Young Thug Slams Kendrick Lamar in Leaked Call: “He’ll Never Be Bigger Than Drake”

A deep dive into leaked calls, frustrations, and comparisons between rap superstars

The world of hip-hop never lacks drama, and this week it is Young Thug who has taken center stage. Several leaked jail phone calls have surfaced online, capturing the Atlanta rapper speaking candidly about various artists in the industry. Among the names mentioned was none other than Kendrick Lamar, one of hip-hop’s most critically acclaimed figures.

In the leaked audio, Young Thug expressed frustration with Kendrick Lamar for refusing to provide a feature on his 2023 album Business Is Business. Thug went as far as to suggest that Lamar would “never be bigger than Drake” because of his unwillingness to collaborate with other major artists. This has sparked heated debates across fan bases, raising questions about Lamar’s collaboration strategy, Thug’s state of mind, and whether or not comparisons to Drake are even fair in today’s music industry.

Young Thug’s Leaked Jail Calls Stir Up the Industry

The leaked audio comes at a time when Young Thug is already facing significant legal troubles. Multiple phone conversations have been released in recent weeks, each one fueling new controversies. Fans have heard Thug making remarks about Gunna, Migos, Gucci Mane, and now Kendrick Lamar.

While the hip-hop world is no stranger to rivalry and verbal sparring, the candid nature of these phone calls has shocked many. Unlike staged diss tracks or public interviews, these are private conversations not meant for public consumption. That rawness gives weight to Thug’s words—words that suggest real frustration with one of rap’s most respected artists.

The Business Is Business Album and Kendrick’s Absence

In 2023, Young Thug released Business Is Business, an album that carried special significance given his ongoing incarceration. The project included high-profile features and was designed to remind fans of Thug’s musical influence even while behind bars.

However, one absence was glaring: Kendrick Lamar. According to the leaked call, Thug had reached out in hopes of securing a verse, only to be turned down. That rejection seems to have sparked deep resentment.

Thug reportedly said:

“These dudes too big, like ‘I ain’t doing no features,’ why? Why wouldn’t you wanna do a feature for a superstar?”

To Thug, Lamar’s refusal wasn’t just about music—it was about respect and opportunity. He argued that when artists like Lil Durk, Lil Baby, and himself extend an invitation, Lamar should be willing to collaborate.

Young Thug Compares Kendrick Lamar to Drake

The most headline-grabbing portion of the leaked call came when Thug compared Kendrick Lamar to Drake, rap’s reigning commercial giant.

“That’s why these dudes will never be bigger than Drake, EVER in life,” Thug said.

This statement reignited the long-running debate about who stands taller in hip-hop’s hierarchy: Kendrick Lamar or Drake.

• Drake has built his empire on consistency, constant releases, and collaborations across genres. His willingness to feature with newcomers and established names alike has solidified his place as a global superstar.

• Kendrick Lamar, on the other hand, has often taken the opposite approach. He rarely releases music, carefully curates his collaborations, and maintains an aura of mystery.

For Thug, this exclusivity is a weakness, not a strength. He believes that by limiting collaborations, Kendrick is failing to expand his influence beyond his core fanbase.

Criticism of Kendrick’s Collaboration Choices

Another striking moment from the leaked audio involved Thug’s criticism of Lamar’s decision to primarily collaborate with Baby Keem, his cousin.

Thug referred to Keem dismissively, suggesting that Lamar was wasting opportunities by not working with bigger names in the industry. He went further by saying Lamar wasn’t truly helping to “put people on,” a role that many believe is important for superstars in rap.

This criticism reflects a broader conversation in hip-hop about mentorship and legacy. Should major artists use their platform to elevate others, or is it their right to choose their collaborators carefully? Kendrick’s selective approach has often been viewed as artistic integrity—but Thug clearly sees it as arrogance.

Fans React to the “Never Bigger Than Drake” Claim

Unsurprisingly, the leaked comments sparked immediate reactions across social media. Fans of both Kendrick Lamar and Young Thug have been dissecting the quotes, debating whether Thug has a valid point.

• Kendrick supporters argue that artistic value cannot be measured purely by commercial dominance. They highlight Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize, multiple Grammy Awards, and deeply impactful discography as evidence that his legacy stands apart from chart numbers.

• Thug supporters believe he is pointing out an uncomfortable truth: Drake’s widespread collaborations and accessibility have made him a household name across generations, something Lamar has not achieved on the same scale.

The debate underscores the different strategies artists use to build longevity and influence in the music world.

Young Thug’s Ongoing Feuds

Kendrick Lamar wasn’t the only name to come up in Thug’s leaked conversations.

• He reportedly made negative remarks about Migos, questioning their status.

• He called Gucci Mane “soft” after his release from prison.

• He also cast doubt on Gunna’s streaming numbers, suggesting some were artificially inflated.

Each of these statements has created waves, but the Kendrick comments stand out because of the magnitude of Lamar’s reputation and the weight of comparing him to Drake.

What This Means for Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar himself has not responded publicly to Thug’s leaked comments, and it’s unlikely that he will. Known for avoiding unnecessary drama, Lamar often lets his music speak for itself.

However, fans have speculated whether some of his lyrics on “Squabble Up” (released in November 2024) were subtle references to frustrations like the one Thug expressed. Lines about refusing requests for features could easily be interpreted as addressing situations like this.

If true, it would be Lamar’s way of answering criticism without engaging in direct conflict.

The Bigger Picture: Collaboration vs. Exclusivity

At the heart of this story lies a philosophical debate in music: should superstars collaborate widely to spread influence, or should they be selective to preserve artistic integrity?

• Drake’s approach: Maximize reach by collaborating across styles, genres, and generations.

• Kendrick’s approach: Protect artistic value by carefully choosing collaborators and limiting output.

• Thug’s perspective: Collaborations are about community, respect, and opportunity.

Each strategy has merits, but it also explains why comparisons between Kendrick Lamar and Drake often stir so much passion.

Thug Teases New Music Amidst Controversy

Interestingly, in the midst of these leaks, Young Thug teased that an announcement was coming in early September 2025. While details remain unclear, fans are speculating that it could involve new music—possibly his long-rumored project Uy Scuti.

If true, Thug could redirect attention back to his art rather than his phone call controversies. But for now, the leaks continue to dominate headlines.

Conclusion: A Clash of Perspectives

The leaked call in which Young Thug says Kendrick Lamar will never be bigger than Drake highlights more than just personal frustration. It reflects broader debates about artistry, collaboration, and the balance between commercial success and cultural impact.

For Thug, Lamar’s refusal to collaborate is a sign of arrogance that limits his potential. For Kendrick, it may be a matter of focus, legacy, and creative control. And for Drake, it’s another reminder of how his open-door policy has made him arguably the most recognizable figure in rap today.

Whether or not fans agree with Thug’s assessment, the controversy ensures that the Kendrick vs. Drake debate will continue to fuel conversations for years to come. In the meantime, both artists remain at the top of the genre, shaping hip-hop in their own distinct ways.