Hip-hop icons Kendrick Lamar and Drake gave the industry one of the most divisive in recent history over the summer, but some are looking beyond “fun and games.”
British grime artist Skepta found Lamar’s role in the feud irresponsible, taking note of Ebro in an exclusive interview on Apple Music the damage he caused to the industry.
“Kendrick Lamar making fake accusations about Drake has been very damaging to the culture because it has scared big companies like Nike and other brands from working with rappers, because of his lies. How vile is Kendrick,” he shared.
“Kendrick Lamar making fake accusations* about Drake caused a lot of damage to the culture because it scared big companies like Nike and other brands from working with rappers because of the lies of how vile Kendrick is “
– Skepta explains to ebro on Apple Music… pic.twitter.com/Vttl2ITatG
– OjoToTheWorld (@OjoToTheWorld) November 11, 2024
He continued, “It’s hurting what we’ve been building all this time. We look crazy here. Talking to each other like this is crazy. You’re calling me that in one word, but this guy agreed to this.” [brand]. So now, how can they sign a contract with a man who is being charged with this crime?”
Lamar’s best song about beef, “Not Like Us,” features standout lines like “Try to make a chord and it’s probably in A minor” and “Just make sure to hide your sister friends with him.” Despite boasting some pretty harsh accusations against Drake, the track recently received five Grammy nominations for Record and Song of the Year, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance Best and Best Music Video.
While many understood Skepta’s point of view, others considered him unfit to speak on the issue, noting his inability to understand the politics of rap music in America. Others also noted that Drake’s accusations of domestic abuse against Lamar were equally damaging.
I play Skepta heavily, worse than most American rappers.. but with all due respect, he has to focus on this. Keep that energy across the pond, our rap comes from the spirit of competition and being better than your opponents. Damn it, losing a deal, respect and integrity more than anything! https://t.co/gP0J1n3dQa
— Upscale Vandal (@Upscale_Vandal) November 10, 2024
Skepta isn’t wrong but I don’t expect people to see his point of view. Questlove shared similar sentiments a few months ago and was attacked.
— 500 🏎 (@Kameron_Hay) November 11, 2024
However, if there’s anyone who doesn’t mind the beef, it’s President-elect Donald Trump, who recently revealed that he is a fan of Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” and praised it as a “True American Song”.
He shared on his social networking site Truth Social: “Start the day by listening to ‘Not Like Us’ by Kendrick Lamar. I love this song! I’ve listened to this song many times.” He continued, “It’s funny how Canadians think they’re better than us. They’re not! Canada is collapsing in on itself – and it’s because of this song.”
Tags Skepta, Drake, Kendrick Lamar