The drama started when Young Thug revealed he personally reached out to Kendrick Lamar, Lil Durk, and Lil Baby to appear on his 2023 album Business Is Business. While the others didn’t make it, it was Kendrick’s refusal that clearly struck a nerve.

Thug expressed his frustration, asking, “Why wouldn’t you want to do a feature for a superstar?” According to him, Kendrick’s decision showed a lack of respect, and he wasted no time connecting it to a larger point about success in hip-hop.

Thug’s Big Claim: Kendrick vs. Drake

In the leaked audio, Young Thug didn’t just stop at calling out Kendrick for declining the feature. He went further, declaring that Kendrick will “never be bigger than Drake, ever in life.”

This comparison has reignited the long-standing debate about who holds the crown in modern rap. Drake is often considered the most commercially successful rapper of his era, while Kendrick Lamar is praised as one of the greatest lyricists and storytellers. By saying Kendrick will never reach Drake’s level, Thug added fuel to one of hip-hop’s most passionate fan debates.

More Leaks Add to the Controversy

The Kendrick comments are only part of the story. Other leaked recordings show Young Thug airing out frustrations with several artists and industry figures:

• On Gunna: Thug accused his former protégé of timing his album releases to clash with his own projects. He also suggested that some of Gunna’s chart success could have been boosted by bots. 
• On Gucci Mane: Thug said Gucci had “turned soft” after coming home from prison, taking another shot at a respected name in the game. 
• On Migos: He didn’t hold back when mentioning the rap group, continuing a streak of outspoken remarks. 
• On Baby Keem: Thug even threw shade at Kendrick’s cousin, calling him “bulls*** Keem,” which will likely add more tension to the situation. 

These leaked audios paint a picture of a frustrated Thug who feels undercut or disrespected by people he once respected.

Social Media and Image

Another interesting part of the leaks was Young Thug’s comment about Kendrick Lamar’s online presence. He mocked Kendrick’s low-key social media activity, saying he might as well delete his accounts if he doesn’t plan to engage with fans. In Thug’s eyes, an artist at Kendrick’s level should embrace the spotlight rather than avoid it.

What Comes Next for Young Thug

Amid the controversy, Thug hinted at a big announcement scheduled for early September, which fans believe may be tied to a new album. With all eyes on him, it could be the perfect time for Thug to drop fresh music and take control of the narrative.

Why This Matters

The fact that Young Thug says Kendrick Lamar will never be bigger than Drake matters because it touches on two of hip-hop’s biggest names and their places in rap history. Drake’s dominance in charts and global recognition makes him a benchmark for success, while Kendrick’s artistry has earned him critical respect and a Pulitzer Prize.

By dragging this debate into the open, Young Thug hasn’t just started a feud—he’s sparked a conversation about what it really means to be “bigger” in hip-hop: commercial dominance or artistic legacy. Below you can listen to the call fully and us know what you think about it.

Young Thug Goes Off on Kendrick Lamar after Kendrick couldn’t give him a feature for his album “Business is Business”

“you supposed to be a nigga blessing niggas, that’s why these niggas will never be bigger than drake, EVER in life..” pic.twitter.com/fIUUaECkA3

— GUNNA DAILY (@Gunnnaupdates) September 2, 2025