Drake Declares London Has the Best Lyricists Amid UK vs US Rap Battle Sparked by Skepta
Drake has officially weighed in on the heated debate ignited by Skepta over who reigns supreme in rap—UK or US artists. During day two of his headlining set at Wireless Festival, the Canadian superstar paused amid a slew of surprise guest performances to share his thoughts on the trending topic that has taken over hip hop circles on both sides of the Atlantic.
While addressing the sold-out crowd in London, Drake didn’t mince words. “The best lyricists in the world—mark my words—I don’t care what nobody says,” he said. “Nobody can out rap London—nobody. No disrespect to America. No disrespect to my country. But, nobody can out rap London rappers. This is the best, this is the highest level. This is what I aspire to be.”
The statement came as Drake welcomed Skepta to the stage, acknowledging his longtime friend and collaborator’s influence in the UK rap scene. It also marked Drake’s public entry into the ongoing debate Skepta sparked earlier in the week, when he challenged American rappers to a lyrical showdown.
Skepta fired the first shot at Joyner Lucas with the diss track “Friendly Fire,” in which he directly compares his success and status to that of the Massachusetts rapper. Joyner quickly responded on social media, nodding along to the track with a subtle but pointed reaction, signaling that a response may be coming soon.
Drake’s comments further elevated the conversation, especially considering his own deep ties to both UK and US rap scenes. While born and raised in Canada, Drake has collaborated heavily with UK artists over the years and is widely embraced by the London grime and drill communities. His respect for the UK’s lyrical depth appears to run deep, though his remarks have sparked passionate reactions online.
Once the clip of Drake’s statement hit social media, the debate exploded. Some fans agreed, while others were quick to challenge the claim. “Man WHAT,” one fan commented under the video, while another posted, “This is the first time I’ve ever heard this sentence.” Another user added, “LMAOOOOO I’m from the UK and even I know this is BS. He’s still hurt.” One more chimed in, “I’m a Drake fan 100% but this is a krazy take lol.”
The backdrop of Drake’s statement also ties into his ongoing beef with ASAP Rocky, another artist named in Skepta’s original challenge. Rocky and Drake share a complicated history that includes collaborations, shared tours, and rumored romances with the same high-profile women. Drake’s choice to support Skepta and UK rap in this moment could be seen as yet another subtle jab in that rivalry.
As the battle lines continue to form between American and UK rappers, Drake’s bold proclamation has poured gasoline on a fire that’s only just beginning to rage. Whether fans agree or disagree, one thing is clear—the rap world is watching closely.
