Join Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar and Grammy titan Drake as they dive into their legendary hip-hop rivalry. They unravel the evolution of their diss tracks, addressing everything from their cultural roots to personal jabs. Explore the serious implications of their feud, including real-life consequences linked to their lyrical battles. The conversation dances between playful digs and intense accusations, making for a compelling examination of race, identity, and artist responsibility in the competitive landscape of hip-hop.
The diss track rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake escalated from personal taunts to deeply aggressive and provocative exchanges over authenticity and family issues.
This feud highlighted a cultural clash in hip-hop, pitting Kendrick's authentic lyricism against Drake's mainstream style, sparking broader discussions about the genre's direction.
Deep dives
Origins of the Feud
The conflict between Kendrick Lamar and Drake originated from a series of competitive diss tracks and social media taunts. Initially, Drake released two diss tracks aimed at Kendrick, who refrained from responding, presenting an air of confidence. However, Kendrick eventually fired back with a track titled 'Euphoria,' where he confronted Drake, labeling him a fraud and challenging him not to involve his family in any attacks. This pivotal moment marked a clear escalation in their rivalry, as Kendrick asserted his boundaries and called out Drake's authenticity.
Escalation of Attacks
The feud escalated significantly as both artists released tracks that became increasingly personal and aggressive. Drake's song 'Family Matters' directly violated Kendrick's request to keep family issues off-limits, leading to accusations about Kendrick's relationship and personal life. Similarly, Kendrick's rapid-fire diss tracks included sharp insults about Drake's character, family, and alleged personal issues. This back-and-forth showcased both artists' willingness to engage in deeply personal attacks, with Kendrick's lyrical prowess seeming to dominate.
Impact on Their Careers
The feud not only captured public attention but also significantly impacted both artists' careers and reputations. Kendrick's meticulously crafted diss tracks resonated with audiences, leading to significant streaming success, including his track 'Not Like Us' debuting at number one on the Billboard charts. Meanwhile, their ongoing rivalry drew criticism for the collateral damage it inflicted on women, as both rappers used female relationships and issues as ammunition against each other. Ultimately, the feud highlighted the darker aspects of hip-hop culture, where personal attacks overshadowed lyrical artistry.
Cultural Ramifications
The feud's ramifications extended beyond the artists themselves, reflecting broader cultural dynamics within the music industry. It showcased a clash between traditional hip-hop values and contemporary approaches, as Drake's more mainstream, accessible style was often called into question. Critics in the rap community began to rally behind Kendrick, viewing him as the champion of authentic lyricism against what they perceived to be Drake's commercialized persona. This growing support for Kendrick pointed to a deeper sentiment in hip-hop circles, revealing a collective frustration with Drake's influence in the genre and a desire for a return to more genuine, meaningful content.
This is the rap feud you’ll be telling your grandkids about - two of the biggest names in hip hop going up against each other with diss track after diss track after diss track. West Coast versus…Canada. Pulitzer Prize vs…Degrassi. Double, triple, and quintuple entendres. So many different things to rhyme with “Big 3”. Whether you’re deep into this beef online or you’re looking for an explainer, we’ve got you in this episode.
Listen to Diss and Tell on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/diss-and-tell/ now.