The Long History Between Them
The feud began back in 2013 when Kendrick called out Drake in his now-iconic verse on Big Sean’s “Control.” At the time, it seemed like friendly competition, the kind of thing that makes hip-hop exciting. But over the years, little moments — sneaky lines in tracks, subtle interviews — hinted that things weren’t as friendly as they seemed.
Fast forward to 2024, and it’s all out in the open. Kendrick dropped his verse on “Like That,” clearly taking aim at Drake, and the back-and-forth began. Drake responded with diss tracks like “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle.” Then Kendrick hit back harder with “Not Like Us.” It’s been messy, and honestly, kind of hard to watch.
Social Media Makes It Bigger
As someone who spends way too much time on TikTok, I’ve noticed how this feud has basically taken over the platform. People are analyzing every line, making memes, and choosing sides. Kendrick’s fans are celebrating his sharp, fearless approach to calling out Drake, while Drake’s fans are defending his legacy as one of the most consistent hitmakers of our time.
It’s fascinating to see how TikTok has turned what used to be an underground beef into a full-blown cultural event. Everyone has an opinion, even people who might not listen to either artist regularly. And honestly? I kind of love seeing hip-hop dominate conversations like this, even if it’s rooted in conflict.
The Cultural Significance
But beyond the drama, what stands out to me is how much this feud reflects bigger issues in hip-hop and Black culture. Kendrick has always been about authenticity — his music speaks to real struggles, real history, and real identity. So when he critiques Drake, it’s not just about their personal beef; it’s about calling out what he sees as inauthentic in the industry. That hits deep because it sparks a conversation about what we value in Black art and who gets to define it.
Drake, on the other hand, represents a different side of hip-hop. He’s versatile, he’s commercial, and he’s built a global empire. But that success has often made him a target for criticism — people question his connection to Black culture or accuse him of prioritizing hits over substance. Watching this play out feels like watching two different visions of hip-hop collide, and I can’t help but feel torn because I appreciate both.
The Legal Drama
What really shocked me, though, was when Drake took things to court. He’s suing Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, claiming they used bots to boost streams of Kendrick’s “Not Like Us.” I did hear that Drake might be suing UMG because he’s planning to leave the label soon, and they’re allegedly marketing him less as an artist. If that’s true, the lawsuit isn’t just about Kendrick — it’s about bigger frustrations Drake might have with the industry and his label. Still, this beef might have been a wake-up call for him. Maybe it’s shown Drake that he’s not as untouchable as he’s thought to be for so long. That realization alone could change how he moves in the future.
At the same time, I get why Drake would want to protect his reputation. When the stakes are this high, every move matters, but I can’t help feeling like taking things to court isn’t the answer in a culture where respect is earned through music, not lawsuits.
My Take on It All
For me, it’s not about choosing a side — I respect both artists for what they bring to the table. Kendrick challenges me to think deeper, and Drake reminds me that music can be both personal and universal. For now, I’ll keep listening, analyzing, and scrolling through TikTok like the rest of us. This beef has sparked conversations we needed to have, and I’m here for every layer of it — drama, culture, and all.