Not Like Us ended the beef
In life, becoming successful, gaining fame, and making lots of money should be a goal. However, people must also understand that staying in their lane is sometimes the wiser choice. Not trying to reach heights you cannot realistically achieve is perfectly fine. But being ‘gassed’ up into thinking you are the best can lead to complications, and this is exactly what has happened in the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.
In hip hop, the term ‘beef’ has become a common feature among peers and listeners. Engaging in a beef can seem cool and culturally relevant. Hip hop beefs can be dangerous, especially when entourages are involved, but for the average listener, it is exciting to hear artists become wordsmiths, using clever metaphors and intricate wordplay that showcase their genius.
As hip hop becomes more commercialised, attracting audiences not just from inner-city areas but also from suburban and rural regions around the world, the need for rap beefs has lessened. New generations of listeners want to relive the East Coast versus West Coast energy, but in a safer, more marketable way, without casualties, but still rich with tension and atmosphere.
Once upon a time, Kendrick and Drake were friends who respected each other’s artistry and commercial success. They collaborated on each other’s projects and featured together on tracks with other artists. Drake achieved more commercial success overall, but Kendrick was not far behind. What Kendrick had that Drake lacked was street credibility in terms of lyrical ability and originality. Drake made songs for nightclubs, whereas Kendrick created music that resonated both in clubs and on the streets. Drake, as a rapper, lacked versatility and lyrical cadence, though he undeniably had talent. Kendrick, on the other hand, possessed all three qualities.
The Kendrick and Drake beef has escalated to levels few anticipated, such as not listeners, not peers, and not commentators. Initially, it seemed like a short-lived exchange; a few diss tracks followed by a return to being professional acquaintances. When three artists, Kendrick, Drake, and J Cole, were competing, most thought it was simply a matter of who would top their class. But as tensions rose and Cole exited the saga, people still assumed it was a friendly contest of skill. Cole’s departure, however, signalled that this was becoming more than just competition.
What followed was a string of diss tracks and tit-for-tat releases, many lacking substance. It was clear to most that Drake did not have the lyrical momentum to stand toe-to-toe with Kendrick, but he kept responding until ‘Not Like Us’ surfaced. That track ended the beef in its first verse. At that moment, Drake had no viable response. The lights had dimmed, and his position in the rap game looked vulnerable. Kendrick took the battle to every metaphorical planet and brought it back to Earth, proving Drake lacked the lyrical and commercial firepower to challenge him. Just like that, the winner was declared.
This beef mirrors the infamous feud between 50 Cent and Ja Rule. The resemblance is striking: Drake is reminiscent of Ja Rule, a rapper known for R&B-influenced hits, while Kendrick, like 50 Cent, combines street and commercial appeal, even if complex wordplay isn’t always his focus. It begs the question: Why did anyone expect Drake to win, knowing he has used ghostwriters and positioned himself as a rapper while primarily releasing R&B tracks?
Drake should never have entered a lyrical battle knowing his main strength lies in beats, not bars. That said, his achievements should not be dismissed; his accolades speak volumes. No one can say Drake lacks talent, and anyone who does is simply hating. However, two major missteps were made: first, allowing his entourage to inflate his belief in his lyrical prowess; and second, challenging someone who essentially holds a doctorate in rap and specialises in lyricism.
Drake will still earn from music; he is an excellent hitmaker and has cemented himself as a successful song creator, even if he lacks depth in lyrical composition. This will not be a repeat of Ja Rule’s downfall, as Drake is still respected within the industry. On the other hand, Kendrick continues to thrive, as evidenced by the success of his recent European stadium shows.
So, let’s pause and reflect. There was only ever going to be one winner. J Cole recognised this early, which is why he chose to bow out. In this current era, no rapper has the lyrical capability to rival Kendrick. He stands in a class of his own.
