The world of hip-hop thrives on competition, and one of the most talked-about rivalries of 2024 was the lyrical showdown between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. While fans are still debating who came out on top, Pusha T has weighed in with his verdict, stating unequivocally that Kendrick Lamar “1000%” won the battle. Speaking to journalist Ari Melber at Saint Sessions Live, Pusha T delivered a detailed breakdown of why he believes Kendrick emerged victorious.
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“Kendrick Talks to Your Soul”
During the conversation, Pusha T—no stranger to high-profile rap beefs himself—praised Kendrick Lamar’s ability to craft lyrics that resonate on a deeper level. “Kendrick is a lyricist that talks to your soul,” Pusha explained. “The truth really hurts. The truth cuts deep. I think Kendrick was really talking to [Drake’s] soul.”
Known for his sharp observations, Pusha T added, “That’s the kind of truth that’ll make you tap out. That’ll make you sue.” The statement was a not-so-subtle jab at Drake’s recently announced lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), which accuses the label of using unethical tactics, including “payola,” to promote Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us.”
Drake’s Lawsuit Against UMG
The lawsuit, filed last week, alleges that UMG unfairly supported Kendrick’s diss track to boost its performance and overshadow Drake’s releases. According to Drake’s legal team, UMG even suggested that the rapper file a lawsuit against Kendrick himself and offered to assist if he pursued the case. UMG has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations “baseless.”
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For Pusha T, this legal drama is further evidence of Kendrick’s victory. Referring to Drake’s decision to involve lawyers, Pusha quipped, “When you go from the studio to the courtroom, you’ve already lost the battle.”
A History of Tension
This feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake is the culmination of years of simmering tension between the two artists. Subtle jabs and veiled references in their music had fans speculating about a brewing rivalry for a long time. In 2024, Kendrick made it official with “Not Like Us,” a scathing diss track that many fans and critics called one of the best in recent memory.
Drake, ever the strategic artist, released several tracks that appeared to address Kendrick’s provocations, but none seemed to match the impact of “Not Like Us.” Adding fuel to the fire, Kendrick continued his criticisms of Drake on his latest album, GNX. The album, praised for its raw honesty and sharp lyricism, has cemented Kendrick’s reputation as one of hip-hop’s most fearless storytellers.
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Pusha T’s Own Beef with Drake
Pusha T’s opinion carries weight, not just because of his lyrical prowess but also because of his history with Drake. Their feud, which gave the world the infamous diss tracks “Duppy Freestyle” and “The Story of Adidon,” remains one of the most explosive rap battles of the past decade. Many believe that Pusha handed Drake his first loss, with “The Story of Adidon” exposing personal details that shook Drake’s public image and reportedly cost him a high-profile partnership with Adidas.
Given this history, it’s no surprise that Pusha T has been vocal about the Kendrick-Drake feud. He sees parallels between his own battle with Drake and Kendrick’s recent triumph, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and raw truth in rap battles.
The Aftermath of the Kendrick-Drake Feud
Both Kendrick and Drake have moved forward from their lyrical clash, but its impact continues to ripple through the hip-hop world. Kendrick, riding high on the success of GNX, is set to embark on a nationwide tour in April. Meanwhile, Drake, seemingly unfazed by the feud, recently announced his upcoming tour in Australia and New Zealand, kicking off in February.
Adding to his accomplishments, Drake was crowned Spotify’s Most Streamed Artist of 2024, proving his commercial dominance remains intact despite the diss tracks and legal challenges. Kendrick, however, appears more focused on artistic expression and critical acclaim, cementing his legacy as one of the genre’s most thought-provoking voices.
What’s Next for Pusha T?
As for Pusha T, he’s gearing up for a major moment of his own. Fans are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated reunion album from Clipse, produced entirely by Pharrell Williams. While details remain under wraps, the project promises to deliver the kind of sharp lyricism and cutting-edge production that has defined Pusha’s career.
Conclusion
The Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud will undoubtedly be remembered as one of hip-hop’s most intense rivalries. For Pusha T, Kendrick’s win is clear: it wasn’t just about clever wordplay or catchy hooks—it was about delivering truth that cuts to the core. “That’s what separates the greats from the rest,” Pusha concluded.
While Drake may dominate streaming charts and maintain his commercial supremacy, Kendrick’s ability to command respect and spark conversations about the art of rap speaks volumes. Whether you side with Kendrick, Drake, or remain neutral, one thing is certain: hip-hop is alive and thriving, fueled by competition, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
This is a story that fans won’t soon forget. Stay tuned for more updates on all three artists as they continue to shape the future of hip-hop.
