DaBaby is making waves with his latest comments regarding his standing in the hip-hop hierarchy. In a candid interview with Apple Music that premiered on YouTube on April 24, the North Carolina rapper did not mince words when discussing his lyrical prowess compared to the industry’s most celebrated figures.
When asked about his place among the elite, DaBaby boldly proclaimed that he is better than Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole—the trio widely regarded by fans and critics as the “Big 3” of modern rap.
“A thousand percent. A thousand percent,” DaBaby stated during the conversation. “I’m the best muthaf**kin’ rapper. I’ve been saying it, and I often say it when I do my freestyles or whatever. This is a phrase of mine, and a lot of people are familiar with me saying it, but I definitely do mean it.”
He continued, clarifying that his confidence is not merely a standard industry platitude. “I feel like everybody should feel like they’re the best, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m better than these ni**as. I really mean that.”
The rapper emphasized his versatility, noting his ability to excel in any musical environment. “I feel like I have the ability to go anywhere musically. Even if we strip everything else away and just go back to being in front of a microphone and putting music on, I can get in there with the best of them.”
Despite his competitive stance, DaBaby expressed a genuine desire to collaborate with the artists he challenged. He views his bold claims as a way to invite competition and open doors for future studio sessions. “It’s nothing to be frowned upon or whatever. I would love to work with these guys. It takes me saying that type of s**t and then putting it on display with the music for those doors to open up for me to end up in the rooms with these guys and on the records with these guys.”
Currently, DaBaby is focused on his latest project, Be More Grateful, and is preparing to headline the inaugural Be More Grateful Festival in North Carolina on June 13, featuring a lineup that includes 50 Cent, Boosie BadAzz, and Moneybagg Yo.
