Kendrick Lamar took aim at Drake in a new song, marking another chapter in their long-standing rivalry.
Kendrick Lamar Aims at Drake in New Song
Kendrick Lamar, the Compton lyricist, has once again stirred the pot in the hip-hop world with his verse on the track Like That from Future and Metro’s newly released album, We Don’t Trust You.
This verse has the industry buzzing with its pointed references to Drake (and J. Cole), bringing to light the simmering tensions that have been part of their interactions over the years.
Lamar’s verse on Like That is loaded with references that seem to directly call out Drake and Cole, hinting at a deeper narrative beneath their public personas.
Notably, Kendrick’s lines, “F**k sneak dissin’, first-person shooter, I hope they came with three switches,” appear to target Drake and J. Cole’s collaborative single First Person Shooter.
Furthermore, Lamar boldly declares, “Motherf**k the big three,” positioning himself above the fray and seemingly dismissing the trio’s dominance in the rap game.
Moreover, Lamar’s lyric, “Prince outlive Mike Jack’ / ‘fore all your dawgs gettin’ buried / That’s a K with all these nines, he gon’ see Pet Sematary,” serves as a stark critique of Drake’s self-comparison to Michael Jackson, elevating the discourse beyond mere rivalry to a commentary on legacy and impact in the music industry.
A Complete Timeline of the Kendrick Lamar vs Drake Feud
The rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake is a complex narrative woven through years of competitive spirit, mutual respect, and artistic disagreement.
Here’s how it has unfolded:
- 2013: The seeds of the feud were planted when Kendrick Lamar called out Drake, among others, on his verse in Control. This bold move set the stage for a series of back-and-forth exchanges between the two artists.
- 2013: Drake responded both in interviews and through his music, notably in The Language, marking the beginning of their lyrical sparring.
- BET Awards 2013: In a memorable moment, Kendrick took a direct shot at Drake in a freestyle, further intensifying their rivalry.
- 2014: Kendrick referred to “the kid with the motormouth” in The Heart Part 4, believed to be Drake, who then responded with 6PM in New York.
- 2015: The debate over authenticity and artistry became a focal point, with Kendrick criticising the use of ghostwriters in King Kunta and Drake critiquing conscious rap in 100.
- Post-2015: Although the direct exchanges seemed to cool off, the subtleties in their lyrics indicated an undercurrent of ongoing rivalry. Notably, in 2017, Kendrick’s The Heart Part 4 was widely interpreted as a dig at Drake.
- 2024: The release of Like That sees Kendrick Lamar explicitly targeting Drake and J. Cole, reigniting the discourse on the best in the game.
This timeline encapsulates a rivalry that, while competitive, has also been a source of creative inspiration for both Kendrick Lamar and Drake.
Their exchanges, ranging from direct call-outs to nuanced lyrical jabs, have kept fans engaged and have spurred discussions about artistry, legacy, and the essence of hip-hop culture.