Drake and Kendrick Lamar ... GHOSTWRITER

 

The tension between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, often referred to as "beef," has been a topic of discussion among hip-hop fans and media for several years. Here's an overview of the key events and moments that contributed to their rivalry:

Origins of the Beef

1. "Control" Verse (2013):

   • Event: Kendrick Lamar's verse on Big Sean's song "Control" is often cited as the spark for the tension. In this verse, Kendrick calls out several rappers by name, including Drake, challenging them to step up their game.
   • Lyrics: "I'm usually homeboys with the same ns I'm rhymin' with / But this is hip-hop and them ns should know what time it is / And that goes for Jermaine Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Wale / Pusha T, Meek Mill, A$AP Rocky, Drake..."
   • Impact: The verse was seen as a competitive call to arms, and while many rappers took it in stride, it created a sense of rivalry between Kendrick and those he named.

2. BET Cypher (2013):

   • Event: During the BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher, Kendrick Lamar delivered a verse that many interpreted as taking shots at Drake, particularly lines about "sensitive rappers" and "subliminals."
   • Lyrics: "And nothing’s been the same since they dropped 'Control' / And tucked a sensitive rapper back in his pajama clothes..."

3. Drake's Response:

   • Interviews: Drake addressed the "Control" verse in interviews, suggesting that Kendrick's approach was not a threat to his position in the industry. He downplayed the impact, stating that Kendrick wasn't at his level yet.
   • Music: While Drake didn't respond directly in a song immediately, he made subtle references in his music that fans and critics linked to Kendrick.

Escalation and Subtle Digs

1. Subliminals in Music:

   • Kendrick Lamar: On his album To Pimp a Butterfly (2015), Kendrick's song "King Kunta" is often interpreted as containing lines aimed at Drake, specifically addressing ghostwriting accusations.
   • Drake: On his album If You're Reading This It's Too Late (2015), Drake's song "6PM in New York" includes lines that many believe were aimed at Kendrick: "I heard the lil' lil' homie talking reckless in VIBE / That's quite a platform you chose, you should have kept it inside."

2. Ghostwriting Controversy (2015):

   • Meek Mill Incident: When Meek Mill accused Drake of using ghostwriters, Kendrick seemingly referenced this controversy in his music, further fueling the rivalry.
   • The Game's "The Documentary 2" (2015): Kendrick's verse on "100" includes lines that many interpret as addressing ghostwriting and possibly taking a shot at Drake.

Current Status

As of now, the rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar appears to be more subdued, with both artists focusing on their respective careers and projects. While they have not publicly reconciled, the intensity of their beef has lessened compared to its peak in the mid-2010s. Both continue to be highly influential in the hip-hop industry, each with a distinct style and fanbase.

Conclusion

The Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef highlights the competitive nature of hip-hop, where artists often challenge each other through their music and public statements. While the rivalry has provided fans with plenty to discuss and debate, both Drake and Kendrick Lamar have solidified their positions as two of the genre's top talents.