Ye Falls Short to Rap Icons, Eminem, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar, to Become Most-Wanted on Every Playlist

2024 is marked by musical brilliance, especially in the hip-hop kingdom, as a wave of resurgences aims to bring back a renaissance that has been missing in recent years. This year kicked off with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, making a comeback with his release ‘Vultures 1’, followed by months filled with debates over who holds the hip-hop crown, highlighted by the famous Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud. However, with Eminem’s return and his latest album climbing the charts, the competition has shifted dramatically, leaving the Atlanta rapper’s dominance in question.

Hip-Hop All Day recently took to X to gauge fans’ loyalties following the release of new albums by hip-hop legends Drake, Ye, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem. The lineup begins with Drake’s ‘For All the Dogs’, which debuted in October 2023, followed by Ye’s ‘Vultures 1’ release in February, whose follow-up record is still keeping fans on their toes. Lamar’s ‘Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers’ arrived in May, and Eminem’s most recent album, ‘The Death of Slim Shady’, hit shelves just last week, rounding out the impressive roster.

Despite the anticipation for the ever-hibernating ‘Vultures 2’, discussions about fan allegiance revealed that the ‘Donda’ rapper, Ye, did not top fans’ favoritism charts as Lamar, Drake, and Eminem visibly overshadowed him in popularity. While it is challenging to determine if this shift in dynamics is solely due to the other artists’ musical prowess, there is a possibility that frustration over the unending hold-off of ‘Vultures 2’ contributed to Ye’s declining popularity.

What added to the intrigue, however, was that this opinion was not isolated but widely shared, indicating a unanimous fall in Ye’s efforts of retreat.

After a prolonged period of no-show for Vultures 2, fans display a no-show of support for Ye

When Ye announced his return with the three-part volume of his ‘Vultures’ album, it ignited immense anticipation among his fans, who eagerly awaited updates. However, due to the lack of progress and communication regarding his follow-up album, fan frustration has escalated beyond online complaints, now, potentially impacting the rapper’s popularity. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Eminem have capitalized on this moment to solidify their positions in the hearts of fans, with their albums garnering significant favor.

Initially, many believed that only Eminem and Lamar were worth listening to from the lineup. However, Drake’s supporters vehemently defended his consistency and versatility on ‘For All the Dogs’. 

Despite Eminem’s ‘The Death of Slim Shady’ having already entered the talks for rap album of the year’s title and going head-on against Lamar’s dedicated fanbase, Ye’s supporters were notably absent, reflecting his decline from chart-topper status to obscurity. It is indeed disconcerting to witness Ye’s unexpected downturn, considering his past successes. Yet, given his resilient nature, it remains to be seen whether he will rise again, demonstrating his phoenix-like ability to overcome adversity once more.

What do you think of fans favoring Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake instead of Ye in the debates about who topped the charts with their albums? Let us know in the comments below!