Will.i.am is reigniting the conversation around who truly deserves a spot at the top of hip hop’s hierarchy. During a recent appearance on Sway’s Universe, the Black Eyed Peas frontman boldly stated that Black Thought of The Roots surpasses Jay-Z in lyrical mastery.
“That dude’s the dopest to ever,” Will.i.am said, praising Black Thought. “He is a trillion times better than Jay-Z. In my mind’s eye there’s a battle that’s gonna happen, or it’s already happened. And seeing Black Thought, what he’s capable of off of the top… and yeah, Jay’s off the top is dope too and Jay is dope, don’t get me wrong, but Jay has already said everything, he’s just regurgitating everything that he’s already said. Everything that Black Thought comes up with is like, ‘Wait, I never heard that one. Wow, you split that word up like that?’ That’s just me.”
Will.i.am made it clear that his opinion is not about taking anything away from Jay-Z’s legacy, but rather spotlighting the brilliance of Black Thought’s pen and freestyle ability. He continued, “Yes Jay-Z is awesome. I’m not taking away from his brilliance. I just don’t think he’s better than Black Thought. And I’d like to see a battle.”
If that lyrical face-off never takes place in real life, Will.i.am joked that artificial intelligence might need to step in and simulate it for the culture.
He also shared his top five rappers, blending legends across generations: “It’s always Biggie, 2Pac, Nas, Jay. I’m like KRS, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Nas, Black Thought.”
The interview arrives just after Will.i.am and fellow Black Eyed Peas member Taboo dropped their latest single East LA, a tribute to their roots and the immigrant communities that shape Los Angeles. The duo used the release to call attention to the fear and displacement many face due to increased border enforcement.
“We are Los Angeles, we are Angelenos, we are Americans,” they wrote in a statement accompanying the song’s YouTube debut. “Some of us born here, some of us migrated here. We are a great country and our borders should be protected. You would think that the idea of border control would make residents feel safe – but it’s pumped fear into our communities. They’re going after people that make our city beautiful. People who put food in our supermarkets, take care of other people’s kids, work two to three jobs so they can take care of their families. It breaks my heart.”
Will.i.am concluded, “I wanted to make this video to change the vibe and celebrate the folks that make our cities great. The very same people who are being disregarded, dehumanized, and demoralized. Thank you for your contributions. Thank you for your work. We will get through this.”
With both social commentary and hip hop’s greats on his mind, Will.i.am continues to bridge music and message with every move. Whether or not a Jay-Z and Black Thought lyrical showdown ever materializes, one thing is clear—Will.i.am believes that moment would shift the culture.