Kendrick Lamar has recently resurfaced in the public eye following a heated feud with fellow rapper Drake. Over the past few months, Lamar has released a series of diss tracks aimed at Drake, airing out grievances that have simmered for over a decade. Since the end of March, Lamar has dropped five diss records, three of which came out in quick succession over a single weekend. These tracks have not only captured the attention of the rap community but also charted on the Billboard Hot 100, with four making it to the top 10.
In his diss tracks, Lamar has not held back, calling Drake a phony, a liar, and a master manipulator. He has also accused Drake of having issues with his Blackness, being a deadbeat father, a gambling addict, and hiding an 11-year-old daughter. The rap world has largely sided with Lamar, crowning him as the new king of the genre and celebrating his public takedown of Drake.
Throughout this feud, many have found themselves torn between admiring Lamar’s boldness and envying his ability to publicly humiliate someone he despises. The intensity of Lamar’s animosity towards Drake has been palpable, and his diss tracks have served as a cathartic release of years of pent-up frustration.
However, the aftermath of this feud has left many wondering about Lamar’s state of mind. Professionally, he seems to be riding high on his victory, with rumors of a new music video for “Not Like Us” circulating. Yet, he still faces some lingering controversies, including Drake’s allegations of abuse towards Lamar’s partner. While these claims have not been substantiated, they have added another layer of complexity to the feud.
Despite these challenges, Lamar’s position in the rap world appears stronger than ever. His next album is highly anticipated, and many expect it to be a masterpiece. However, the personal toll of this feud on Lamar remains a topic of interest. Has he found peace after airing his grievances, or does he still harbor unresolved feelings towards Drake?
Lamar’s recent public appearance at Compton College’s commencement ceremony provided a glimpse into his current state. On June 7, he delivered a heartfelt speech to the class of 2024 graduates, marking his first public appearance since the feud with Drake. In his speech, Lamar expressed pride in his Compton roots and encouraged the graduates to be independent thinkers.
“Seeing y’all out here is not only a representation of the world, but it’s a representation of me,” Lamar said. “When I walk out in the cities and these countries, I can be proud and say this is where I’m from. It’s no place like this one right here.”
He continued, urging the young generation to break false narratives about their work ethic and potential for success. “Some people tell us, this generation don’t have what it takes… They wrong though. You know why? Because not only y’all have what it takes, but y’all have something even bigger. Y’all have the heart,” Lamar said. “Y’all have the courage to be independent thinkers… There’s nothing more valuable than that.”
This appearance was a significant moment for Lamar, as it marked his return to the public eye after a period of intense personal and professional conflict. He also announced a concert titled “The Pop Out-Ken and Friends,” set to take place on July 19 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
As Lamar continues to navigate the aftermath of his feud with Drake, it remains to be seen how this chapter will influence his future work and public persona. For now, his focus seems to be on inspiring the next generation and celebrating his roots, even as the echoes of his recent battles linger in the background.
