Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake: A Year After the Beef, Who Really Won?
One year after the earth-shattering rap battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, the hip-hop world is still buzzing. The rapid-fire exchange of diss tracks, the headline-grabbing accusations, and the unwavering stan culture have all ensured that the echoes of this beef continue to reverberate. But as the dust settles, a critical question remains: Who truly emerged victorious?
The feud, ignited by Kendrick Lamar's verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s "Like That," quickly escalated into a full-blown war of words. Tracks like Drake's "Family Matters" and Lamar's scorching "Meet the Grahams", unleashed a barrage of personal attacks and allegations.
But the game-changer was undeniably "Not Like Us." This DJ Mustard-produced banger, infectious and unapologetically brutal, became an anthem. "Not Like Us" wasn't just a diss track; it was a cultural phenomenon. As one article highlights, it dominated everything from NBA games to Kamala Harris events, even leading to a Super Bowl halftime performance.
According to DJ Akademiks, the beef even "froze the whole industry," with Lamar's actions at the Super Bowl prioritizing personal conflicts and undermining hip-hop's standing.
The impact of "Not Like Us" is undeniable. While Drake attempted to retaliate, the sheer force of Lamar's track proved insurmountable. Some maintain Drake is using legal battles to get back at Lamar.
The debate continues, fueled by stans dissecting every lyric and move, eager to declare their champion. However, it's clear that Lamar's strategic brilliance and cultural impact cemented his position. As Panama Jackson points out, “Not Like Us” led to a whole concert, streamed on Amazon, called “The Pop Out: Ken & Friends”, and on July 4 the video for “Not Like Us” dropped, taking the “Pop Out” theme to new, Compton-heavy levels.
While Drake will likely bounce back. it can be said the beef with Lamar has made him hip-hop’s biggest Karen.
Ultimately, last year's feud was a perfect storm - two rap superstars with a history, battling for supremacy.
But the question lingers: Was this a win for hip-hop, or a casualty of stan culture? Where do you stand? Let us know in the comments below.
