DaBaby claims top tier with Drake, Kendrick & J. Cole, says he’s the best rapper

DaBaby is standing firm on his belief that he belongs among hip-hop’s elite. In a recent interview, the Charlotte rapper made headlines after openly comparing his skills and mindset to some of the biggest names in rap today.

The conversation quickly spread across the rap and hip-hop community as fans debated his confidence. His comments touched on long-standing discussions about competition, self-belief, and ranking in modern hip-hop culture.

Rather than stepping back from his statement, the rapper doubled down and explained where his mindset comes from and why he continues to speak so openly about his place in the industry.

DaBaby Says He Belongs in Hip-Hop’s Top Tier With Drake, Kendrick Lamar & J. Cole

DaBaby made it clear during his conversation with Nadeska Alexis that he sees himself on the same level as some of rap’s most respected artists. He pointed directly to his lyrics on the track “Beneficial,” where he references being grouped with Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole.

The rapper explained that the line was not just for effect, but a reflection of how he genuinely views his place in the genre. When asked if he truly believes that comparison, DaBaby responded without hesitation: “A 1000%. A 1000%.”

He also emphasized that confidence has always been part of his identity in music. According to him, this mindset is not new or influenced by recent success, but something DaBaby has carried since the beginning of his career.

“I always say… I’m the best motherf**ing rapper,” he said. “A lot of people say they the best, but I really mean that. I’m better than these n**s.”

Confidence, Skill, and Rap Identity

The Charlotte rapper went further into how he views confidence in hip-hop. While he acknowledged that many artists claim to be the best, the rapper insisted that his belief comes from genuine skill rather than image.

He explained that he does not want his statements to be misunderstood as generic rap bravado. Instead, DaBaby sees his confidence as being tied to his ability to perform at a high level in any musical situation.

“I don’t want it to come off like the cliché thing… like ‘you should feel like you the best too,’” he said. “That’s not what I’m saying. I feel like I have the ability to go anywhere musically.”

In his view, technical ability and versatility are what separate him from others. He believes that if stripped everything away, DaBaby could still compete with the best in the genre.

“If we strip everything away and just go back to being in front of a microphone… I can get in there with the best of them,” he added.

Ambition, Competition, and Career Growth

The Rockstar rapper also linked his mindset to long-term ambition. For him, speaking confidently about his place in hip-hop is part of pushing his career forward and opening new opportunities.

He explained that declaring himself among top artists is not just about ego, but about positioning himself for bigger moments in music. In his eyes, confidence and visibility go hand in hand.

“It take me saying that type of shit and then putting it on display… for those doors to open,” he said, adding that he would be open to working with Drake, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar.

Despite the competitive tone, DaBaby made it clear that collaboration is still something he values and respects in hip-hop culture.

Recent Work and Hip-Hop Landscape

DaBaby recently released his project Be More Grateful, continuing his steady presence in the rap scene. Alongside new music, he is also preparing for a self-hosted festival in North Carolina scheduled for June 13.

His comments come at a time when hip-hop continues to evolve, with artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole still dominating conversations about lyrical impact and cultural influence.

At the same time, newer voices continue to challenge those rankings and push for recognition in a highly competitive space. DaBaby’s statements reflect that ongoing tension between legacy artists and newer generations in rap.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, DaBaby presents his message as a combination of belief in self and artistic confidence. Whether fans agree or disagree with his ranking, his stance remains consistent: he believes in his ability to compete at the highest level.

Rather than stepping away from the conversation, DaBaby continues to lean into it, using interviews and music to reinforce his position.

In today’s hip-hop landscape, where competition and comparison are constant, DaBaby’s comments add another voice to an ongoing debate about greatness, legacy, and who truly sits at the top of the rap game.