Drake and Lil Wayne take rap battle to new level in Queens concert

The Drake vs. Lil Wayne Tour is a great idea on paper.

In a nod to the rich history of rap battles, the hip-hop superstars took the art of battling to its highest level for two hours at Forest Hills Stadium Tuesday. Trading off 10-minute sets filled with chart-topping hits, Drake and Wayne set out to prove who was best -- with the audience picking the winner using a smartphone app.

The idea turned out even better in practice thanks to high-energy performances from both of them and loads of playful banter.

"His career is longer, but my [expletive] is stronger right now," Drake said, after promising, "I gotta roast my boss tonight in NYC."

Wayne, the head of the Young Money crew that boasts Drake, Nicki Minaj and others, countered with, "There's a difference between hits and classics."

Drake offered the wider range of songs from ballads like "Find Your Love" to the disco-leaning "Hold On, We're Going Home," as well as the straightforward hip-hop of his current single "0 to 100."

Lil Wayne's offerings were more focused on his clever lyrical twists and hot hooks, though he did throw in the guitar ballad "How to Love" to show he could match Drake in that department. Where he shined brightest though was in songs such as "A Milli," where his distinctive lyrics and delivery came through.

Fans gave Drake the victory in the battle, but the real winner turned out to be them.