I’m important like the pope, I’m a Muslim on pork
I’m Makaveli’s offspring, I’m the king of New York
King of the Coast, one hand, I juggle them both
And with that, “one of the best rap verses of all-time,” according to our own David D, Kendrick Lamar turned the rap world upside down. “Kendrick” has been trending on Twitter, as has “King of NY,” referring to the most controversial line in “Control.” East Coast rappers have been claiming they’re the King of New York for decades now, but rarely has it come from a guy who hails from Compton. Today, we take a look back at some of rap’s other most famous “King of New York” boasts. No more mentions of pork, though.
(via Getty Image)
Song: “Kingdom Come”
Artist: Jay Z
(I will be) The King of New York (I will be) New York
Not only N.Y.C. I’m hip hop’s savior (yeah)
Song: “Underground Killas”
Artist: A$AP Mob ft. Raekwon
King of New York with these underground killas
Ride, ride, n*gga fuck the n*ggas, n*gga
Song: “King of N.Y.”
Artist: Kool Keith
I’m the king of New York!
Runnin’ out from big city
Song: “King of N.Y.”
Artist: Fat Joe
Who can test I, the true King of N.Y.
Well ever since Big Boy died from Bed-Stuy
I’ve been, controllin’ the street, holdin’ the heat
Sh*t I only want what’s stolen from me
Song: “Faith”
Artist: Papoose
Yea, king of New York
Yea yea, I’m the king of New York
Yea yea, king of New York
Yea n*gga, I’m the king of New York
Song: “Can’t Tell Me Nothing (Remix)”
Artist: Beanie Sigel, Freeway, and Uncle Murda (who embarrassingly provides the boast)
Uncle Murda coming for the motherf*cking throne
Listen, you could call me the king of New York
You can’t front, I’m doing my thing
Song: “Put ‘Em In Their Place”
Artist: Mobb Deep
Gotta buildin’ for a crib, Manhattan for a backyard
Skyscraper ladies, they f*ck me when they man gone
Kings of New York, I’m one of the few of those
Difficulties to come, it’s gon’ be funerals
And the real King of New York:
BIGGGGGGIIIIIIEEEEEE
