Future, one of the most prominent rappers today, has had an impressive year, releasing three high-quality albums in just ten months. Two of these albums were produced in collaboration with Metro Boomin, his longtime partner, and the duo is set to feature in an upcoming GQ interview to reflect on their historic achievements. However, the highlight of the interview was Future’s feelings toward Kendrick Lamar and the controversy surrounding their song “Like That.”
Here's ads banner inside a post
The song, a collaboration between Future and Kendrick Lamar, quickly climbed to number one on the charts, thanks in large part to Kendrick’s stellar verse. However, instead of feeling pride, Future expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that Kendrick had “hurt” him on his own track. In the GQ interview, Future revealed that Kendrick’s verse openly referred to the “Big Three” in rap—implicitly including Kendrick, Drake, and J. Cole—without acknowledging Future, even though the song was his own creation.
“He talked about the ‘Big Three’ on my song,” Future stated. “I was supposed to be the one who felt insulted. I still don’t get it. It’s my song, but I’m treated like I don’t matter.”
Future also admitted that what upset him even more wasn’t Kendrick’s direct jabs at Drake and J. Cole but the fact that no one—neither his peers nor fans—seemed to care about how he felt about being excluded. “Nobody even asked how I felt. That’s what really offended me,” he lamented. “That’s what made it so messed up.”
Here's ads banner inside a post
Future holds Kendrick Lamar responsible for the perceived disrespect on the track. He feels that, if Drake and J. Cole had reasons to be angry at Kendrick’s words, then he—being left out of the “Big Three” entirely—had even more reason to feel hurt. “I’m not in the ‘Big Three’; I’m nothing on my own song,” Future stated. “If I didn’t get mad, nobody else should have gotten mad. Why’s everyone upset when he was talking about me on my own track?”
The most puzzling part of the interview for fans, however, was when Future claimed he was unaware of any brewing tension among Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and J. Cole. “There was a beef?” he recalled thinking. “I didn’t even know they had issues. I’ve never participated in rap battles or beef, man.”
Future’s assertion that he was oblivious to the underlying tensions has left fans skeptical. Many have pointed out that there was already friction between Future, Metro Boomin, and Drake before “Like That” was released. His explanation of being “in the dark” about the situation feels unconvincing, given his position as one of rap’s most influential figures, someone who is usually in tune with the industry’s inner workings.
Here's ads banner inside a post
Despite his claims of ignorance, Future seems intent on distancing himself from public feuds. He shared that he has never been interested in rap battles or being part of competitive spats. “I just make music. I don’t want to be dragged into all that,” he said.
Even though this controversy cast a shadow over an otherwise phenomenal year, 2024 remains a milestone in Future’s career. His three albums, released in such a short span, highlight his unyielding creativity. The two projects with Metro Boomin received critical acclaim, proving that Future continues to dominate the rap scene.
However, being excluded from the “Big Three” discussion clearly weighs heavily on him. Future feels not only disrespected but also neglected by the community. “I’ve worked so hard to reach where I am today, but nobody cares about how I feel. That’s the part that disappoints me the most,” he confessed.
Despite the hurt, Future is determined not to let this incident derail his progress. He revealed that he is already working on new projects and plans to pour all his energy into music. “Music is everything to me. I don’t need to prove anything to anyone,” he declared.
The situation with Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and J. Cole might serve as a lesson for Future about balancing artistic expression with personal emotions. Still, his forward-looking mindset reassures fans that he will continue to achieve greatness and solidify his position in the industry.
In the competitive world of hip-hop, Future understands that validation doesn’t have to come from anyone other than himself and his loyal fanbase. As his name suggests, Future will always look ahead, not at the controversies of today.
