Kanye West Compares Upcoming Bully Album to Lauryn Hill’s Miseducation

In a recent interview with Justin Laboy, Kanye West opened up about his highly anticipated album, Bully, drawing comparisons to Lauryn Hill’s iconic 1998 debut, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

During the discussion, Laboy recalled West describing Bully as a “positive” album. West elaborated, explaining his artistic approach and its departure from traditional rap’s competitive nature.

“Yeah, because you lean on a bar that brings somebody down — that was always rap,” West said. “This is more the way I remember Lauryn Hill’s album, the way I remember Miseducation. I feel it is my Miseducation. It is my Gnarls Barkley album. Because Bully has a title and connotation that a lot of people are anti-bully. But I’m just hyper-next-level frequency right now.”

The conversation took another turn when West made a bold declaration regarding his rap prowess, claiming he is the only artist capable of defeating Kendrick Lamar in a battle.

“If you rap against Kendrick, you will lose. This man does this,” West asserted. “You know on Street Fighter, you get like a Chun-Li, you get a certain kick, and no matter what, you can’t beat that thing.

“Joe Budden said, ‘Never rap against Kendrick Lamar.’ If you rap against Kendrick Lamar, it’s a difficult task, but perhaps there’s something — I’m a psycho genius, so it could be…”

Laboy interjected, reinforcing the sentiment: “There you have it: do not rap against Kendrick Lamar.” Kanye quickly added: “Unless you’re a psycho genius like me.”

Later in the interview, West shared his thoughts on last year’s high-profile rap feud between Kendrick and Drake. Reacting to Kendrick’s victory, he humorously remarked: “Man, you killed my nemesis! Where’s the movies if it ain’t no Drake?”

He continued, likening Drake’s temporary absence to superhero films where key characters disappear for a while: “Or at least he took him down for a little bit. You know in superhero films where one of the characters, like Wolverine or something, just goes away for a couple films?”

West’s comments add further intrigue to Bully, an album that he suggests will blend introspection and innovation, reminiscent of some of music’s most celebrated works.

Kanye West questions why Future and other rappers let Kendrick Lamar’s 'Big Three' line from 'Like That' pass and warns rappers not to rap against Kendrick Lamar unless they’re a psycho genius like him.

(🎥 Justin Laboy/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/hMEKvaGdoN

— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) February 5, 2025