When livestreamer Briana Williams first came across “Like That” about a year ago, she couldn’t have predicted the monumental clash it would spark between hip-hop’s top stars. The world of music stood still as fans were blown away by Kendrick Lamar’s powerful verse on the collaborative hit song by producer Metro Boomin and rapper Future, released on May 22, 2024.
“The energy was truly electrifying,” shared Williams, also known as StorymodeReacts online, in an interview with USA TODAY. Williams’ reaction video titled “Rap Beef Is Back” has garnered over 225,000 views on YouTube. To many, Lamar and Drake symbolize the opposing forces in the hip-hop scene over the years.
“Drake and Kendrick have been engaging in a subtle back-and-forth for years, exchanging veiled jabs,” Williams observed. “I believe that was one of the most direct hits we’ve heard in a long time.”
The track “Like That,” featured on the album “We Don’t Trust You,” emerged from a simmering feud that had been brewing for years. Hip-hop journalist Justin Hunte remembered the frenzy that erupted on social media after Lamar’s unexpected verbal strike.
“This has been a long-standing conversation within the culture,” Hunte remarked.
In the song that quickly soared to number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, Lamar boldly raps: “These (expletive) talkin’ out of they necks. Don’t pull no coffin out of your mouth, I’m way too paranoid for a threat. Ayy-ayy, let’s get it, bro. D-O-T, the money, power, respect. The last one is better. Say, it’s a lot of goofies with a check.”
Social media enthusiasts and hip-hop enthusiasts connected the dots, concluding that Lamar’s target was Drake and fellow rapper J. Cole, both of whom name-dropped him in their track “First Person Shooter,” where J. Cole refers to them as “the big three.” On “Like That,” Lamar unapologetically asserts, “It’s just big me.”
Hunte reflected, “For me, it always seemed inevitable that they would clash. I recall when ‘First Person Shooter’ came out, especially the video where Drake and J. Cole were depicted competing in various sports. They played chess, ping pong, and more.”
Since his impactful appearance on Big Sean’s “Control” in 2013, Lamar has consistently emphasized his place among the greatest in rap and challenging other prominent figures in the industry. Experts suggest Lamar’s response to “First Person Shooter” set the stage for a showdown with Drake, resulting in a sequence of diss tracks, notably the well-received “Not Like Us.”
A year later, the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake continues to captivate audiences,
An online investigation was underway regarding the leaking of a song from Drake’s camp. Despite uncertainty about the source of the leak, music analyst Markman suggested that the song’s debut could have been smoother if fans didn’t need to question its authenticity. Markman expressed that Drake and his team seemed to struggle to control the narrative from the start of the feud, putting them at a disadvantage. In response, Drake swiftly released “Taylor Made Freestyle,” featuring AI-generated imitations of iconic West Coast rappers Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur. However, Shakur’s estate promptly issued a cease-and-desist letter, criticizing the move as disrespectful to the late artists’ legacies.
As anticipation built, Kendrick Lamar retaliated with “Euphoria,” labeling Drake as a “scam artist” and cautioning him with lyrics over a Teddy Pendergrass sample. The feud escalated, with Lamar questioning Drake’s authenticity and casting doubt on his credibility. Markman observed the clash as a clash between cultural integrity and commercial motives.
Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” was hailed as a triumph in the ongoing battle, with its release being deemed a victorious moment. The conflict intensified as both artists released diss tracks, including Drake’s claims of abuse and Lamar’s accusations of hidden truths about Drake’s personal life. The battle took a personal turn, with Drake’s tactics drawing criticism for targeting Lamar’s partner, Whitney Alford, in a manner reminiscent of his past feuds.
The feud culminated in Lamar being widely recognized as the victor, praised for his lyrical prowess and strategic maneuvers. The battle’s impact on the hip-hop community was noted, particularly in how it involved and sometimes exploited women in the narrative. The battle between the two rap giants highlighted underlying issues of misogyny within the hip-hop industry.
Advocacy for women’s protection is crucial, as highlighted by Whaley’s pointed remarks about the need for consistency in addressing abuse allegations. The ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has transcended the realm of hip-hop, gaining global cultural significance. This extended conflict, coinciding with hip-hop’s 50th anniversary and discussions about the genre’s place in the music industry, has permeated mainstream culture. The impact of this feud is evident in various arenas, from the Academy Awards to the Grammys, and even the political sphere.
One intriguing aspect of the feud is the youth’s fascination with it, as seen through social media trends and viral content. The generational shift in perception towards Drake, once seen as the epitome of success in music, now facing scrutiny and criticism, particularly from a younger audience, has raised questions about his legacy. Despite this, Drake remains a popular figure in music, with recent projects garnering significant attention and sales.
The feud has sparked a new wave of stan culture, with fans passionately debating each rapper’s accomplishments and spreading rumors on social media. However, this intense polarization has also led to divisive and toxic behavior online, with fans facing harassment and backlash for expressing their opinions. The impact of this feud goes beyond the music industry, reflecting broader societal issues such as sexism and online bullying.
As Kendrick Lamar continues his victory lap in the aftermath of the feud, it is essential to reflect on the broader implications of such conflicts and their impact on both the artists involved and their fan communities.
Drake brings beef with Kendrick Lamar to the Super Bowl stage
Recording artist Drake took to the stage at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Festival held at the T-Mobile Arena on September 23, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud escalates into a legal battle
The feud between Drake and Universal Music Group has escalated into a legal battle that has been ongoing since last year. In mid-January, the conflict turned federal when the rapper accused the record label of “corporate greed” in their promotion of Lamar’s song, which includes allegations against Drake.
According to court documents obtained by USA TODAY, armed intruders targeted Drake at his Toronto residence, prompting him to relocate his young son and the child’s mother from the city due to the popularity of Lamar’s song. The legal dispute continues, with UMG recently filing a motion to dismiss Drake’s lawsuit, claiming that the rapper lost a high-profile rap battle against Lamar that he initiated and participated in.
In response, Drake’s attorneys argued that UMG’s motion did not address their client’s factual claims and indicated that Drake is considering amending his complaint by the judge’s deadline of April 16. Despite the ongoing legal battle, Drake stands by his lawsuit’s claims.
Speculation on the feud’s impact
Although the decision to proceed with the legal battle has received criticism, some believe that it will not significantly tarnish Drake’s legacy in the long term. While there are differing opinions on the outcome, it is certain that reconciliation between the two rappers seems unlikely.
Looking ahead
As the Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud continues, it remains to be seen how it will impact both artists’ careers and legacies in the music industry.
For further inquiries, please contact USA TODAY’s news reporters Taylor Ardrey at tardrey@gannett.com and Jonathan Limehouse at JLimehouse@gannett.com.
Contributors: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY
This article was originally published on USA TODAY, offering insights into the ongoing Kendrick-Drake beef a year later.
