During a latest episode of the BIG3’s 3s and Ones podcast, former NBA participant Michael Beasley ignited debate by asserting that rapper Kodak Black surpasses Kendrick Lamar as an artist. Joined by NBA reporter Chris Haynes and former participant Demario “Symba” Driver, Beasley made his case with a mix of conviction and provocation, drawing robust reactions from his co-hosts.

“Man, I think Kodak better than Kendrick,” Beasley stated, prompting audible disbelief.

He pointed to Kodak’s versatility and constant presence on the charts as proof. “A new cadence every time… been on the charts every year,” he defined, highlighting the rapper’s dominance on radio and streaming platforms throughout the nation.

Symba in contrast Beasley’s declare to a basketball debate, noting that asserting superiority requires measurable proof. Beasley countered, framing his argument by way of attain and cultural footprint. “I can give you arguments. You can’t give me one argument to prove you’re better than me. Anywhere you go in the country, you gonna hear Kodak first,” he stated, emphasizing business success as a key metric.

While acknowledging Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical prowess, Beasley argued that the rapper’s strengths lie primarily in wordplay. “The only thing Kendrick’s better at is playing with words. He can’t make a better song. He don’t got more hits,” Beasley stated.

His co-hosts pushed again, citing Kendrick’s Super Bowl Halftime efficiency and enduring affect in hip-hop, however Beasley maintained that mass listenership and cultural influence elevate Kodak in his view.

The dialog additionally touched on Kendrick’s 2023 diss monitor aimed toward Drake, “Not Like Us.” Beasley dismissed the track as overrated. “It was a decent West Coast bop, right? You haven’t heard the song since February,” he stated, suggesting a lot of its acclaim stems from fandom and rivalry slightly than enduring musical significance.

Beasley’s feedback underscore the continued pressure in hip-hop between important acclaim and business affect. The dialogue displays broader debates about how listeners consider artistry, weighing innovation, chart efficiency, and cultural resonance otherwise.

While many might contest his evaluation, the episode highlights the various standards that form perceptions of rap’s main voices within the streaming period.