In recent years, the glitzy world of hip-hop music has spawned numerous stories of enmity and rivalry. However, none quite compares to the current discord sizzling between Drake and Kendrick Lamar – a feud that has escalated to the point where law enforcement has gotten involved.
Percolations of this antagonism began over a decade ago. In the past, they had collaborated on a few tracks. The 2011 record “Buried Alive Interlude” by Drake and the 2012 number “Poetic Justice” by Lamar, with the inclusion of A$AP Rocky’s 2012 profanity-laden “Problems” showcased a seemingly harmonious relationship between the two.
However, things began to change when Lamar, future Pulitzer Prize Winner, made a guest appearance on Big Sean’s “Control” in 2013. Here, he made a bold statement, explicitly calling out many contemporary rappers, including Drake, J. Cole, Meek Mill, Pusha T, A$AP Rocky, and Wale among others. This marked the onset of the rift that would turn two collaborating musicians into lifelong rivals.
“I got love for you all, but I’m trying to murder you,” Lamar provocatively spat on the track, indicating his aim to outperform them all.
Never one to back down, Drake responded in a Billboard cover story, confidently stating that Kendrick would not overshadow him on any musical platform. An assertive response that subsequently instigated another incendiary remark from Lamar at the 2013 BET Hip-Hop Awards.
Over the ensuing years, the mutual animosity seemed to simmer down in frequency, however it didn’t completely die down. Drake’s musical antagonisms evolved, involving him in disputes with Meek Mill in 2015, and in a highly publicized bout with Pusha T in 2018 – who dropped “The Story of Adidon” exposing Drake’s paternity.
The contentious rivalry was accidentally reignited in October 2023 by J. Cole on “First Person Shooter” where he questioned the supremacy of the hardest lyrical MC’s – Kendrick, Drake or himself. This served to set the stage for the current animosity between Drake and Lamar.
Currently, the feud seems to be at boiling point, however, it’s important to remember that rumors in diss tracks between rappers are often overblown for dramatic effect and are usually without substantiated validity. It is also important to note the lack of link established by the police between the feud and the shooting outside Drake’s Toronto mansion.
Several recent key events include Lamar’s jab at Drake on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That” on March 22nd, his subsequent releases “Euphoria” and “6:16 in LA”, and Drake’s responses “Push Ups”, “Taylor Made Freestyle” and “Family Matters”. In the latter track, Drake’s alleged abuse and infidelity in Lamar’s relationship came to light.
Lamar didn’t hesitate to strike back almost immediately. His track “Meet the Grahams” starts with an empathetic address to Drake’s son expressing regret that Drake is his father. A poignant allegation about Drake’s secret daughter is also mentioned, followed by Lamar labeling Drake a “predator”. This occurs within the span of 24 hours from Drake’s release of “Family Matters”.
In response, Drake releases “The Heart Part 6”, ultimately softening his attacks to nullify the allegations stated by Lamar, affirming Drake’s stance on not having a secret daughter. Seemingly weary, Drake ended this track with a notable verse – “You know, at least your fans are getting some raps out of you / I’m happy I could motivate you.”