Music Stars React to the Drake-Kendrick Lamar Beef
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The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has sparked conversations among many people, including some top celebrities in the music industry.
The tension between the two artists escalated when Metro Boomin collaborated with Future, who has previously worked closely with Drake, on two albums titled We Don't Trust You and We Still Don't Trust You. These albums featured stars from the hip-hop community such as The Weeknd and ASAP Rocky, taking shots at the popular "God's Plan" artist.
Since then, hip-hop heavyweights like 21 Savage, Ice Cube, Pusha T, and Meek Mill have all weighed in on the beef, expressing their hope that it will come to an end without anyone getting seriously hurt.
This rap feud started when Lamar responded to J. Cole's verse on "First Person Shooter" with his own verse on "Like That" from We Don't Trust You. Lamar addressed Drake's alleged "sneak dissing" and made comments about Cole and Drake not being on the same level as him. This led to a full-blown feud between the artists.
Cole initially responded with "7 Minute Drill" in the feud with Lamar. However, he later apologized and bowed out. Drake, on the other hand, continued with two diss tracks - "Push Ups" and "Taylor Made Freestyle." In response, Lamar upped the ante with his own tracks, "Euphoria" and "6:16 in LA."
The feud took a darker turn when Drake accused Lamar of domestic abuse in his track "Family Matters." In retaliation, Lamar claimed that Drake was a sexual predator and had a hidden 11-year-old daughter in his track "Meet the Grahams." Lamar then went on to make further accusations in his track "Not Like Us," produced by DJ Mustard.
"Not Like Us" became a huge hit, spreading like wildfire online. Billboard even announced that it would debut at No. 1 on May 13. Meanwhile, "Euphoria" made a strong comeback, reaching the No. 3 spot. "Like That" also made it into the Top 10 at No. 6, with Drake's "Family Matters" debuting at No. 7.
Amidst the buzz, many are urging for peace and emphasizing that this feud is just a distraction from more pressing real-world issues. Check out what other musicians have had to say about the ongoing controversy.
21 Savage
Music Stars React to the Drake-Kendrick Lamar Beef
21 Savage Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
21 Savage thinks that ultimately, the war between Drake and his opponents will work itself out. He also doesn’t want to hear about it until then.
Savage addressed the issue during an Instagram Live session on May 12, stating, "Please refrain from discussing any conflicts on my Live." Despite collaborating with Drake on the track "Her Loss" and working closely with Metro Boomin, Savage made it clear that he is not choosing sides in the feud. He emphasized, "Both Metro and Drake are like family to me. They will resolve their differences in due time."
Ice Cube
Ice Cube shared his thoughts on the feud between Lamar and Cole. Having experienced the East Coast vs. West Coast conflict in the 1990s and engaging in feuds with other rappers, Ice Cube admitted that he was not a fan of this ongoing beef.
Ice Cube cautioned rappers to be mindful of the consequences, emphasizing the importance of preventing conflicts from escalating into violence. He mentioned how advancements in technology have made it easier for words to spread globally, unlike in the past when disagreements were contained within the hip-hop community. This widespread exposure can lead to individuals feeling humiliated and reacting in ways that may have serious repercussions.
Recently, there have been three trespassing incidents at Drake's home in Toronto following the release of diss tracks. One of Drake's security guards was seriously injured in a shooting outside the property on May 7.
Music Stars React to the Drake-Kendrick Lamar Beef
Kendrick Lamar Christopher Polk/Getty Images
Boosie Badazz
Rapper Boosie Badazz shared his thoughts on rap feuds in light of the escalating war between Drake and Lamar. He expressed his disapproval of the excitement and hype surrounding rap beef, emphasizing that not everyone involved sees it as just a part of hip-hop culture. Boosie pointed out the real consequences of these feuds, noting that when tragedy strikes, it's not just a game. He urged people to show support beyond the drama, especially in times of loss. Boosie highlighted the seriousness of the situation, reminding others that behind the competition, there are real lives at stake.
Boosie clarified that hip-hop had changed, adding that this isn’t the 1980s or ’90s when rap was a “so-called sport.”
Rap beef happens when rappers diss each other in their music. It can lead to tension and no more friendly greetings between them. The rapper feels like it's their friends' duty to defend their reputation and honor. Some rap beefs have even resulted in violence. It's a warning to hip-hop fans to be aware of the consequences.
Recently, Boosie expressed his concern about the trend of fans enjoying seeing artists attacking each other through music. He was approached in a casino to share his thoughts on a rumored fight between Drake and Lamar. He questioned if fans really want to see talented artists' careers ruined over a rap battle. He reminded them of the contributions these artists have made to hip-hop and whether it's worth overshadowing their achievements with unnecessary drama.
Pusha T
Pusha T playfully responded to the Drake-Lamar feud on April 2nd. A fan on X mentioned how Drake had never physically touched Pusha T despite all his tough talk over the years. Pusha T quipped back, saying not even "a pinky nail" had been laid on him.
Pusha T emerged victorious in his feud with Drake after releasing "The Story of Adidon." This song not only revealed Drake's hidden son but also included artwork showing the "Hotline Bling" artist in blackface.
Drake later shared that he took the photograph for an art project focusing on the unfair portrayal of African Americans in entertainment. He wanted to express his frustration about the lack of opportunities for black actors in the industry and show that the struggle had not improved much over time.
He also proudly introduced his son, Adonis, whom he shares with Sophie Brussaux.
Music Stars React to the Drake-Kendrick Lamar Beef
Drake Prince Williams/GettyImages
Meek Mill
Meek Mill famously clashed with Drake in 2015, which resulted in Drake dropping the feud-winning tracks “Charged Up” and “Back to Back.”
On May 8, Mill appeared to share his thoughts on the Drake-Lamar feud. He expressed his honest opinions without directly mentioning Drake. Mill highlighted the connection between bike life culture, billionaire culture, and rap. He emphasized how he has personally experienced poverty and is working to change laws. Additionally, Mill mentioned how he has supported new artists through his platform.
Black Thought
Black Thought mentioned that he modified four laws to break the cycle of probation for regular individuals in the community. He also expressed that his public relations have been inactive for a year or two, leading to his name being misrepresented. However, he remains focused on his goals and will continue to work hard. Black Thought acknowledged the unique talents and strengths of his peers, Boy and Kendrick, recognizing that they each have their own lane to excel in.
Music Stars React to the Drake-Kendrick Lamar Beef
Black Thought Lester Cohen/Getty Images
Black Thought of The Roots shared his thoughts on the feud, particularly J. Cole's decision to end it early, during the May 8 episode of 1Hood Media’s “This Week in White Supremacy” podcast.
According to Black Thought, "What we’ve yet to see is somebody nip that in the bud, right? That’s what I felt like [Cole] was in effect doing. It just showed humility, nobility, and a sense of elevation that you don’t see too often across the board."
Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder shared his thoughts on the feud on May 10 during an interview with TMZ. He expressed his belief that any kind of conflict is harmful for everyone in the world. Wonder added that he harbors no ill will towards either of the rappers involved in the feud. He also mentioned that the ongoing hip-hop dispute is distracting from more significant issues that deserve attention.
Questlove
"I just feel like the world should pay attention to the important things happening, because those other things are just distractions," Wonder expressed. "Have you heard about the wars happening currently? Have you seen the issue of homelessness? TMZ, open your eyes!"
Questlove posted a message on Instagram on May 7, expressing his thoughts on the war. He stated that nobody truly won the war. According to him, the conflict was not about skill but more like a wrestling match with mudslinging and takedowns at any cost. The casualties included women, children, and even facts. Questlove pointed out that the same audience craving for bloodshed would later post "RIP" messages as if they were not part of the issue. In his view, hip-hop is now considered dead.
Editor's P/S:
The Drake-Lamar feud has sparked a heated debate within the music industry, with many expressing concerns about its potential consequences. While some view it as a mere distraction from more pressing issues,