Chris Rock Says Kendrick Lamar’s ‘DAMN’ Is Like OutKast’s ‘Aquemini’

It’s no secret Chris Rock is a rap fan. As a self-professed hip-hop head, the comedian is often asked for his opinions on the genre and artists, so it’s no surprise a recent interview with Hot 97 shifted towards rap and Kendrick Lamar.

Speaking with Peter Rosenberg and Laura Styles of Hot 97, Rock was asked if he thought Lamar was one of the greatest rappers ever. This led to the comedian discussing the rapper’s place among the greats and comparing his latest work to a classic album from OutKast.

“He’s in there,” Rock said when asked if Kendrick was one of the greatest of all time. “I feel this album [‘DAMN.’] is really good, man. It’s kind of like [OutKast’s] ‘Aquemini’ or something. It gets better with each listen and there’s different layers to it.”

Rock went on to say Kendrick’s lyrics make you read and search what he said. “You listen to ‘Pride’? Woooh. You gotta read. When you gotta punch up the lyrics and read it so you don’t miss nothin’? Nah, Kendrick’s on a whole ‘nother [level].”

Although the comedian didn’t exactly place Lamar among the greatest rappers due to his short career length, he did say he’s on his way there. “I believe he has entered the conversation. This is only three albums though — I guess it’s four technically,” Rock said. “He’s up there. He’s clearly distanced himself. Him and J. Cole.”

Rock didn’t stop with his praise for Kendrick, saying the “DNA.” rapper is setting new trends in hip-hop while other artists are following them. “Kendrick’s one of these guys that — he doesn’t even have to listen to what’s pop. He’s pop. He’s so good, it’s like, ‘this is pop now.”

As for the comedian’s top five rappers, Rock previously revealed his list in the film “Top Five,” placing Jay Z, Nas, Scarface, Rakim and The Notorious B.I.G. as the best.

Released on April 14, Kendrick Lamar opened up about the album during an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music. Asked about fan’s reaction to the project, the rapper said he doesn’t judge reactions based on what he reads online.

“As soon as I hit mastering, I just turn that thing in and try not to listen to it or even see the actual response for a while,” the rapper said. “I’ve been attached to this piece of art for the last year and some change, I’ve indulged so much I don’t even want to hear it. I just want to give it to the people and let them take it and live with it and breathe it.”

Lamar added, “Then when I come back on that stage, that’s when I want to feel it. That’s when I want to see it, that’s when I want to see your reaction. I can’t get that same reaction on internet, through some comments. When I go out there and I see people just really taking these songs to heart, that’s the reaction. The internet is a tricky place and the way our minds work in a psychological matter, we’re only going to see the good things anyway.”