“How many opps you really got? I mean it’s too many options. I’m finna pass on this body, I’m John Stockton.” – Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”
In the world of Hip Hop, rivalries and beefs are not uncommon. They often mirror the competitive spirit seen on the basketball court, where artists vie for dominance, recognition, and respect. One of the most notable beefs in recent memory involves two heavyweights: Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Their feud, much like a heated basketball matchup, is filled with strategic moves, lyrical jabs, and shifting alliances.
Let’s take a closer look at how the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef can be compared to the game of basketball.
The Opening Tip-Off Every great rivalry has a starting point, and for Drake and Kendrick Lamar, it began with subtle shots fired in their respective songs. Much like the initial moments of a basketball game, where players feel each other out and test the waters, Drake and Kendrick used their lyrics to assert their dominance and challenge each other’s status in the Hip Hop hierarchy.
“Hate how the game got away from the bars, man, this sh*t like a prison escape. Everybody steppers? Well, f*ck it then, everybody’s breakfast and I’m about to clear up my plate.” – Drake, “First Person Shooter”
“Mothaf*ck the Big Three, it’s just big me!” – Kendrick Lamar, “Like That”
According to Hip Hop detectives, Drake referencing “steppers” was a jab at Kendrick’s 2022 album, “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” And in return, Kendrick addresses the “Big 3” comment made on J. Cole and Drake’s “First Person Shooter” collaboration.
Trading Buckets As the beef escalated, both artists traded lyrical blows, much like two basketball players exchanging baskets in a high-scoring game.
Drake: “First Person Shooter” ft. J. Cole
Kendrick: “Like That” ft. Future & Metro Boomin
Drake: “Push Ups”
Drake: “Taylor Made”
Kendrick: “Euphoria”
Kendrick: “6:16 in LA”
Drake: “Buried Alive Pt. 2”
Drake: “Family Matters”
Kendrick: “Meet The Grahams”
Kendrick: “Not Like Us”
Round 3: Defensive Tactics In any competition, defense is just as crucial as offense. Drake and Kendrick employed various defensive tactics to protect their reputations and deflect criticism. Whether it was through strategic collaborations, subliminal (or straightforward) lyrical jabs, or social media posts, both artists worked to control the narrative and sway public opinion in their favor, much like a team adjusting its defensive strategy to counter the opponent’s offense.
Round 4: Strategy, Changing the Game Plan As the beef wore on, both Drake and Kendrick Lamar adapted their game plans to stay ahead of the curve. Drake leaned into his commercial success and pop sensibilities, solidifying his status as a mainstream powerhouse. Meanwhile, Kendrick focused on critical acclaim and artistic integrity, cementing his reputation as a lyricist and storyteller. Just as basketball teams adjust their strategies based on the flow of the game, Drake and Kendrick evolved their approaches to maintain their competitive edge in the rap game.
In “Meet Grahams,” Kendrick even strategically mentions NBA superstars, Lebron James and Stephen Curry.
“Ayy, LeBron, keep the family away, hey, Curry, will you keep the family away?.”
Beyond calculated af, releasing back-to-back disses and utilizing intelligence to reveal their enemy’s flaws have also been a highlight of this beef thus far. It mirrors two coaches, or opponents, adjusting their offense or defense to their advantage.
Round 5: The Final Buzzer Every rivalry eventually reaches its conclusion, whether it’s a decisive victory or a mutual ceasefire. While the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef may not have a clear winner or loser, yet, it has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the current HIp Hop landscape. Like a closely contested basketball game that goes down to the wire, their feud has kept fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next play.
In the end, the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef serves as a testament to the neverending parallels between Hip hop and basketball, where culture, competition, skill, and strategy intersect to create unforgettable moments on and off the court.
Whether you’re a fan of rap or basketball, one thing is for sure: when two giants clash, the world takes notice. And I can’t help but also take note of this beef playing out during the 2024 NBA Playoffs. How fitting.
