Joe Coscarelli, a culture reporter for The New York Times and co-host of 'Popcast (Deluxe)', dives into the explosive feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. He unpacks how Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' transformed the music scene and fueled the rivalry. The discussion touches on themes of artistic identity and authenticity, along with the cultural impact of their contention. Plus, the anticipation for Kendrick's potential Super Bowl performance heightens the stakes, illuminating society's fascination with celebrity conflicts.
Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' not only asserts artistic dominance over Drake but also transforms the rap scene with its infectious popularity.
The legal ramifications of Drake's defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group signal a profound shift in the nature of hip-hop rivalries, intertwining art with personal disputes.
Deep dives
The Rise of 'Not Like Us'
The song 'Not Like Us' emerged as a significant diss track from Kendrick Lamar, marking a notable shift in the rap landscape. Although diss tracks are common, this song gained unprecedented popularity, skyrocketing to the top of the charts to become one of Kendrick’s defining hits. The track is particularly striking due to its venomous lyrics directed at Drake, whom Kendrick calls a 'fake' and even makes outrageous allegations against. This unusual blend of aggressive hip-hop with mainstream appeal contributed to its widespread resonance among audiences, transforming it into a cultural phenomenon, including its anticipated performance at the Super Bowl.
Contrasting Styles of Kendrick Lamar and Drake
Kendrick Lamar and Drake represent two distinct approaches to hip-hop, which has fueled their ongoing rivalry. Drake, a hitmaker known for his blending of singing and rapping, has cultivated a commercial appeal, having a vast number of chart entries. Conversely, Kendrick’s introspective and poetic style emphasizes deeper storytelling and social commentary, solidified by his Pulitzer Prize win in 2018. Their differing personas, with Drake leaning towards commercial success and Kendrick valuing authenticity, have solidified their enmity, culminating in a beef that both enthralls and polarizes fans.
The Lawsuit and Its Implications
Drake filed a groundbreaking defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group following the release of 'Not Like Us,' claiming that Kendrick's accusations tarnished his reputation. This legal action reflects the belief that the diss track extended beyond artistic rivalry into serious personal conflicts, particularly after incidents of violence connected to the fallout. Drake's lawsuit alleges the label played a significant role in promoting the song without acknowledging its defamatory nature. The outcome of this case could reshape the landscape of rap battles, as it challenges traditional notions of artistic expression within a highly charged legal framework.
A battle between two major artists has been dominating the world of music. It’s a fight over one song — a song that may get its biggest stage ever at this weekend’s Super Bowl.
Joe Coscarelli, a culture reporter for The New York Times, explains the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, how Lamar’s “Not Like Us” ripped the music world apart, and why so many fell in love with a song about hate.
Guest: Joe Coscarelli, a culture reporter for The New York Times, who focuses on popular music and co-hosts the podcast “Popcast (Deluxe).”
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Recording Academy; zz, via GOTPAP, via STAR MAX, via IPx, via Associated Press
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