Kanye West Blasts Kendrick Lamar and Lucien Grainge, Claims Carti’s Album Was Ruined

Kanye West is back in the headlines with another explosive claim, this time taking aim at Kendrick Lamar, Playboi Carti, and Universal Music Group’s CEO Lucien Grainge. In a series of candid statements, Ye alleged that Kendrick “ruined” Playboi Carti’s latest album, that Grainge is using Lamar as a “pawn,” and that Kendrick’s last two albums were commercial failures.

Kanye Calls Out Kendrick’s Influence on Carti’s Album

According to Kanye, Kendrick Lamar’s involvement in Playboi Carti’s project had a negative impact on the album’s final outcome. While Carti’s fans have been eagerly awaiting new music, Ye suggests that Kendrick’s influence altered the album’s direction, making it less impactful.

Although Kanye didn’t provide specific details on how Kendrick’s input allegedly “ruined” the album, speculation has been rampant. Some believe Ye is referring to a rumored collaboration between Carti and Kendrick that may have steered the album away from its original vision. Others see this as yet another example of Kanye clashing with fellow artists over creative control.

Lucien Grainge Accused of Using Kendrick as a ‘Pawn’

Kanye didn’t stop at calling out Kendrick. He also directed his frustration at Lucien Grainge, CEO of Universal Music Group, claiming that Grainge is manipulating Kendrick’s career for corporate gain.

Ye has had a long history of conflicts with major music executives, frequently accusing them of exploiting artists. His latest comments suggest he believes Kendrick is being positioned as a major industry figure to overshadow other hip-hop artists, including himself.

While some fans dismiss Kanye’s accusations as yet another industry conspiracy, others point out the power struggle between major labels and independent artists. With Kendrick recently releasing music under his own imprint, pgLang, the dynamics between him and Universal remain a topic of discussion.

Kanye Says Kendrick’s Last Two Albums ‘Flopped’

One of Kanye’s boldest claims was that Kendrick’s last two albums were commercial disappointments. While Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers received critical acclaim and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, Ye seems to believe that its impact was overstated.

Similarly, Black Panther: The Album, which Kendrick curated, was a massive cultural moment but may not have resonated with audiences in the long term the way some expected. By calling them “flops,” Kanye is clearly challenging the narrative around Kendrick’s dominance in hip-hop.

Industry Beef or Marketing Strategy?

Kanye’s latest remarks have sparked heated debates online. Some fans believe Ye is simply stirring controversy to keep himself in the spotlight, while others think he’s raising valid concerns about industry politics and artistic integrity.

With Playboi Carti’s new album still highly anticipated and Kendrick remaining one of hip-hop’s most respected figures, this feud could add even more intrigue to the ongoing battle for hip-hop supremacy.

Will Kendrick respond? Or is this just another chapter in Kanye’s long history of headline-making statements? One thing’s for sure—hip-hop fans will be watching closely.