Kanye West, also known as Ye, has reignited tensions in the hip-hop world with a series of scathing posts on X (formerly Twitter), targeting Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator. Calling them “the two most overrated so-called artists,” Ye questioned their lyrical prowess and cultural impact in a fiery online rant. In his posts, Ye challenged fans to name a single memorable lyric from either artist. “Name one good Tyler the Creator bar,” he wrote. “Name an actual good Kendrick line. Like you really wish you had said that level bar.” He went on to argue that Kendrick can’t rap, adding, “Kendrick doesn’t have one bar where I say I wish I said that.” Ye compared Kendrick Lamar unfavorably to Lil Wayne, stating that Wayne has “way more life bars.” He added, “I got more bars,” and insisted Kendrick Lamar’s and Tyler, the Creator’s rapping abilities are “about equal, honestly.” Many fans interpreted these comments as stemming from recent frustrations, especially after Kanye West was excluded from Playboi Carti’s Music album, which featured Kendrick Lamar on multiple tracks.
Ye's issues with Kendrick Lamar have been public for some time, but his sudden criticism of Tyler, the Creator raised eyebrows. In March, Ye slammed Tyler for supposedly never making a memorable song and accused him of copying Ye’s style. “His last album ripped off my whole language,” Kanye West claimed. This marks a sharp turn from Ye’s earlier praise of Tyler, whom he once credited with inspiring his experimental album Yeezus.
“Broooo Kendrick Lamar can not rap. Wayne got waaaay more life bars. I got more bars. Kendrick doesn’t have one bar where I say I wish I said that. Kendrick and Tyler the two most overrated so-called artists. Please order more security 😅,” he tweeted on April 24, 2025.
Kanye West’s latest barbs come in contrast to the artists’ past collaborations. On the 2015 track “Smuckers,” Tyler, Ye, and Lil Wayne shared verses in what was once seen as a celebration of artistic synergy. Ye even said in the past, “I don’t think there would have been a Yeezus if it wasn’t for you,” referencing Tyler. The abrupt change in tone has left fans wondering what exactly triggered this falling-out.
As of April 25, 2025, neither Kendrick nor Tyler has responded publicly to Ye’s criticisms. Both artists are known for being selective about engaging in online drama, often letting their music speak for them. Whether they choose to respond or stay silent remains to be seen. As Ye continues to work on his album and spends time overseas in Spain, his social media presence remains unpredictable and provocative. Whether this is part of a larger promotional strategy or a genuine airing of grievances, Ye has once again made himself the center of attention — a space he seems to occupy effortlessly.
The timing of Ye's criticisms is particularly striking, given that they followed a personal revelation about his past. Just days prior to his tirade against Kendrick and Tyler, he confessed on X about having an incestuous relationship with his now-incarcerated cousin during their youth. This revelation has led some fans to speculate whether his recent outbursts are a reaction to the emotional fallout from that confession.
In this latest round of social media sparring, Ye has not held back. His comments about Kendrick and Tyler suggest a deeper frustration with the current state of hip-hop. Ye's insistence that both artists are overrated reflects a broader critique of the industry, where lyrical depth and originality are often overshadowed by commercial success and social media presence.
Ye's remarks about Kendrick Lamar are particularly noteworthy given Kendrick's status as a critical darling in the industry. Known for his intricate lyricism and profound social commentary, Kendrick has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. Ye's dismissal of Kendrick's work raises questions about the criteria by which artists are judged and the subjective nature of musical taste.
Similarly, Tyler, the Creator has made significant strides in his career, evolving from a controversial figure in the Odd Future collective to a Grammy-winning artist recognized for his innovative approach to music. Ye's comments about Tyler's alleged lack of memorable songs seem to contradict the widespread acclaim that Tyler has received for his recent projects.
As the hip-hop community processes these latest developments, fans are left to ponder the implications of Ye's words. Are they indicative of a larger trend of artists feeling threatened by new talent? Or are they simply the ramblings of an artist grappling with his own insecurities? Regardless of the motivations behind his comments, Ye's ability to spark conversation remains undeniable.
In the wake of these criticisms, the question arises: how will Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator respond? Historically, both artists have opted to let their music speak for them, often addressing controversies indirectly through their lyrics. This time, however, the stakes feel higher, as Ye's comments have the potential to reshape public perception and influence their respective fanbases.
As the drama unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate how Kendrick and Tyler will navigate this tumultuous landscape. Will they choose to engage with Ye directly, or will they continue to focus on their artistic endeavors? The answers remain unclear, but one thing is certain: Kanye West has once again made headlines in the world of hip-hop, and the fallout from his comments will likely resonate for some time to come.
In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, where artists constantly vie for relevance and recognition, Kanye West's latest outburst serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play. As artists grapple with their identities and legacies, the conversations they ignite — whether through praise or criticism — shape the narrative of the genre itself. With Ye at the center of this latest controversy, the world watches closely, eager to see how the story unfolds.
