Steve-O Says Kendrick Lamar’s Cool Factor Outscores Drake in Their Rap Battle

Steve-O isn’t shy about picking sides in the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar saga. During a conversation with country artist Hardy on his Wild Ride podcast, the Jackass star got candid about his favorite rappers, singling out Kendrick Lamar for his unmatched “coolness.” Around the 45-minute mark of the episode, Steve-O gushed over both André 3000 and Lamar.

“André 3000 just exudes cool,” he said. “Kendrick has that same essence. It’s a kind of coolness you can’t define.” Without missing a beat, Steve-O contrasted them with Drake. “Drake doesn’t have it,” he bluntly added.

Steve-O, who admits he’s not a hip-hop expert, went on to praise Lamar’s latest album, GNX. “It’s incredible,” he said. “I was into 50 Cent and G-Unit back in the day, but I haven’t kept up. Then I played Kendrick’s new album and thought, ‘Wow, even my 81-year-old dad would find this amazing.’”

The comments come on the heels of Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical feud earlier this year, where public opinion seemed to favor Lamar’s soul-stirring approach. Drake, despite his efforts, couldn’t shake the perception of taking a loss, a sentiment Steve-O’s critique echoes.

However, comedian Marlon Wayans offered a more balanced take during an appearance on Big Boy’s Neighborhood. Wayans compared the feud to a blockbuster battle. “It was like Drake was Thanos, and all the Avengers came after him,” he joked, referencing Lamar, Future, and Metro Boomin.

Wayans also acknowledged Lamar’s unique edge, saying, “Kendrick hit him from a soul level. It was like therapy. You can’t fight that. Kendrick is different—special.”

While fans continue to debate who truly came out on top, Steve-O’s comments highlight the cultural divide between the two artists—Drake’s hit-making machine versus Kendrick’s introspective artistry. Neither rapper has responded to Steve-O’s remarks yet, but the conversation has reignited discussion over their contrasting legacies.