Drake and Kendrick Lamar Feud: Inside the Rap Rivalry

Did you know the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar grew with “Like That“? This song began a back-and-forth that has everyone talking. What was once a friendship between these rap stars has turned into public clashes and songs traded. The tension grew when Kendrick teamed up with Future and Metro Boomin on “Like That.” Drake hit back with “Push Ups” and “Family Matters.”

The clash between Drake and Kendrick isn’t just a gossip topic. It’s affecting the whole music world. They use their songs to call each other out, going deep into personal and career digs. With each new track, the feud gets more intense, making it a major moment in rap history.

Introduction to the Drake and Kendrick Lamar Feud

The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar started in the early 2010s. Their rivalry grew from a simple competition into something intense. At first, they worked together on tracks and even toured. But as they got more successful, their differences led to tension.

A big moment came with Kendrick’s verse on “Control”. He called out several rappers, including Drake. This marked the start of their fierce rivalry.

Origins of the Rivalry

Kendrick’s 2024 track “Like That” took the feud further. It seemed to follow up on his “Control” verse. Drake answered with “Push Ups” and “Family Matters”, making things personal.

Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” broke streaming records, beating Drake. From May 3-6, Kendrick’s streams jumped by 49%. Drake’s went down by 4.9%, but he still had twice as many listeners as Kendrick.

Initial Public Reactions

When Kendrick and Drake released their diss tracks on the same day, fans were shocked. They took to social media to share their thoughts. Websites like Pitchfork said Kendrick might be winning with his sharp lyrics.

The feud took a legal turn with a cease-and-desist from Tupac’s estate to Drake. It made their rivalry even more complex. Now, their battles and public challenges have changed their once respectful competition into an epic hip hop fight.

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The Early Years: From Friends to Rivals

Before Drake and Kendrick Lamar became rivals, they had mutual respect. Their most famous work includes Lamar’s feature on Drake’s “Take Care.” They performed together on stage, raising hopes for more collaborations.

Collaborations and Mutual Respect

In the beginning, both artists praised each other. Their work together, like Lamar’s verse on Drake’s “Marvins Room” remix, showcased their harmony. This period hinted at a promising partnership in hip hop.

First Signs of Tension

The first hint of tension appeared in 2013 with Lamar’s verse on “Control.” Lamar called out Drake, sparking the initial conflict. Drake called the verse ambitious but not a big deal, yet tensions were rising.

The reaction from fans and media made the tension worse. By October 2013, Lamar’s verse at the BET Hip-Hop Awards seemed to target Drake again. This deepened the rift.

This transition from working together to rivalry laid the groundwork for their complex relationship.

Diss Tracks and Public Call-Outs

Hip hop shines when artists compete, and Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar is a prime example. Their diss tracks aren’t just songs; they’re messages packed with sharp words and big ideas.

Track by Track Breakdown

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” hit No. 1 on Billboard and broke streaming records. It accused Drake of serious wrongs. The song, along with others like “The Heart Part 6,” questions Drake’s life and choices.

Drake responded with songs like “Push Ups” and “Family Matters,” which landed at No. 7. His music touched on Lamar’s personal issues and accusations. Drake’s response is backed by his history of hits.

Kendrick’s “Euphoria” climbed the charts, poking at Drake’s TV show work. Their back-and-forth isn’t new. They’ve had moments of both collaboration and conflict over the years.

Impact on Billboard Charts

Their songs have made waves on the Billboard charts. Lamar’s “Not Like Us” soared and boosted his streams by 49%. Drake saw a slight drop in streams, but his…

tracks still do well, proving their power in music.

The exchange of diss tracks pushes both artists further in their careers. It shows they know how to use their words and the spotlight. Their battles on the charts highlight their impact on music.

Their personal feuds turn into music that leaves a mark on the industry. It’s all about legacy and how they play the game of public call-outs. Their chart success shows how much these battles mean in hip hop.

Drake’s Perspective

From Drake’s perspective, dealing with Kendrick Lamar has been a challenging journey. It involved clever comebacks and strategic song releases. The drama heated up after Kendrick called out Drake in “Control” in 2013. This move lead to a heated and personal rivalry between them.

Drake is known for his sharp lyrics and storytelling. He used these to reply to Kendrick, especially in “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle.” His songs not only answered Lamar but also showed his own place in rap, painting himself as a cunning figure in the midst of celebrity drama.

Their conflict got more intense quickly. Kendrick released “meet the grahams” right after Drake’s “Family Matters,” speeding up their feud. Drake often changed the story in his songs. He painted Kendrick’s attacks as minor challenges to his lead, like in “Push Ups.” This approach got them both noticed on the Billboard charts.

Drake also talked about the competitive nature of the music industry. He often portrayed Kendrick and his former label boss, Top Dawg, negatively. This wasn’t just about their songs. It was about their positions and power in the music world.

The fight reached a peak when Kendrick released five songs in 72 hours. This put Drake on the back foot, leading to an unofficial backdown. Drake’s continuous replies couldn’t keep up. This shows the high stakes and clever moves common in celebrity disputes.

As both artists keep making music, their feud remains a hot topic. Drake’s music gives a unique insight into handling rap disputes at the top level of the industry.

Kendrick Lamar’s Side of the Story

Kendrick Lamar’s story in the feud with Drake shines in his diss tracks. He uses metaphors and references to show his skill. Tracks like “Like That” and “Euphoria” really stand out.

Notable Diss Tracks

Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s his fourth song to reach that spot. “Euphoria” also made an impression, moving up from No. 11 to No. 3. Lamar targets Drake with songs like “6:16 in LA,” “Meet the Grahams,” and “Not Like Us.”

Key Lyrics and their Meanings

Looking into Lamar’s lyrics offers insights into his view of the feud. In “Euphoria,” he criticizes Drake for using AI in music. He questions Drake’s authenticity and skills over nearly six-and-a-half minutes.

“Not Like You” targets Drake’s personal life, highlighting Lamar’s sharp commentary. Through these songs, Lamar’s impact goes beyond the feud. He influences both fans and critics, adding fire to the industry’s drama.

Role of Social Media in the Feud

Social media platforms have turned into a key battlefield in the ongoing rap feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram keep fans and celebrities right in the center of the drama, ensuring engagement spreads quickly. Both artists use these platforms wisely, sharing memes and commentary to keep the feud alive. Let’s see how social media has helped make this rivalry bigger.

Twitter and Instagram Reactions

Twitter explodes with comments from artists about the feud, drawing in heaps of fans and celebrities. Public figures jump into the conversation, sharing their takes that may support or slam the artists involved. Meanwhile, memes and live reaction videos flood Twitter and Instagram, making it feel like watching a live match. For instance, Kendrick Lamar’s diss tracks brought him 1.7 million new Instagram followers, showing the power of a social media feud. Drake saw his followers grow by 247,000, indicating varied fan reactions.

Celebrity Reactions and Involvement

Celebrities getting involved ramps up the feud’s attention even more. Stars from all over entertainment share their thoughts, adding more layers to the drama. Drake and Kendrick Lamar allowing free use of their diss tracks lets anyone post reactions. This has kept the feud hot, reaching even more people. Streaming numbers show the interest — Lamar’s tracks get 8.81 million monthly listeners, while Drake’s get 2.52 million, thanks to better streaming access.

This mix of social media and rap culture has changed how feuds unfold, unlike the ’90s Tupac/Biggie rivalry. Diss tracks and comments spread fast online, putting the power in the hands of the fans. Now, regular people have become key voices in how these battles are seen.

Feud Timeline: Key Events

Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s long feud is full of big moments, lyrical fights, and diss tracks. Let’s dive into the major events that have marked their rivalry.

Early Exchanges

In 2013, Kendrick called out Drake and others on “Control.” Yet, they still worked together on three songs. This shows their relationship is a mix of cooperation and rivalry.

Major Milestones

Kendrick’s “Euphoria” took direct aim at Drake with its lyrics. Then, Drake fired back with “Taylor Made Freestyle.” This track used AI to include verses from Tupac and Snoop Dogg.

Recent Developments

Their battle has heated up with quick diss track releases. Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” hit No. 1 on Billboard and broke a Spotify record. Drake’s “Family Matters” and “Push Ups” also climbed the charts.

Lamar’s “Euphoria” made an impressive jump on the Billboard and Spotify charts. These quick releases show how fierce the feud has become.

Taylor Swift, Drake, and Lamar often top the Spotify daily chart. Their music, and their feud, have them leading the industry.

Fan Reactions to the Rivalry

The fight between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has caught everyone’s attention. It has taken over the music charts and the hearts of fans. Their rivalry has led to divided opinions among followers.

Supporters of Drake

Drake’s fans have stood by him no matter what. Their support is strong because of his hits and his big role in the music world. His track “Family Matters” is now number 7 on the Billboard chart.

It shows he’s always on top of his game. Drake’s followers are loyal. They talk about his work with 21 Savage. They see their album “Her Loss” as a big win for Drake. Even tough times, like the shooting outside his home in Toronto, only brought them closer.

Kendrick Lamar’s Fan Base

Kendrick Lamar’s fans are just as enthusiastic. They love his honest lyrics and how he’s not afraid to take on the big names. His song “Not Like Us” hit number one on the Billboard 100. It got over 70 million streams.

This solidified Lamar as a top artist. His listeners value the realness and depth in his music. Hits like “Not Like Us” prove his impact on hip-hop. His fans are behind him all the way.

Fans of both Drake and Kendrick Lamar fuel ongoing debates. These debates often move to social media. People either praise Drake’s long career or celebrate Kendrick’s songwriting skill. The reactions from fans show how passionate they are. This feud highlights the competitive nature of the music world. As this battle continues, fans stay ready to support their favorite. They play a big role in the story of this unforgettable rivalry.

The Role of Diss Tracks in Hip Hop Culture

Diss tracks have been a big part of hip hop since the start. Rappers use them to show their strength, challenge others, and make their mark in hip hop beef history. Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is a modern example, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It shows how important rap battles are in keeping hip hop’s competitive edge.

Drake’s “Family Matters” also proves diss tracks still matter in hip hop. It reached No. 7 on the charts as his reply to Lamar’s “6:16 in LA.” This song keeps their feud going and was Drake’s 78th top 10 hit.

The fight between Kendrick Lamar and Drake started with Lamar’s verse on “Control.” He called out many rappers, including Drake.
This began a series of musical clashes. Songs like Lamar’s “The Heart Part 6” and Drake’s “Family Matters” were key moments in their rivalry.

But diss tracks are more than personal jabs. They reflect the artists’ views on culture issues. Lamar and Drake’s songs discuss serious topics and show the raw side of rap battles. Their rivalry, among others, proves how crucial diss tracks are in hip hop.

The exchanges between Kendrick Lamar and Drake show the cultural significance of rap battles. These lyrical fights are a big part of hip hop history. They turn music into a battlefield for artists’ honor. Their intense songs not only get more streams but also make the artists more famous. Plus, they keep fans hooked on the drama.

Drake and Kendrick Lamar Feud: What’s Next?

The future of the rap feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar is drawing lots of attention. Fans are eagerly waiting for new diss tracks. The hip hop world is buzzing with guesses about what these artists will do next.

Since March, the rivalry grew when Kendrick Lamar dissed Drake. The song was “Like That” by Future and Metro Boomin. Soon after, Drake responded with “Push Ups,” calling out Lamar for slow replies. This exchange has fans and observers very excited.

Drake pushed things further with “Taylor Made Freestyle.” It used AI to mimic Tupac and Snoop Dogg’s voices and was removed. Lamar’s comeback, “Euphoria,” talked about Drake’s parenting and surgery rumors. These personal jabs have made their feud even more intense.

Drake suggested Lamar had moles within Drake’s label in “6:16 in LA.” Then, “Family Matters” accused Lamar more directly. Lamar fought back with top-charting “Meet the Grahams” and “Not Like Us.” This made their battle even more public and interesting.

Both stars have turned their fight into big hits. Drake’s “Family Matters” hit No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Lamar’s “Euphoria” jumped to No. 3. Their songs continue to build excitement for what’s next.

Their past collaborations and achievements keep fans guessing about the feud’s future. Everyone is watching to see if the feud grows or if they’ll surprise us with peace. Either way, this drama is shaping how we see these hip hop giants.

Final Showdown

The rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar started in the early 2010s. It quickly became one of rap’s biggest face-offs. They first worked together on albums like “Take Care” and “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.” But soon, their relationship changed to public disses and call-outs. Despite Lamar saying in 2014 there was no real issue, their songs told a different story.

In 2024, the release of “Like That” by Future, Metro Boomin, and Lamar upped the ante. This song led to a flurry of diss tracks from both sides. Lamar’s “Not Like Us” broke streaming records, while Drake managed to keep up. Each song added to their story, with tracks like “Family Matters” and “The heart Part 6” deepening the feud.

The impact of their diss tracks on their legacies is clear. Some see Lamar as the leader, but Drake’s reach worldwide is undeniable. Their rivalry highlights hip hop’s changing scene. Fans and experts are watching, wondering what will happen next. How this battle ends will surely impact hip hop forever.

Arun Roy