In the ever-evolving saga of rap industry rivalries, Drake finds himself again at the epicentre.
A series of recent incidents and tracks have escalated tensions between him and other high-profile artists, setting the stage for a complex battle of lyrics, loyalty, and legacy.
Theories surface on why Drake is targeted by the industry
Drake’s position in the music industry is often compared to that of a heavyweight champion, dominating charts and influencing trends.
However, his success has made him a target, attracting criticism and confrontation from various artists.
The recent release of Push Ups, a track where Drake openly criticises Kendrick Lamar and other artists, marks a pivotal moment in his career.
The song, laden with personal digs and industry callouts, has not only intensified his ongoing conflicts but also highlighted the strategic alliances forming against him.
Observers note that Drake’s extensive influence and control over music trends can be seen as a double-edged sword.
His ability to sway music and market dynamics makes him an enviable ally but also a formidable foe. The sheer number of artists lining up against him—including Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, and The Weeknd—suggests a coordinated effort to challenge his standing in the industry.
This coalition, while diverse in their grievances, seems united in their intent to dethrone one of rap’s most influential figures.
Amid these tensions, Drake’s resilience is evident. His responses in recent tracks and public statements show a readiness to confront these challenges head-on.
The strategic nature of this feud is complex, with each move by Drake and his adversaries carefully calculated to sway public perception and industry power balances.
Does Drake own artists’ publishing?
Rumours have swirled around Drake’s potential ownership interests in Gamma, a new music company.
This speculation was fuelled by comments from Joe Budden, who, in a recent episode of his podcast, suggested that Drake might have a significant stake in the company.
“The labels got s**t running through Drake, I’m telling you. We’re going to find out. One of these n***as is going to spill the beans soon, I’m telling you. There’s something here that we don’t know enough about yet… I think Drake owns some of Gamma,” Budden speculated.
Such a position could provide him substantial influence over other artists’ careers, potentially explaining some of the animosity directed towards him.
Gamma’s roster includes artists like Rick Ross and French Montana, who have recently shown signs of discord with Drake, possibly due to conflicts of interest stemming from business arrangements.
Kendrick Lamar yet to respond to ‘Push Ups’
Kendrick Lamar, targeted in Drake’s Push Ups, has yet to issue a musical or public response.
Instead, Lamar’s current focus is on his involvement in a new live-action comedy film set to release on 4 July 2025.
The project, described as a blend of unique humour and original storytelling, involves high-profile collaborators like Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of South Park.
This shift towards film may suggest Lamar’s strategic diversion from the immediate rap feud, opting to broaden his creative output and maintain his public persona separate from ongoing industry disputes.
Rick Ross continues to troll Drake
The friction between Rick Ross and Drake has evolved into one of the most public and bitter disputes in the contemporary music scene.
This conflict, which resurfaced with the release of Push Ups, a track where Drake throws several pointed barbs at Ross, has intensified through a series of musical and social media exchanges.
Ross’s response to Drake’s provocations came swiftly with the release of his own diss track, Champagne Moments.
In this song, Ross not only critiques Drake’s authenticity but also alludes to alleged cosmetic procedures, such as a nose job and abdominal etching.
The track samples a clip of Drake where he previously praised Ross, juxtaposing past camaraderie with current conflict.
Beyond the music, Ross has utilised social media as a battleground, actively engaging his followers in the feud.
He has posted several stories and tweets, including using the hashtag #BBLDrizzy—a reference to cosmetic surgery and Drake’s nickname.
This tactic seems designed to provoke a reaction from Drake, pushing him to respond either through music or directly on social media.
Drake’s reaction to these allegations was notably informal and personal; he shared a screenshot of texts with his mother on his Instagram story, humorously dismissing the cosmetic procedure allegations.
In these texts, Drake also accused Ross of being influenced by the effects of Mounjaro, a diabetes drug known for its weight loss side effects, implying that it was affecting Ross’s judgment.
This ongoing feud has deep roots, spanning over a decade of collaboration and competition.
The artists have previously collaborated on tracks such as Aston Martin Music and Money in the Grave, which makes the current public discord particularly poignant for fans and industry observers.
Their relationship, once marked by mutual respect and artistic synergy, now oscillates between overt hostility and strategic antagonism.
The renewal of their conflict can be traced back to Drake’s broader industry battles, particularly his dispute with Meek Mill, who is closely associated with Ross through the latter’s Maybach Music label.
Although Drake and Ross briefly reconciled after the Meek Mill controversy, the current tensions suggest that old grievances, possibly compounded by new industry alignments and competition for dominance in the charts, have resurfaced.
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