Entertainment
Kendrick Lamar and Drake: The History Behind the Feud
Kendrick Lamar and Drake, two prominent figures in hip-hop, have had a complex and evolving relationship over the years.
Early Association (2011-2013)
The two artists initially collaborated, with Drake inviting Lamar on his “Club Paradise” tour in 2011. Lamar also shared an early copy of his album “Section.80” with Drake, who expressed admiration for his work. However, Lamar’s feature on Drake’s “Take Care” album hinted at underlying tensions.
In 2013, Lamar’s verse on Big Sean’s “Control” sparked a feud, as he directly addressed Drake and other rappers, declaring his intent to “murder” them lyrically. Lamar’s cypher performance at the 2013 BET Awards further fueled the tensions. Around this time, Lamar began taking subtle shots at Drake’s perceived status as a pop artist.
Ongoing Exchange (2014-2023)
Over the years, Lamar and Drake have continued to exchange veiled disses and subliminal jabs through their music and interviews. In 2018, Drake’s “Scorpion” album contained a perceived reference to Lamar, while Lamar referenced the historic Michael Jackson-Prince rivalry. Recently, in 2023-2024, Lamar released diss tracks targeting Drake, reigniting their long-standing feud.
The hip-hop community has been captivated by the intensity and personal nature of the disses being traded between Lamar and Drake, two of the genre’s biggest stars.