Former President Barack Obama has addressed the much-debated “Big Three” hip-hop feud between Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and J. Cole.
Obama’s remarks came during a conversation on the DeepCut podcast, hosted by celebrity barber VicBlends, where he was invited as part of his campaign support for presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
When the former president was asked about Kendrick Lamar’s current status in hip-hop following his recent clashes with Drake and the brief tensions with J. Cole, Obama spoke with the confident ease of someone who knows Kendrick personally.
Obama pointed out that Lamar’s dedication and depth go beyond skill, marking him as a powerful force in the music industry. His comments acknowledged Kendrick’s drive to communicate messages that resonate more deeply—a commitment Barack Obama believes sets Lamar apart, particularly in today’s music landscape.
In another heartfelt moment during the conversation, Obama disclosed some personal insights about his discussions with Kendrick. Rather than industry talk, Obama shared that Kendrick frequently steers their talks toward topics of family and fatherhood, reflecting Lamar’s evolving role as a parent and his serious approach to shaping the next generation.
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Barack Obama didn’t stop at Kendrick. Shining a light on J. Cole, Obama noted the North Carolina rapper’s unique position in hip-hop. Cole’s decision to bow out of the feud after his direct challenge to Kendrick on his track ‘7 Minute Drill’ sparked intense debate among fans, but Obama described Cole as ‘outstanding,’ a performer who holds a significant place in hip-hop’s current landscape.
Drawing an analogy to the famous Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James rivalry, Obama emphasized the unique generational talents across the genre, making it clear that his favorite, Jay-Z, remains closer to his heart.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Barack Obama has spoken on the Lamar-Drake rivalry. Back in 2016, he had shared his preference for Kendrick, pointing to the rapper’s lyrical prowess and his impactful 2015 album.
