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In 2024, one of the most talked-about moments in hip-hop has been the intense lyrical battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The rivalry between the two superstars has captivated fans and sparked a widespread debate. According to Joe Budden, former member of Slaughterhouse, the battle may have had some prearranged guidelines. During a recent episode of his podcast, Budden revealed that Kendrick and Drake allegedly had a conversation before releasing their diss tracks, where they laid down ground rules for their lyrical exchange.
“I also heard that Drake and Kendrick had a talk before any diss record was released. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I heard they spoke... 'Hey, how do you want this to go? What we doing? Are we rapping? Okay, then let’s keep it civil.'” Budden suggested that the conversation had the tone of the Teddy Pendergrass hit, indicating a more civil approach to the battle. However, the diss tracks that followed were anything but civil.
Both rappers released tracks full of serious accusations. Kendrick Lamar’s diss, "Not Like Us," which became a massive hit, accused Drake and his OVO crew of being “certified pedophiles,” a claim that shocked fans. On the other hand, Drake responded by alleging that Kendrick had abused his fiancée, Whitney Alford. These explosive claims marked one of the most heated and controversial exchanges in recent hip-hop history.
The success of "Not Like Us" was undeniable, as it dominated airwaves, social media, and music charts, leading many to believe that Kendrick came out on top. Yet, rumors persist that the battle might not be over. In a now-deleted video, Drake hinted at a potential second round of their feud, using a clip of former NBA star Rasheed Wallace, who once boldly predicted victory for his team during the 2004 NBA playoffs. Wallace’s message, "We will win game two," could suggest that Drake plans to release another diss track aimed at Kendrick.
Kendrick, however, seemed to shut down the possibility of a second round in a video promoting his upcoming performance at Super Bowl LIX in February 2025. Whether the battle will reignite remains to be seen.
