The Yonkos have striking similarities to at least one rapper each, making them the perfect counterparts.

SUMMARY

One Piece has a wide variety of characters with the Yonkos being considered some of the strongest.
Each Yonko also happens to conveniently have a rapper counterpart to themselves.
Each of them share traits with some of the most commendable musicians.

One Piece characters get compared to other characters all the time. They could be from the same anime or from another, comparisons do not end. It could be a villain or a hero, a celebrity or a fan; if the similarity strikes, so does the comparison with it. While finding similarities and dissimilarities between characters isn’t new, it is what helps in connecting fandoms.

It shows just how vast and spread out the world of One Piece is, with Eiichiro Oda finding qualities for his characters that are indisputably unique while at the same time relatable. While it may sound bizarre, every Yonko has a counterpart in the music industry that equally matches a rapper. Upon pondering a little more, the pieces place themselves on their own.

Shanks and J. Cole

As proposed by theonepiecetalk on Instagram, Shanks holds a striking similarity to J. Cole. Both of them find themselves stuck in the middle of two distinctively different generations, thinking of themselves as part of neither and both at the same time. They both stand as favorites of their readers and listeners, proving to be more relatable in their own ambiguity.
Shanks using Conqueror’s Haki
They hold power despite keeping to themselves most of the time. If messed with, they will strike back, but if not, they will be as peaceful as one can find. They both have a reputation filled with respect while also tipping the hat to those who came before them.

Blackbeard and Kanye West

Much like Kanye West, Blackbeard would stop at nothing to get what he wants. If he has a goal in mind he would, by any means necessary, reach for it. Ambition, opportunity, and a great mind; are qualities that make both of them stand out. At the same time, their reputation is one of lack of loyalty amongst their own.
Blackbeard’s Dark-Dark Fruit from One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation
Their reputations are driven by their delusional beliefs justifying acts that would otherwise make them controversial beings. This makes both Blackbeard and Kanye West loved and hated in their own communities.

Whitebeard and Jay-Z

Despite both Whitebeard and Jay-Z being legends in their respective worlds, they never really got the opportunity to sit on top after rising the ranks. There was always someone above them no matter the influence they held. As a Yonko or as a rapper, they both became figures who somehow helped elevate others rather than acknowledging their own growth.

Whitebeard at Marineford | Credit: Toei Animation
Overshadowed by those who came before them or after them, Whitebeard and Jay-Z were foundation of their own, as pirates and rappers. They were acknowledged by others, respected by others, and even admitted to be of power, but never truly could stand out on their own.

Big Mom and Drake

Big Mom | Credit: Toei Animation
Both Big Mom and Drake have their own influence. Both try to get replicated but none can ever match or meet the standards of those who set them. They both are filled with potential and talent, limited only by those around them. Shadowed by their own created controversies, Big Mom and Drake hold shaky in their worlds that once saw them as Gods. Big Mom’s kids can be compared to that of Drake’s various soundalikes.

Born of one’s creation, trying to replicate their existence but falling short one way or another. They both somehow find themselves as the butt of the jokes made with regard to rappers and pirates. With his latest beef, Drake’s comparison with Big Mom, although peculiar, makes more sense.

Kaido and Kendrick Lamar

Kaido in One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation
Much like Kaido, when Kendrick Lamar is silent, the world would think little of him. However, when he strikes, the impact would be felt across nations. Both live upon the fact that they are on top of the game, unbeatable, and best in what they do. Both Big Mom and Drake set the paths for these two to rise to the top, with her giving him his Devil Fruit and Drake’s inclusion of Lamar in his song F*cking Problem. 

One important trait they both share is their need to be seen and named next to legends of their worlds. They both compare themselves time and again with other great pirates and rappers in an attempt to ensure that even after their passing, they are forever remembered.