar previously went bar-for-bar on The Life of Pablo’s No More Parties in L.A. in 2016.
