Hip-Hop

DDG Ignites Debate, Names Sexyy Red a "Top 5 Rapper Ever" After Drake Features

4h ago

Rapper DDG didn't hold back. On May 15, 2026, the Pontiac, Michigan native took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to make a definitive statement: Sexyy Red is a "top 5 rapper ever." This bold declaration landed just as Canadian superstar Drake surprise-dropped three new albums, two of which prominently featured the St. Louis rapper.

DDG's pronouncement came mere moments after Drake released *Iceman*, *Habibti*, and *Maid of Honour* at midnight ET. Sexyy Red appears on the tracks "Hurrr Nor Thurrr" from *Habibti* and "Cheetah Print" from *Maid of Honour*, giving immediate context to DDG's high praise. The timing amplified the conversation, drawing swift reactions across social media and reigniting the perennial hip-hop debate over who truly belongs in the pantheon of greats.

Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr., known professionally as DDG, has built a career not just on music but also on his influential online presence. Born in 1997, he began creating videos in 2014, eventually dropping out of Central Michigan University to commit fully to his burgeoning YouTube channel. His musical journey saw him sign with Epic Records in 2018 and co-found his own label, Zooted Music, by 2020. A significant breakthrough arrived with his 2020 single "Moonwalking in Calabasas," which, along with its Blueface remix, achieved double platinum status. DDG is recognized for his social media engagement, which has often included public trolling and generated discussions around his personal life, including past relationships and notable feuds.

Sexyy Red, born Janae Nierah Wherry in 1998, has rapidly ascended in the hip-hop scene with her distinctive style. The St. Louis native is known for her explicit lyrics, memorable hooks, and an unapologetically bold persona that resonates with themes of empowerment and sexuality. Her 2023 single "Pound Town" with Tay Keith, and its remix "Pound Town 2" featuring Nicki Minaj, marked her first entries on the Billboard Hot 100. Her discography includes mixtapes like *Ghetto Superstar* (2021), *Hood Hottest Princess* (2023), and *In Sexyy We Trust* (2024). While her raw energy has earned her commercial success and critical nods, including a Grammy Award nomination for her feature on Tyler, the Creator's "Sticky" and a "Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist" award at the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards, her unique rapping ability has also drawn polarizing reactions and online criticism.

Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham in Toronto in 1986, is a highly influential figure in music, credited with popularizing R&B sensibilities within hip-hop. Before his music career, he gained recognition as an actor on *Degrassi: The Next Generation*. His signing with Young Money Entertainment in 2009 solidified his path to becoming one of the most acclaimed artists of his generation. The triple album drop on May 15, 2026, followed a turbulent period for Drake, notably a high-profile feud with Kendrick Lamar that saw both artists trading diss tracks between March and May 2024.

This wasn't the first time DDG stirred the pot with a "top 5" claim about Sexyy Red. Back on March 20, 2024, DDG posted to X, declaring, "sexyy redd top 5 female rapper of all time." That earlier statement drew considerable backlash from social media users. Many expressed strong disagreement, with comments ranging from "He's entitled to his wrong opinion" and "A brain is terrible thing to not use!" to more direct criticisms like "Not tryna be funny but Even she knows she's not even in the top 10 of all time" and "Tf she ain't my top 50." Some users suggested DDG was simply "Clearly tryna go viral cuz how???" or concluded, "this is why nobody takes you seriously." Sexyy Red herself acknowledged the impending reactions, retweeting DDG's post with the caption, "Dey not gon like you fa dis one 😂😂."

The relationship between these artists runs deeper than recent headlines. Sexyy Red joined Drake as an opening act on his "It's All a Blur Tour" in August 2023 and also appeared alongside SZA on Drake's 2023 single "Rich Baby Daddy." DDG and Sexyy Red are known to share a "genuine friendship," publicly observed through moments like DDG's guest performance during Sexyy Red's Coachella set. Earlier in May 2026, DDG was present when Sexyy Red mentioned an upcoming trip to Toronto, fueling speculation about her involvement in Drake's *Iceman* project, a question that was definitively answered by her features on *Maid of Honour* and *Habibti*.

Such declarations about "top 5" status are a constant, often contentious, element of hip-hop discourse. These lists frequently ignite passionate debates among fans and critics alike, underscoring the cultural weight placed on lyrical ability, impact, and legacy within the genre. DDG's latest statement taps directly into this tradition, ensuring that Sexyy Red's name and her recent high-profile collaborations with Drake remain central to hip-hop conversations, particularly in the wake of significant new music releases. The move keeps all three artists firmly in the cultural spotlight, reinforcing the interconnectedness of their careers and the enduring power of a bold declaration in the digital age.