Elliott Wilson Says Drake’s New Album Fails to Overshadow Kendrick Lamar’s Dominance

Drake and PartyNextDoor recently dropped their highly anticipated collaborative album, “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U,” sparking widespread discussion among fans and critics alike. While some listeners appreciate the new project’s smooth R&B vibes, others feel it lacks the depth and impact expected from a Drake release—especially in the wake of his recent lyrical battle with Kendrick Lamar.

One of the most notable voices to weigh in on the album is Elliott Wilson, a veteran hip-hop journalist and cultural commentator. During a recent episode of his debate show “The Bigger Picture,” Wilson shared his thoughts on the album and how it compares to Lamar’s recent chart-topping success.

Elliott Wilson’s Take on Drake’s Latest Release

Recently, Elliott Wilson weighed in on Drake and PartyNextDoor’s new album “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U,” revealing that it has him split.
Earlier this month, Wilson acknowledged that “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” is a solid project but ultimately feels like “not enough” to compete with Lamar’s dominance in hip-hop right now.

“Look, the guy made a good album in the midst of the f*cking worst a-kicking we’ve ever seen. That would have canceled 99 out of 100 rappers, we must agree,”** Wilson stated, referring to Drake’s recent lyrical battle with Lamar.

Despite acknowledging the album’s strengths, Wilson believes that it fails to shift the balance of power back in Drake’s favor. “It’s pretty impressive that he’s solidifying his all-time status, but I do feel like Kendrick has eclipsed him—and this doesn’t change that,” he added.

Kendrick Lamar Continues to Dominate the Charts

Wilson pointed to the latest Billboard Hot 100 rankings as evidence of Lamar’s continued success. Following his electrifying Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” reclaimed the No. 1 spot, reaffirming its status as a cultural anthem.

But that’s not all—Lamar currently holds multiple spots in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, including:

• “Not Like Us” (#1)

• “Luther” (#3)

• “TV Off” (#4)

• “Squabble Up” (#5)

The sheer dominance of Lamar on the charts demonstrates that the momentum is still firmly in his favor. Even with Drake’s latest release, the hip-hop world remains captivated by Lamar’s lyrical prowess and cultural influence.

Charlamagne Tha God Calls Drake’s Album “Boring”

Wilson isn’t the only industry insider who’s shared mixed feelings about Drake’s new album. On a recent episode of “The Breakfast Club,” radio host Charlamagne Tha God expressed disappointment, calling the album “boring” and lacking the signature soulfulness fans expect from a Drake and PartyNextDoor collaboration.

“I only got to track eleven, but I don’t feel Party on this album at all. I’ve never been a fan of Drake singing. I do like Party, but something about what I heard on this project thus far just feels manufactured. It lacks soul. It’s like AI and B,” Charlamagne remarked.

Charlamagne’s critique suggests that while Drake’s new project caters to a particular audience, it doesn’t necessarily have the artistic weight or depth to shift the ongoing narrative in hip-hop.

Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar: The Battle for Hip-Hop Supremacy

The debate over Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s legacies has been a long-standing discussion in hip-hop circles, but 2025 has seen their rivalry reach new heights.

Lamar’s diss tracks, most notably “Not Like Us,” have left a lasting impact on the hip-hop community. The track’s infectious beat, coupled with scathing lyrics targeting Drake, became an instant classic and fueled ongoing discussions about who holds the crown in modern hip-hop.

Drake, on the other hand, has largely tried to move past the feud, shifting his focus toward releasing new music and maintaining his global superstar status. While “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” showcases his ability to craft catchy records, critics argue that it does little to counter Lamar’s aggressive momentum.

What’s Next for Both Artists?

As the dust settles from their lyrical exchanges, both Drake and Kendrick Lamar seem to be moving in different directions.

• Drake continues to embrace his R&B/pop-infused style, working with artists like PartyNextDoor to appeal to a mainstream audience.

• Kendrick Lamar is doubling down on his hip-hop dominance, crafting socially impactful tracks that resonate with fans and critics alike.

With Kendrick dominating the charts and solidifying his position as one of the greatest lyricists of this era, the question remains: Can Drake reclaim his throne, or has Lamar officially taken over the hip-hop landscape?

The Role of Streaming in Shaping the Narrative

One significant factor in this debate is streaming power. Drake has long been one of the most-streamed artists globally, using platforms like Spotify and Apple Music to maintain his grip on the industry. His ability to rack up billions of streams has allowed him to stay relevant despite criticism.

However, Lamar’s dominance on streaming charts—especially with his recent hits—indicates that fans are craving more lyrical depth and storytelling. The shift towards meaningful content over purely commercial success could explain why Lamar is now viewed as the superior artist in the eyes of many.

Drake’s Resilience and Business Acumen

While critics argue that Drake’s latest project lacks impact, his business acumen and branding power remain unmatched. He continues to make lucrative business moves, from OVO merchandise sales to high-profile collaborations with brands like Nike and NOCTA. These endeavors ensure that he remains financially successful, regardless of critical reception.

Lamar, on the other hand, has taken a different approach. Rather than focusing on mainstream appeal, he has dedicated himself to cultural storytelling, solidifying his place as a voice of the people.

Final Thoughts: Can Drake Bounce Back?

While Drake’s new album may have satisfied some fans, Elliott Wilson and other critics agree that it doesn’t do enough to overshadow Kendrick Lamar’s recent dominance. The numbers don’t lie—Lamar’s chart performance, coupled with overwhelming critical acclaim, suggests that he is currently in the driver’s seat when it comes to hip-hop supremacy.

Drake, however, remains one of the biggest global artists of all time, and it’s unlikely that he’ll let this rivalry define his legacy. Only time will tell whether he can deliver a project that truly challenges Kendrick’s momentum. One thing is for sure: hip-hop fans will be watching closely.