DaBaby is making it clear where he sees himself in rap’s pecking order, and during a recent interview with Apple Music, the North Carolina star said he believes he belongs above the trio many fans call hip-hop’s Big 3: Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole.
“A thousand percent,” DaBaby said when asked if he considers himself better than the chart-topping stars. “I’m the best muthaf–kin’ rapper. I’ve been saying it.”
He continued, “I’m better than these n—as. Like, I really mean that.”
“I feel like I have the ability to go anywhere musically,” he added. “Even if we strip everything else away and just go back to being in front of a microphone and putting music on, I can get in there with the best of them.”
DaBaby says he is the best rapper alive and wants to be put in the same conversations as Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) April 28, 2026
"I definitely do mean that… I'm better than these n****s, I really mean that."
"I would love to work with these guys."
(via Apple Music / Nadeska… pic.twitter.com/mC0up5gFg0
Still, the rapper made it clear there is no bad blood behind the competitive talk.
“I would love to work with these guys,” he said, referring to Drake, Lamar, and Cole. “It take me saying that type of s–t and then putting it on display with the music.”
DaBaby recently released his new project, Be More Grateful, and is preparing for the Be More Grateful Festival on June 13 in North Carolina. The event’s lineup includes 50 Cent, Boosie BadAzz, Waka Flocka Flame and Trina.