Who Won the Rap Beef? Kendrick Lamar vs Drake

The year 2023 witnessed an epic clash between two titans of the hip-hop realm, Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Their long-simmering feud erupted into a full-blown lyrical war, captivating audiences worldwide. From scathing diss tracks to unapologetic accusations, this beef had it all. But the burning question remains: who won the rap beef?

The Spark that Ignited the Inferno

The first salvo was fired when Kendrick Lamar dropped a fiery verse on “Like That” by Future and Metro Boomin. His bars were a thinly veiled jab at Drake, igniting a chain reaction of responses and counter-responses. Drake hit back with “Push Ups,” belittling Lamar’s legacy and accomplishments.

Instagram | kendricklamarbible | The feud ignited when Kendrick Lamar unleashed a scorching verse on “Like That” by Future and Metro Boomin.

The tension escalated further with Drake’s controversial “Taylor Made Freestyle,” where he audaciously utilized AI-generated voices of rap icons Snoop Dogg and the late Tupac Shakur to taunt his adversary.

Kendrick Lamar’s Lyrical Onslaught

Lamar’s response was nothing short of explosive. “Euphoria” questioned Drake’s parenting skills, rumored plastic surgery, and the use of AI in his music. Lines like “I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk, I hate the way that you dress” resonated with fans, showcasing Lamar’s disdain for Drake’s persona.

In “6:16 In LA,” Lamar hinted at inside information from Drake’s own label, threatening to expose his true character. The track “Meet The Grahams” took aim at Drake’s family, addressing his son Adonis, his parents, and alleged secret daughter.

The climax came with “Not Like Us,” a blistering track packed with explosive allegations, including the suggestion of Drake’s involvement with underage individuals. This incendiary release propelled the song to the top of Spotify’s global charts, solidifying its place in rap history.

Drake’s Counterattack

Instagram | champagnepapi | Drake’s final response in The Heart Part 6 hinted at his desire to end the feud for now.

Drake didn’t hold back either. “Family Matters” attacked Lamar’s family unit, accusing him of physical abuse towards his wife and claiming his son’s paternity belonged to Lamar’s creative partner, Dave Free. These allegations pushed the boundaries of lyrical warfare, leaving some observers uncomfortable with the personal nature of the attacks.

In “The Heart Part 6,” Drake’s final rebuttal (as of now), he appeared to signal his readiness to move on from the conflict.

The Verdict: Who Won the Rap Beef?

While opinions remain divided, many critics and fans have declared Kendrick Lamar the victor in this legendary rap beef. His multifaceted approach, lyrical prowess, and strategic releases solidified his status as a true wordsmith dedicated to preserving the essence of hip-hop.

Music journalist JP Patterson of Complex UK stated, “All in all, Kendrick won this battle. Both dragged each other to hell with their lyrical jabs, but it’s undeniable who came out on top.”

Instagram | billboardhiphop | Despite divided opinions, Kendrick Lamar is widely acclaimed as the victor in this iconic rap feud.

Minou Itseli, known as Mimi The Music Blogger, echoed similar sentiments, “Kendrick proved he cares about the art of rap music and can do it in his sleep. He’s so nuanced in the way he creates that he has earned the respect of many.”

However, some commentators like DJ Akademiks have sided with Drake, citing perceived double standards in how the rappers were judged throughout the beef.

Regardless of who you believe emerged victorious, one thing is certain: this epic clash between  Kendrick Lamar and Drake has solidified their legacies and provided an unforgettable moment in rap history, captivating audiences worldwide with its raw lyricism and uncompromising intensity.