This rapper clashes with a video game clip in his story!

Game news This rapper clashes with a video game clip in his story!

A little context

If hostilities seem to have burst into broad daylight on March 22 with the incendiary featuring of Kendrick Lamar on the song “Like That” by Future and Metro Boomin, the roots of the clash undoubtedly go much deeper. Rumors of rivalry and jealousy had been brewing for a long time between the two rappers, fueled by their respective journeys and successes. On the one hand, Kendrick Lamar, an emblematic figure of conscious rap, has established himself as a spokesperson for social injustices and racial inequalities. His committed texts and powerful poetry have earned him unanimous critical recognition and a loyal audience.

On the other hand, Drake, a true hit machine, has ruled the charts for years with his mainstream rap and catchy melodies. His worldwide popularity and influence on popular culture make him a fixture on the music scene. On March 22, Kendrick Lamar launched the first offensive with his scathing verse on “Like That”. He directly attacks Drake, calling him an “artificially successful rapper” and criticizing his lack of authenticity. Drake’s reply is not long in coming. In “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle”, he counterattacks with virulence, mocking Kendrick Lamar’s pretentious side and questioning his talent.

But it was on May 3 that the clash reached its climax with the release of Euphoria, a 6-minute piece where Kendrick Lamar reduced Drake to pieces. Accusations of ghostwriting, criticism of his superficial relationships and his ostentatious lifestyle, anything goes in this merciless diatribe.

Drake Sora vs Ansem Lamar

Drake does not intend to let himself be defeated and responds with “6:16 in LA”, where he defends his image and counter-attacks on the sensitive points raised by Kendrick Lamar. The tension rises further with Kendrick Lamar’s “Family Matters”, which attacks Drake’s relationship with his father, and Drake’s “Meet the Grahams”, which makes fun of his rival’s family life.
Drake does not let himself be discouraged and responds to Lamar on Instagram in story with an emblematic cutscene from Kingdom Hearts 1, showing Ansem, main antagonist of the game, talking to Sora by telling him “”A meaningless effort. He who knows nothing does not can’t understand anything.”

Beyond the personal attacks and sharp punchlines, this clash shows much deeper issues that go to the very heart of hip-hop. It questions the notion of authenticity in a genre where image and marketing play a preponderant role. Kendrick Lamar, defender of pure and committed rap, seems to criticize the superficiality of mainstream rap embodied by Drake. The latter, for his part, seems to question the legitimacy of Kendrick Lamar to pose as a spokesperson for the oppressed, emphasizing his own success and his positive impact on the community.

The clash between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has a resounding impact on the world of hip-hop. Diss tracks accumulate millions of streams and views, fueling discussions and debates among fans. Some welcome the artistic intensity and energy of the clashes, while others regret this escalation of verbal violence. It is still too early to predict the long-term impact of this clash on rap. However, it is certain that it left its mark and that it will remain an important event in the history of the genre.