The hip-hop world has been craving a lyrical showdown between two titans, Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and it has finally arrived. Their relationship, once marked by mutual respect and early collaborations, has devolved into a full-blown feud, ignited by a diss track heard around the world. What started as subtle jabs has erupted into a volcanic rap battle, with fans eagerly dissecting every bar for clues and criticisms. This escalation was dramatically sparked by Kendrick Lamar’s scathing verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s album We Don’t Trust You, released on March 22, 2024, a moment that undeniably launched the current era of tension.
Kendrick Lamar and Drake facing off in a split image, representing their rivalry
Lamar’s feature on “Like That” left no room for interpretation. He directly targeted Drake and J. Cole, delivering lines packed with venom: “Yeah, get up with me, f–k sneak dissing/’First Person Shooter,’ I hope they came with three switches.” He didn’t stop there, further solidifying his stance by declaring, “Think I won’t drop the location? I still got PTSD/ Motherf–k the Big Three, n—a, it’s just big me.” This bold declaration instantly became a talking point, challenging the perceived hierarchy of hip-hop and directly attacking Drake’s position within it. The ferocity of Lamar’s “Drake Diss Song” opening salvo was undeniable, setting the stage for a heated exchange.
Drake performing on stage in a red jacket, head held high, symbolizing his defiant response to diss tracks
While Drake hadn’t released a formal “drake diss song” response in the immediate aftermath, he addressed Lamar’s aggression during his Sunrise, Florida concert on March 24, 2024. Speaking to the crowd, Drake conveyed a message of unwavering confidence and defiance. “A lot of people ask me how I’m feeling. I’m a let you know how I’m feeling,” he stated, before adding, “Listen, the same way I’m feeling is the same way I want you to walk out this building tonight. I got my f–king head up high, my back straight, I’m 10 f–king toes down in Florida and anywhere else I go. And I know that no matter what, it’s not a n—a on this earth that could ever f–k with me in my life!” This onstage address served as Drake’s initial, albeit non-musical, retort, signaling that he would not back down from Lamar’s challenge.
Billboard continues to analyze the intricacies of this escalating feud, examining the transformation of Kendrick and Drake’s relationship from collaborators to competitors embroiled in one of hip-hop’s most anticipated lyrical battles. The world awaits Drake’s official “drake diss song” response, eager to see how this unfolding saga will further impact the landscape of contemporary rap.
