Drake, one of the most influential figures in music, is once again at the center of a heated online discussion. This time, the controversy stems from a comment he made in response to criticism by popular streamer Pokimane, which some believe references Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 hit, Euphoria. While the two artists have been involved in a subtle back-and-forth for much of the year, Drake’s latest response has added another layer to the ongoing rivalry.
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Pokimane’s Disappointment with Drake’s Stake Deal
The drama began when Pokimane, a well-known Twitch streamer, expressed her dismay over Drake’s endorsement deal with the betting platform Stake. In a heartfelt clip shared on Saturday, November 23, Pokimane admitted that her admiration for the Canadian rapper had been shaken.
“When I heard Drake was involved with Stake, my heart broke, I’ma be honest,” Pokimane shared emotionally. “I’ve been a little Drake fangirl, ya know, the Canadian blood running through my veins. And I still love his music … but now, I don’t love him as much as a person.”
Her comments resonated with many fans who also voiced concerns about the ethics of celebrity endorsements in gambling. Stake, a cryptocurrency-based gambling platform, has faced criticism for promoting potentially harmful behaviors, particularly among younger audiences.
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Drake’s Cryptic Response: A Nod to Kendrick’s “Euphoria”?
Drake didn’t stay silent for long. During a recap of Pokimane’s remarks on Los Pollos’ live stream, the Toronto rapper dropped a comment that many fans believe is a sly reference to Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Euphoria. Responding to the streamer’s criticism, Drake wrote, “I watched the clip what’s she mad about? Is it the braids??!?”
The comment immediately caught the attention of fans, not just for its dismissive tone but for its potential deeper meaning. In Euphoria, Kendrick raps, “Cutthroat business, you got shit twisted / What is it? The braids?” The parallels between Kendrick’s lyrics and Drake’s quip were hard to ignore, sparking speculation that the 6 God was intentionally referencing his rival’s hit.
Fans quickly pointed out the possible double entendre in Drake’s remark. Recently, the rapper cut off his signature braids, leaving some to wonder if he was addressing both Pokimane’s critique and Kendrick’s song in one fell swoop. Whether intentional or not, the comment reignited conversations about the simmering tension between the two rap giants.
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The Legacy of “Euphoria”
Kendrick Lamar’s Euphoria has become one of the defining songs of 2024, both musically and culturally. Released in April, the track not only broke streaming records but also served as a response to Drake’s Push Ups. The song’s introspective yet cutting lyrics cemented Kendrick’s reputation as one of hip-hop’s sharpest storytellers.
Despite its success, Euphoria failed to secure Grammy nominations, aNot Like Us, swept the nominations, earning nods for Song of the Year, Best Music Video, and Best Rap Performance. Produced by Mustard, Not Like Us became a commercial juggernaut, amassing over 177 million YouTube views and being named the best-selling song of 2024 by Chart Data.
Drake and Kendrick: A Rivalry That Defines 2024
Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s rivalry has been one of the most captivating storylines in music this year. While Kendrick opened his Pop-Out concert series with Euphoria, Drake fired back with tracks like Taylor Made Freestyle and Family Matters. The lyrical exchanges have kept fans engaged, with each artist bringing their unique style and perspective to the table.
Adding another layer to the rivalry is the fact that Drake executive-produced the HBO series Euphoria, starring Zendaya. Fans have speculated whether the track’s title is a subtle jab at Drake’s involvement in the show, further fueling the tension between the two artists.
Pokimane’s Critique in Context
Pokimane’s criticism of Drake, while seemingly unrelated to his feud with Kendrick, highlights the broader issues surrounding celebrity influence and responsibility. As one of the most recognizable faces in hip-hop, Drake’s decisions carry weight, and his endorsement of Stake has drawn scrutiny from fans who view it as a potentially harmful association.
For Pokimane, a fellow Canadian, the disappointment seems personal. Her remarks echo the sentiments of fans who expect their idols to align with values that reflect their public personas.
What’s Next for Drake and Kendrick?
As the year draws to a close, the rivalry between Drake and Kendrick shows no signs of slowing down. With Kendrick’s GNX continuing to dominate charts and Drake remaining a cultural powerhouse, their competition has become a defining narrative in hip-hop.
Whether or not Drake’s comment was a deliberate nod to Kendrick’s Euphoria, it has reignited conversations about their lyrical sparring and the ways in which their music reflects deeper cultural debates. For fans of both artists, 2024 will be remembered as a year of sharp bars, subtle jabs, and unforgettable moments.
