Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake Feud Explained

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Introduction
Early Collaborations and Encounters
Origins of the Feud
Feud Reignition
2024 Diss Track War Timeline
Public Reception
Who Won?

Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake Feud Explained

Curated by

aravindh03

4 min read

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The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, two titans of the rap industry, has escalated into a series of intense diss tracks and public exchanges. This rivalry, marked by deeply personal accusations and cutting lyrical assaults, reflects not only the competitive nature of hip-hop but also the complex personal and cultural dynamics between the artists.

Early Collaborations and Encounters

Kendrick Lamar and Drake's initial collaboration dates back to 2011, when Lamar featured on Drake's album Take Care with the track "Buried Alive Interlude." This early collaboration marked the beginning of what appeared to be a promising relationship between the two artists. The following year, Lamar opened for Drake on the Club Paradise Tour, further solidifying their professional relationship. They collaborated again in 2012 on Lamar's critically acclaimed album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, with the track "Poetic Justice," which became a commercial success. These early interactions set the stage for their later collaborations and the complex dynamics that would eventually lead to their public feud

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Origins of the Feud

The origins of the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake can be traced back to a series of subtle jabs and competitive tensions that have been brewing for years. The initial spark occurred in 2013 when Kendrick Lamar released the track "Control," where he called out several rappers, including Drake, challenging them lyrically. This was perceived by many, including Drake, as a direct provocation. Drake's response to this was mixed; he expressed feelings of both admiration and slight resentment in various interviews, indicating that the competitive call-out was unexpected and felt somewhat personal.

Further complicating their relationship, a 2012 interview with DMX, where he criticized Drake, was reportedly received with amusement by Kendrick, hinting at underlying tensions and differing perspectives between the two artists on hip-hop culture and authenticity. This incident, among others, set the stage for a complex relationship filled with respect, rivalry, and artistic one-upmanship that would evolve into more direct confrontations in their later works.

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Feud Reignition

The 2024 reignition of the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been marked by a series of highly publicized diss tracks that have captivated the hip-hop community. This resurgence of their long-standing rivalry began with Kendrick Lamar's provocative verses in "Like That," a collaboration with Future and Metro Boomin, released on March 22, 2024. Lamar's lyrics dismissed the notion of a "big three" in rap, directly challenging Drake and setting the stage for an intense lyrical battle. The exchange of diss tracks has not only reignited their personal animosities but has also spurred a broader discussion within the music industry and among fans, reflecting the deep-seated competitive nature of hip-hop culture

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2024 Diss Track War Timeline

March 22, 2024 - "Like That": Kendrick Lamar collaborates with Future and Metro Boomin, releasing a verse that dismisses the notion of a "big three" in rap, directly targeting Drake and setting off the latest round of their feud.
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April 19, 2024 - "Push Ups" and "Taylor Made Freestyle": Drake responds with two tracks on the same day. "Push Ups" critiques Kendrick's stature and artistic choices, while "Taylor Made Freestyle" features controversial AI impersonations of iconic rappers, which was later pulled from streaming services due to legal threats from Tupac's estate.
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April 30, 2024 - "Euphoria": Kendrick Lamar counters with "Euphoria," where he labels Drake a "pathetic master manipulator" and a "habitual liar," responding to the jabs from Drake's earlier tracks.
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May 3, 2024 - "6:16 in LA": Kendrick releases another diss track, intensifying his personal attacks and questioning Drake's integrity and identity.
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May 3, 2024 - "Family Matters": Almost simultaneously, Drake releases "Family Matters," a track that includes various allegations against Kendrick and his close associates.
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May 4, 2024 - "Not Like Us": Kendrick makes severe allegations against Drake, hinting at inappropriate behaviors in his lyrics, which adds a darker tone to the feud.
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May 5, 2024 - "The Heart Part 6": Drake's response to "Not Like Us," where he addresses the accusations made by Kendrick, defending himself against the serious claims.
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Public Reception

The public reception to the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud has been intensely polarized, with fans and observers actively participating in the discourse through social media and various platforms. The feud has sparked a wide range of reactions, from detailed analyses of the diss tracks to humorous memes shared across the internet. Fans have been particularly vocal, with some siding strongly with Kendrick due to the perceived depth and sharpness of his tracks, while others appreciate Drake's creativity and responses

. Surveys conducted by YouGov reveal a significant divide in public opinion, with 48% of closely following fans favoring Kendrick Lamar, compared to 33% for Drake. This suggests that Kendrick's approach in the feud has resonated more with the audience that is deeply engaged with the hip-hop community. Additionally, 43% of these fans reported an improved opinion of Kendrick Lamar as a result of the feud, highlighting the impact of his diss tracks on his public image

. Overall, the feud has not only entertained but also prompted broader cultural conversations, particularly around themes of authenticity and the competitive nature of hip-hop. This has led to a reevaluation of both artists' positions within the cultural landscape, with Kendrick receiving notable praise for his lyrical prowess and ability to engage with complex themes

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Who Won?

The results of the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake have largely favored Kendrick Lamar, according to various sources and public polls. A significant portion of the hip-hop community and media outlets have declared Kendrick as the victor in this lyrical battle. His diss tracks, particularly "Euphoria," were praised for their sharpness and depth, effectively addressing and countering Drake's provocations. This sentiment is supported by a YouGov poll where 48% of closely following fans believe Kendrick is winning, compared to 33% for Drake

. Public perception has also been influenced by the content and implications of the diss tracks, with many fans and critics noting that Kendrick's responses seemed more substantive and impactful. This perception has been further solidified by discussions on social media and various music forums, where Kendrick's tracks have been dissected and lauded for their lyrical prowess and boldness. The feud has not only highlighted Kendrick's skills as a lyricist but also raised questions about Drake's authenticity and image within the hip-hop community

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