The hip-hop world is buzzing with anticipation for a lyrical showdown between two titans of the genre: Drake and Kendrick Lamar. For years, fans have dreamt of a high-stakes rap battle between these two, and now, it seems the stage is set. While their relationship began on a collaborative note, contributing to each other’s early projects, recent events have ignited a fiery feud, threatening to erupt into a full-blown lyrical war. The catalyst? Kendrick Lamar’s blistering guest verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s album We Don’t Trust You, released on March 22, 2024.
Kendrick Lamar and Drake Billboard Cover Alt Text: Split image of Kendrick Lamar on the left in a contemplative pose and Drake on the right with a confident smirk, representing their escalating rivalry in 2024.
In his incendiary verse on “Like That,” Lamar pulled no punches, directly attacking Drake and J. Cole with lines like, “Yeah, get up with me, f–k sneak dissing/’First Person Shooter,’ I hope they came with three switches.” He continued his verbal assault, delivering a knockout blow to the perceived “Big Three” of rap, 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 statement served as a clear declaration of war, dismissing the idea of a hip-hop hierarchy where he shares the top spot.
Drake, while initially silent in the studio, responded to Lamar’s challenge during his concert in Sunrise, Florida, on March 24, 2024. Addressing the brewing conflict directly with his fans, Drake asserted his dominance and unwavering confidence.
Drake Performing on Stage in 2024 Billboard Article Alt Text: Drake standing confidently on stage bathed in stage lights, addressing the audience during his Florida concert, a moment of defiance amidst the Kendrick Lamar feud.
“A lot of people ask me how I’m feeling. I’m a let you know how I’m feeling,” Drake stated to the roaring crowd. “Listen, the same way I’m feeling is the same way I want you to walk out this building tonight,” he continued, his voice filled with conviction. “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!” Drake’s defiant words amplified the tension, signaling that he would not back down from Lamar’s provocation and setting the stage for a potentially explosive lyrical exchange.
Billboard is closely following the developing narrative of this once amicable, yet always competitive, relationship between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, as it transforms into what could be one of hip-hop’s most memorable feuds. The world waits to see if this initial spark will ignite into a full-fledged rap battle, with fans eagerly anticipating the next lyrical move from both artists.
