It's basically impossible for any rapper to check off all the checkmarks that Cube did. Hell, even you mentioning the Riots...the time that Cube was dominant was almost tailor made for him to become a legend. From the Riots, to gangbangin being at peak, to the crack era still showing effects. Kendrick's era and generation alone is way different.

Cube def has more "money" tracks, whether for radio or the club, but this is 20-25 years later, and for the kids, Kendrick has more than enough anthems for them to rock to. You ever seen how hype they get for MAAD City? Or right now with Humble? Or Alright? I am native enough to say it...Cube's never had any songs that made the entire nation get that hype. Now in L.A., with a 35, 40+ crowd, of course How to survive in South Central and No vaseline go OFFFFFF, but take them outside of L.A. or even Texas (where they love him) and the reaction won't be the same.