In his latest release, the LA rapper fires back in the ongoing spat with Drake, delivering a six-minute verbal assault aimed not only at Drake's rap persona but also at the very core of his character as a human being.
Titled "Euphoria," Lamar's track not only nods to Drake's involvement with the hit drama "Euphoria" but also reflects the sheer relief Lamar likely feels in finally venting his pent-up frustrations. This latest installment in their long-standing feud adds another chapter to the saga between these two rap heavyweights, often considered pillars of contemporary hip-hop.
Lamar's delivery starts with a calculated, almost chilling tone: "Know you a master manipulator, and habitual liar, too / But don't tell no lie 'bout me, and I won't tell truths 'bout you."
However, as the track progresses, Lamar's verses explode into a visceral barrage of disdain, targeting Drake's alleged shortcomings as a father, ridiculing his Toronto slang, mocking rumors of cosmetic surgery, hinting at betrayal, revisiting past conflicts Drake has avoided addressing, and even challenging Drake's identity as a Black artist. While these verbal jabs are undeniably disrespectful, they're not entirely novel, having been echoed by other artists like Rick Ross, Megan Thee Stallion, and Pusha T. Yet, at the 3:10 mark, Lamar deviates from his usual poetic style to meticulously list every detail about Drake that irks him:
"I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk
I hate the way that you dress
I hate the way that you sneak diss
If I catch a flight it's gonna be direct
We hate the b****** you f*** because they confuse themselves for real women
Notice I say, "We"
It's not just me; I'm what the culture feeling"
Delivered in rapid succession, this level of confrontation feels raw and authentic, a stark departure from the synthetic and uninspired exchanges that have characterized their beef thus far. In an era saturated with artificiality, even the verbal sparring between Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Drake has felt disconnected from the essence of rap beef – a showcase of skill, a raising of stakes, and an attempt to humiliate the opponent into submission.
It's been a month since Lamar initiated the conflict with a subtle jab on the track "Like That," prompting responses from J. Cole and Drake. While J. Cole eventually bowed out, citing a lack of genuine investment, Drake's retorts, including "Push Ups" and "Taylor Made Freestyle," sparked further confusion due to their unconventional rollout, with some even doubting their authenticity.
Drake's attempt to rattle Lamar by incorporating AI-generated verses from Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg into "Taylor Made Freestyle" backfired when the Shakur estate issued a cease and desist, underscoring the desperation permeating this digital-age feud.
In contrast, Lamar's "Euphoria" stands as a testament to authentic emotion, devoid of gimmicks or manufactured controversy. Its release via YouTube without fanfare harks back to a bygone era of straightforward confrontations, leaving observers to wonder if this beef has reached its conclusion or is merely gaining momentum. This time, it's genuine.