Who Is the Real King of the West Coast? The Game Declares Himself #1, But Compton Rapper YESTRDY Says the Crown Belongs Elsewhere

The conversation over who truly represents the West Coast has resurfaced once again after The Game boldly declared himself the best rapper on the West Coast during his recent appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast.

But when WWETV sat down with rising Compton artist YESTRDY, he offered a thoughtful — and historically grounded — counterpoint. According to him, two names shape the West Coast legacy more than any others:

➡️ Eazy-E for influence
➡️ Kendrick Lamar for skill & complexity

And with that, the West Coast debate opened right back up.

YESTRDY: “Influence-wise? Eazy-E. Best rapper? Kendrick Lamar.”

When WWETV asked YESTRDY who made a bigger impact on Compton — Kendrick Lamar or Eazy-E — he didn’t hesitate.

“Influence-wise, Eazy-E. He inspired DJ Quik, who inspired Kendrick. Game, Cube… all of them come from that lineage.”

But he also made it clear that Kendrick Lamar exists on a different lyrical plane:

“Kendrick is complex. You can’t replicate Kendrick. Eazy was simple and marketable — but Kendrick is the best rapper.”

It’s a rare, balanced take:
Eazy-E as the architect, Kendrick as the master craftsman.

Why The Game’s Statement Sparked Such a Strong Reaction

The Game’s catalog is undeniable — Documentary, LAX, Jesus Piece, and countless classic features. He is a certified pillar of West Coast rap.

But proclaiming yourself the best in a region with:

• Tupac

• Ice Cube

• Snoop Dogg

• Dr. Dre

• Kendrick Lamar

…is guaranteed to ignite a firestorm.

The Game’s argument is built on longevity, classic projects, and carrying the West during the early–mid 2000s. But rap culture measures:

• impact

• legacy

• innovation

• influence

And that’s where YESTRDY’s take becomes important — because it goes deeper than personal preference. It looks at lineage.

A Quick History of West Coast Rap: From Streets to Superstardom

To understand today’s debate, you need the full historical ladder:

🔥 1. Eazy-E & N.W.A. — The Godfathers of Compton

Eazy-E didn’t just rap — he launched a movement.

• Founder of N.W.A.

• Helped launch Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, and DJ Yella

• Popularized gangsta rap globally

• Formed Ruthless Records, changing independent rap forever

Eazy’s influence is foundational.
As YESTRDY said:

“Eazy inspired Quik… Quik inspired Kendrick.”

He is the spark that lit the West Coast fuse.

🔥 2. The 90s Takeover — Dre, Snoop, Cube & Pac

After N.W.A. fractured, the West entered a golden era:

Dr. Dre

The Chronic revolutionized rap production and launched Snoop.

Snoop Dogg

His debut album remains one of the most iconic rap moments in history.

Ice Cube

Evolved into one of the greatest lyricists and cultural commentators of all time.

2Pac (West Coast Era)

From All Eyez On Me to Makaveli, he became the face of West Coast emotion, activism, and raw storytelling.

🔥 3. The 2000s Reload — The Game & the Aftermath Era

When the West needed a new champion, The Game stepped up.

• The Documentary became a modern classic

• He restored balance during a Southern-dominated era

• He collaborated with Dre, 50, Nas, Wayne, and literally everyone

His claim to “best West Coast rapper” isn’t random — it comes from being the bridge between eras.

🔥 4. The 2010s–Present — Kendrick Lamar, the Poet Laureate

Kendrick didn’t just enter the conversation — he rewrote the rules.

• Pulitzer Prize winner

• Universally considered one of the best rappers alive

• Albums like good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly, and DAMN. reshaped modern hip hop

• Represents Compton with global influence

As YESTRDY said:

“Kendrick is complex. You can’t replicate him.”

He is the West Coast’s lyrical pinnacle.

WWETV’s Official Mount Rushmore of West Coast Rappers (Based on Legacy + Impact + Skill)

After analyzing history, influence, lyrical ability, cultural impact, and longevity — here is the Mount Rushmore of West Coast hip hop:

🗿 1. Dr. Dre — The Architect

Not the most technical rapper, but no Dre = no Snoop, no Eminem, no 50, no Kendrick, no Game.

His fingerprints are on every era.

🗿 2. Eazy-E — The Pioneer

Launched N.W.A., popularized gangsta rap, and built the blueprint for West Coast identity.

The foundation.

🗿 3. Tupac Shakur — The Icon

His West Coast run cemented him as one of the greatest artists ever, transcending rap entirely.

The heart.

🗿 4. Kendrick Lamar — The Master

The most lyrically advanced rapper the West has ever produced.
A generational artist with Pulitzer-level writing.

The pinnacle.

Where Does The Game Fit?

Just because he’s not on the Mount Rushmore doesn’t diminish The Game’s importance.

He is:

• The face of the West Coast revival in the early 2000s

• One of the most consistent West Coast MCs

• A crucial part of the lineage from Dre → Game → Kendrick

His confidence is part of his identity — and hip-hop has always thrived on bold claims.

Conclusion: The West Coast Is Too Powerful for One Crown

The West Coast doesn’t have one king — it has a legacy of giants, each responsible for a different era of dominance.

YESTRDY’s perspective mirrors the culture:

• Eazy-E = the influence

• Kendrick Lamar = the skill

• The Game = the bridge

And that’s the beauty of West Coast hip hop — it’s a dynasty, not a dictatorship.