Hip-hop icon Akon has weighed in on one of the most debated topics in rap history—who would win in a battle between Eminem and Drake? While acknowledging Eminem as the greatest rapper of all time, Akon believes that when it comes to creating a battle song in today’s era, Drake would come out on top.
Akon’s Take: It’s About the Generation, Not Just Talent
Akon broke down his perspective by making a distinction between battle rapping and battle songs.
“If you have a battle rap between Eminem and Drake, Eminem will win. But then, if you have a battle song between Eminem and Drake, Drake will win. In battle rapping, where we’d stand face to face and rap each other off, I ain’t seen nobody do it better than Eminem. But if you’re gonna make a song, and you’ve got time to think about it, Drake is taking him down.”
The key argument Akon makes is that Eminem hasn’t fully adapted to the new generation of rap. While he still holds the title of GOAT, his recent albums and releases show that he hasn’t mastered today’s evolving rap sound the way Drake has.
Eminem’s Legacy vs. Drake’s Relevance
Eminem’s influence on hip-hop is undeniable. With classics like The Real Slim Shady, Lose Yourself, and Rap God, he redefined lyrical mastery and battle rapping. His ability to dismantle opponents in direct lyrical combat is nearly unmatched.
However, as Akon points out, hip-hop has evolved. Today’s rap landscape values melodies, catchy hooks, and social media appeal. Drake has mastered the art of making diss tracks that double as hits, like Back to Back against Meek Mill, which dominated the charts while delivering hard-hitting bars.
“It’s not about how talented Eminem is but about the generation and the gap. Drake understands this new generation more than Eminem,” Akon added.
Would Drake Really Beat Eminem in a Battle Song?
Akon’s comments sparked heated debates among fans. Some agree that Drake’s ability to craft mainstream, hit-making diss tracks gives him the edge in today’s industry. Others argue that Eminem’s raw lyrical ability and history of destroying opponents in rap battles still make him unbeatable.
While Eminem remains one of the most feared MCs in lyrical combat, the question remains: If a battle song between him and Drake were to happen today, who would come out victorious?
