KENDRICK LAMAR VS. LUPE FIASCO: STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST

The Lupe versus Kendrick debate has gone on for years. There’s a Genius thread that’s been running for 4 years arguing who’s lyrically greater-Carrera Lu or King Kendrick. It makes sense, we’re looking at two of the greatest emcees in Hip Hop history, two arguable GOAT contenders who each cut through the muck by crafting timeless bodies of work without dumbing down to their era.
Produced, Shot & Edited By: Ahmed Sabir-Calloway / akthentik
Produced, Written & Hosted By: Justin Hunte / thecompanyman
/ thecompanyman
NOTES:
TCM STORE: thecompanyman.myshopify.com/
Lupe & Dave Free Twitter Back & Forth: hiphopdx.com/news/id.45633/ti...
Billboard Top Songs Of 2006 www.billboard.com/charts/year...
Jay Z Biting Biggie: kzbin.info?searc...
Beyonce Biting Dance Moves: • Beyoncé vs. Anne Teres...
Shakespeare Didn't Write Own Plays: www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia...
Steal Like An Artist: / 5-ways-to-steal-like-a...
LUPE FIASCO V ATLANTIC RECORDS: • How Lupe Fiasco Won Hi...
WHY LUPE FIASCO SIGNED TO ATLANTIC: • Charles "Chilly" Patto...
KENDRICK LAMAR GOAT: • Kendrick Lamar: The Gr...
ABOUT TCM:
Life Through The Lens of Hip Hop.
Justin Hunte is a former Editor-in-Chief of HipHopDX and creator of DX's popular series The Breakdown and #DXLive. Hunte has debated at the prestigious Oxford Union and is featured on Shade45's "All Out Show w/ Rude Jude," as well as Revolt TV’s “Revolt Live” Billboard magazine, digital campaigns for Lexus, Honda, Brisk, and Simple Mobile. Prior to joining HipHopDX, Hunte spent 5 years working in investment banking at Banc Of America/Merrill Lynch and has covered music, politics, and culture for numerous publications. He is currently based in Los Angeles, California.
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[@derekant1612]

Lupe Fiasco quite literally is the reason Rap Genius exists. No lie. He's THAT lyrical

[@VegetaBlack1993]

Derek Ant nah fam

[@derekant1612]

Justin Mems look the shit up then nigga the creators themselves said that

[@VegetaBlack1993]

Derek Ant I'll give that to cats like Craig mac, the great rakim, three times dope hell there's a number of artist way before Lupe bruh true he has some nice tracks but he didn't invent lyrical genius

[@jericho222]

Justin Mems The website that breaks down lyrics, Lyrical Genius, was made because of Lupe. The creators said that themselves

[@dominicrobinson]

Derek Ant Lyrically, NOBODY is fuckin Lupe. Nobody.

[@calgsus911]

When Lupe tweeted that shit out I saw people trashing on his classic tracks like Kick, Push and Superstar and disrespecting his discography. Their disrespect reminded me that hip hop is the most popular genre now and theirs a lot of casuals who don't know what they're talking about.

[@TheCompanyMan]

calgsus911 fax.

[@BlackVulcan22]

calgsus911 The Cool is in my top 15 all time. It was/is other level. Never besmerch Lupes name. Put some respek on it

[@darrellwilliams9168]

If only he didn’t put out Lasers 😪 that was so trash. His first 2 albums were classics doe

[@calgsus911]

D Will yeah it was a disappointing album but even that album had a song like All black everything

[@darrellwilliams9168]

calgsus911 the whole album wasn’t trash but compared to his previous albums smh

[@antic0re]

You're the true hip-hop journalist, thank you for your work.

[@soulja304]

I would argue that Tetsuo and Youth is lyrically one of the best rap albums ever

[@geovanni888drumer]

Xzavier Hall top 5 lyrical hip hop album , no doubt.

[@jamaald17]

Still want of my favorite albums

[@joeljoseph8754]

Xzavier Hall i agree

[@RBlackout.]

Same here that Album is a Masterpiece it won't be appreciated now but Yrs from now it will It's a Classic

[@abaileyjr97]

The cool is also in the conversation..that might just be his BEST!

[@DWYCK]

Way before Lupe and Kendrick, Wu-Tang was kung fu, The Roots had all black albums and Del was already skateboarding. If we go back long enough in time, everybody's been biting.

[@shawnorjiakor]

Organized Konnection I wouldn't say that's "biting". It's more of new variations of the same idea. Biting is using the exact same idea without no credit to that rapper and producer.

[@HakuzaPK]

Exactly

[@oldhead2854]

i wont say biting nigga. thats like saying rappers are biting because there rapping just like rappers delight.

[@LouieV6]

I wouldn’t say biting, more like rappers influence each other.

[@kudabeen]

Black people been into Manga, Kung Fu flicks, fashion and all prior to Wu...none of it is originally from a rapper...Lupe and any artist best attribute is showcasing and presenting their particular connection to it in an original way...not about biting.

[@thatguyunknoe]

These intelligent breakdowns of hip hop and culture are the best.

[@BlackySpeakz]

What a great video.. It’s all happening.

[@Astral_Blitz]

BlackySpeakz What up Blacky? Imma big fan. I'm music producer just trying to get my music out there to people.

[@thedavisdimension]

BlackySpeakz Interesting to find you here.

[@Airvirgo]

Lupe is incredible... tetsuo and youth should’ve gotten album of the year when it came out

[@abdiwahabfitness5647]

terron coleman facts

[@jrboy3055]

terron coleman i agree. Was way better than TPAB and Forrest Hills

[@tellmeallaboutit29]

Facts!

[@howdydutt1e]

James Roan you are reaching on the TPAB

[@jrboy3055]

howdydutt1e T&Y has more replay value

[@Mugen123456789]

Lupe is the most intricate and profound writer of rap lyrics that is alive today. Im sorry. I dont listen to him all day everyday but i recognize greatness. If you actually appreciate lyrical genius then you will appreciate Lupe's lyrics

[@GhostSamaritan]

*among the most

[@gearhead07872]

*the most

[@urielcalderon9639]

Yes Among nas rewind still holds ingenious originality that others have not matched till this day

[@vaevictus4637]

Even Lupe said MF Doom was better as a lyricist, and he's right in that statement.

[@TMSBMC]

GodspeedHero Lupe isn’t the type to say he’s the best. He later said Aesop Rock is the best. I love DOOM for his character, but lyrically he ain’t better then Lu or Aesop

[@JordanClemons]

Nevertheless, if Lupe really feels some type of way.... Give us a Kung Fu Lu vs Kung Fu Kenny mixtape

[@ChristophaB]

Jordan Clemons 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@cjharrigan91]

Get some RZA and Premo Beats on that Jawn

[@cafenightster4548]

It's, Kung Fu Kenny vs. Chi Town Samurai.

[@tellmeallaboutit29]

They both have roots in the chi.

[@tellmeallaboutit29]

Kendricks parents are from the chi.

[@brandoncarter6027]

tetsuo and youth is lyrically the best album of all time front to back. It still gives me the chills every time I think about it. What's sad is there are still mad people who have never heard it. Smfh.

[@greatdevourer2272]

Brandon Carter Loved that album, lupe is amazing

[@TRU2Sk9ng1992]

No it isnt.

[@Magik847]

Iroquois Plisken it's in my top ten for sure.

[@joseangelhernandez5274]

I agree, one of my favorite albums of all time. Right after Liquid Swords.

[@elchucofried5683]

Brandon Carter lupe didn't even like that album cause it was for the radio or at least half of it

[@bmst8236]

YO THAT XXL COVER LYRICIST BREAKDOWN ABOUT THE 4 OUT OF 5 BROKE MY HEART JUST A LIL BIT

[@TheCompanyMan]

Mr E Man me too.

[@Tony-kr7jk]

I feel that 😔

[@9EtherSupremeFist]

Isnt crooked i dropping tho?

[@adantewalker5882]

Takamura Mamoru yea hes still got a few things going on.

[@japanrocksgousa]

That took 5-7 years

[@guscarvell7343]

It's criminal how under-appreciated this channel is.

[@irais4588]

"I'm going after Kanye, Lupe Fiasco and Nas, Snoop Dogg and mr Andre ..." Monster (remix) - Kendrick Lamar, 2010

[@new2thz]

i rais 🚨🚨UNDERRATED COMMENT ALERT🚨🚨

[@ownedpowned860]

and then bitched out when lupe called him out kendrick a fucking pussy

[@manikn4585]

@@ownedpowned860 facts

[@sujatalimbu3221]

@@ownedpowned860 who cares about poor rapper begging for recognition again cause he failed with his debut albums

[@MrGreatness863]

owned powned Go Tell Him That 💀

[@docwash3921]

Until HipHop culture learns to embrace the concept of “Inspiration” over “biting,” we won’t harness the true collaborative potential that will help us transcend to the next plateau. #Let’s_Build

[@micahjohnsonboxing6409]

I'd say this was biting

[@demetriusmccray1574]

Bro it’s all cool to collaborate as long as people just say “hey do you mind if I do this?” The random taking is not cool.

[@docwash3921]

Ryuk Lannister - here’s the thing: There’s really no such thing as original thought. So, chances are ANYTHING you create is going to be a synthesis of things you’ve seen and heard over time. Just because it sounds familiar DOES NOT always mean that it was deliberately jacked by a SPECIFIC source. Ragtime music all sounds the same but the pianists always appreciates one another’s variations on the songs. Sometimes using a line used by another is a shout-out/ a big up to the other. OTHER PEOPLE spin it into something negative oftentimes... would love for the response to be “love what you did there. Let’s work together.”

[@JMadlock108]

If lupe had a record label to back him the way kendrick does and the right production, he would be talked about today as jay z or kanye level.

[@fredrickbutts2392]

No... A lot of people don't even know who Nas is.

[@brooklyn560]

Fredrick Butts what... Show me 5 people who never heard of Nas

[@khizararif1355]

I'm guessing Dre backed him up because he's from Compton soooo

[@GhettoArabSage]

Lupe is smart enough to bail out of American music industry. There's no real money in that. Lu making China deals! Globalization, my friend.

[@marLamaDeo]

Most outside of hip hop ain't heard of Nas, but have heard of Jay/Kendrick or whoever

[@DreadlockPaladin]

This is what real journalism is all about. Thorough concise and straight to the point. Purely educational content.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you, Mopeme.

[@JustinBlastoff]

Not to mention unbiased

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

Lupe is EASILY one of the greatest and most overlooked rap artist in recent memory. Hip Hop's ultimate black sheep... Doesn't get credit for being far ahead of his time. This man made "Food & Liquor", "The Cool", and "Tetsuo & Youth". Yea his career took a turn with his label issues BUT in terms of skill, artistry, and longevity there's really not to many names you can put in front of him...

[@Hikmah1995]

Aboood165 You smokin doobies

[@dreedwards6859]

Aboood165 you meant most overrated

[@dreedwards6859]

Darrel Be facts

[@EagleZtoTheGrave]

Aboood165 TRIPPING. Kendrick was inspired by Lupe.

[@NegiZero]

Overrated, not overlooked. He fell off because it was warranted.

[@namnmerkki]

Really nice to see that Murs and Justin acknowledge each other and show clear respect towards each other. Really rare when shows change hosts or "split"

[@TheCompanyMan]

Sackings Murs is the illest!

[@JulianIsAnthony]

The respect is awesome because I don’t have to pick sides. Both channels are an instrumental part of my weekend at this point.

[@georgekumria8652]

The Company Man You should get Ras Kass and Crooked I on Rude Jude's show and talk about where they rank the greatest Hip-Hop cities at.

[@italianstalian331]

The Company Man been bumpin murs since felt

[@maxsmart9116]

The Company Man y'all should do a collabo. The one you did with dehh was on point

[@gnarwhal7562]

"You was inspired by the world, let the world be inspired by you".

[@middlefingr_official]

In Cole voice, that’s why somewhere in my heart I know Cole better than Kendrick even in my judgement as human beings I think Cole understands. Kendrick can be a fake, just saying, he makes good music with the help of many wonderful talented producers. Cole is a triple(do the rap and the track) double like Ye and he goes double platinum?? Damn that boy Cold 🥶

[@griffenyyoung9163]

We need a Lupe GOAT piece bro. This was fantastic and I love the references to his mixtapes!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Griffeny Young GOAT week

[@superdupeninja8149]

Lupe is a GOAT and should be respected as such

[@ameensimmons4626]

Lupe and Kendrick are GOATs they both will leave rap in a better place.

[@nbellido25]

Kendrick not on lupe level... sorry

[@Kingeos0]

Niall Bellido crazy Kendrick albums washes Lupe

[@marcusxavier7083]

@@nbellido25 Kendrick is better thqn Lupe

[@owkrikki]

Niall Bellido Kendrick has the lyrically abilities to match Lupe, Kendrick’s legit just a better Lupe

[@MrGreatness863]

Niall Bellido Yeah He’s Above It Now Goofy

[@LeanieSigel]

I’m glad you put Lupe Fiasco in his proper perspective. He’s underrated and ahead of his time he’d be more appreciated if he was a new artist today.

[@themftoucan5780]

Just glad I didn’t have to punch myself in the face today

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

Kendrick is incredible and will likely end his career having one of the better arguments for the GOAT. Hasn't missed since he's appeared. And I don't mean 2012-13'. I mean since his Kendrick Lamar EP days. One of the most consistent in quality and ever evolving artist in hip hops history

[@Kingdrasta13]

Kendrick chasing pop success with the cheesy pop collabs with Maroon 5 and Taylor Swift of all people was definitely a miss.

[@jhvljhvdssw1131]

only L he took was the maroon 5 feature

[@Kingdrasta13]

There's no excuse for him hopping on a Taylor Swift record

[@mistahmst]

asa ascar what’s that got to do with his albums?

[@DreBagsGaming]

asa ascar are u crazy? So if someone asked u to do a verse for a shit load of money u turning it down?? Y'all think too much into it he got payed to do all those pop features DUHH!

[@tgray8706]

You can hear that respect and admiration flow from the soul every time Justin talk about Lu!Love it when you get a chance to discuss him man, I'm pretty sure it was a DX Lupe piece that got me following you for the long haul. Then you find a constructive observation about biting out this situation to top! Keep it up fam

[@middlefingr_official]

You feel it like I do

[@terranceblakelyart]

Wish they would just work together

[@TheCompanyMan]

Me too.

[@sportswatcherss9976]

Terrance Blakely II A R T right? They would make fire songs. 🔥

[@donnyx1236]

Terrance Blakely II A R T lupe is being salty lol Kendrick has said nothing bad about lupe on record atleast

[@thenathanrox]

It would be detrimental...

[@Zayrius-tori]

I think Lupe feel hell out do him that's y kendrick won't do that and kendrick feel as tho Lupe just a hater

[@TheJimSlimmy]

The Vsauce of Hip-hop.

[@mflugo9082]

Company man! Justin here!

[@erboch7124]

This is how it goes for me: Lupe: Singles: 9 Albums: 8 Concepts: 10 Technicality: 9 Creativity: 10 Influence: 9 Impact: 8 Consistency: 7 Personality: 2 Avg: 8.75 Kendrick: Singles: 9 Albums: 10 Concepts: 10 Technicality: 7 Creativity: 9 Influence: 7 (rising) Impact: 9 (rising) Consistency: 10 Personality: 9 Avg: 8.87 Tbh it's really up to personal opinion, theyre my top two favorite rappers. I didnt factor in personality into the averages either lol.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Not mad at that.

[@TheLivingLegend88]

ERBOCH just a honest question bruh why Lupe personality a 2?

[@erboch7124]

Ketsado Issa joke lol

[@jayalberto4259]

Ketsado hes taking bout how kendrick will use auto tune or a different tone of voice in order to change the over all feel of a verse or if hes talking as another person or character and or his delivery of a verse which to me lupe doesnt have much of that in terms of being able to create different flows on a song as it goes and or make up personas

[@erboch7124]

JAY Alberto I actually wasnt. That factors into Kendricks creativity category, along with the TPAB Theory, the Good Kid Theory, the Section.80/Hii Power Theory, etc.

[@AliAndTheWorstJerker]

Bro, I love your writing and how thoughtfully you put things together. I'm always amazed at how much the bigger scope of hip hop actually is, how much it has transcended just rhyming. Really great stuff love the videos man. That insight is just insane to me. Keep doing you man. Respect and love.

[@TheCompanyMan]

🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@gramzulu]

He’s a genius!

[@maridot9641]

The Company Man Is that your own hoodie? Where can I get one?

[@YAMAMALUVMETOO]

Too me, they’re both fire. Lupe is a raw wordsmith in every sense of the word. Kendrick is a lyricist...

[@alanramseurii]

You hit us with the "I don't have the answers to these questions." outta nowhere this time.

[@invertexto.]

Even when Justin is late af he's always on time.

[@kareem8064]

This an got so heated but ended in the best way possible, "I dont have the answer to this question". real af

[@steveraine2971]

The cadence and breath control of this man

[@tricoastalelite]

“it’s not about what you’re using, it’s about how you’re using it. Sometimes we use references that are familiar and re-appropriate then for our own purposes. It’s called Hip Hop.” El-P

[@erboch7124]

Perfect person to talk on this subject. These literally are my two favorite rappers

[@mrnoname9563]

Bruh Justin was so close from a mental breakdown and had me at the edge of my seat but then completly throws me off by ending it with a simple "I dont have the answers to these questions" :D

[@ruggerREL]

You’s really masterful at this shit. God damn those 1st two lupe albums are masterful I just not a kendrick fan but got damn it back seat freestyle is forever my shit

[@SILMANTV]

One of the best things about Saturday’s Fresh smell of Hip Hop in the morning

[@gauravjoshi2600]

I like it when Justin explains everything and then simply say "I dont have answer to these Questions"

[@GhettoArabSage]

Gaurav Joshi it's as if there isn't a clear cut, black and white answer.

[@krusher181]

Kendrick also did a lot of Kung Fu stuff in his live show. It was extremely well done and created an atmosphere of tension and beauty. Kendrick is the last person I'd accuse of anything.

[@jaehwasa6850]

An artist cannot escape his influences. Nobody can. We all see and hear tons of stuff all the time and artists draw inspiration and creativity from the things they see and hear, sometimes - most of the time - that's somebody else's art. You cannot create in a vacuum, it's just that simple. Stealing something and being inspired by something are two different things and they look very different. Right now this looks like inspiration and that's awesome. Ever inspired somebody else? It's an incredible achievement.

[@tpsam]

Lupe's stealing The third

[@harryhipperson1280]

Thanongrit Suriyarungka hahahahaha

[@macmanjr100]

Lmfao that's fair

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

Kendrick vs Lupe LYRICALLY is not an argument. As great as Dot is Lupe is simply on a different tier. When it comes to consistency and artistry tho THEN we have a true argument.

[@cooliebwoy415]

Darrel Be well said

[@joebowden4065]

Darrel Be lupes rhymes more complex. But I find Kendricks lyrics harder hitting tbh

[@aidenwood2273]

There's no argument around consistency.

[@vladimirklizschko9337]

To Pump A Butterfly ahhh i do thinn that kendrick is a very very very very good lyricist and top tier lyricist as well but Lupe is better he is just insane.

[@joebowden4065]

Vladimir Klizschko yeah man I agree. Just saying I find kendricks lyrics more emotive but maybe that’s because of greater concepts, artistry etc, rather than lyricism. Technically Lupe is the goat.

[@eddiekags5356]

Just because I got two feet, and I put one in front of the other, don't mean I'm trying to walk like you. Just cause I got two eyes in on my face dont mean I'm trying to look like you. Sit down...

[@911beats]

Worst Analogy in history

[@bigben228]

Lupe acting like Wu Tang didn't do the Kung fu Shit first.

[@danieljames3372]

Benji Franklins Music Lupe did karate, ninjas are japanese, kung fu is chinese lol

[@iii2308]

Benji Franklins Music I was gone say that

[@sportobsessivebryant3336]

Daniel James still too close

[@brittanythornton2062]

Benji Franklins Music 36 Chambers

[@JohnRapheal7]

@@danieljames3372 wu-tang and shoalin are Chinese... Wu tang got alot of their material from the Shaw Brothers, a chinese movie production co

[@slowdownthere4802]

Regardless of how this all turns, Lupe is a living legend still putting out quality content. The man could own and converse with a pet rock and as long as he puts out Gems like The Cool, Pharaoh Height 2/30, and T&Y I'm always rocking with him.

[@LimitNZ]

Their parity is undeniable. Not only through similar ideas and themes but also how differently the industry has embraced each of them. Sasuke and Naruto.

[@TheCompanyMan]

LimitNZ exactly.

[@Tony-eg3gi]

idk why you left hiphopdx but im glad you did. now i get 2 great breakdowns every week.

[@TheBrassLungs]

💯

[@jmelidor]

This was incredible, I do similarities between them but I don't think kendrick is stealing Ideas from lupe. I would more like to say great minds think a like. yes lupe was a samurai.... kendrick was more a kung fu master, kendrick even enlisted the person he got the idea from Don Cheadle a character from rush hour called kung fu kenny from crenshaw.

[@mauricejames8969]

How original is the truth? When 2 completely different people come to the same conclusion, and are able to find the truth from their perspectives, they are bound to say the same things. The truth is not original. Now how they express themselves, that shows artistry and individuality. I think both of them have that in spades. Kendrick is a better songwriter, Lupe is a better lyricist. Both of them speak on truth, or on what they've found in search of it, so a lot of their ideas sound the same.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Maurice James well said.

[@elliottjones8354]

Very profound

[@nightwolf4011]

Yo u nailed it couldn't have said it better

[@andrewogundele330]

Maurice James word...very true... And I think one thing that helped Kendrick spread his truth vs. Lupe is that he has a supportive team and his timing. 2 major moments (of absolute truth) for me affected their popularity: Lupe- calling Obama a terrorist got him black balled from the community and affected public label protection/promotion in the future (though he was right in the sense of foreign policy. Lupe repeatedly expressed he loved almost everything Obama did except his foreign policy but ppl took it as hate for a successful black man) Kendrick- the 2015 elections. TPAB came out in a year when black lives matter was at its peak and was a hot topic for debates. Enter tracks like "I" and "alright" which became chants from the public to rally against oppression on such a grand stage. Both artists spoke directly and indirectly to the climate of the day and age's political climate...but Kendricks timing was inch perfect without trying to be and his supporting cast has kept him honest and/or protected. Lupe had his manager go to jail, fam members die, and have to dismantle his label soon after. But Lupe gets chastised more often than not by mainstream critics while Kendrick is seen as forward thinking?🤔.... It's sad but dude who mentioned timing is everything got that 💯% right. Add to personal circumstances and here we are. Both cats are dope and necessary as far as I'm concerned. It's funny cause I remember Lupe in an interview many MANY years back was asked about Kendrick and said he wouldn't work with him as to preserve a "fan" status and Lupe at Kendricks show in chi said Kendrick was 💯 someone that needs to be heard...but constant CONSTANT comparisons and usually anti-lupe ones (from publications) are made... It's truly sad (sorry about the long post)

[@anthonyponce4576]

Lu was my first favorite rapper that I would name drop when I wanted to feel out what type of rap people liked.

[@thetruthbetoldpodcast-hiph9311]

Lupe vs Kendrick needs to happen on wax at this point.. but I think Kendrick don’t really want it.. I’ll be surprised if he throws bars Lupe’s way..

[@TheCompanyMan]

The Truth Be Told Podcast - Hip Hop Podcast I’d rather them collab

[@jordanpresnell4697]

You dont think kendrick wants it? I highly doubt that he is considered the best lyrical hip hop artist and is bigger than anyone in hip hop right now. And he is great at dissing. J cole is the only one in the same ballpark

[@lenleno2857]

Kendrick is scared of Lupe he can't reply

[@cali_cal]

Em and Ken, wouldn't want to risk it

[@adhddhdh3572]

Len Leneezy Kendrick would destroy Lupe in a diss. Lupe doesn’t do real diss tracks and he doesn’t have the aggression because he’s so passive aggressive. Kendrick will name drop when he wants and could verbally slaughter Lupe in a diss track. Let’s be real here

[@westhefitting4105]

Crazy to come back to this in 2022... a year in which Kendrick and Lupe both drop insanely dope albums which both tackle the issues facing rap culture.

[@derekhakeem8]

Right, and both are literally the best albums released last year

[@jacksoninc.4062]

​@@derekhakeem8 agreed, tho i put MMTBS > DMIZ (DMIZ is fuckin dope but i think MMTBS is top 3 or 4 album ever)

[@duttybwoyspodcast8051]

I see a little bitterness from Lupe in regards to kendrick, I feel that as Lupe (who still makes great music) was losing his traction the same time that kendrick was gaining his and then kendrick bumped him off. Kendrick became what Lupe was suppose to imo

[@TheCompanyMan]

It’s funny, I definitely see that perspective though I wouldn’t call it bitterness. Lupes always been super outspoken about whatever, never afraid to call it as he sees it. But their are career parallels, which I tried to point out, that fall in line with the thesis that Kendrick surpassed Lupe career wise. But lupe’s label situation is wilder and deeper than most know and having a great team is part of success in any field of human endeavor. Kdots incredibly talented and has had the best team in the biz since day one. I’m sure Lu sees that as well and I don’t think he’s necessarily bitter about it.

[@goldenchild2076]

Kendrick typically takes 2 years or more to carefully craft a "classic" album. Lupe works hard and doesn't chase for "classics" like some artists do. He consistently puts out albums and mixtapes and his fans enjoy it.

[@duttybwoyspodcast8051]

The Company Man I feel you and I do agree with a lot of his statements, like how kendrick isn’t a great punchline rapper. it’s just for some reason every time he mentions kendrick it’s always a negative comment or a “he’s good BUT” maybe im a lil biased because kendrick is my favorite rapper and when he said logic is more Lyrical I was disgusted lol and yea the label troubles he dealt with were definitely a major hit to his career, it’s too bad he didn’t have a TDE to back him

[@duttybwoyspodcast8051]

Golden Child any artists like Lupe or kendrick most definitely chase “classics” because they’re putting their best music forward and want to showcase their art, and lupe has mos definitely some classics it’s just the consistency ain’t there like kendrick, which isn’t too bad because not many Artists have a consistent run like Kendrick’s

[@VareaIII]

Black Men Don’t Cheat Podcast Ent That logic comment made me cringe when I read it lol

[@dmaster5556]

I only started watching your show when you were still with Hip Hop DX, shortly before you moved to your own channel, but what started as just something I thought I'd only watch a couple episodes of and then forget about, has turned into regularly watching TBD and Murs' continuation of the format for months now. I dunno what it is about these types of shows but it's just so much more interesting and engaging than any other nonsense I'd binge watch on KZbin beforehand.

[@TheCompanyMan]

dmaster5556 that’s Love man! Murs is doing a great job. Glad he took over

[@JonyALB]

I love that _it's all happening_ on Saturdays again, my man! Yet another great episode. I'm still missing that GOAT piece on _this channel_ itself though, 'cause *nobody* does hip-hop related deep dives better than The Company Man!

[@TheCompanyMan]

JonyALB 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@Riseagainstm3]

Bro! So glad I found this channel. Great presentation of research

[@Vitovitoh]

Kung Fu was introduced and popularized By Wu-Tang Clan, wtf lupe's talking?

[@tyronjasonhuff]

Victor França doesn't matter kdot is obviously stealing from lupe

[@Vitovitoh]

imthatoneguy why not "stealing" from Wu?

[@xcvsumextra]

Damian Spears Lupe the best lyricist ever. Go listen to his shit before you talk that nonsensical shit

[@Marc-hb1le]

Idt he’s claiming to be the first. We’re so many years past the Wu embracing martial arts. But recently, Lupe was pretty much the only person to embrace it . Then here comes K Dot.

[@jeffreyrezendes7656]

If I were a rapper accused of borrowing from Lupe, I'd own it. Being influenced by the great artists of your time is a good thing.

[@erickch33]

They should just collab

[@erickch33]

Ali Chaudry Lupe would out rap kdot

[@jackdamenace13]

I want a freestyle battle first!

[@jackdamenace13]

ERICK CH Word. Remember Mos Def punked out of a rap battle with Lupe!

[@Hexissray]

I really enjoyed your delivery this episode, it was sharp and smooth!

[@Marc-hb1le]

This video is amazing. Lupe needs to be recognized as a great more often. Imo I think Kick Push is coming back to haunt him because a lot of idiots never messed with him after that And to answer your question. Lupe is the better rapper imo

[@ZimzamsXD]

" If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants" - Newton Pretty much how i view this, i dont think Kendrick is stealing or biting or any of that - he's a student of the game and Lupe is one of the greatest in the game. Comparing these two specifically is quite interesting to me though. Ive always said that their early careers are remarkably similar (www.reddit.com/r/hiphopheads/comments/6xjj5b/lupe_fiasco_on_twitter_promise_broken_no_more/dmgp9yf/), with the big difference being, Kendrick having a squad and a supportive label behind him that believe in his vision and have helped him go double platinum while only making conscious albums. Maybe Kendrick is showing us what could have been possible had Lupe not run into those infamous label troubles. What "Coulda Been".

[@blueblack9675]

ZimzamsXD if that was the case then Kendrick is a genius

[@sportobsessivebryant3336]

Blue Black Exaclty. This man just basically gave lupe all the credit and praise while making an excuse for his career.

[@tru7hDevo]

Exactly

[@introspect86]

2 of my favorites. Thanks so much for this, Justin!

[@UpturnTheUncool]

Best way to settle this, since they're both pioneers who think ahead of their time have them make a joint album of 13 songs. 6 Lupe tracks 6 Kendrick tracks, and then the 13th they rap together either against each other or with either way it'll make them money, it'll create a buzz, it'll be unique, and they can both say they gave it their all.

[@23rdletterassasin]

UpturnTheUncool if they did they should call it damn cool or damned youth.

[@xxSturdyWingsxx]

UpturnTheUncool This is a dope idea

[@GhettoArabSage]

Lupe is free to do whatever he wants. Kendrick is still a slave.

[@chrisbougere2281]

This is an amazing idea! Wish it was already in the works & all this talk was just the beginning of hyping it up.

[@cameronray4107]

How is Kendrick a pioneer?

[@sametzweiler2630]

Jesus Christ this guy knows his stuff. Always a like and forever a sub ✌️

[@derricklynn7721]

I love how you get to ask us these philosophy like questions, and than you just get to sit back smugly and say "I don't have the answers to these questions."

[@l-boi8173]

Justin Hunte could make me excited about anything.

[@OofieDooples]

"JimBob play Kendrick Lamar" -Carman's mom. Kendrick is so universally respected that even south park managed to bring him up without directly insulting him. Mind you, they showed zero restraint with Biggie, Ye, or Pac. Also, Travis Barkers freshman album needs a break down. No other album in existence has that many legendary features.

[@seanvezele3104]

when did they bring him up

[@sportobsessivebryant3336]

Vulco Edits They quoted his song Humble on the 1ep of the new season

[@floppies]

"pimps see the wings on the underground king"

[@victorgatsby5455]

I don't think a lot of ppl got the reference. This is one of my favourite songs ever!

[@bronxbomber1378]

That line is deeper than you realize.

[@doesntknowbetter6415]

The cool channel Is that Lupe? I’m still new to Lupe smh

[@PandaDonG]

FearTheXI Yeah, Dumb it Down by Lupe

[@nostudion1037]

One of the best lines from one of the best songs ever

[@vladimirklizschko9337]

Lupe Fiasco = Kendrick Lamar No one is better Kendrick has a better discography Lupe is a better lyricist.

[@gotf]

Vladimir Klizschko exactly!!!

[@gotf]

Vladimir Klizschko exactly!!!

[@paulm394]

gotf wow I couldn’t say it better

[@emmanuelmondesir1314]

Kendrick doesnt have laser so i can not agree

[@TheKondinho]

lasers was forced by his label. difference between lupe and kendrick's careers have been the labels. lupe stuck on atlantic, while kendrick has basically been taught the sacred hip-hop ways by dr. dre.

[@joelpwilson]

Looked at the thumbnail and extrapolated that you didn't have the answers to these questions

[@UniverseTheKing]

5 years later, this is still one of my favorite videos my bro!!! The way you break down artistry in regards to this topic is definitely thought provoking. Blessings ⚡️👑⚡️

[@TheCompanyMan]

I appreciate that. Thank you brother.

[@tmmnew8385]

Damn Justin, take a breath! Great breakdown as always. Big up you and Murs for the hip hop knowledge every week

[@TheCompanyMan]

HAHAHA!

[@lamnestor4399]

Justin you’re a treasure and integral to this culture. Peace & Blessings all the way from London

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's dope, Lam. Thank you! 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@aidanhinkson9804]

0:47 did this man just say "YEEZUS!" instead of "JESUS!" 😂😂

[@mrxking1]

Playboi Carti's Sock where have you been ?

[@5aturnia]

mrxking1 hiding in his sock

[@the.feever.]

He says that ALL the time.

[@japanrocksgousa]

...yeah...everytime..

[@AspireUniqueTV]

I love your energy man! Keep it up! Great video.

[@KKillaMcneal]

Thats the issue in a generation in the "Dark Ages" between I would say 04-10 gives an idea of just how influential Lupe really is. Lupe's been through a lot from issues with Atlantic, Lasers being delayed like hell, Food and Liquor 2 (as underrated as it is) not performing well, and to be honest a lot of people have forgotten about Lupe. He's such an intriguing figure as he layed a foundation for some of the trends that were being followed. Lupe really is a legend and honestly, its a shame how he's really stayed to his lane, but still being pushed to the wayside. While Kendrick, Cole, Ab-Soul (remember Lupe is Soulo's mentor), Isiah Rashad, Saba, Chance, etc. A lot of newer age artists has taken what Lupe has layed down and ran with it. Its being a visionary at its finest.

[@WhatWeDigtoday]

I love this topic as it really exhibits how timing is everything. Rap was looking for a new messiah for millenials and post millenials in early 2010s. Indie (rock), weezie and Kanye dominated Lupe's opportune period, there was already a named messiah and style. Kendrick saw the crown and snatched it post Drake (not writing rhymes) and capitalized on think pieces. Lupe deserves more, but life = 20% talent 80% timing. That's why u need to be ready to not stop husslin' your art.

[@jman1562001]

Timing was key....don't forget the whole Tribe Called Quest situation sullied Lupe to certain people in the hip-hop community. It wasn't warranted and I understood in hindsight why Lupe spoke on that "elitism" that certain fans have. Plus, Lupe never really had that crossover single that would magnify his impact on the mainstream. K Dot, Wayne, and Kanye all had those moments and Lupe didn't. He then became a victim of the label politics!!!

[@poorboy2772]

What We Dig you're intelligent

[@jumpman171]

Kanye kinda popularized conscious rap with college dropout and he had Lupe on late registration. So would Lupe even be as big as he is now without Kanye?

[@jman1562001]

To an extent, but Kick Push was Lupe's breakthrough single!!

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

Tim Davis Kick Push, Words Never Said, Superstar, Show Goes On etc etc Lupe had plenty of smashes. He's one of the few artist of his lyrical stature who was able to deliver consistently on Bilboard

[@wassll]

the greatest story never told

[@areyouwinningty]

Good to see you still making these insightful vids : )

[@GeorgetheGreat]

Twitter ruined rap beef man, Can we get some tracks lupe? lol

[@KMO325]

This should be video.

[@FernandoMendoza-dw8nz]

FR. Don't tweet, pick up the mic.

[@darianr5566]

Justin Hunte is the GOAT

[@carterbearup7871]

I thought one of the more interesting details surrounding this story was that Lupe proceeded to call Aesop Rock the greatest alive. Guess it doesn't really shock me, but it is cool to see someone with Lupe's following shout someone out who has been passionate about the craft for over 20 years while always remaining creative and content with staying in the underground scene.

[@oms7963]

YOOO so this is where you disappeared to from hiphopdx? I was wondering where you went, glad to have found this channel.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Welcome!!

[@FernandoMendoza-dw8nz]

Justin at the end smirking while he low key flexing on us with TCM merch.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Fernando Mendoza 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@greenakutabi]

I'm a small time radio host and I frequently ask questions I don't have the answer to. Which I shamelessly stole from you. So there's that.

[@TheCompanyMan]

greenakutabi salute!!! Best of luck to your show!

[@greenakutabi]

The Company Man Thanks appreciate it. Keep up the great work in yours.

[@resachristian698]

very much on point. In my view, its mostly like this saying “the greater the shine the bigger the shadow.” With every ascend that an artist goes through, then they will be dissected even more. Nowadays we can hear talkshows over the radio talking about this artist following that artist on instagram, my point is that we as a society cared enough to checked this menial things. Therefore it is fair to be under much more scrutiny when it is related to your craft.

[@thedondon911911]

Justin hunte is needed for hip hop culture

[@quotetheproducer6191]

While I believe Lupe is more lyrical, I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say Kendrick wouldn't give Lupe a run for his money in a battle. "Quantum physics could never show you the world I was in, when I was ten back when nine ounces got you ten, and nine times out of ten, niggas don't pay attention so when there's tension in the air, nines come with extensions." -Kendrick Lamar To me, both of them are top tier lyricists and have made plenty of classic material.

[@sukka4pain]

Nah. I love Kendrick but Lupe would lyrically rape him.

[@xyasuke99]

no he wouldn't lol.

[@sukka4pain]

Yes he would. "Failure" by Lupe has more double/triple entendres than Kendrick's whole discography lmao. I'm not even kidding.

[@xyasuke99]

you're exaggerating and slobbing his knob way too hard. even though lupe is better lyrically. even i cant see him "lyricially raping" kendrick at any point lol.

[@quotetheproducer6191]

Lupe would definitely win, but I feel like the battle would be much closer than people think.

[@christopherwashington2460]

Im Hella damn I've been waiting for this all week. Haven't finished the video yet but I know it's gonna be fire....

[@cyclone927]

I didnt know Justin was doing hisnown thing. I sub with the quickness!!!!

[@jordanbrown1032]

Good job bruh, I love these videos

[@seanstroman6087]

TBD EVERY Sat man

[@ghettophysics5156]

Lupes right, but he wasn't supposed to be the one to say it. Now he just seems like a hater. Mad at Kendrick because he knows that's the position he's supposed to be in. Lyrically, I say lupe. But Kendrick can make a better song if that makes sense.

[@petrarchon2nd]

Justin, if you haven't already, look into Harold Bloom's theory of the anxiety of influence. It deals with this same type of struggle/phenomenon in poetry (particularly post-enlightenment). All artists steal, but only the great ones struggle with the meaning of that theft (as in, how do I differentiate between my voice and the precursor...what can I do to make myself vital in such a way that I outlast my inspirations, no matter how much they inspired me. Any artist who aspires to GOAT status must fight this fight (Bloom calls it the "agon", I believe...its been a few years since I read his book). (Also, more videos with Jude, pls. He might be the most vital short story artist working today. Thanks!)

[@TheCompanyMan]

Dope. Thanks James. I'll check it out.

[@KevinDublin]

Thank you for your content, Justin. You make dope shit. You've got the heart of a true critic like Ebert did. Super rare. I call you Hip-Hop Ebert or Black Ebert to my film homeys. Also check out "The Ecstasy of Influence." | harpers.org/archive/2007/02/the-ecstasy-of-influence/

[@petrarchon2nd]

Thanks for that link, Kevin. Great article.

[@EhlieLuna]

Gosh I remember when Van brought me to your studio in Brooklyn & you were always super focused. Keep killing it!