Kanye West names Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Future, Young Thug & Playboi Carti to his Rap Mount Rushmore

Ye reveals his favorite rap artists of all time and ranks Playboi Carti as the leading figure of the new generation.

A newly surfaced extended interview provides further insight into West's perspective on the current rap scene.

The footage, featuring a discussion with Justin Laboy on The Download, was initially broadcast last year but has resurfaced online in an extended version.

Kanye West, aka Ye, is offering his thoughts on the greatest figures in hip-hop history, and his selections are sure to ignite discussion.

In a recently leaked extended version of his 2025 interview with Justin Laboy, Ye disclosed his personal rap "Mount Rushmore," identifying four artists he feels should be enshrined in the culture's top echelon. "Future, Drake, Thug, Kendrick. That's my answer," Ye said plainly, referring to Future, Drake, Young Thug, and Kendrick Lamar.

Ye didn't stop there, though. When the discussion shifted to the next generation, he presented a different crown.

"Oh new GOAT, Carti. Carti next generation. You know if you put it by generation," Ye added, indicating his view that Playboi Carti is leading the way in the evolution of rap's sound.

Ye's selections are significant considering his complex past with some of the individuals mentioned. His relationship with Drake has fluctuated between competition and amends, while his collaborations with Young Thug and Future have involved years of creative partnerships. Kendrick, on the other hand, worked with Ye on the 2016 track "No More Parties in LA" and, before that, served as the opening act for West on the Yeezus Tour.

Carti and Ye have worked together on significant records, such as "Off the Grid" and "Carnival." Nonetheless, their relationship reportedly became strained in early 2025 when Ye's contributions were omitted from Carti's album Music, leading to alleged tension between their teams.