USC professor and hip-hop scholar Todd Boyd reflects on the escalating rap beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, drawing parallels to past feuds that ended tragically. The feud began in 2013 when Lamar sent shots at Drake and other rappers in a guest verse on Big Sean's 'Control.' The tension resurfaced recently with Lamar targeting Drake and J. Cole in his track 'Like That,' leading to a series of diss tracks exchanged between the two artists.
Drake's responses took a personal turn, mentioning Lamar's partner and making serious allegations against him. Lamar retaliated by accusing Drake of being a sexual predator and appropriating Black culture. The battle reached a peak when Lamar released 'Not Like Us,' where he labeled Drake a pedophile.
The feud has divided fans and sparked discussions about the limits of rap battles. While hip-hop culture has a history of friendly competition, the Drake-Lamar beef has turned dark and ugly, with accusations flying back and forth.
Experts weigh in on the feud, with some criticizing Drake for crossing boundaries and bringing up personal matters. Lamar's vulnerability in his music has been highlighted as a contrast to Drake's perceived lack of authenticity. The accusations have shed light on Drake's past behavior with young women and his cultural appropriation.
The impact of social media on modern rap beefs is also discussed, with the immediacy of responses affecting the quality of music being produced. Boyd emphasizes the importance of taking time to craft diss tracks, citing past battles like Nas and Jay-Z's as examples of well-thought-out responses.
Ultimately, the Drake-Lamar feud serves as a cautionary tale of how rap beefs can spiral out of control. While verbal sparring is a part of hip-hop culture, the personal attacks and serious allegations in this battle raise questions about where to draw the line in the pursuit of being the best in the game.
