Tank joined Stephen A. Smith for a friendly debate during an episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show. In a clip uploaded on Thursday (Aug. 15), the two men go back and forth after the R&B singer asserts his opinion on Chris Brown and Michael Jackson.

“Chris Brown is, in fact, better than Michael Jackson,” claims Tank to Smith’s disbelief.

“Tank! Do you understand what you’re saying, my man?” questions the sports broadcaster. “I mean, you’re admired, you’re revered, you’re associated with music my brother. Everybody loves and respects you.”

Tank performs onstage at the Evening Concert Series during the 2021 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture presented by Coca-Cola at University of New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Tank responded, “If there was Magic Johnson, now there is LeBron James. That is the ultimate evolution of a man who can play all five positions. We talk about Chris Brown, we’re talking about the evolution of Michael Jackson. The evolution of Usher. The evolution of me. The evolution of Ginuwine. That is what this kid is.”

“Oh come on, Tank. Come on… When I saw Chris Brown perform, he’s the best in the world now. The best in the world. One of one. I’m just challenging the next level. Like, I didn’t know there was a next level after Michael Jackson,” continued Smith in the short.

This is not the “I Deserve” performer’s first time making the comparison and putting the Virginia native on top of The King Of Pop. In June 2022, the debate was sparked by Former NFL star Ryan Clark on social media.

“I’ve been the only one saying this and I’ve felt alone for so long. Welcome to the fold! Singer, Dancer, writer, producer, actor, painter, clothing designer, gymnast, ninja, etc!!! [shrug emoji] MJ is the greatest but CB has more gifts is all we’re saying…[praying hands emoji],” wrote Tank on Instagram at the time.

He continued, “People don’t read to comprehend they only read to respond. MJ is the greatest of all times!! His musical catalog and abilities will never be matched but as far as overall gifts CB has more. There are plenty of artists who never made it out that have more gifts than all of us..lol. We’re not arguing greatness; we simply counting gifts.”

The Stephen A. Smith Show is described as a platform where Smith shares his “renowned point of view, breaking barriers beyond the world of sports, and tackling pertinent issues across entertainment, pop culture, society, business, and politics.”

The sports podcast streams new episodes three times a week, live, featuring commentary on the day’s biggest headlines as well as interviews with various celebrities, game-changers, and thought leaders. Check out the clip featuring Tank above.