Update (March 1, 6:03 p.m. EST):

Joey has clarified his statements on 'Pac with a couple tweets you can read below.

Original Story:

Joey Badass is gearing up to drop his sophomore album A.A.B.A, due out later this year, and he's making bold claims to back it up.

The Pro Era general sat down with Genius recently (Feb. 28) to talk about both his new album and his love of Black History Month, and in the process, he made some bold statements about one of hip-hop's late greats, the topic turned to Joey's love of 2Pac.

"I believe that every generation that comes after has the opportunity to outshine the previous generation," explained the MC. "I believe I am one of the minds that 'Pac said would spark to change the world. I believe I am one of those. I’m probably not the one that is going to change the world; probably the one after me. It’s a part of me wanting to have their messages travel further because their messages resonate with me. I know there is a lot of people out there that resonate with me, who don’t necessarily resonate with them."

While Joey goes on to express admiration for Makaveli, he then turns these compliments into something of a challenge.

"I already know I’m a better rapper than 2Pac is. That’s just facts. One on one battle, I’ll flame 'Pac," laughed Joey.

Of course, the Badmon is far from the first rapper to compare his skills to 'Pac's. As a young rapper, it's perfectly understandable to want to model your career after the greats who've come before you in the game, and it shows Joey's got real confidence in his pen game right now. What remains to be seen—and heard—is if this statement can be backed up with the material on his new album. The MC has already shared tracks off the project like "Victory" and the gold-selling single from last year "Devastated."

Check out Joey's interview with Genius below and see how many rappers over the years have compared themselves to the West Coast legend.

60 Rappers Who Have Compared Themselves to Tupac

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