If you’ve spent any amount of time on TikTok, you have probably come across the ‘Artists who can sing vs artists who can’t’ meme.
The meme, also known as ‘Rappers that can sing vs rappers that can’t sing,’ is the latest ironic trend to go viral on TikTok, jokingly comparing the vocal abilities of different musicians.
The meme uses exaggerated clips, whimsical edits, and absurd scenarios, often flipping expectations for comedic effect. These videos have amassed millions of views and thousands of likes on the app. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Origins of the meme
The trend started with a related concept, ‘Rappers that can sing vs. rappers that can’t sing,’ which first appeared in January 2023. TikTok user natecaller shared a video featuring rapper 6ix9ine as the “can’t sing” example and Fetty Wap as the “can sing,” racking up over 14.1 million views.
By mid-2024, creators expanded the meme to other artists, pairing ironic “can’t sing” clips with over-the-top, edited “can sing” performances.
One early example involved rapper NBA Youngboy, whose clips were edited to show him singing opera with lasers shooting from his eyes. This exaggerated portrayal labeled him as “can sing” while other artists, like Beabadoobee, became recurring examples of “can’t sing,” creating a comedic juxtaposition.
Viral explosion in 2025
The meme gained traction in late February 2025, after Filipino-British singer-songwriter Beabadoobee became a central figure. TikTok users began including her as the “can’t sing” example in countless videos, using clips of her performances alongside NBA Youngboy’s operatic edits.
Beabadoobee’s frustrated response to the trend only fueled its popularity. On February 21, she posted (and later deleted) a story expressing her dissatisfaction with the meme’s commentary, sparking further mockery. Users claimed she misunderstood the joke’s intention, leading to a surge of ironic content.
The trend thrives on absurdity, unexpected comparisons, and the internet’s love for “brain rot” humor. Whether it’s Youngboy’s “opera” performances or Beabadoobee’s unexpected inclusion, the meme captures TikTok’s ability to make humor out of anything.
It’s just one of the many trends gaining traction on TikTok, alongside the popular ‘Millennial burger place’ meme and the hilarious ‘AI Balloon Filter’ craze.
