The Unspoken Rivalry: Drake and Kendrick Lamar's Complicated Relationship

How Did We Get to The Rap Battle of The Century?

Hip-hop has always thrived on competition, and while some rivalries are played out in public, others simmer beneath the surface, subtly influencing the artists' music and careers. The relationship between Drake and Kendrick Lamar is one such rivalry, marked by mutual respect, competitiveness, and, at times, subtle disdain. While the two have collaborated in the past and publicly praised each other, the tension between them has been evident, hinting at a deeper, more complex dynamic. This blog post delves into the intricacies of their relationship, examining the key moments that have defined their interaction over the years.

Early Friendship and Mutual Respect

The story of Drake and Kendrick Lamar begins on a positive note. In 2011, Drake had already established himself as a major force in hip-hop, while Kendrick was an up-and-coming artist yet to release his major debut album. Drake, known for his keen ear for talent, reached out to Kendrick when he was performing in Toronto, marking the beginning of their friendship. Kendrick later described Drake as "a real good dude" with a "genuine soul," emphasizing the positive impression Drake had made on him during their first meeting.

This early camaraderie was further solidified when Drake invited Kendrick to be part of his sophomore album, Take Care. Kendrick's verse on "Buried Alive Interlude" reflected his admiration for Drake's success and lifestyle, albeit with a touch of introspection about the potential pitfalls of fame. During this period, Drake even took Kendrick and ASAP Rocky on his Club Paradise Tour, further showcasing his support for Kendrick's burgeoning career.

Diverging Paths: Good Kid, M.A.A.D City and Take Care

Despite their early friendship, it soon became clear that Drake and Kendrick were on different paths, both musically and philosophically. While Drake embraced the lavish lifestyle that came with fame, often celebrating it in his music, Kendrick remained focused on more introspective and socially conscious themes. This difference in approach became more apparent when Kendrick released his critically acclaimed album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City in 2012, which many hailed as one of the best hip-hop albums of all time.

Drake, who featured on Kendrick's "Poetic Justice" from the same album, publicly praised Kendrick's work, calling it an "incredible body of work." However, beneath the surface, the differences between the two artists were becoming increasingly evident. Kendrick's focus on storytelling and social commentary stood in stark contrast to Drake's more personal and emotionally charged narratives.

The Turning Point: Kendrick's "Control" Verse

The tension between Drake and Kendrick reached a turning point in 2013 with the release of Big Sean's track "Control." Kendrick's verse on the song was a seismic moment in hip-hop, as he called out a host of rappers, including Drake, declaring his intention to surpass them all. This verse was a bold statement of intent, positioning Kendrick as a serious contender for the top spot in the rap game.

While many rappers responded positively to Kendrick's challenge, seeing it as a competitive but ultimately friendly gesture, Drake's reaction was notably different. He publicly dismissed the verse, calling it a "moment" that would soon be forgotten. However, his subsequent actions suggested that Kendrick's words had struck a nerve. Drake began taking subtle shots at Kendrick in his music, questioning his consistency and downplaying the impact of the "Control" verse.

Subliminal Disses and Growing Tension

As the years passed, the rivalry between Drake and Kendrick continued to simmer, with both artists taking subliminal shots at each other in their music. Drake's 2013 album Nothing Was the Same featured the track "The Language," where he seemingly addressed Kendrick's "Control" verse, dismissing it as uninspiring. Kendrick, on the other hand, responded with tracks like "King Kunta" from his 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly, where he subtly referenced rappers who use ghostwriters, a critique that many interpreted as a jab at Drake.

his back-and-forth continued with both artists releasing albums that were implicitly in conversation with each other. Drake's If You're Reading This It's Too Late (2015) contained more subliminal shots, while Kendrick's To Pimp a Butterflytook a more socially conscious route, further distinguishing himself from Drake's style. Despite these tensions, both artists maintained a public veneer of respect, often complimenting each other's work in interviews.

Ghostwriting Allegations and the 2015 BET Hip Hop Awards

The rivalry took another turn in 2015 when Meek Mill accused Drake of using ghostwriters, a serious allegation in the world of hip-hop where authenticity is highly valued. Kendrick, who had always prided himself on his lyrical prowess, couldn't resist taking a swipe at Drake over these accusations. On his track "King Kunta," Kendrick made a thinly veiled reference to rappers who use ghostwriters, further fueling the tension between the two.

Around the same time, the BET Hip Hop Awards highlighted the growing competition between Drake and Kendrick. While both artists won several awards, it was Kendrick who emerged as the night's biggest winner, taking home the awards for Lyricist of the Year, MVP of the Year, and Album of the Year. Drake, meanwhile, won in more commercial categories, reflecting the different paths their careers had taken.

Kendrick's Rise and Drake's Response

By the time Kendrick released his album DAMN. in 2017, the rivalry had reached new heights. The album was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Kendrick's place as one of the most important voices in hip-hop. Tracks like "HUMBLE." and "DNA." were seen by many as direct challenges to Drake's dominance, with Kendrick asserting himself as the best rapper alive.

Drake, however, was not one to back down. He continued to release hit after hit, maintaining his position as the most commercially successful artist in hip-hop. His 2018 album Scorpion included tracks like "Sandra's Rose," where he once again took subtle shots at Kendrick, reminding listeners of his role in helping Kendrick's early career.

Friendly Gestures or Strategic Moves?

Throughout this period, Drake made several public gestures that seemed to be aimed at squashing the beef with Kendrick. He often praised Kendrick in interviews, attended his concerts, and even shared old messages between them on social media. However, these actions were often met with silence from Kendrick, who seemed disinterested in reconciling with Drake.

This dynamic led many to question Drake's motives. Was he genuinely trying to mend fences, or were these gestures part of a larger strategy to maintain his position as the more likable, approachable artist? Whatever the case, Kendrick's lack of response suggested that he was not interested in playing Drake's game.

Rap Battle of The Century

Quick summaries of the songs from the Rap Battle of these two Hip Hop Giants.

Kendrick Lamar's "Like That"

This track marked Kendrick’s first direct shot in the recent feud. In "Like That," Kendrick dismisses the idea of a "Big Three" in rap, a term that J. Cole had used to describe himself, Drake, and Kendrick.

Kendrick boldly declares, “It’s just big me,” signaling that he no longer sees Drake as a peer or equal in the rap game.By challenging the notion of the "Big Three," Kendrick sets the stage for a more personal rivalry, indicating his belief that he is the sole leader in the current hip-hop landscape.

Drake's "Push-Ups"

In response to Kendrick's dismissal, Drake releases "Push-Ups," where he targets Kendrick’s height and financial arrangements, mocking how Kendrick splits his profits with his manager. The track also makes a controversial reference to Kendrick's fiancée, adding a deeply personal element to the feud.

Drake’s approach in "Push-Ups" is to undermine Kendrick both personally and professionally, attacking his business practices and making light of his stature, a clear attempt to belittle Kendrick in the eyes of fans and industry peers.

Kendrick Lamar's "Euphoria"

Kendrick fires back with "Euphoria," a six-minute track that tears into Drake on multiple fronts. Kendrick accuses Drake of being a liar, faking his accents, and being a neglectful father. While harsh, Kendrick refrains from delving into truly sinister accusations, instead focusing on dismantling Drake’s public persona.

"Euphoria" serves as a strategic escalation in the feud, with Kendrick aiming to strip away the layers of Drake’s carefully curated image, exposing what he sees as the rapper’s inauthenticity.

Drake's "Family Matters"

In "Family Matters," Drake takes the feud to a new level by accusing Kendrick of domestic abuse and questioning the paternity of Kendrick’s child, suggesting that the child might actually belong to Kendrick’s manager. This track is deeply provocative, aiming to tarnish Kendrick’s personal life and credibility.

By bringing such explosive allegations into the public sphere, Drake risks crossing a line that could have serious repercussions for both artists. The track is a bold move, aiming to destabilize Kendrick’s personal and professional foundation.

Kendrick Lamar's "Meet the Grahams"

Kendrick responds swiftly with "Meet the Grahams," a track that is essentially a letter to Drake’s family. In it, Kendrick wishes death upon Drake, apologizes to Drake’s son for his father’s existence, and hints at Drake being a predator with a secret second daughter. These claims are extreme, even by diss track standards.

This track is a significant escalation, moving from professional rivalry to personal vendetta. Kendrick’s willingness to attack Drake’s family and personal life indicates that he is all-in on this feud, regardless of the potential fallout.

Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us"

In this track, Kendrick doubles down on his accusations, outright calling Drake a pedophile and a culture vulture. The song is a no-holds-barred assault, leaving little room for ambiguity or subtlety. "Not Like Us" cements Kendrick’s position in the feud as someone who is not afraid to cross any boundaries.

The track is likely to polarize fans and critics alike, with some seeing it as going too far, while others may view it as a powerful statement of Kendrick’s dominance and willingness to fight dirty.

Drake’s “The Heart Part 6”

In the latest chapter of the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud, Drake's attempt to one-up Kendrick by releasing "The Heart Part Six" ultimately backfires, highlighting his growing desperation and defensive stance. Despite trying to co-opt Kendrick's iconic series, Drake's track falls short, relying on gaslighting tactics rather than delivering a powerful counterattack. Kendrick, on the other hand, continues to showcase his deep thematic storytelling, solidifying his position as the more authentic and resonant voice in hip-hop. With this latest misstep, it appears Drake is not just losing the battle—he's surrendering, acknowledging that while he may dominate the charts, Kendrick is winning the war for the genre's soul.

After Math of Battle

Kendrick being declared the winner of the battle. He has done a victory lap concluding his success. By hosting a concert on Juneteenth and releasing his music video for “Not Like Us” on July 4th.

As the dust settles on the explosive feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, it's clear that this conflict has left a significant impact on both artists and the broader hip-hop culture. Kendrick's relentless assault on Drake's public image has not only exposed the cracks in Drake's carefully crafted persona but has also led to a wider reassessment of his role in the culture. While Kendrick emerged victorious in this lyrical battle, the collateral damage extends beyond just the artists themselves.

The feud has brought to light deeper issues within hip-hop, particularly how the industry continues to shield problematic behavior under the guise of entertainment. As critics and fans alike reflect on the aftermath, there's a growing sense that while Kendrick may have succeeded in diminishing Drake's influence, the real cost of this feud may be the harm done to the very culture they both claim to represent. Whether this conflict ultimately serves to advance or set back hip-hop remains a topic of intense debate, but one thing is certain: the reverberations of this battle will be felt for years to come.