Greatest rapper of this generation: Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole?

J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar are lyrical geniuses, so fans are still hopeful the Rap Gods will someday do a joint album (it's been 84 years). Although the two are collaborative friends, hip-hop heads have been debating who's the greatest rapper of the two for a while now. Some fans say Kendrick's "DAMN" cements him as one of the greatest emcees of all time. Although J. Cole isn't pursuing fame, fans argue his gift as a storyteller makes him the greatest rapper alive. Who is this generation's best lyrical emcee? 🎤

By Deron Dalton
Published 4/20/20

via Getty Images

FINAL RESULTS
Greatest rapper of this generation: Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole?

Team Kendrick
50.3%
Team J. Cole
49.7%

Kendrick and Cole respect each other as lyricists and emcees. So much so that they were reportedly working together on a collaborative album. Back in December 2016, while promoting his new album "Do What Thou Wilt," Ab-Soul told the Breakfast Club the acclaimed rappers were working on the album together, following much speculation. These days we don't know if the joint album will ever really happen.

According to the Fader, Ab-Soul said:

"I don’t really know too much about it. I just hope they use my verse.” When Charlemagne asked again if there was a Kendrick/Cole album, Ab-Soul confirmed, saying “There is a Kendrick/Cole album. They got it. They got something in the works. They been working on that motherfucker for awhile.”

Kendrick and Cole's respect for each other might stem from how much they have in common. Both are socially conscious rappers, both are really great lyricists, both were inspired by Rap Gods like Tupac, and both have inspired and connected with younger generations by spitting rhymes about Black experiences and social issues. While this is a tough call—this debate must be settled. Who will go down in history as this generation's greatest emcee?

Read more of the perspectives, decide, and vote!

Kendrick's popularity and acclaim grow with each subsequent album. The master lyricist released his fourth studio album, "DAMN," to critical acclaim and commercial success—resulting in his highest first-week sales ever. But many fans still call his previous album, "To Pimp a Butterfly," his magnum opus.

Listen to Kendrick's magnum opus, "To Pimp A Butterfly," below via Spotify. Listen Here

While music critics have called "To Pimp a Butterfly" Kendrick at his best, there's no doubt he's one of the greatest ever with "DAMN."

John Kennedy wrote for Complex:

Kendrick Lamar knew something the rest of us didn’t when he released 'The Heart Part 4' in March. “My spot is solidified if you ask me,” he raps, with unshakeable confidence behind his words. The loosie didn’t mark the first time the Compton lyricist—who hasn’t even reached his 30th birthday—has called himself the greatest rapper alive...

Kendrick's unapologetic, militant and revolutionary lyrics translate into anthems. He paints a picture of the harsh realities Black people face in America, where the liberation struggle continues.

Vote on social media using the hashtag: #TeamKendrick

J. Cole has been killing the game for quite some time, but he proved he owned it with "2014 Forest Hills Drive." The album went double platinum without any features. "2014 Forest Hills Drive," like most of Cole's music, takes you on a personal journey. His music is so relatable—often times tackling social issues from his perspective and through the point-of-view of others. Cole delivers a smooth flow that clearly lays out a narrative.

Listen to the chart-topping "2014 Forest Hills Drive" below via Spotify. Listen Here

J. Cole followed up "2014 Forest Hills Drive" with two more chart-topping albums: "4 Your Eyez Only" and "KOD." The New York Times' Jon Caramanica wrote about "4 Your Eyez Only"

It also transformed him from a student of the great storytelling rappers to a teacher.

While Alexis Petridis for The Guardian gave "KOD" four out of five stars, writing:

KOD’s sound exists in a curious, appealing area somewhere between beatifically stoned and slightly unsettling.

You love Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole? Well, they are both great, but what about the ladies? Check out our feature on women rappers reclaiming hip-hop.