Young Thug says Kendrick Lamar will never “surpass” Drake in popularity over a decline song collaboration in the recent Jail Call Leak

More leaked call audio is emerging, reportedly capturing Young Thug criticizing Kendrick Lamar after failing to secure a feature.

Leaked call from his time in jail, Young Thug expressed his opinions on Kendrick Lamar and praised Drake

Young Thug trashes Kendrick Lamar and commends Drake in leaked jail conversation.

Jail calls from Young Thug keep getting leaked, revealing the rapper's personal opinions on various subjects and prominent figures in today's hip hop scene, like Kendrick Lamar and Drake.

The Atlanta rapper Thugga, also known as Slime, has always been outspoken, and his recent comments about Kendrick Lamar directly address hip-hop's ongoing discussion about influence and reach. While discussing his 2023 album Business Is Business, the Atlanta artist made a clear distinction between Kendrick and Drake, implying that the Compton rapper's selective collaboration choices have restricted his cultural influence.

“You supposed to be a n**** blessing ns,” Thug said of Kendrick. “That’s why these ns will never be bigger than Drake, EVER in life.” The comment underscored a belief that Drake’s reign as rap’s most dominant figure stems not only from chart-topping consistency but also from his willingness to extend his platform to others.

In the last ten years, Drake has uplifted both peers and newcomers by collaborating on early tracks with artists like Migos, Future, and Lil Baby, all while exploring different genres and crossing international boundaries. These endorsements frequently help artists gain broader recognition and, at the same time, enhance Drake’s own global influence. For Thug, such generosity is crucial for sustaining cultural dominance.

Kendrick has established his legacy through restraint. His appearances are infrequent and intentional, typically reserved for close collaborators or projects that align with his vision.

Although this method bolsters his image as a meticulous artist—supported by a Pulitzer Prize and numerous Grammys—it reduces the chances for other artists to gain the exposure that a Kendrick verse ensures. Thug described this selectivity as a missed opportunity, highlighting the difference from how Drake has integrated himself into almost every aspect of the hip-hop scene.

The critique also highlights Thug's dependence on community. As he dealt with ongoing legal issues, Business Is Business relied significantly on contributions from Drake, Future, and Travis Scott. For Thug, Kendrick's absence from this network reveals contrasting views on collaboration and legacy.

Beyond a personal critique, Young Thug’s remarks spark a broader discussion about the criteria for greatness in today's hip-hop. Is it the skill to create selective, genre-defining art like Kendrick, or the readiness to broaden influence through generosity, as exemplified by Drake?

For Thug, the answer is obvious—it supports the artist who performs both for the culture and for his own sake.