Former President Barack Obama has weighed in on the ongoing “Big Three” rap rivalry between Kendrick Lamar, Drake and J. Cole.
The high-profile feud between the three music stars has captivated the rap world this year. While campaigning for Kamala Harris on VicBlends’ ‘DeepCut’ podcast, Obama shared his thoughts on the rivalry.
When asked if Lamar had solidified his status at the top of the rap game after his recent clashes with Drake and a brief dispute with J. Cole, Obama said: “Kendrick is a friend of mine. I’ve known him for a long time. He actually performed at the White House. I’m pretty confident in saying not many presidents were familiar with hip-hop.”
“I do think Kendrick has a unique status right now, not just because of this summer. He’s not just gifted; he’s serious about the message he tries to convey… he digs deep into himself”, he added.
The former president went on to shed light on his relationship with Lamar and stated that their meetings often bring up personal topics like responsibility and fatherhood. “Those are the questions he’s asking about. He’s got a couple of young kids, and he’s taking that very seriously,” Obama said.
Obama also praised J. Cole, who recently stepped back from the feud after targeting Kendrick in his track “7 Minute Drill.”
“I just talked to J. Cole last week. J is very high on the list,” Obama said. “Now, I will say there’s a guy named JAY-Z who’s closer to my generation. This is a lot like the MJ versus LeBron conversation. I’ve had [J. Cole] at the White House; he’s outstanding.”
Obama has previously commented on the rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake and once predicted its outcome.
In 2016, he told YouTube star sWooZie, “You gotta go with Kendrick. I think Drake is an outstanding entertainer, but Kendrick… his lyrics. His last album ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ was outstanding. Best album I think that came out last year.”
Before Obama’s latest comments, Kendrick had also visited the White House to discuss initiatives to support inner-city youth.
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Reflecting on his meeting with the former president, Kendrick said, “I sat down with President Barack Obama and shared views on issues facing inner cities, the problems, solutions, and the importance of mentoring. Both of us know that mentoring saves lives.”
For now, Obama’s gaze looks fixed on aiding Kamala Harris become president of the United States, he has thrown his full support behind her and other celebrities who have gotten behind her cause.
