This has undoubtedly been a challenging year for Drake, and it seems that his streak of bad luck continues. Today, fans were abuzz when Kendrick Lamar received seven Grammy nominations for songs that many consider “diss tracks” aimed at Drake. All seven of these nominations are connected to Kendrick’s songs “Not Like Us” and “Like That” by Future and Metro Boomin, featuring Kendrick.
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The success of these tracks makes the Grammy nods unsurprising, but that hasn’t stopped social media users from ruthlessly mocking Drake. Many are recalling a line from his Kendrick diss track “Family Matters” that seems to have predicted this very situation: “Kendrick just opened his mouth, someone go hand him a Grammy right now.” This line has become the center of jokes, as Kendrick now seems closer than ever to winning Grammys for songs allegedly targeting Drake.
At the time of writing, neither Kendrick nor Drake has publicly addressed the Grammy nominations. However, most fans agree that Kendrick’s nominations are well-deserved, especially considering the viral impact and intensity of the rivalry between the two top rappers. The feud gained more intrigue last month when, in an interview with SZA for Harper’s Bazaar, Kendrick offered deep insights into his song “Not Like Us,” clarifying its true meaning—something fans hadn’t expected.
Kendrick explained, “‘Not Like Us’? ‘Not Like Us’ is the energy of who I am, the type of man I represent. If someone identifies with the man I represent, that’s a man with morals, with values, who believes in something and stands firm on those beliefs. He doesn’t pander to anyone.”
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He continued, “He’s a man who recognizes his mistakes, isn’t afraid to share them, and can dig deep into fear-based ideologies or experiences to express them without feeling like he’s less of a man. When I think of ‘Not Like Us,’ I think of myself and those who identify with those values.”
Through this song, Kendrick wanted to convey a powerful message, drawing a clear distinction between himself and those who share his beliefs. According to his explanation, Kendrick wasn’t directly targeting Drake, but instead, he delivered a message about integrity and self-respect. Nonetheless, many still see “Not Like Us” as Kendrick’s response to Drake’s earlier jabs, adding to fans’ fascination with the ongoing, simmering rivalry between the two artists.
Social media has been flooded with humorous comments and jabs at Drake. The line in “Family Matters” now feels like a well-aimed prediction, a bitter irony as Drake mentions the Grammys, only for Kendrick to edge closer to the prestigious awards with these tracks. Kendrick’s fans are quick to argue that Drake is simply facing the “karma” of his own words as they come back to haunt him.
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With this Grammy race, Kendrick not only solidifies his position in the music industry but also makes a profound impact in his competition with Drake. The situation has sparked debate about the contrasting styles and philosophies of the two stars. While Drake often delves into themes of love and personal life with a smooth, appealing style, Kendrick doesn’t shy away from addressing personal values, morals, and social messages.
Although it remains to be seen how the Grammys will unfold, Kendrick’s nominations are sure to be a milestone in his career. With the possibility of winning Grammys for diss tracks aimed at Drake, Kendrick is not only cementing his influence but also adding a deeper layer of meaning to this high-stakes musical rivalry. Fans eagerly await a response from Drake, wondering if he’ll stay silent or maintain the “cool, unbothered” persona he’s often shown in the face of tension.
The simmering yet intense feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake continues to captivate the hip-hop community, serving as a testament to the power of words and music in defining influence and legacy. Their clash isn’t merely about lyrical jabs but reflects the differences in thought, lifestyle, and artistic philosophy between two of hip-hop’s greatest rappers.
