Rap Titans' Feud Escalates: Kendrick Lamar Drops New Diss Track for Drake
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BUZZ // Lamar Vs Drake : How is started, where it is leading
In the ongoing saga of the Kendrick Lamar versus Drake feud, tensions have reached new heights with Lamar's latest diss track, "6:16 in LA," released today. The track, featuring lyrics directly aimed at Drake, signals a deepening rift between the two heavyweight rappers.
The dispute traces back further than 2023, with J. Cole initially responding to Lamar's provocation with "7 Minute Drill," only to retract the song and issue an apology. However, Lamar and Drake continue to exchange verbal blows, with "6:16 in LA" serving as the latest installment in their feud.
Adding fuel to the fire, a leaked email allegedly from UMG/Republic VP Corey Williams to Sony Music's Epic A&R exec Bekah Connolly suggests behind-the-scenes tensions between the labels regarding the release of "Like That," a collaborative track involving Future, Metro Boomin, and Lamar. The email disputes Epic's radio rights to the song, a claim challenged by Billboard, indicating a rare and complex situation within the music industry.
Despite the legal intricacies, the feud's commercial impact is undeniable. Lamar and Drake's tracks, including "Push Ups," "Like That," and "Euphoria," have collectively amassed nearly 300 million streams on Spotify alone, highlighting the significant commercial stakes involved.
As the conflict escalates and industry insiders speculate on its implications, fans eagerly await the next move from both Lamar and Drake, propelling the rap beef to the forefront of music headlines worldwide.
Legendary Rap Feuds: Battles that Defined Hip-Hop History
Feuds in rap and hip-hop have been pivotal moments in the genre's history, serving as battlegrounds for artists to showcase their lyrical prowess, assert dominance, and settle personal vendettas. These conflicts, whether fueled by ego, competition, or genuine animosity, have captivated audiences and left an enduring mark on the culture of rap and hip-hop. Here are some of the most famous feuds:
East Coast vs. West Coast Rivalry: The notorious feud of the 1990s saw icons like The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur, representing East Coast and West Coast respectively, engaging in a bitter rivalry that ultimately ended in tragedy with both artists' untimely deaths.
Jay-Z vs. Nas: This East Coast clash during the early 2000s between Jay-Z and Nas produced some of the most memorable diss tracks in rap history, including Nas's "Ether" and Jay-Z's "Takeover," highlighting the intensity and skill of both artists.
Drake vs. Pusha T: The feud between Drake and Pusha T escalated in 2018, with Pusha T's "The Story of Adidon" revealing personal details about Drake's life, including allegations of a secret child. The beef captured widespread attention and showcased the power of lyrical warfare in hip-hop.
50 Cent vs. Ja Rule: Emerging in the early 2000s, this feud between 50 Cent and Ja Rule was characterized by relentless diss tracks and personal attacks, reflecting the competitive nature of the rap scene at the time.
Eminem vs. Machine Gun Kelly: In 2018, Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly ignited a feud with diss tracks like Eminem's “Rap God,” "Not Alike" and Machine Gun Kelly's "Rap Devil." The feud brought attention to both artists and sparked debates among fans about their respective skills and legacies in the genre.
These feuds, alongside others, have left an indelible mark on rap and hip-hop, shaping the culture and influencing subsequent generations of artists. While some have ended in reconciliation, others continue to simmer beneath the surface, reminding us of the competitive spirit and raw energy that define the genre.
Sinusoidal Spotlight : ‘Alone’ by Raw Soul
‘Alone’ by Raw Soul and 80K is a slow, reflective hip-hop song that serves as an ode to an artist’s lonely journey towards success.
Like many emcees before him, Raw Soul seems to be at an impasse on this song. The rap dominates, put over guitars and percussion, sharpened by a vinyl crack, that isn’t loud enough to drown out the message. The track is a slow build, with influences of rock that seem to elevate the song.
‘Alone’ ‘s lyrical themes seem to be about the isolation that comes with success, while also doubling as verses of caution and an exercise in retrospect. The rappers choose to rap on the beat, communicating an assurance that feels drawn from their experiences.
Raw Soul is a Canadian hip-hop emcee who hails from Libya. In his own words, he “writes dissertations in audio form” on topics like mental health, relationships and life. His brand of bleak optimism is inspired by artists like Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, J. Cole, Jonwayne, Slug of Atmosphere, Linkin Park, System of a Down, and many more.