The increasing feud between hip-hop titans Kendrick Lamar and Drake has exploded into a full-blown battle with both rappers dropping vicious diss tracks aimed at each other’s personal lives.
The Jabs Begin
Rumors of tension between the two rappers have been spoken about for years, but things came to a head in May 2024. Many believe it started with subtle references on each other’s albums, with fans dissecting lyrics for hidden meanings.
Then, in a surprise move, Kendrick released “Not Like Us,” a direct shout at Drake’s parenting choices and biracial identity. Days later, Drake responded with “Family Matters,” taking aim at Lamar’s personal life, accusing him of infidelity and domestic abuse.
The gloves truly came off when Kendrick dropped “Meet the Grahams,” a track that alleges Drake has a secret daughter and criticizes him for predatory behavior. The song sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, and Drake has yet to respond (Billboard). Ramapo physics teacher Mr Tuohy enjoys both artists’ music, but is unfamiliar with the beef. He stated, “I love Drake and Kendrick but I haven’t been listening too much lately so I have to listen to all their diss tracks to make an opinion.”
Who’s Winning?
With “Not Like Us” reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, some are declaring Kendrick the victor. However, the rap battle is far from over. Fans are eagerly awaiting Drake’s response, and speculation is rampant about how he will react. “Meet the Grahams” has also exploded as it leaked the most shocking information from Drake. The song has also made him an easy target on social media, while Kendrick has not received any backlash from fans at the moment (Billboard). Ramapo senior, Vlad Malinovsky, is on Kendrick’s side and shared, “I like Kendrick’s music a bit more but from an unbiased standpoint he’s definitely winning with this beef.”
The Impact
This war of words is not just a personal clash between two rappers. It’s a battle for hip-hop supremacy, with each artist attempting to define the genre’s direction. The lyrical barbs are laced with social commentary, sparking discussions about fatherhood, masculinity, and authenticity in hip-hop.
What’s Next?
Only time will tell how this feud will play out. Will Drake match Kendrick with his own brutal diss track, or will he take a different approach? One thing is certain: the hip-hop world is watching closely and is excited for what’s to come.
