“Sometimes you have to POP OUT and show NI**AZ”. How Kendrick united LA while exposing Drake
The rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake is, without a doubt, one of the most entertaining battles I’ve witnessed in all my years as a hip-hop fan. While the feud between Jay-Z and Nas was also captivating, the clash between Kendrick and Drake stands out even more.
When the battle ended, I thought to myself that it wouldn’t affect Drake in any significant way. I believed he would continue making hits and that fans would quickly forgive and forget. After all, it’s rare in hip-hop battles for the loser to disappear entirely; the only exception being 50 Cent’s annihilation of Ja Rule, which rendered Ja Rule nearly invisible in the music scene.
A few weeks after the battle, I was going about my morning routine, playing upbeat music as I usually do. I put on a Drake song, but as I watched the video, I found it difficult to enjoy. Seeing Drake rap felt cringeworthy, and I paused the video, realizing that Kendrick Lamar had truly impacted the way I perceived Drake. Kendrick’s impeccable battle bars had changed how people viewed Drake, even for someone like me who hails from Toronto, Drake’s hometown.
I’ve seen Drake at clubs and have been a fan since his acting days on “Degrassi.” I was proud to see someone from my city make it big and put Toronto on the map. Toronto’s hip-hop scene had long taken a back seat, and Drake’s success felt like a win for us all. I remember his song “Replacement Girl” with Trey Songz hitting 106 & Park, and I would vote for it from multiple school library computers because I wanted Toronto to win so badly.
However, I was blinded by my hometown pride and didn’t see who Drake really was. Kendrick Lamar exposed the truth, calling Drake a culture vulture, among other things. Despite this, I still root for Drake; he’s one of my favorite artists. But Kendrick’s words made me reconsider my perspective.
Drake has contributed significantly to Toronto. He’s established ties with the Toronto Raptors, creating the OVO Athletic Centre, which provides jobs and resources for the community. He’s also involved with the new WNBA team coming to Toronto. His annual OVO Fest draws people from all over the world, boosting tourism and the local economy. Drake is responsible for at least 2% of Toronto’s tourism, just by being himself.
However, Kendrick Lamar argues that this isn’t enough. His recent pop-up concert on Juneteenth brought the city of LA together in a way that Drake has never intentionally done for Toronto. This blog post will delve into the significance of Kendrick’s pop-up concert and explore his claims of Drake being a culture vulture.
## Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake: The Power of Giving Back to the Community
In the world of rap, few rivalries have been as intense and long-lasting as the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. For the past decade, these two giants of the industry have been taking subliminal shots at each other, with Kendrick being more direct and Drake more subtle. One of Kendrick’s most pointed lines, “I hate the way that you sneak diss,” perfectly encapsulates the tension between them.
### The Feud and Its Impact
The feud recently escalated with a series of diss tracks, each more scathing than the last. Kendrick has accused Drake of being a “culture vulture” and a “colonizer,” among other things, claiming that Drake uses black entertainment without giving back to the communities that support him. This criticism cuts deep, suggesting that Drake benefits from the culture without contributing to the well-being of the people who make it thrive.
### Kendrick Lamar’s Pop-Out Concert
In stark contrast, Kendrick Lamar has consistently shown his commitment to giving back. On Juneteenth, Kendrick held a powerful pop-out concert in Los Angeles, a symbolic choice that emphasized his dedication to his roots and the community. The concert was more than just a musical event; it was a moment of unity and healing. Rival gangs like the Crips and Bloods, who don’t normally interact peacefully, were seen on stage dancing together. This was a significant step towards reducing gang violence and fostering community spirit in a city where the murder rate remains high.
This stands in sharp contrast to the late Nipsey Hussle, whose legacy is built on giving back to his community. Nipsey invested in local businesses and created opportunities for young people, leaving an indelible mark on Los Angeles. Similarly, Snoop Dogg has a long-running football camp for kids in LA, providing a positive outlet and guidance for the youth.
### The Contrast with Drake
While Drake has undoubtedly contributed to his city through infrastructure and opportunities created by his OVO brand, Kendrick’s criticism centers on the tangible impact of these actions. Kendrick argues that Drake’s contributions do not address the needs of the people in the ghettos who are the primary consumers of his music. This is where the accusation of being a “culture vulture” comes in — benefiting from the culture without giving back in meaningful ways.
### When it’s all said and done
The importance of giving back to the community cannot be overstated. Kendrick Lamar’s Juneteenth concert and his ongoing efforts with the WNBA exemplify how artists can use their influence and resources to create positive change. These actions not only support those in need but also set a powerful example for others to follow.
As we reflect on the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, it’s essential to consider the broader implications of their actions. Kendrick’s message is clear: community first. By taking his craft and giving back, he challenges others, including Drake, to think about how they can make a real difference in the lives of the people who support them.
Let’s draw inspiration from Kendrick’s example and find ways to contribute to our own communities. Whether through small acts of kindness or significant initiatives, we all have the power to make a positive impact. Music has the power to unite, heal, and inspire, and it’s up to us to use that power for the greater good.
Peace and love
Andrew Tremendous Jones
