Advertisement
Few conflicts in the realm of hip-hop rivalries have captured the collective attention quite like the enduring saga embroiling Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and the newest entrant, Kanye West. Over time, the simmering tensions between these prominent figures of the rap world have escalated, marked by a series of diss tracks, nuanced barbs, and very public altercations, as outlined in a report by BBC. Yet, what prompted Kanye West, a formidable presence in his own regard, to become entangled in the intricate web of drama linking Drake and Lamar? Let’s delve into the details and unravel the complexities of this unfolding feud.
What is Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s rap beef about?
The genesis of this feud can be traced back to J Cole’s casual assertion dubbing Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and himself as “the big three” in the rap scene. Although initially innocuous, tensions escalated when Lamar adamantly rebuffed the label. The culmination of this brewing tension unfolded in March when Lamar delivered a scorching verse on Like That, unequivocally rejecting the notion of a “big three” and asserting his singular dominance with the line, “There’s no ‘big three’ – it’s just big me.” In this verbal onslaught, both Drake and Cole found themselves targeted, with Lamar dismissing their lyrical prowess as lightweight.
This narrative gained momentum with the entrance of Kanye West, a figure no stranger to rap beefs. On a remix of Like That, West seized the opportunity to unleash a barrage of critiques, taking aim not only at Drake’s lyrical abilities but also questioning his contractual ties with Universal Music. With a dismissive tone, West openly expressed his inability to recall a memorable Drake line, casting doubt on the Canadian artist’s lyrical prowess. The remix, debuted on Justin Laboy’s radio show, further stoked the flames with a cryptic opening aimed at Lamar, suggesting an implicit allegiance.
In response to Drake’s persistent provocations, particularly evident in Push Ups (Drop And Give Me 50), which mocked Lamar’s stature and accused him of being a puppet of the music industry, Lamar has opted for silence, refusing to engage in the back-and-forth exchange. Drake’s latest release, Taylor Made Freestyle, even suggests that Lamar’s reluctance to enter the fray might be influenced by his collaboration with Taylor Swift, hinting at underlying industry politics at play.
Despite the verbal sparring and escalating tensions, one undeniable fact remains: this feud is undeniably lucrative. Tracks like Like That and Push Ups have surged to the top of the charts, underscoring the significant role of rap beefs in driving streams and engagement. While the animosity between Drake, Lamar, and now West continues to simmer, it’s evident that this rap triangle has captivated both fans and industry insiders alike, keeping them on tenterhooks for what unfolds next.