Kanye West vs. Kendrick Lamar debate examined

Posted Jan. 18, 2023

By Katie Liang

Features Editor

The highly-disputable and occasionally rage-inducing question that sparks one of the most heated debates in the music industry, Kanye West vs. Kendrick Lamar, is an unfair discussion with two equally acceptable answers. 

Forty-five-year-old Chicago rapper Kanye Omari West has been releasing and producing music since the 90s, long before 35-year-old Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar Duckworth began sharing his music in 2010. This decade-long age difference is an important factor in deciphering the superior rapper, considering the fact that West has been widely recognized for pushing boundaries since the beginning. His discography and catalog are one of the greatest in hip-hop history. He's solidified his spot in the hall of fame; his production ability is almost unmatched and he birthed many more great rappers. When asked this question, a good number of people will answer, "Kanye is the better artist, Kendrick is the better rapper." However, what constitutes a "good" artist? 

Other than music, West indulges in fashion, film production, and public speaking. If it weren't for his thrilling charisma, West wouldn't have half the attention he receives. This isn't to dismiss his rapping skills, without a doubt he is a brilliant rapper. His purposefully shocking, controversial lyrics and overuse of sexual innuendo, specifically in Yeezus unfortunately makes him fall short behind K. Dot in terms of songwriting. Lamar is greatly acclaimed as a powerful storyteller with creative style. Ye's many endeavors may deem him a better "artist," but Lamar's content carries deeper weight and he delivers these serious, emotional messages in work that is unparalleled. Despite having fewer albums and therefore less room for error, Lamar is the only rapper that could compete with West. As we live through West's downfall and Lamar's uprising, West coming out of his prime gives Lamar the advantage. 

When ranking each artists' top three albums, there's a clear answer for Lamar and various answers for West. Lamar's holy trinity is To Pimp A Butterfly, good kid, m.A.A.d city, and DAMN. and West's top three in no specific order are The College Dropout, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and Late Registration. West's rankings are widely disputed, but Lamar's consistency outshines most of his albums. Personally, Lamar has almost a completely no-skip trinity, whereas West has several classics banded with other songs in his albums. 

These are my final conclusions: Kendrick has better albums, lyricism, and is also a better person than his opponent. Kanye is more influential, versatile, and is better at production. I believe in separating art from the artist, but Kanye makes it particularly difficult for me to do that. I stand with my opinion that neither answer is incorrect.