Kanye West has once again sparked controversy, this time targeting Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole during a livestream with Canadian rapper Top5.
In the stream, West openly criticized both rappers and questioned their place in Hip Hop.
He dismissed J. Cole’s music entirely and said he doesn’t consider it real rap. He also expressed frustration with both Cole and Kendrick, saying their styles are too similar and lack the creativity he looks for in the genre.
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“Anybody that has Kendrick as one of their favorite rappers don’t know about rap,” he said.
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West went on to criticize people who support Kendrick as one of the best rappers, saying those fans don’t understand real Hip Hop.
Kanye speaks on J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar 👀
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) April 30, 2025
"I hate J. Cole, it can't even be called music."
"Anybody that has Kendrick as one of their favorite rappers don't know about rap." pic.twitter.com/VMVXI2gPSq
The comments quickly spread online, with many reacting to the strong language and harsh opinions.
This isn’t the first time West has aimed at Kendrick. In recent weeks, he has posted several messages on social media accusing Kendrick of copying his work.
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He pointed specifically to Kendrick’s 2022 album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, claiming it was heavily inspired by West’s own The Life of Pablo.
West also warned Kendrick not to cross any lines, referencing an old tweet from Jay-Z and suggesting that Kendrick should keep it in mind.
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J. Cole wasn’t spared either. Earlier this year, West posted about his dislike for Cole’s music and said he believed the industry wanted Cole to get involved in the Drake-Kendrick feud.
He even joked that if Cole had responded, it would have been turned into a Super Bowl moment with no real value.
