Rappers don’t just admire Lil Wayne—they worship him. From Chance the Rapper to 2 Chainz, hip-hop heavyweights have gone on record naming Weezy as their #1. As Tha Carter VI approaches, we’ve rounded up the moments where your favorite MCs crowned Lil Wayne as the undisputed GOAT.
No one’s had a bigger impact on this generation of rap stars than Lil Wayne. His flow, punchlines, and relentless work ethic shaped an era. You can hear his influence in the voices of today’s biggest names—because they’ve said it themselves.
Chance the Rapper called Wayne the “best rapper alive.” 2 Chainz said Wayne was his favorite and honored him with a collab album. G Herbo, Ice Cube, and even dancehall legend Vybz Kartel all named him their top rapper. And this isn’t hearsay—we’ve got the clips to prove it.
Wayne didn’t just break records. He built blueprints. Whether it was mixtape culture, auto-tune flows, or lyrical dexterity, he set the tone. And rappers across the map still give him his flowers.
Scroll down to watch the moments these stars gave Wayne his due. Then tell us: Who’s your GOAT—and what’s your favorite Lil Wayne bar of all time?
GloRilla stopped to give praise to Lil Wayne on a recent red carpet.
2. Chance The Rapper
Chance the Rapper didn’t hesitate when asked who’s the best rapper alive—he pointed straight to Lil Wayne. During his interview with Ari Melber, Chance said it plainly: “Lil Wayne is the best rapper alive.”
3. 2 Chainz
On The Wendy Williams Show, 2 Chainz referred to Lil Wayne as his “favorite rapper,” emphasizing Wayne’s significant influence on the culture and expressing his desire to honor him through their collaborative project, ColleGrove.
4. G Herbo
During a 2022 appearance on The Breakfast Club, G Herbo called Lil Wayne his “favorite rapper of all time” and expressed a strong desire to collaborate with him, stating that working with Wayne would signify a major milestone in his career.
5. Ice Cube
In a 2022 episode of the On The Guest List podcast, Ice Cube praised Lil Wayne, stating, “It’s hard to beat Lil Wayne,” and highlighting his exceptional metaphors and lyrical prowess.
6. Young Thug
Despite a complex relationship, Young Thug has consistently expressed admiration for Lil Wayne, calling him “the greatest” and “the best rapper in the f*ck*ng world” in a 2015 GQ interview.
7. Chris Brown
After performing at Lil Weezyana Fest in 2016, Chris Brown took to Instagram to call Lil Wayne his “favorite rapper,” crediting him for paving the way for many artists in the industry.
8. DJ Khaled
DJ Khaled calls Lil Wayne “the greatest rapper of all time,” crediting him as one of the most incredible artists he’s ever worked with. Khaled says Wayne’s consistency, creativity, and impact on the culture are unmatched.
9. Joey Purp
During a 2016 freestyle session on Sway in the Morning, Joey Purp listed Lil Wayne among his top five favorite rappers, alongside André 3000, Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Big L.
10. Vybz Kartel
In 2020, dancehall artist Vybz Kartel declared Lil Wayne as his favorite living rapper, distinguishing him from Tupac, whom he considers his all-time favorite.
11. MGK
“Wayne is everything… he hard to beat.” In a 2023 episode of Complex’s “GOAT Talk,” MGK named Lil Wayne as his greatest of all time, citing his star power and punchlines.
12. Kendrick Lamar
“Lil Wayne is the greatest. Not only because of his music but also because of the culture he put behind it.” Kendrick praised Wayne’s influence in a 2016 interview with The Coveteur, highlighting his impact on both music and culture.
13. Juvenile
“I saw the whole process of him… just seeing the whole development of Wayne and where he’s at right now.” In a 2023 appearance on The Breakfast Club, Juvenile declared Lil Wayne the greatest rapper ever, reflecting on their time together in the Hot Boys.
“Lil Wayne, I mean, he’s the GOAT… you haven’t seen greatness like that.” At the 2023 City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala, Master P honored fellow Louisiana native Lil Wayne, praising his lyrical talent and cultural impact.
