The lyrical debate regarding “Who’s The Better Lyrics Between Lupe Fiasco and Kendrick Lamar” resurfaced on the latest episode of Ray Daniels’s That’s Debatable Podcast, featuring Mickey Factz.
Factz, a veteran lyricist known for his elite-level lyricism, weighed in on the debate, claiming that Lupe Fiasco is a better lyricist than Kendrick Lamar based solely on lyrical abilities. “Kendrick is an incredible MC, but I got Lupe ranked higher from a pen standpoint,” Factz tells Ray Daniels and fellow guests Earn Your Leisure hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings.
Mickey Factz continues his argument, acknowledging Kendrick Lamar’s catalog and accolades; however, he bases his decision solely on lyrical ability. “He can outwrap Kendrick today,” Factz explained. “I don’t think it’s insane … Kendrick has been on a run from an album standpoint, unlike anything we’ve seen since Kanye and Tupac. Right? He has an incredible catalogue from a song perspective. Okay. And nobody can deny that. That’s why he’s ranked as high as he’s ranked. In terms of Biggie JayZ Tupac and all of these legends.. But from a pen standpoint, we’re talking about just writing raps, like just writing raps and actually rapping? No, I got Lupe over him. Every day of the week.”
Mickey would then rank Lupe alongside Jay-Z, Biggie Smalls, and Nas as a lyricist. Factz continued: “I’m talking about, in terms of just lyrical, just lyrically, it’s Lupe. He’s that guy. And Kendrick would even admit that he’s. Yes, it’s Lupe.”
The conversation would later include Andre 3000, J. Cole, and more. All are being compared solely on their lyrical abilities. Mickey Factz is best known for his early 2000s mixtape run, including 2008’s The Leak, Vol.2: The Inspiration. Hailing from the Bronx, he has collaborated with Lupe Fiasco, Drake, and Skyzoo.
Lupe Fiasco and Kendrick Lamar’s long-simmering tension reflects a deeper rift in hip-hop’s evolving landscape. The friction traces back to 2018, when Lupe publicly questioned Kendrick’s lyrical prowess during a heated Twitter exchange, downplaying the impact of Kendrick’s famed “Control” verse and suggesting his style lacked originality. The comments shocked fans, particularly since Kendrick had previously named Lupe as an early influence.
While Kendrick has remained silent, Lupe has continued to voice his frustration—lamenting how critics elevate Kendrick in discussions of top-tier lyricists while sidelining his own work. Through veiled freestyles and cryptic tweets, Lupe’s critiques have fed speculation of a one-sided rivalry.
At the heart of the divide lies more than ego. Lupe represents precision and technical mastery, while Kendrick leans into layered narratives and abstract storytelling. The philosophical split highlights broader debates surrounding lyricism, legacy, and who is crowned in the culture’s ever-shifting hierarchy.
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