The ongoing feud between hip-hop giants Drake and Kendrick Lamar has not only captivated the music world but has also seeped into the political arena. The latest twist in this saga came when President Joe Biden’s campaign team used Kendrick Lamar’s track “Euphoria” to take a jab at former President Donald Trump. The video, released on May 6, features a slideshow that begins with images of Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris before transitioning to photos of Trump. As Kendrick’s scathing lyrics play in the background, the video uses subtext to adapt the bars, making them more fitting for dissing Trump and his social media platform, Truth Social.
The video opens with the line, “It’s always been about love and hate, now let me say I’m the biggest hater,” and goes on to criticize Trump for his stance on women’s rights, immigration, and his controversial departure from mainstream social media to Truth Social. The use of “Euphoria,” which debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, adds a layer of cultural relevance to the political message, highlighting how deeply the Drake vs. Kendrick feud has permeated various aspects of society.
The Biden campaign’s use of Kendrick’s lyrics is not an isolated incident. The political world has increasingly been tapping into pop culture moments to make their points. For instance, Macklemore recently released a politically charged track, “Hind’s Hall,” where he criticizes Biden for his support of Israel and vows not to vote for him again. The song also touches on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling out the music industry for its silence on the issue and taking a shot at Drake in the process.
The Kendrick-Drake feud has been a long-standing one, with roots going back to 2012 when Kendrick opened for Drake on tour. The rivalry intensified after Kendrick’s verse on Big Sean’s “Control” in 2013, where he called out several rappers, including Drake. Since then, the two have exchanged subliminal shots in their music, culminating in the recent back-and-forth diss tracks. Kendrick’s “Euphoria” was a direct response to Drake’s “Push Ups,” and the feud escalated over a weekend with six diss tracks exchanged between the two.
The political use of this feud underscores how deeply intertwined pop culture and politics have become. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the messages these artists convey and how they resonate with the public. The Biden campaign’s video is a prime example of how political entities are leveraging cultural moments to make their points more impactful.
The feud has also drawn in other artists and public figures. Rick Ross, Future, Metro Boomin, and even NBA star Ja Morant have all taken sides in this ongoing battle. Future and Metro Boomin’s joint project “We Don’t Trust You” featured several tracks that took shots at Drake, further fueling the fire. Rick Ross, a long-time collaborator of Drake, surprised many by appearing on a diss track aimed at him. The Weeknd, another former collaborator, also took aim at Drake in his recent music, adding another layer to this complex web of rivalries.
Even J. Cole, who initially seemed to be neutral, found himself dragged into the feud. His line on “First Person Shooter” was one of the sparks that reignited Kendrick’s desire for confrontation. Cole’s subsequent actions, including appearing on a track from Future and Metro’s follow-up project, have been interpreted as taking sides, further complicating the dynamics.
The feud has also had its lighter moments, with meme wars and social media jabs adding a layer of humor to the otherwise intense rivalry. Drake’s reference to Ja Morant and the subsequent social media interactions are examples of how this feud has permeated various facets of popular culture.
In the midst of all this, the political use of the feud by the Biden campaign stands out as a significant moment. It highlights how deeply embedded these cultural conflicts are in the public consciousness and how they can be leveraged for political gain. The use of Kendrick’s “Euphoria” in a political context not only amplifies the message but also brings a new dimension to the ongoing feud.
As the feud continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how it influences both the music and political landscapes. For now, it serves as a reminder of the power of pop culture in shaping public discourse and the ways in which it can be harnessed to make impactful statements.
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