Hip-hop culture has always been fueled by competition, where lyrical skill and declarations of superiority create classic diss tracks. Iconic rivalries have shaped the genre, from 2Pac’s “Hit 'Em Up” to Jay-Z’s “Takeover.”
The latest chapter in hip-hop feuds involves three of its biggest stars—Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J Cole. This rivalry, initially sparked by a seemingly innocuous lyric, has escalated into a high-stakes battle that continues to captivate fans.
The Protagonists
Kendrick Lamar, Drake and J. Cole (Photo: WireImage/Getty Images)
Drake: The Canadian artist transitioned from actor to musician, blending rap and R&B to become the most commercially successful hip-hop artist of the 21st century. With hits like “Hotline Bling,” “One Dance,” and “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” Drake's vulnerable style has dominated charts and hearts.
Kendrick Lamar: Hailing from Compton, Kendrick is renowned for his compelling rhymes and conceptual vision. His lyrics tackle critical issues like police brutality, black self-worth, and personal struggles. In 2018, he became the first hip-hop artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music.
J Cole: Born in Germany and raised in North Carolina, J Cole, mentored by Jay-Z, has produced hits like “Middle Child” and “Deja Vu.” Disenchanted with commercial success, Cole shifted towards more introspective music, carving out a unique path and earning widespread acclaim.
The Genesis of the Feud
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In 2013, following the success of Kendrick’s debut album “Good Kid, m.A.A.d City,” he made his ambitions clear with a guest verse on Big Sean’s “Control,” calling out Drake, J Cole, and others, stating, “I got love for you all, but I'm trying to murder you.” Drake responded dismissively, suggesting Kendrick’s ambition was just talk.
The Spark of Unity and Subsequent Fallout
In October, Drake released his eighth album, “For All The Dogs” featuring a collaboration with J Cole titled “First Person Shooter” Cole’s verse praised Drake, Kendrick, and himself as the "big three" of hip-hop. Although the song debuted at the top of the charts, Kendrick wasn’t pleased.
This discontent erupted in March 2024 when Kendrick’s uncredited verse on “Like That” from Metro Boomin' and Future’s album dismissed the "big three" concept, declaring it’s just “big me.”
Escalation and Retaliation
Drake and Kendrick’s rivalry intensified as they traded diss tracks. Drake’s response came through a concert, expressing defiance, while J Cole released “7 Minute Drill,” critiquing Kendrick’s recent work but soon apologized, calling his response a mistake.
Drake reignited tensions with “Push Ups (Drop and Give Me 50),” mocking Kendrick’s height and labeling him a label puppet. Kendrick retaliated with “Euphoria,” a six-minute diss track accusing Drake of being manipulative and predictable.
The Peak of Hostility
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The feud reached new heights with personal attacks. Kendrick’s accusations about Drake’s parenting and potential domestic abuse led to further diss tracks. Drake’s “Family Matters” and Kendrick’s “Meet The Grahams” delved into family matters, with both rappers hurling deeply personal insults.
The exchange culminated in Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” accusing Drake of inappropriate relationships, which Drake vehemently denied, suggesting Kendrick had fallen for fake information.
The Business Impact
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The feud has been lucrative for both artists. Diss tracks from both sides have climbed the charts, and streams of their back catalogues surged.
Kendrick's “Not Like Us” gained massive popularity, while Drake’s streams saw a slight decline. Despite the animosity, the rivalry has undeniably boosted their visibility and engagement.
The Current State and Speculations
The feud has simmered down but remains unresolved. Speculation abounds about Universal Music’s involvement in mediating the conflict. Recent events, such as the shooting outside Drake’s house and the vandalism of his OVO shop, hint at the feud’s darker implications. Rolling Stone's senior music editor, Jeff Ihaza, criticized the feud as a waste of energy, reflecting some fans' growing fatigue.
The rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar exemplifies hip-hop’s competitive spirit, blending personal and professional conflicts into a gripping narrative. As both artists continue to push boundaries and challenge each other, their feud remains a pivotal chapter in the evolution of hip-hop. Whether it will end peacefully or escalate further, the impact on their careers and the genre is undeniable.
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