Big Three (rappers)

The term "Big Three" in hip-hop culture refers to Drake, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, who are widely recognized as three of the most influential and commercially successful hip-hop artists of the 2010s. The phrase is commonly used by fans and media to describe their prominence within the genre. In 2023, J. Cole referenced the term in his collaboration with Drake, "First Person Shooter," which contributed heavily towards causing the widely publicized feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
Origin
The designation of these three artists as the "Big Three" can be traced back to their respective rises in prominence and the frequent comparisons made between them. Their competitive dynamic was initially highlighted following the release of Big Sean’s 2013 track "Control," which featured a guest verse from Kendrick Lamar. In his verse, Lamar named several rappers, including J. Cole and Drake, and positioned himself as the preeminent artist of his era.
While many rappers viewed Lamar’s verse as a nod to hip-hop’s competitive nature, Drake responded in a 2014 interview on HOT 97, questioning Lamar’s intentions. J. Cole similarly alluded to the competitive nature of their relationship in his verse on Justin Timberlake’s "".
2024 Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud
In 2024, discussions surrounding the "Big Three" were revived following the release of Metro Boomin and Future’s album '. On the track "Like That," Kendrick Lamar called out Drake and J. Cole. Lamar’s verse referenced their collaboration on "First Person Shooter" and included the line "Motherfuck the Big Three, it’s just Big Me".
Drake and J. Cole subsequently responded with diss tracks, beginning the Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud.

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