The Canadian rapper finally addresses the “fairytales” surrounding his rivalry with Kendrick Lamar, hinting at the “facts” behind Lamar’s latest album, GNX.
In an unexpected turn of events, Drake made a surprise appearance on a livestream hosted by popular streamer xQc, where he seemingly addressed his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar.
The two rap titans were embroiled in a heated exchange of diss tracks earlier this year, with Lamar widely perceived as the victor following his scathing track “Not Like Us” and its subsequent Grammy nominations. Since then, Drake has maintained a relatively low profile, leaving fans to speculate about his response.
During the livestream, Drake made a cryptic comment that many believe was directed at Lamar and his recently released surprise album, GNX. “I’m here. Full intact, mind, body, and soul, in case you were wondering,” Drake stated. “You need facts to take me out, fairytales won’t do it.” He later reiterated this sentiment, emphasizing his resilience and unwavering focus. “Nothing makes me uncomfortable,” Drake asserted. “I’ve worked too hard to be uncomfortable. Nothing phases me, like I said, it takes only facts to fold me, fairytales don’t work.”
While Drake didn’t explicitly mention Lamar by name, his comments have ignited a frenzy among fans, who interpret them as a direct response to the “fairytales” surrounding their rivalry and the narratives spun within GNX. Lamar’s album, a complex and introspective work, explores themes of reincarnation, faith, and personal struggle. Tracks like “Reincarnated,” “Hey Now” (featuring Steve Lacy), and “Luther” (featuring Lil Wayne) delve into Lamar’s spiritual journey and grapple with inner demons. Some fans have speculated that certain lyrics in these songs, and others like “Squabble Up” and “TV Off,” contain veiled references to Drake and their ongoing feud.
This unexpected livestream appearance marks Drake’s first public acknowledgment of the feud since Lamar’s “Not Like Us” dropped in May. It remains to be seen whether this will reignite the beef or if Drake’s comments will serve as a final word on the matter. Perhaps Drake is implying that Lamar’s lyrical jabs are based on “fairytales” rather than “facts,” and he remains unfazed by the perceived attacks. Only time will tell how this latest development will impact the ongoing saga between these two hip-hop heavyweights.
FAQs
While the exact origins of their rivalry are unclear, the two have been trading subtle jabs in their music for years. The recent escalation started with tracks like “Rescue Me” by Drake, where fans interpreted some lines as disses towards Lamar. This back-and-forth culminated in Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” which many saw as a definitive victory for him in the feud.
Drake’s emphasis on “facts” versus “fairytales” seems to be a response to the narrative surrounding the feud, which paints Lamar as the winner. His comments about being “full intact, mind, body, and soul” could also be interpreted as a dismissal of any damage done by Lamar’s diss tracks. Additionally, the timing of his statement, shortly after Lamar’s surprise album release, further suggests that Drake had Lamar in mind.
Interestingly, xQc didn’t press Drake for further details about his comments. This could be because he was unaware of the context of the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud, or he simply chose not to delve into a sensitive topic. However, xQc’s silence only fueled further speculation among fans watching the livestream.
The Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud is one of the most captivating rivalries in modern hip-hop.
These two titans of the genre have been circling each other for years, trading subtle jabs and subliminal disses in their music. But in 2024, the tension escalated dramatically, resulting in a series of diss tracks and escalating tensions.
Here’s a breakdown of the key moments in their feud:
Early Days:
- Subtle Jabs: While they collaborated early on (Drake’s “Buried Alive Interlude” and Kendrick’s “Poetic Justice”), hints of competition emerged. Kendrick’s verse on Big Sean’s “Control” (2013) ignited the first spark, with Kendrick asserting his dominance over the rap scene. Drake expressed his discontent, questioning Kendrick’s sincerity.
- Lingering Tension: Over the years, both artists continued to drop hints of animosity in their lyrics, interviews, and even social media posts. The undercurrent of rivalry was undeniable, but a full-blown confrontation remained elusive.
2024 – The Feud Explodes:
- “Like That” – Kendrick’s Opening Salvo: In March 2024, Kendrick reignited the feud with “Like That,” a track featuring Future and Metro Boomin. He took aim at both Drake and J. Cole, criticizing their claims to be the “big three” of rap.
- “Euphoria” and “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Escalates: Kendrick followed up with two more diss tracks, “Euphoria” and “Not Like Us.” He targeted Drake’s parenting, his alleged plastic surgery, and his perceived vulnerability. “Not Like Us” was particularly impactful, with Lamar performing it repeatedly at a live event and receiving Grammy nominations.
- Drake’s Response: Drake initially remained silent, but his recent appearance on xQc’s livestream suggests he hasn’t taken the attacks lying down. His comments about “fairytales” and the need for “facts” seem to be a direct response to Kendrick’s lyrical jabs and the narrative surrounding the feud.
The Future of the Feud:
- Unresolved Tension: Drake’s comments indicate that the tension between the two remains unresolved. Whether this will lead to further diss tracks or a more subtle continuation of their rivalry remains to be seen.
- Impact on Hip-Hop: The Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud has captivated the hip-hop world, generating countless discussions and debates among fans and critics alike. It’s a testament to the competitive spirit of the genre and the enduring power of lyrical battles.
This feud is a complex and evolving story with both artists pushing each other creatively. It’s a reminder that even at the highest levels of the music industry, rivalries and personal conflicts can fuel some of the most compelling artistic expression.