Lupe Fiasco has addressed the perception that he harbors animosity towards Kendrick Lamar, following recent remarks that sparked controversy. After suggesting that Drake surpassed Kendrick in certain aspects, Lupe took to X, formerly Twitter, to dispel any notion of “hate” towards the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper.
To counter the narrative, Lupe posted video proof from 2012 showing him introducing Kendrick Lamar on stage during a Chicago concert. In the video proof, Lupe praises Kendrick as the “Next Big Thing” and expresses admiration for his talent, refuting claims of long-standing negativity towards him.
Responding to criticism from fans, Lupe clarified his stance, affirming his respect and admiration for Kendrick Lamar. He acknowledged a disagreement with a segment of Kendrick’s fan base but emphasized his enduring support and admiration for the rapper.
Lupe’s recent comments were part of a broader conversation where he weighed in on Kendrick Lamar’s skills compared to Drake’s, favoring Drake’s lyrical abilities while praising Kendrick’s overall impact on the culture. Despite his perspective on their rap styles, Lupe reiterated his respect for Kendrick’s contributions to music and acknowledged his significant influence.
While Lupe’s opinions generated backlash, especially given his history of critiquing Kendrick, he also highlighted positive sentiments towards Kendrick’s artistry, acknowledging his strengths as a performer, album creator, and cultural influencer. However, Lupe maintains a distinction between mainstream appeal and his personal preferences for underground and battle rap styles.
Lupe’s efforts to clarify his position demonstrate his respect for Kendrick Lamar’s talent and impact, seeking to correct any misinterpretations arising from recent discussions about rap prowess and style preferences within the genre.