Kendrick Lamar Killed Rap Music… NBA YoungBoy Took Over!

​⁠‪Did Kendrick Lamar kill rap music… and did NBA YoungBoy really take over the game? In this video, we dive deep into one of the most controversial debates in hip-hop today. Kendrick Lamar is widely respected as one of the greatest lyricists of all time, known for his powerful storytelling, social commentary, and classic albums like good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly, and DAMN. But did his rise change rap forever in a way that pushed the culture away from fun, club-driven music? And while critics praised Kendrick’s artistry, did NBA YoungBoy quietly become the most dominant artist in the streets and on YouTube? This video breaks down how Kendrick Lamar reshaped what “greatness” means in hip-hop, how lyrical depth became the new standard, and how that shift affected mainstream rap culture. At the same time, we analyze how NBA YoungBoy built one of the most loyal fanbases in music history through raw emotion, nonstop music drops, and a direct connection with his audience. From billboard charts to YouTube domination, YoungBoy’s numbers speak for themselves — but does dominance equal control of the culture? We also examine how the rap fanbase became divided: lyricism versus consistency, artistry versus volume, “real rap” versus street anthems. Kendrick’s influence pushed hip-hop into classrooms, award shows, and political conversations, while YoungBoy kept the streets fed with nonstop releases that connected to everyday struggle, pain, and survival. Two completely different approaches. Two completely different audiences. One genre caught in the middle. Is today’s rap scene better or worse because of Kendrick Lamar’s impact? Did NBA YoungBoy take advantage of a cultural shift that left room for a new type of superstar? Or is this whole debate proof that hip-hop is bigger than ever, just split into different lanes? We also touch on the Kendrick vs Drake era, the rise of streaming dominance, how social media changed what “taking over” really means, and why YouTube plays such a massive role in NBA YoungBoy’s career. This isn’t just about disliking one artist or praising another — this is about understanding how hip-hop evolved, why fans argue so passionately today, and where rap music might be headed next. If you’re a fan of Kendrick Lamar, NBA YoungBoy, Drake, J. Cole, trap music, lyrical rap, street anthems, or hip-hop culture in general, this is a conversation you do not want to miss. Drop your opinion in the comments: Did Kendrick kill rap? Did YoungBoy take over? Or are both just products of a changing industry? Like, comment, and subscribe for more hip-hop debates, music breakdowns, trending rap topics, and real-time cultural commentary.