It seems DJ Akademiks has found himself in hot water yet again, this time for a particularly inflammatory rant targeting Kendrick Lamar’s deeply personal track, “Auntie Diaries,” from his critically acclaimed 2022 album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Known for his often polarizing opinions, Akademiks’ latest tirade has left fans outraged, accusing him of crossing the line into outright disrespect and insensitivity.
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The debate began when Akademiks decided to revisit Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, despite Kendrick’s more recent release, GNX, dominating the charts. Akademiks zeroed in on “Auntie Diaries”, a track that candidly explores themes of identity, acceptance, and Kendrick’s relationship with a trans family member. The song, celebrated for its vulnerability and progressive message, seems to have struck a nerve with Akademiks—but not in the way many expected.
Akademiks’ Rant: “When Did Hip-Hop Care About This?”
In a clip circulating online, Akademiks doesn’t hold back his disdain for Kendrick’s choice of subject matter, calling it irrelevant to hip-hop’s core themes. “Kendrick dropped a whole album talking about LGBTQ issues. In the history of hip-hop, when have we cared about that?” he said, dismissively. He went on to accuse Kendrick of “grasping for topics to sell records,” claiming the Compton rapper was no longer capable of addressing issues central to the Black community.
“With all due respect to the LGBTQ community,” Akademiks continued, “when in the history of fing hip hop have we ever given a f about that type of s***? Kendrick couldn’t rap about saving Black people no more, so now he’s rapping about his auntie being a man and that he got fingered.”
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The comment, which many have called tasteless and disrespectful, left his co-hosts and guests visibly uncomfortable. Yet, Akademiks appeared unfazed, doubling down with an even more bizarre pivot to politics, bringing Donald Trump into the discussion. “Big 45 is back, and we don’t want to hear about your auntie being a man or any of these other issues for four years. Save it for 2028.”
Backlash from Fans and Critics
The backlash was swift and unrelenting. Social media users, music critics, and fans of Kendrick Lamar alike have slammed Akademiks for what they describe as a hateful, regressive take. Many pointed out that “Auntie Diaries” is one of the boldest and most introspective tracks in Kendrick’s discography, praised for its raw honesty and willingness to tackle complex societal issues.
One fan wrote, “Ak’s comments are everything wrong with hip-hop’s gatekeeping. Kendrick’s trying to elevate the conversation, and here he is dragging it back into the mud.” Another added, “Akademiks talks about relevance, but Kendrick is the one breaking barriers while Ak is just screaming into the void.”
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Prominent voices in the hip-hop community have also weighed in. While some dismissed Akademiks’ rant as attention-seeking behavior, others condemned his remarks as harmful. “This ain’t it, Ak. You’re punching down on a subject that’s bigger than you,” one industry insider commented.
Why “Auntie Diaries” Matters
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers marked a turning point in Kendrick Lamar’s career, as he used the album to navigate personal traumas, systemic injustices, and societal taboos. “Auntie Diaries” stands out for its exploration of gender identity and acceptance within the Black and hip-hop communities—topics often sidestepped or stigmatized in the genre.
For many, the track is a powerful statement of growth, empathy, and self-reflection. Kendrick’s candid storytelling not only humanizes these issues but also challenges listeners to confront their own biases.
Akademiks Faces the Music
As the uproar continues, Akademiks remains defiant, but the damage to his credibility may be lasting. While controversial takes are part of his brand, this latest rant feels different—an out-of-touch tirade that has alienated even some of his most loyal followers.
In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, where artists like Kendrick Lamar push boundaries and broaden perspectives, Akademiks’ comments feel like a regressive step backward. As one commenter aptly put it: “Kendrick’s out here trying to change the game. Ak’s just trying to stay in it.”
The discussion surrounding “Auntie Diaries” and Akademiks’ reaction underscores a larger tension in hip-hop: the clash between tradition and progression. Whether Akademiks realizes it or not, Kendrick’s music is carving out a new space for voices long ignored—and no amount of ranting will stop it.
