Kendrick’s reasoning makes perfect sense.
Of course people are going to argue about it, but I think he is speaking moreso just from a lyrical content standpoint and not an overall artist standpoint.
Here is what he said to Rolling Stone.
“Is it ever OK for a rapper to have a ghostwriter? You’ve obviously written verses for Dr. Dre yourself.
It depends on what arena you’re putting yourself in. I called myself the best rapper. I cannot call myself the best rapper if I have a ghostwriter. If you’re saying you’re a different type of artist and you don’t really care about the art form of being the best rapper, then so be it. Make great music. But the title, it won’t be there.
Rolling Stone says Kendrick is currently the greatest rapper alive, I think that is a fair assessment, not as much competition since lyricism has gone down over the years.
Check out this video from Kendrick’s live show in LA…