Barack Obama, a hip-hop enthusiast, has weighed in on a debate between Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and J. Cole, the “Big Three” rivalry that’s captivated fans for months.
While on the campaign trail supporting Kamala Harris, the former president sat down with celebrity barber VicBlends for an episode of the DeepCut podcast, where the highly publicized feud became a central topic of discussion.
When asked if Kendrick Lamar has secured his place at the pinnacle of rap, particularly after his rivalry with Drake and brief lyrical clash with J. Cole, Obama didn’t hesitate. “Kendrick is a friend. I’ve known him for a long time,” Obama shared. “He even performed at the White House. Not many presidents get to say that they’ve had hip-hop artists on the guest list.”
Obama praised Lamar’s artistic depth, adding, “Kendrick has a special place in hip-hop right now. It’s not just because of this summer; it’s because he’s intensely serious about his message. He doesn’t just perform—he reaches down to find something powerful within himself.”
The former president also revealed a personal side to his friendship with Lamar, explaining that their conversations often center on family and fatherhood. “When we get together, he wants to talk about what it means to be a father. He’s got a couple of young kids, and he takes that role to heart,” Obama noted.
Obama then spoke about J. Cole, who made headlines for bowing out of the battle after a subtle jab at Kendrick in his track, “7 Minute Drill.” “I just talked to J. Cole last week. He’s definitely at the top of the list,” Obama remarked. Then, drawing a parallel to the iconic Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James debate, he acknowledged his own generational bias:
“Now, there’s a guy named JAY-Z who’s closer to my generation. It’s a lot like that MJ and LeBron comparison. J. Cole’s been to the White House too; he’s outstanding.”
Obama’s endorsement of Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical prowess dates back to 2016. In a casual exchange with YouTube star sWooZie, Obama famously chose Kendrick over Drake, stating, “You gotta go with Kendrick. Drake is an incredible entertainer, but Kendrick… his lyrics, his work on To Pimp a Butterfly—that was one of the best albums of the year.”
Shortly after, Lamar visited the White House to discuss initiatives supporting inner-city youth, with Obama openly admiring Lamar’s vision for change.
Reflecting on that White House meeting, Kendrick said, “I sat down with President Obama, and we talked about the challenges facing inner cities, as well as solutions. We both understand that mentoring can save lives, and that’s something we’re both committed to.”
In the years since, both have continued to inspire their respective audiences, blending powerful messages with an undiminished commitment to their art.
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