Kendrick Lamar Says Drake Feud Was About the “Sport” of Battle Rap

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Kendrick Lamar recently shed light on his approach to his ongoing feud with Drake, clarifying that, for him, it’s always been about the competitive nature of battle rap.

In an interview on February 7 with Apple Music’s Ebro Darden and Nadeska Alexis, Kendrick explained that his 2024 music wasn’t meant to draw a definitive line in his career but was part of his long-standing commitment to rap as a sport. “From day one, my intent was to always keep it as a sport,” Kendrick shared. “I don’t care how people see it in terms of collaboration. That’s cool, too, but I love when artists grit their teeth.”

He went on to express his continued passion for battle rap, explaining that it’s always been a core part of who he is. “I still watch battle raps, I still watch Smack/URL, from Murda Mook to [Loaded] Lux to Tay Roc to my bro Daylyt. This has always been the core definition of who I am,” he said. “It’s not just a thing for this year, it’s just a continuation of what I’ve been doing.”

Kendrick also observed that in recent years, rap had lost some of its raw intensity, and he felt the need to reignite that energy. “This year, it was more from a space where I think a lot of people were putting rap to the back, and you didn’t see that grit, you didn’t see that bite anymore,” he said.

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While fans defended Kendrick’s approach, noting his line from “Euphoria”—*“We ain’t gotta get personal, this a friendly fade, you should keep it that way”—*some felt Drake’s comments about Kendrick’s family crossed a line. Nonetheless, battle rap enthusiasts pointed out that “personals” like family and rumors are fair game in the culture, referencing battles such as those involving Eazy The Block Captain and Remy Ma.

This conversation took place ahead of Kendrick’s highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime show, which is set for Sunday, February 11, when the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Kendrick Lamar Explains Drake Feud Was All About the “Sport” of Battle Rap  was originally published on ronerickeysmileymorningshow.staging.go.ione.nyc