Feuds are as old as hip-hop itself, and often, they fuel creativity and public personas. One of the most captivating rivalries of recent years has been between two rap titans: Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Their lyrical sparring and subliminal jabs have left fans eagerly analyzing their every word, waiting for the next salvo in this ongoing battle. The Rise of Two Titans Drake's Journey to the Top Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, began his journey in the entertainment industry as an actor on the Canadian teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation. His transition from actor to rapper started with the release of his mixtape Room for Improvement (2006), followed by Comeback Season (2007), which showcased his unique blend of singing and rapping. Drake's breakthrough came with the release of his third mixtape So Far Gone in 2009, featuring hits like "Best I Ever Had" and "Successful." The mixtape's success earned him a deal with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment. His debut studio album Thank Me Later (2010) topped the Billboard 200 chart and solidified his place in the music industry. Over the next decade, Drake became synonymous with chart-topping hits like "God's Plan," "Hotline Bling," and "In My Feelings." His blend of introspective lyrics, catchy melodies, and versatile music style resonated with a global audience. Albums like Take Care (2011), Nothing Was the Same (2013), and Views (2016) showcased his growth as an artist, leading to numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards. Kendrick Lamar: Compton’s Poet Laureate Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth grew up in Compton, California, where he was inspired by the legacy of West Coast hip-hop legends like Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre. His first mixtape, Youngest Head Nigga in Charge (2003), released under the moniker K-Dot, hinted at his lyrical prowess. Kendrick's rise to prominence began with his acclaimed mixtape Overly Dedicated (2010) and was further solidified with his independent album Section.80 (2011). But it was his major-label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), that cemented his place as one of the greatest lyricists of his generation. The album's storytelling, chronicling his teenage years in Compton, earned widespread critical acclaim. To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) elevated Kendrick to new heights, with its fusion of hip-hop, jazz, and funk, and its incisive exploration of race, politics, and identity. Songs like "Alright" became anthems for the Black Lives Matter movement. His follow-up album DAMN. (2017) won the Pulitzer Prize for Music, making Kendrick the first non-classical or jazz artist to receive the honor. Flashpoint: Origins of the Feud The seeds of the Drake-Kendrick rivalry were sown with subtle lyrical jabs that fans eagerly dissected. The tension became more apparent after Kendrick Lamar’s verse on Big Sean's track "Control" (2013), where he called out several rappers, including Drake, and proclaimed himself "the king of New York." Drake responded with comments dismissing Kendrick's claims, saying he was unaffected by them. This exchange set the tone for future subliminal shots, like Kendrick's "The Heart Part 4" (2017), where he implied Drake wasn't writing his lyrics, and Drake’s "Duppy Freestyle" (2018), which many interpreted as targeting Kendrick. Control Verse: The Turning Point Big Sean's track "Control" (2013), which featured Kendrick Lamar and Jay Electronica, was the turning point that brought the simmering tension between Drake and Kendrick to the forefront. Kendrick's verse took aim at several notable rappers, including Drake, J. Cole, and Big Sean himself. Some lines specifically targeting Drake included: "I'm usually homeboys with the same niggas I'm rhymin' with
But this is hip-hop and them niggas should know what time it is." While the verse didn't directly attack Drake, the competitive nature and self-proclaimed "king of New York" label stirred the pot. Drake's response in an interview with Billboard magazine was dismissive, stating, "I know good and well that Kendrick's not murdering me." Subliminal Jabs and Speculative Responses Over the next few years, both Drake and Kendrick continued their streak of chart-topping hits while taking subliminal jabs at each other: Kendrick's "The Heart Part 4" (2017): "Tables turn, lesson learned, my best look / You jumped sides on me, now you 'bout to meet Westbrook." Interpreted as a shot at Drake's infamous beef with Meek Mill and his switching affiliations between Young Money and OVO. Drake's "Duppy Freestyle" (2018): Although primarily aimed at Pusha T, many lines were seen as indirect shots at Kendrick. "I got a lot of friends within the rap game, but you ain't that, fam." 2015 BET Cypher and TDE vs. OVO The 2015 BET Cypher further fueled the rivalry, with TDE and OVO appearing in separate ciphers. Kendrick Lamar's cypher included lines perceived as jabs at Drake's "started from the bottom" narrative: "Nothing's been the same since they dropped 'Control'
And tucked a sensitive rapper back in his pajama clothes." The competitive energy between TDE and OVO was palpable, and fans began analyzing each lyric and social media post for hints of the ongoing rivalry. Impact on Their Music and Careers The rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar didn't just remain in the realm of subliminal jabs; it had a tangible impact on their music and careers. Both artists pushed their creative boundaries, often releasing their best work during this period. Drake's If You're Reading This It's Too Late (2015): Released as a surprise mixtape, it contained several tracks that fans interpreted as aimed at Kendrick. "Energy" and "6 God" reflected a more aggressive tone in Drake's music. Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly (2015): Songs like "King Kunta" and "The Blacker the Berry" addressed identity and power, with some lines hinting at the competitive rap landscape. The album's experimentation with jazz and funk showcased Kendrick's willingness to evolve artistically. Drake's Views (2016): Focused more on dancehall and pop sounds, moving away from the aggressive style of If You're Reading This It's Too Late. "Hype" and "Weston Road Flows" retained some competitive energy. Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. (2017): Tracks like "DNA." and "HUMBLE." were seen as power statements, reinforcing Kendrick's dominance. The album's Pulitzer Prize win cemented his place as a top-tier lyricist. 2018: "Sicko Mode" Collaboration and Pusha T Beef Despite the rivalry, Drake and Kendrick appeared on the same song in 2018. Travis Scott's "Sicko Mode" featured both artists, albeit in different sections, leaving many fans wondering if they had buried the hatchet. However, the feud with Pusha T reignited tensions. Drake vs. Pusha T Drake's long-standing beef with Pusha T reached new heights in 2018 when Pusha released "The Story of Adidon," exposing Drake's secret son. While Kendrick Lamar didn't directly involve himself, his collaboration with Pusha T on "Nosetalgia" (2013) and continued partnership with Kanye West hinted at implicit support. 2024: The Feud Reignites In May 2024, the rivalry reached new heights when Kendrick released a scathing diss track titled "Euphoria," aimed directly at Drake. The song is packed with personal attacks, questioning Drake's authenticity, work ethic, and even his use of the n-word. Kendrick throws shade at Drake's mob boss persona, questions the legitimacy of his physique, and challenges the quality of his music. Lines like, "You ain’t even write your own book, so what you preachin' for?" and "Fake abs and fake flows, who are you reachin' for?" left no doubt that Kendrick was coming for Drake's crown. Current Situation (May 2024) The release of "Euphoria" has reignited the rap world, with all eyes on Drake to see how he will respond. Speculation is rife that this could escalate the feud further, with Drake rumored to be preparing a diss track of his own. Public and Industry Reaction Fans and fellow artists have taken sides, dissecting the lyrics for hidden meanings. Some view Kendrick's track as a masterful takedown, while others await Drake's response. Industry insiders are watching closely, as a response from Drake could reshape the rap landscape. Social Commentary Embedded in "Euphoria" The social commentary embedded in "Euphoria" regarding cultural appropriation and racial identity adds another layer to the conflict. Kendrick raises questions about authenticity, particularly with Drake's use of the n-word and perceived cultural appropriation. Whatever happens next will likely only serve to pad the bank accounts of all involved. Thanks for listening- Remember to like and Share wherever you get your podcasts.