Kanye West declares Drake the best by numbers and JAY-Z the greatest by influence
Image: Reuters
Kanye West has reignited the debate over hip-hop greatness by declaring Drake and JAY-Z as the two greatest rappers ever.
In a 2022 interview with Candace Owens, which resurfaced on Wednesday, West suggested that while Drake tops the charts in terms of success, JAY-Z holds unparalleled influence over the culture.
"Drake is the best rapper ever by the numbers. JAY-Z is the greatest rapper ever by the inspiration," Ye stated.
Owens supported this view, noting that JAY-Z’s business acumen and impactful messages shaped the industry significantly.
The clip has sparked a flurry of discussions on X (formerly Twitter).
Some users agreed with West, citing Drake’s commercial success, while others argued that Lil Wayne’s influence or Eminem’s numbers are equally notable.
The debate also touched upon Donald Trump’s recent comments about Kanye West, highlighting a mix of admiration and complexity.
West’s remarks on JAY-Z were part of a broader conversation in the interview, further emphasizing the ongoing dialogue about hip-hop legends and their contributions to the genre.