A select few members of the generation of rappers raised by the internet have begun blowing up in real life over the past few years, notching platinum plaques, Grammy Awards, sold out arena tours and the hearts of millions as they begin their quest to be mentioned among the GOATS. Anyone mildly knowledgable with the current Hip Hop landscape will tell you that two of those guys are named Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and since Kendrick’s breakout 2011-2012 run, during which he released two albums–the independent Section.80, and his Interscope-helmed, platinum-selling debut, good kid, m.A.A.d. city–he, along with J. Cole–who added a platinum plaque to his resume last year–have been championed as the leaders of the “current” generation of rappers.
However, since Kendrick’s verse on Big Sean‘s “Control,” which Drake didn’t take to too well, the Compton rapper has consistently been pitted against Drizzy in debate, especially considering they continue to throw subliminal, competitive jabs at each other in their verses. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you yourself have been involved in one of those debates on more than one occasion–but don’t feel bad. Even our Commander-in-Chief isn’t immune to it.
That’s right. During a live stream interview with Obama earlier today, YouTube creator Adande Thorne asked the Prez. to weigh in on the King Kendrick vs Drizzy Drake debate, and rather than shy away from the question, POTUS went with his gut: Kendrick Lamar.
“Gotta go with Kendrick, I’m just saying. I think Drake is an outstanding entertainer but Kendrick, his lyrics, his last album was outstanding. Best album I think last year.” It isn’t a surprising endorsement. In the last few weeks alone, Obama has named a deep cut from Kendrick’s most recent album, To Pimp A Butterfly, his favorite song of 2015 (“How Much a Dollar Cost?), invited Kendrick for a meeting in the Oval Office, and named TPAB the best album of 2015. If that’s not a co-sign, we don’t know what is. Don’t worry Drake, Obama didn’t leave you completely out in the cold. POTUS, who just gave his final State of the Union address this past Tuesday, acknowledged that the multi-faceted Toronto artist is an “outstanding entertainer.”
You can hear Obama’s comments for yourself at the 27:20 mark.
