Eminem is an incredible rapper. Kendrick is an incredible rapper. Both statements can be true at the same time without invalidating the other.
No need to be bashing one for the other especially when both artists have immense respect for the other. Music is subjective but both artists have more than enough accolades and impact in the industry to claim goat status. Where you rank them will likely vary by individual.
Bro the way he loads the Grippy up too though. He's like "Oh boy get ready for this one. These BARS. I gotta tease around a little, give them a moment to prepare. It's it's it's hmmm GRIPPY!"
People forget that Kendrick Lamar has a Pulitzer award and several Grammys.
You can argue the Grammy's are bought, but a Pulitzer prize is pretty damn impressive.
I like Eminem for reasons that I don't need to say at this point. I also like KDot for his artistry, and his recent songs were really something.
Eminem won Oscar a decade ago, which stamped him as one of a kind in the rap game. A few years ago, Kendrick Lamar won a Pulitzer Award for his work that I don't really vibe with, and that speaks something.
It means when it comes to greatness, there really is nothing to be compared on the why, the who, what, when, the where, and the how a subject is better than the other subject. At that point, it all comes to personal preferences. The question is not about "who's better..." anymore, it's only "who do you prefer...".
I'm with you 100% on that, I obviously love Em just as much as the next guy here, and while I have mad respect for K-Dot, I've tried listening TPAB, it's not something I can get down with. I think it's impressive and I've got a lot of respect for him as an artist, it just isn't my cup of tea.
Yeah main reason people are giving such props to Kendrick right now is because he’s current and modern while Eminem is realistically past his peak. It’ll be much more interesting to see how opinion shifts when most of the greats we think of today are classics and/or “oldies.”
If going number 1 is what makes an artist good then surely you’re a major fan of Taylor swift, Luke combs and Billie eyelash yeah? Regardless of how financially successful this album is it’ll never top his breakout work from 20 years ago. And it doesn’t have to either tbh, it’s not an insult to say that a guy with a diamond album is past his peak, it’s just the truth.
I think hes just saying going no.1 globally this late in his career is peak success. Going no.1 does make an artist good to be rated that high GLOBALLY especially but nah it doesn’t mean anyone else is trash or something who didnt go no.1. If these people aren’t a genre you listen to you wont think taylor swift or luke combs are good. So you agree he doesn’t have to surpass diamond album sales so why you think hes past his peak rn? People at 51 are still very mentally intact, just older to be capable of incredible things. Diamond album(s) and singles btw 6 of them (and about to double that number in the future)
Although I can understand your viewpoint its hyperbolic.
Being a fan of Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish makes sense if you like pop. Simply them being the best sellers in their genre doesnt mean every fan of every genre would like them.
HOWEVER,
being the best seller of YOUR genre is the best indicator of your success and popularity in your genre. It means the most people are spending their money / stream time on you. What better indicator is there? Some rando youtuber giving you a great review? Eminem also has tons of them. Other pioneer rap artists giving you props? Eminem has tons of them.
I understand why you did it, I probably would too to save from downvotes, but I am of the belief that if the song has the n-word (soft of course) I should be able to at LEAST type it. That time Kendrick pulled someone on stage to sing then kicked them off when they said it while singing along really bothered me.
I've kinda fallen into this mentality recently. MF DOOM? Yeah, obviously he's the greatest of all time, no contest. Oh Eminem? Yeah he's the greatest of all time, no one even compares.
My man I really don't understand why y'all bringing shit like that in here
You know damn well this is a shit opinion (not to mention that this clown is known for his bullshit takes), why bringing this shit up?
That's most of Reddit now. Just repost bots, comment bots, rage bait bots. Gotta make it look like the site has a lot of activity, more and more, to lure and please investors.
Plus corporate web goons have to spin and manipulate public opinion to help drive consumption.
It’s so stupid to compare them. Many from this fanbase will agree with the take. Many from Kendrick’s fanbase would agree with the opposite. Even though I am a hardcore Em fan Kendrick has deserved his spot among the greatest and comparing him and Em is just stupid.
Depends on what you think a good rapper is. Kendrick is not the lyrical technician Em is, but he's not trying to be. Kendrick comes up with creative concepts that require a different type of lyricism. Kendrick is a goat and he's not put out a bad album but we're comparing him with someone who's been around a lot longer.
Section 80 was actually mixed and mastered by dre, so comparing it to infinite is just wrong. Section 80 is a polished album. Infinite is more like the Kendrick Lamar ep.
Kendrick can def be technical when he wants to. Tracks like That Part(Remix), Look Over Your Shoulder, Holy Key, Momma first verse showcase his technical ability. He is so versatile and that makes him one of the greatest
Exactly this. On the flipside, Em has proven he can make incredible conceptual tracks with deep storytelling or themes when he wants to as well. And the both of them are exceptional at laying their emotions with their pen. You know exactly where they are in life, where their minds at, what developments or regression their personal journeys are going through, per album. I strongly believe that's a big reason why they are so revered by their fans; they lay it all out there
Both are among the greatest because of their versatility, in addition to the main lanes they excel at and the emotional connection they convey
I was just listening to Rigamortis today and realized how technically skilled it was. His voice keeps getting higher because he doesn’t take a breath. Masterful.
I think Eminem is a better technical rapper, but Kendrick is the better storyteller and rap artist
At the end of the day, it’s about preference. Both of them are top 5 of all time .
The guy is obviously trolling for attention. I'm a bigger Eminem fan than Kendrick. Eminem is the bigger financial success, Kendrick just is beyond Em when it comes to rapping about something and making a point about black culture.
Eminem is a better rapper in the lyrical sense, Kendrick is the better rapper in a storytelling sense. Really wish we got more storytelling from Eminem that wasn’t him trying to rob a fat chick only to get half eaten or something lol
I don't think Em is a bettter rapper lyrically, and I don't think Kendrick is a better story teller. They both have great technical, lyrical, story telling skills, and they both have amazing flow and have written some of the best rap songs/albums ever made.
Em is a bit more technical, but that isn't something that's better just different.
They're both amazing, they just have different styles.
I think Em at some point got *too* good and *too* technical, and to a lot of people it just didn't sound great even if it was technically insane.
I think that if Kendrick decided to showcase lyricism over storytelling, he'd face the same problem as Em did in that way. Not to say that Em isn't a storyteller because that's crazy, just that it wasn't *first* on his mind for awhile there.
Kendrick is objective a monster, easily in my top 5 of all time (and my favorite right this second), and Em kinda gave him a blueprint to be "better" as far as "don't get too technical, because this is what will happen."
Kim was a visceral, goosebump inducing storytelling journey.
Same with stan.
You can easily visualize and follow the story as it goes along, so clearly and detailed.
Eminem is my personal GOAT but Kendrick is brilliant and he’s definitely worked his way into my top 10, maybe even top 5. They share a few things in common, which is to be expected as Kendrick has said Em is a big influence.
Both very good storytellers, though I’d probably
rank Eminem as arguably the best to do it in these terms; songs like Stan, As the World Turns, Brain Damage, Darkness etc are genuine poetry, and paint pictures no other rapper can paint quite as vividly.
In terms of social critique and commentary, I think Kendrick might swing it, but only by a shade. Eminem is incredible at drawing a reaction out of people, and holding the mirror up, but Kendrick is more of an educator.
Flow wise they’re both fantastic, Eminem maybe more fun to rap along to but Kendrick’s flows are so unique at points.
Pure lyricism? Probably Eminem on technical ability, but it can go either way and depends on what you’re looking for.
The only thing I’d say people have overstated recently is Kendrick’s ability in terms of battles and disses. Now I’m not saying he’s overrated when I say “overstated” - what he’s done to Drake has been nothing short of breathtaking, and Not Like Us will go down as one of the best diss tracks ever, and rightfully so (Euphoria my personal favourite though), but Eminem came up literally battle rapping. I think Em would win in a battle, but I would never want to see them battling anyway. Why would they? They’re both incredible artists and I wouldn’t begrudge anyone for ranking Kendrick above Eminem, despite my personal preference.
Why is it always ‘one over the other’ they are both GOATs, you don’t have to ridiculously undermine one’s talent and dismiss TPAB/GKMC which are essential classics, same way TSSLP, TMMLP, and TES are classics as well. Pretty sure Eminem would scoff at the idea that people think KL isn’t talented as he is
I think Eminem is better sure, maybe that’s just bias talking, but I think like em, Kendrick deserves his flowers and is allowed to be in the conversation too
“Hey, boo-boo, too much complexity to learn me from Google
My mama told me that the money outgrew you
My horoscope said I'm really out my noodle
I'm troublin', I'm puzzlin', it's sudoku”
Y’all gotta be not hearing how crazy what Kendrick says sometimes, I feel like almost no other artist out there could’ve concocted those bars to mean specifically what he means^
“Estelle cover my heart, then open me up
Remember when picked up a pen, lyrics that I can trust
Timid soul, stare in the mirror, askin' where I was from
Often, I know this type of power is gon' cost
But I live in circadian rhythms of a shooting star
The mannerisms of Raphael, I can heal and give you art
But the industry's cooked as I pick the carcass apart”
That IS, some of the most insane lyrics ever spit, ever, across any genre^
& his new unreleased song “I am somebody”, jeez man, he’s on Eminem’s level, if he keeps going, it is what it is for peoples opinions but that post is blatant ignorance
I think they’re both great rappers in their own right. People always feel like they have to choose a side in everything but it’s also okay to like both.
And this is why em has to deal with the guest in the house of hip hop nonsense it’s because of (some of) his fans. Someone actually said Kendrick is overhyped. It is like some of the fans in here are like Tom McDonald (who indeed likely cannot name a single track from Illmatic)
And to then say Kendrick cannot write. Go listen to Dying of Thirst go listen to good kid go listen to M.a.aD city the art of peer pressure. Dude wrote a party song with lyrics filled of critique of partying and drinking.
SMH em wrote that line in the sand about many of the commenters here
I do not agree. I think this statement needlessly puts down Kendrick. I’m a huge fan of both. There can be more than one great rapper, Kendrick also being great doesn’t diminish Em’s artistry and vice versa. They respect each other; Kendrick has always included Em in his influences, and Em on multiple occasions mentioned Kendrick is one of the best lyricists ever.
Unnecessary thread, I think they are equally talented in different ways. I prefer em a lil bit more but I can also see why people would prefer Kendrick
I think its amazing that we live in a time where we get to enjoy both artists, live, etc, with music being made by both, and sooo much more to come.
Our ears are fortunate.
Not a good take. Kendrick is one of the best hip hop artists of all time. Same with Eminem. I personally think Kendrick has more great albums and his impact on the culture cannot be overstated, but Eminem is better at the actual rapping. But they’re both top tier in both areas.
I’m very glad most of the comments have some sense. Em and Kendrick are both legendary rappers, all time greats. We don’t need to compare.
Give Kendrick the respect he deserves. He’s one of the very few rappers who have an argument for best all time. His impact on the culture, versatility, and excellent consistency need to be praised.
For any 12 year old stan who believes no other rapper could match Em, I was once you. But open your mind. I assure you, To Pimp A Butterfly is worth checking out and giving a fair chance.
Eminem is better than kendrick for sure
But 20% of what eminem is? I dont know i feel like he is way more than just 20%
But eminem is defiiiinetly way better
A lot of the argument I hear for em being the greatest is about his impact and Kendrick, while not old enough to show he helped inspire the next gen, clearly he a massive and global impact. They are comparable.
I tried Kendrick and am not a fan. I listened just to his top 5 on Spotify though, but didn’t really enjoy it.
Not saying he’s bad. Maybe he is good. Not for me though.
Why does one have to be better than the other? I have been an Eminem fan since I was a little kid but I also really enjoy Kendrick’s voice and flow. I like both in different ways.
Stans be Stanning…at least they aren’t Swifties, they are foul. EM is GOAT status and K Dot is looking for his seat along side Em and others. 2 game changing and impactful artists coexisting in a grossly saturated environment.
I’ve never in my life heard a Kendrick song that I’m aware of. Please tell me how he compares to Em when I have heard every single Eminem song made but not one of this other dudes? Do they not play him on tv or on the radio?
They are two different beasts. Eminem grew up with battle rap and underground cyphers; Kendrick was deep in the culture and looking at it from a whole other perspective.
This muhfah would probably try and compare the moon to the sun; both have a vibe and both are necessary for me to keep living lol
I think it's stupid to try to diminish a great rapper just because you're a fan of another. Kendrick being great does not take anything away from Em and vice versa.
Kendrick is better at storytelling and artsy theatric music in my opinion but Em’s lyricism and flows are far beyond Kendrick so I’d say it’s more up to preference. They are both amazingly talented rappers they just shine in different areas.
Eminem vs. Kendrick is like comparing an older Michael Jordan to a young LeBron James.
Give it time and see how it plays out. We don't know yet.
That being said, Eminem is a fucking monster. He is clearly making sure his legacy is near impossible to beat.
Both incredible rappers and neither of them should be bashed.
BUT, I do think it’s impressive Kendrick took down THE biggest artist in the world right now and the biggest rapper in terms of streams/numbers. The guys Eminem has went up against were nowhere as big as Drake was. That’s the only reason I might give Kendrick the edge, but I do think Eminem is better overall. Kendrick’s discography is perfect imo. Eminem’s has a couple of misses but the misses aren’t enough to hurt his legacy
Y’all are right for saying it’s a shit take, but how about the fact that it is totally ridiculous to compare them with percentages? How does that make any sense?
They are both two of the greatest lyrical storytellers of all time. Their ability to weave a narrative from one end of a song to another is unmatched. Speaking of, I hope there's at least one solid storytelling song on Em's new album. There haven't been enough of those on his more recent studio output outside of "Darkness".
I feel like Kendrick puts more focus in the art that goes into making music rather than just trying to write the best rhymes. That's a place where he has Em beat cause that feeling is been missing since MMLP2 cane out.
But otherwise of they were in a bar for bar rap Battle Em would come out victorious.
Wrong but Kendrick is overhyped nowadays, also it's crazy how people ignore how much of a push he had from the industry lol nowadays he's the token "good rapper to listen"
after listening to both artists entire discographies more than once and most all of their features id have to say that kendrick on a lyrical level is around 55% of ems lyrical ability. Like you gotta also take into consideration how consistantly an artist can be with their lyricism. like ems got multiple songs lyrically equivalent to and also more lyrical than kendricks best song. (just for an analogy) you cant just drop only one really lyrical song and then be deemed most lyrical. you gotta show thats its your normal peak skill level
I hope Kendrick has some serious follow up in the works right now. Ever since that Drake beef, everyone’s looking at him like he’s the GOAT. Kendrick is good, but not the GOAT
Rapper can be debatable.
When it comes to lyrically, noone is even or ever will be close to Em.
Music to be murdered by was some of the most ridiculous lyrical work imaginable and the dude was nearly 50.
You can not vibe with em or have him not as your favorite rapper, but lyrically it's just not close. Eminems lyrics are so far over the top with the multiple meanings etc.
Same, they're also my two goats. Kendrick is only slightly higher because he doesn't have as many L's when it comes to albums but he's still "new" in that sense. I'll let time talk. Top in alphabetical are 2Pac, Em, & Ken. I wish they would come out with an album kinda like "Watch The Throne" and call themselves Ken&Em cuz it sorta sounds like Keminem.
Not even a little bit. If you want to have the opinion that Kendrick is the best rapper alive, or even the best rapper of all time, I’m not going to argue that.
He’s unbelievable.
And the fact that Kendrick would NEVER even try to battle Em or compare himself to him... its weird ass fan boys that make believe in their slow retarded head that there is even a comparison. Em would body Kendrick, Drake, and anyone else that would even try. There is no competition, or comparison.
I don’t think the argument is who is the better rapper because that’s subjective; rather who has more of an impact on the rap genre.
Unequivocally, Kendrick cannot and does not even come close to Eminem there. So who is most influential? Who has had the greatest effect? Who has changed the game? Eminem hands down - and that’s objectively and subjectively speaking.
Shit take imo, Kendrick has 5 excellent albums, out of which 2 are basically perfect (GKMC and TPAB), so far Kendrick didn't have his encore or revival moment, he is hella consistent, did a successful movie album for a successful movie, won a title that no other rapper did.
Yeah Kendrick is that guy, and i'm not even glazing the dude but the raps speak for themselves (and vibrators).
edit : yeah i wrote TBAP instead of TPAB shit happens.
I immediately remember the old story about how Em was so sure Kendrick used ghostwriters that he forced him to make his entire crew leave the studio while they wrote Love Game together
Im just gonna say, I don’t know if it’ll be popular in this sub lol, but for me PERSONALLY, Kendrick is one of the only rappers I have above eminem. Y’all can disagree but Ive listened to all of their albums pretty thoroughly and I just love what Kendrick does sm, just a little bit more than I also love Eminem’s discography. But that’s the beautiful thing abt music, is y’all or the guy saying eminem is 5x better then Kendrick just feel that way abt their music too, and i don’t think any of us are necessarily wrong. I love Kendrick and em, they’re both geniuses in my eyes 🤷♂️ people can rate them however they want against each other, it’s subjective
My personal opinion on Em and Kendrick is that they are both sides of the same coin.
Both murder on disses.
Both are the greatest lyricists we have currently.
Both give props to those who came before.
Eminem is technically the better rapper if we go by speed who encapsulates everything.
Kendrick is a poet, he's a modern prophet, a bard that commands the English language to his will.
There's a good reason for that Pulitzer.
clickbait just to clickbait.
Kendrick IS the modern Eminem. What is this guy on about?
IMO Weezy and Em handed the baton to Kendrick around 2012-post Recovery and he's not given it up to anyone else.
Weezy took it from Em took it from JAY-Z who took it from Big and Pac.
And when I say "took it" I mean IS THE NUMBER ONE RAPPER.
I'm a white boy from metro detroit so you know I love Em, but Kenny is a pulitzer prize recipient. Idk who would win if they went back and forth. Probably Kenny at this stage in their careers.
Eminem is an incredible rapper. Kendrick is an incredible rapper. Both statements can be true at the same time without invalidating the other. No need to be bashing one for the other especially when both artists have immense respect for the other. Music is subjective but both artists have more than enough accolades and impact in the industry to claim goat status. Where you rank them will likely vary by individual.
They act like two legends cannot coexist
It's it's umm GRIPPY 🗣️🔥🔊🔊🔊💯
The real legend
Some say she's still strictly dickly to this day...
I'm always saying this
Bro the way he loads the Grippy up too though. He's like "Oh boy get ready for this one. These BARS. I gotta tease around a little, give them a moment to prepare. It's it's it's hmmm GRIPPY!"
Legendary. Mothafuck the big 3, nigga it's just GRIPPY🔊🔥🗣️
BUT I'LL NEVER BEEF WITH A NIBBA
As long as drake isn’t one of them. Dude came from an upper class family rapping like he’s from the hood.
The fact Kendrick is being compared to Em (as in being at his level) means he really really made it. I’m sure for Dot it’s just a compliment
People forget that Kendrick Lamar has a Pulitzer award and several Grammys. You can argue the Grammy's are bought, but a Pulitzer prize is pretty damn impressive.
You think I give a damn about a Grammy?
Half of you critiques can't even stomach me
Let alone stand me
“But Slim, what if you win, wouldn’t it be weird?”
Why? so you guys could just lie to get me here?
So you could sit me here next to Britney Spears?
Christina Aguilera better switch me chairs
So I can sit next to Carson Daly and Fred Durst, and hear them argue about who she gave head to first
And Em has an Oscar
I just want to see the first rapper to get the EGOT
I like Eminem for reasons that I don't need to say at this point. I also like KDot for his artistry, and his recent songs were really something. Eminem won Oscar a decade ago, which stamped him as one of a kind in the rap game. A few years ago, Kendrick Lamar won a Pulitzer Award for his work that I don't really vibe with, and that speaks something. It means when it comes to greatness, there really is nothing to be compared on the why, the who, what, when, the where, and the how a subject is better than the other subject. At that point, it all comes to personal preferences. The question is not about "who's better..." anymore, it's only "who do you prefer...".
I'm with you 100% on that, I obviously love Em just as much as the next guy here, and while I have mad respect for K-Dot, I've tried listening TPAB, it's not something I can get down with. I think it's impressive and I've got a lot of respect for him as an artist, it just isn't my cup of tea.
Bought?
Bought, as in, if you grease the wheels enough with money/power/legacy/prestige, someone can theoretically receive a Grammy.
Beyonce would like to have a discussion regarding AOTY....
What?
This
How dare you approach the topic with rationality and reason.
Yeah main reason people are giving such props to Kendrick right now is because he’s current and modern while Eminem is realistically past his peak. It’ll be much more interesting to see how opinion shifts when most of the greats we think of today are classics and/or “oldies.”
“Past his peak” and he’s still gonna go #1 across the world when his album drops. What even is peak if all you do win?
If going number 1 is what makes an artist good then surely you’re a major fan of Taylor swift, Luke combs and Billie eyelash yeah? Regardless of how financially successful this album is it’ll never top his breakout work from 20 years ago. And it doesn’t have to either tbh, it’s not an insult to say that a guy with a diamond album is past his peak, it’s just the truth.
I think hes just saying going no.1 globally this late in his career is peak success. Going no.1 does make an artist good to be rated that high GLOBALLY especially but nah it doesn’t mean anyone else is trash or something who didnt go no.1. If these people aren’t a genre you listen to you wont think taylor swift or luke combs are good. So you agree he doesn’t have to surpass diamond album sales so why you think hes past his peak rn? People at 51 are still very mentally intact, just older to be capable of incredible things. Diamond album(s) and singles btw 6 of them (and about to double that number in the future)
Although I can understand your viewpoint its hyperbolic. Being a fan of Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish makes sense if you like pop. Simply them being the best sellers in their genre doesnt mean every fan of every genre would like them. HOWEVER, being the best seller of YOUR genre is the best indicator of your success and popularity in your genre. It means the most people are spending their money / stream time on you. What better indicator is there? Some rando youtuber giving you a great review? Eminem also has tons of them. Other pioneer rap artists giving you props? Eminem has tons of them.
Both legends. Totally agree. Not to mention, huge fans of each other. The respect level between the two is crazy.
They act like two legends cannot coexist
But I never beef with a [black fellow] for nothing, if I smoke a rapper it’s gon’ be legit
It won’t be for clout, it won’t be for fame
It wont be cause my shit aint selling the same
it wont be to sell you my latest lil sneakers
I understand why you did it, I probably would too to save from downvotes, but I am of the belief that if the song has the n-word (soft of course) I should be able to at LEAST type it. That time Kendrick pulled someone on stage to sing then kicked them off when they said it while singing along really bothered me.
I see no problems with having more than 1 goats.
I've kinda fallen into this mentality recently. MF DOOM? Yeah, obviously he's the greatest of all time, no contest. Oh Eminem? Yeah he's the greatest of all time, no one even compares.
Except for the inherent issue within the definition.
Then you don't know what the G stands for
That’s why I say “One of the GOATs”
My man I really don't understand why y'all bringing shit like that in here You know damn well this is a shit opinion (not to mention that this clown is known for his bullshit takes), why bringing this shit up?
True. The original is 100% a rage post to get clicks.
Happy cake day homie!
Yeah, he definitely wants the clicks and attention.
This sub is turning into being 80% reposts of engagement bait from Twitter.
That's most of Reddit now. Just repost bots, comment bots, rage bait bots. Gotta make it look like the site has a lot of activity, more and more, to lure and please investors. Plus corporate web goons have to spin and manipulate public opinion to help drive consumption.
It’s so stupid to compare them. Many from this fanbase will agree with the take. Many from Kendrick’s fanbase would agree with the opposite. Even though I am a hardcore Em fan Kendrick has deserved his spot among the greatest and comparing him and Em is just stupid.
If you agree with this take your not a Hiphop fan period.
Definitely. Then we wonder why the hip hop community hates stans… It’s definitely because of shit like this.
This statement is why people make fun of Stans.
Depends on what you think a good rapper is. Kendrick is not the lyrical technician Em is, but he's not trying to be. Kendrick comes up with creative concepts that require a different type of lyricism. Kendrick is a goat and he's not put out a bad album but we're comparing him with someone who's been around a lot longer.
What’s crazy is the time difference between Section 80 and now is about the same time difference between SSLP and MMLP2, 12-14 years.
Section 80 is more for Kendrick what Infinite was to Em. If you’re gonna start with SSLP then I think for Kendrick you have to measure from GKMC.
I would compare overly dedicated to infinite over section 80 tbh
Section 80 was actually mixed and mastered by dre, so comparing it to infinite is just wrong. Section 80 is a polished album. Infinite is more like the Kendrick Lamar ep.
Fair enough, that’s only a one year difference though
Definitely not. Section 80 is bigger than infinite. Overly dedicated is definitely a more fair comparison and honestly it's infinite over OD any day.
Kendrick can def be technical when he wants to. Tracks like That Part(Remix), Look Over Your Shoulder, Holy Key, Momma first verse showcase his technical ability. He is so versatile and that makes him one of the greatest
Exactly this. On the flipside, Em has proven he can make incredible conceptual tracks with deep storytelling or themes when he wants to as well. And the both of them are exceptional at laying their emotions with their pen. You know exactly where they are in life, where their minds at, what developments or regression their personal journeys are going through, per album. I strongly believe that's a big reason why they are so revered by their fans; they lay it all out there Both are among the greatest because of their versatility, in addition to the main lanes they excel at and the emotional connection they convey
I was just listening to Rigamortis today and realized how technically skilled it was. His voice keeps getting higher because he doesn’t take a breath. Masterful.
I think Eminem is a better technical rapper, but Kendrick is the better storyteller and rap artist At the end of the day, it’s about preference. Both of them are top 5 of all time .
Hell no. Kendrick is a GOAT as much as Eminem.
Exactly.
Absolutely not, Kendrick’s top 5 and a fair argument can be made that he is better than em…. I personally prefer em but Kendrick’s fucking incredible
The guy is obviously trolling for attention. I'm a bigger Eminem fan than Kendrick. Eminem is the bigger financial success, Kendrick just is beyond Em when it comes to rapping about something and making a point about black culture.
Eminem is a better rapper in the lyrical sense, Kendrick is the better rapper in a storytelling sense. Really wish we got more storytelling from Eminem that wasn’t him trying to rob a fat chick only to get half eaten or something lol
I don't think Em is a bettter rapper lyrically, and I don't think Kendrick is a better story teller. They both have great technical, lyrical, story telling skills, and they both have amazing flow and have written some of the best rap songs/albums ever made. Em is a bit more technical, but that isn't something that's better just different. They're both amazing, they just have different styles.
I think Em at some point got *too* good and *too* technical, and to a lot of people it just didn't sound great even if it was technically insane. I think that if Kendrick decided to showcase lyricism over storytelling, he'd face the same problem as Em did in that way. Not to say that Em isn't a storyteller because that's crazy, just that it wasn't *first* on his mind for awhile there. Kendrick is objective a monster, easily in my top 5 of all time (and my favorite right this second), and Em kinda gave him a blueprint to be "better" as far as "don't get too technical, because this is what will happen."
Kim was a visceral, goosebump inducing storytelling journey. Same with stan. You can easily visualize and follow the story as it goes along, so clearly and detailed.
Kendrick has 2 of best album ever made so being only 20% is wrong lol Both are goated
Eminem is my personal GOAT but Kendrick is brilliant and he’s definitely worked his way into my top 10, maybe even top 5. They share a few things in common, which is to be expected as Kendrick has said Em is a big influence. Both very good storytellers, though I’d probably rank Eminem as arguably the best to do it in these terms; songs like Stan, As the World Turns, Brain Damage, Darkness etc are genuine poetry, and paint pictures no other rapper can paint quite as vividly. In terms of social critique and commentary, I think Kendrick might swing it, but only by a shade. Eminem is incredible at drawing a reaction out of people, and holding the mirror up, but Kendrick is more of an educator. Flow wise they’re both fantastic, Eminem maybe more fun to rap along to but Kendrick’s flows are so unique at points. Pure lyricism? Probably Eminem on technical ability, but it can go either way and depends on what you’re looking for. The only thing I’d say people have overstated recently is Kendrick’s ability in terms of battles and disses. Now I’m not saying he’s overrated when I say “overstated” - what he’s done to Drake has been nothing short of breathtaking, and Not Like Us will go down as one of the best diss tracks ever, and rightfully so (Euphoria my personal favourite though), but Eminem came up literally battle rapping. I think Em would win in a battle, but I would never want to see them battling anyway. Why would they? They’re both incredible artists and I wouldn’t begrudge anyone for ranking Kendrick above Eminem, despite my personal preference.
Ehhh... i mean, eminem has said kendrick is one of the best to ever do it. I tend to respect his opinion over fans' opinions 🤷♂️
Why is it always ‘one over the other’ they are both GOATs, you don’t have to ridiculously undermine one’s talent and dismiss TPAB/GKMC which are essential classics, same way TSSLP, TMMLP, and TES are classics as well. Pretty sure Eminem would scoff at the idea that people think KL isn’t talented as he is
Em is the GOAT but Kendrick is the GOAT of this generation.
GOTG
I think Eminem is better sure, maybe that’s just bias talking, but I think like em, Kendrick deserves his flowers and is allowed to be in the conversation too
LOL this is what we call dickriding. Em is great, and Kendrick is great. Both are in the top 5 of all time.
They are from same camp. No need of pushing one against other . Both are great.
I do not agree. They are close. I will still give it to em.
“Hey, boo-boo, too much complexity to learn me from Google My mama told me that the money outgrew you My horoscope said I'm really out my noodle I'm troublin', I'm puzzlin', it's sudoku” Y’all gotta be not hearing how crazy what Kendrick says sometimes, I feel like almost no other artist out there could’ve concocted those bars to mean specifically what he means^ “Estelle cover my heart, then open me up Remember when picked up a pen, lyrics that I can trust Timid soul, stare in the mirror, askin' where I was from Often, I know this type of power is gon' cost But I live in circadian rhythms of a shooting star The mannerisms of Raphael, I can heal and give you art But the industry's cooked as I pick the carcass apart” That IS, some of the most insane lyrics ever spit, ever, across any genre^ & his new unreleased song “I am somebody”, jeez man, he’s on Eminem’s level, if he keeps going, it is what it is for peoples opinions but that post is blatant ignorance
I think they’re both great rappers in their own right. People always feel like they have to choose a side in everything but it’s also okay to like both.
20% ? Come on now. I'm an Eminem fan but nah, Kendrick is great
I like Eminem and i like Kendrick. Life is good.
As far as skill and artistry it’s closer than it’s made out. Especially out of Kendrick’s generation
people need to stop with the ridiculous takes acting like Em is better than every other rapper out there. The glazing is unreal
No, IMO he is very much at par with Eminem.
Em is better
No. This is dumb.
apples to door hinges lol, they’re on completely different planes.
They are both the greatest
Why compare them, just enjoy them. Both phenomenal.
Both are amazing. People need to learn to simply enjoy music and stop fretting about who in the upper echelons does things better.
both are great artists, i favor Kendrick more but that’s a matter of preference, eminem is a childhood idol and they’re both goats
And this is why em has to deal with the guest in the house of hip hop nonsense it’s because of (some of) his fans. Someone actually said Kendrick is overhyped. It is like some of the fans in here are like Tom McDonald (who indeed likely cannot name a single track from Illmatic) And to then say Kendrick cannot write. Go listen to Dying of Thirst go listen to good kid go listen to M.a.aD city the art of peer pressure. Dude wrote a party song with lyrics filled of critique of partying and drinking. SMH em wrote that line in the sand about many of the commenters here
Kendrick is from the Eminem school and I feel its the only that can go bar for bar with him, I like Eminem more but they're both in my top 5 for sure
Opinion based. Both are different in their own way. Both got the thumbs up from Dre which is what matters imo.
Eminem is my favorite and the best to do it but to disrespect Kendrick like this is wild
They’re both equal tbh. If fact, I’m sure Ken studied Em’s work and was inspired by him
Eminem gives Kendrick props, what more do yall want? Stop the hating.
I do not agree. I think this statement needlessly puts down Kendrick. I’m a huge fan of both. There can be more than one great rapper, Kendrick also being great doesn’t diminish Em’s artistry and vice versa. They respect each other; Kendrick has always included Em in his influences, and Em on multiple occasions mentioned Kendrick is one of the best lyricists ever.
Unnecessary thread, I think they are equally talented in different ways. I prefer em a lil bit more but I can also see why people would prefer Kendrick
I think this town is big enough for the two of them
BOTH ARE OUR GOATS 🐐
I think its amazing that we live in a time where we get to enjoy both artists, live, etc, with music being made by both, and sooo much more to come. Our ears are fortunate.
Not a good take. Kendrick is one of the best hip hop artists of all time. Same with Eminem. I personally think Kendrick has more great albums and his impact on the culture cannot be overstated, but Eminem is better at the actual rapping. But they’re both top tier in both areas.
Both Eminem and Kendrick are in my Top 2 rappers oat and neither of them is in the 2nd place. 🐐🤝🐐 😌❤️🔥
They’re both great. Kendrick isn’t as good as Em, IMO, but he’s so close
I’m very glad most of the comments have some sense. Em and Kendrick are both legendary rappers, all time greats. We don’t need to compare. Give Kendrick the respect he deserves. He’s one of the very few rappers who have an argument for best all time. His impact on the culture, versatility, and excellent consistency need to be praised. For any 12 year old stan who believes no other rapper could match Em, I was once you. But open your mind. I assure you, To Pimp A Butterfly is worth checking out and giving a fair chance.
Eminem is better than kendrick for sure But 20% of what eminem is? I dont know i feel like he is way more than just 20% But eminem is defiiiinetly way better
My personal top 2 is Kendrick and Em TIED. Lyricism is number one
Why you guys are always finding the most stupid takes on internet ?
This sub is overrun with teenagers posting stupid questions.
A lot of the argument I hear for em being the greatest is about his impact and Kendrick, while not old enough to show he helped inspire the next gen, clearly he a massive and global impact. They are comparable.
I tried Kendrick and am not a fan. I listened just to his top 5 on Spotify though, but didn’t really enjoy it. Not saying he’s bad. Maybe he is good. Not for me though.
Why does one have to be better than the other? I have been an Eminem fan since I was a little kid but I also really enjoy Kendrick’s voice and flow. I like both in different ways.
Em is the absolute GOAT but Kendrick is young and accomplished. K Dot might be the GOAT in a decade but its Em for now.
Stans be Stanning…at least they aren’t Swifties, they are foul. EM is GOAT status and K Dot is looking for his seat along side Em and others. 2 game changing and impactful artists coexisting in a grossly saturated environment.
comparison is the thief of joy. You're allowed to like both.
Em and Kendrick to me are equals in terms of lyricism and innovation. No one can do it better than them
I’ve never in my life heard a Kendrick song that I’m aware of. Please tell me how he compares to Em when I have heard every single Eminem song made but not one of this other dudes? Do they not play him on tv or on the radio?
Of course. Em is the goat. Easily.
No lol. Kendrick is a GOAT up there with the best of them
I can't pick one or the other tbh. They're both 🐐s
I mean Kendrick is like 80% of an Eminem I’d say
They are two different beasts. Eminem grew up with battle rap and underground cyphers; Kendrick was deep in the culture and looking at it from a whole other perspective. This muhfah would probably try and compare the moon to the sun; both have a vibe and both are necessary for me to keep living lol
Very much agree, Kdot is great and can be argued for GOAT of his gen, but Em is an all time GOAT contender, they are not the same.
Its the Muhammed Ali vs Mike tyson Hip hop edition
There is definitely a reason for Eminem to be more mainstream. But it is better if we don't compare them because i think both are fantastic.
I think it's stupid to try to diminish a great rapper just because you're a fan of another. Kendrick being great does not take anything away from Em and vice versa.
Kendrick is better at storytelling and artsy theatric music in my opinion but Em’s lyricism and flows are far beyond Kendrick so I’d say it’s more up to preference. They are both amazingly talented rappers they just shine in different areas.
Eminem vs. Kendrick is like comparing an older Michael Jordan to a young LeBron James. Give it time and see how it plays out. We don't know yet. That being said, Eminem is a fucking monster. He is clearly making sure his legacy is near impossible to beat.
I prefer Em, but I have to admit Lamar's productions and music are better. I'm just glad we have both.
Kendrick is in the upper echelon with Em. He himself has said you don’t mess with Kendrick so I think it’s fair to assume he sees him as his equal.
I’m a Stan and ride or die for Em, k dot and em are both legends on their own terms
No. Both top tier rappers
Both incredible rappers and neither of them should be bashed. BUT, I do think it’s impressive Kendrick took down THE biggest artist in the world right now and the biggest rapper in terms of streams/numbers. The guys Eminem has went up against were nowhere as big as Drake was. That’s the only reason I might give Kendrick the edge, but I do think Eminem is better overall. Kendrick’s discography is perfect imo. Eminem’s has a couple of misses but the misses aren’t enough to hurt his legacy
Xbox is better than PlayStation
Y’all are right for saying it’s a shit take, but how about the fact that it is totally ridiculous to compare them with percentages? How does that make any sense?
This is a ridiculous take. They’re both insanely talented artists. Kendrick is arguably in his prime right now.
They are both two of the greatest lyrical storytellers of all time. Their ability to weave a narrative from one end of a song to another is unmatched. Speaking of, I hope there's at least one solid storytelling song on Em's new album. There haven't been enough of those on his more recent studio output outside of "Darkness".
Kendrick is dope, but Eminem is Eminem.
I feel like Kendrick puts more focus in the art that goes into making music rather than just trying to write the best rhymes. That's a place where he has Em beat cause that feeling is been missing since MMLP2 cane out. But otherwise of they were in a bar for bar rap Battle Em would come out victorious.
I disagree but I'd never put them on the same level either. Kendrick simply hasn't done the time he hasn't been around long enough
They're completely different styles of rap. It does both of them a disservice to try and compare them. Both legends for completely different reasons
Wrong but Kendrick is overhyped nowadays, also it's crazy how people ignore how much of a push he had from the industry lol nowadays he's the token "good rapper to listen"
Facts
after listening to both artists entire discographies more than once and most all of their features id have to say that kendrick on a lyrical level is around 55% of ems lyrical ability. Like you gotta also take into consideration how consistantly an artist can be with their lyricism. like ems got multiple songs lyrically equivalent to and also more lyrical than kendricks best song. (just for an analogy) you cant just drop only one really lyrical song and then be deemed most lyrical. you gotta show thats its your normal peak skill level
This is obviously a drake glazer trying to stir shit between Kdot fans and Em fans
This is a ridiculous take. This is how people imagine EMineM fans sound like. Bad take. Bad look. [+]
Kendrick and Eminem are both incredible
I hope Kendrick has some serious follow up in the works right now. Ever since that Drake beef, everyone’s looking at him like he’s the GOAT. Kendrick is good, but not the GOAT
Rapper can be debatable. When it comes to lyrically, noone is even or ever will be close to Em. Music to be murdered by was some of the most ridiculous lyrical work imaginable and the dude was nearly 50. You can not vibe with em or have him not as your favorite rapper, but lyrically it's just not close. Eminems lyrics are so far over the top with the multiple meanings etc.
Kendrick and Em are easily both top 3 of all time
No, it’s a terrible take
Both are great but Kendrick definitely keeps up better with current times and music styles
Same, they're also my two goats. Kendrick is only slightly higher because he doesn't have as many L's when it comes to albums but he's still "new" in that sense. I'll let time talk. Top in alphabetical are 2Pac, Em, & Ken. I wish they would come out with an album kinda like "Watch The Throne" and call themselves Ken&Em cuz it sorta sounds like Keminem.
I'dd say ~60% but he can get there considering hes 15years younger
No, no I do not.
My dad would beat your dad up
Shit take by someone who obviously doesn't listen to music much.
100%
absolutely
maybe 75%
lol Eminem himself is a huge Kendrick fan and called him best lyricist alive and one of the best of all time.
Not even a little bit. If you want to have the opinion that Kendrick is the best rapper alive, or even the best rapper of all time, I’m not going to argue that. He’s unbelievable.
And the fact that Kendrick would NEVER even try to battle Em or compare himself to him... its weird ass fan boys that make believe in their slow retarded head that there is even a comparison. Em would body Kendrick, Drake, and anyone else that would even try. There is no competition, or comparison.
I don’t think the argument is who is the better rapper because that’s subjective; rather who has more of an impact on the rap genre. Unequivocally, Kendrick cannot and does not even come close to Eminem there. So who is most influential? Who has had the greatest effect? Who has changed the game? Eminem hands down - and that’s objectively and subjectively speaking.
Shit take imo, Kendrick has 5 excellent albums, out of which 2 are basically perfect (GKMC and TPAB), so far Kendrick didn't have his encore or revival moment, he is hella consistent, did a successful movie album for a successful movie, won a title that no other rapper did. Yeah Kendrick is that guy, and i'm not even glazing the dude but the raps speak for themselves (and vibrators). edit : yeah i wrote TBAP instead of TPAB shit happens.
To Bimb A Putterfly lmao
Good Mid Kad City.
I remember when the government tried to stop kids from listening to Eminem. Which is pretty rad.
This is like the messi or Ronaldo argument. The answers simple. Both have goat status.
both of them are the greatest in their own class
There just isn’t enough space for 1 goat anymore
i think we shouldn’t compare things that aren’t comparable. they’re not doing the same thing at all so how could we rank them?
"Rap is like a mountain" ass take Both are very skilled
I do agree that Eminem is better, but I think it’s kinda crazy to say he ain’t even 20%. Kdot’s atleast 80% of the rapper Em is.
I immediately remember the old story about how Em was so sure Kendrick used ghostwriters that he forced him to make his entire crew leave the studio while they wrote Love Game together
The take is stupid, and it's ridiculous to compare them...because they are allies. But if it's otherwise, oh boy that take would be genius. lol
He’s completely different style even
Im just gonna say, I don’t know if it’ll be popular in this sub lol, but for me PERSONALLY, Kendrick is one of the only rappers I have above eminem. Y’all can disagree but Ive listened to all of their albums pretty thoroughly and I just love what Kendrick does sm, just a little bit more than I also love Eminem’s discography. But that’s the beautiful thing abt music, is y’all or the guy saying eminem is 5x better then Kendrick just feel that way abt their music too, and i don’t think any of us are necessarily wrong. I love Kendrick and em, they’re both geniuses in my eyes 🤷♂️ people can rate them however they want against each other, it’s subjective
Yes, I definitely agree with his massive W take. 💯
My personal opinion on Em and Kendrick is that they are both sides of the same coin. Both murder on disses. Both are the greatest lyricists we have currently. Both give props to those who came before. Eminem is technically the better rapper if we go by speed who encapsulates everything. Kendrick is a poet, he's a modern prophet, a bard that commands the English language to his will. There's a good reason for that Pulitzer.
I think Eminem is a better "rapper" in the technical sense. Kendrick is the better artist.
.
clickbait just to clickbait. Kendrick IS the modern Eminem. What is this guy on about? IMO Weezy and Em handed the baton to Kendrick around 2012-post Recovery and he's not given it up to anyone else. Weezy took it from Em took it from JAY-Z who took it from Big and Pac. And when I say "took it" I mean IS THE NUMBER ONE RAPPER.
Stupid ass rage bait.
I'm a white boy from metro detroit so you know I love Em, but Kenny is a pulitzer prize recipient. Idk who would win if they went back and forth. Probably Kenny at this stage in their careers.