Freddie Gibbs Refuses to Compare Himself to Tupac, Other Rappers Take Note

Much like in sport, comparisons in hip-hop are unavoidable. Just as a young Harold Minor was once labeled the next Michael Jordan—even though the only traits “Baby Jordan” shared with His Airness was a shaved dome and a fondness for dunking—up-and-coming rappers are ten labeled the second coming fill in the blank]. 

However, whereas most pressional athletes adopt comparisons that are made by their rap colleagues, the media and a team's fanbase, rap artists have a tendency to make the comparison themselves. 

Case in point: For the past 20 years, since his tragic death in 1996, Tupac has been the apple comparison many a rapper's eye. Long before Joey Bada$$, Kodak Black, Boosie BadAzz and Troy Ave (yes, that Troy Ave) were drawing comparisons to the icon, now-veterans like 50 Cent, Jeezy and T.I. all proclaimed themselves as either the second coming Pac or a member his exclusive company.

In a new interview with Complex, Freddie Gibbs was asked about whether or not he feels his new album, You Only Live 2wice, is “carrying on” Tupac's legacy. Given that his new album is inspired by Tupac, contains Tupac lyrics (“My ambitions as a rider, nigga / Survival f that powder, nigga“) and has drawn several comparisons to the late rapper's best work, the question was fair game.

Gibbs could have easily taken the bait, but as a seasoned interviewee, he took the road less traveled:

For any rapper reading this article, please re-read Gibbs' answer again and jot down some notes. Notice how, when given the opportunity to create a headline-worthy answer, Gibbs not only refuses to make the comparison himself but goes out his way to praise Tupac, making clear that no matter what he does musically, he'll never come close to filling his shoes.

Amusingly, out all the rappers in history who have labeled themselves as a worthy successor to Pac—which, somehow, includes a delusional Tyga—Gibbs is actually the aptest parallel. From his passionate, intense delivery to his thoughtful lyrics, Gibbs has channeled a lot what made Tupac special and has turned that into a decade-long career.