Will.i.am Says Black Thought Is a “Trillion Times Better” Than Jay-Z as a rapper

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When it comes to the conversation about who is the greatest rapper of all time, one of the names that almost always comes up is Jay-Z. One of the strongest cases for that argument is HOV’s longevity. He has a bevy of classic albums which has allowed him to stay on top of the rap game for more than two decades.

Will.i.Am Says Black Thought is “A Trillion” Times Better Than Jay-Z

But despite Jay-Z’s seemingly endless list of accolades, not everyone is ready to crown him the GOAT. During a recent interview on Sway’s Universe, Will.i.am, a famed member of the group Black Eyed Peas, provided a take that was contrary to the norm. He said that he believes that Black Thought, the lead of the famed rap group, The Roots, is a better rapper than Jay-Z.

“That dude’s the dopest to ever,” he said. “[He] is a trillion times better than Jay-Z.”

Will.i.am also went on to say that he thinks the two emcees should battle each other. Assuming that they haven’t already.

“In my mind’s eye, there’s a battle that’s gonna happen, or it’s already happened,” he added.

“And seeing Black Thought, what he’s capable of off the top– and yeah, Jay’s off the top is dope too, and Jay is dope, don’t get me wrong, but Jay has already said everything, he’s just regurgitating everything that he’s already said. Everything that Black Thought comes up with is like, ‘Wait, I never heard that one. Wow, you split that word up like that?’ That’s just me.”

The famed Black Eyed Peas member went on to say that he has omitted Jay-Z from his top five. While Black Thought makes the cut. Along with KRS One, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, and Nas.

“It’s always Biggie, 2Pac, Nas, Jay. I’m like KRS, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Nas, Black Thought… Yes, Jay-Z is awesome. I’m not taking away from his brilliance. I just don’t think he’s better than Black Thought. And, I’d like to see a battle.”

Black Eyed Peas' Will i am says Black Thought is a better rapper than Jay-Z, and he wants them to battle📍

"Black Thought is a trillion times better than Jay-Z… Jay has already said everything he said, he's just regurgitating…"

His Top 5 Rappers:
– Rakim
– Big Daddy Kane
-… pic.twitter.com/6aFGWKhWkG

— SOUND | Victor Baez (@itsavibe) July 31, 2025