References Drake and Lil Wayne controversies

On By Littum

Upper line

Kendrick Lamar surprised fans by releasing a new album, “GNX,” on Friday afternoon without prior notice, the latest in a successful year for the rapper marked by his dramatic beef with Drake — which many say Lamar won — and his smash diss- track “Not Like Us,” as the album contains references to the feud.

Key facts

Lamar quietly released the 12-track album Friday afternoon and posted album cover to Instagram just after noon EST.

The rapper addresses his feud with Drake on the opening track, “tilted forward murals,” rapping: “Snoop posted ‘Taylor Made,’ I prayed it was the edible/ I couldn’t believe it, it was only right for me to let it go.”

The lyrics refer to rappers Snoop Dogg shared Drake’s diss track aimed at Lamar, “Taylor Made Freestyle,” to Instagram earlier this year, though Snoop Dogg later clarified he wouldn’t take sides in the feud, praising both Drake and Lamar for “raising the bar” for rappers.

Lamar’s album includes a new track called “heart pt. 6,” the latest installment in his long-running “heart” song series — with the same title as one of the dis track Drake released in May.

Lamar also addressed complaints that he was chosen to headline the Super Bowl in New Orleans over Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native, about “weakened murals.” rap: “I used to bump ‘Tha Carter 3’ I held my Rollie chain proud/Irony I think my hard work failed Lil Wayne,” referring to the 2008 Lil Wayne album that also rapped, “Got the Super Bowl and Nas the only one to congratulate me.”

Key background

The album caps off a massive year for Lamar, who shocked fans earlier this year by dropping diss tracks against Drake in quick succession, culminating in a wild feud that many perceive Lamar to have won. His diss track “Not Like Us” became one of the biggest hits of the year, reaching no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned five Grammy nominations. Throughout their feud, Lamar and Drake exchanged wild claims. Lamar alleged that Drake had stalked minors and had a secret daughter, both of which Drake denied, while Drake accused Lamar of abusing his wife, which Lamar had previously rejected. Lamar also hosted a huge concert in Los Angeles to celebrate Juneteenth, filled with Los Angeles-native celebrities, which was seen as a victory lap for Lamar after the Drake feud. At the show, he performed “Not Like Us” five times in a row. In September, the NFL announced that Lamar would headline the Super Bowl LIX halftime show in February. The decision sparked some controversy as several artists, including Nicki Minaj, Master P and Cam’ron, said Lil Wayne should have been chosen to headline the show in his hometown. Lil Wayne later addressed the alleged snub, saying it “broke” him, and blamed himself for “automatically mentally putting myself in that position” as a headliner.

News Peg

Just before the album release, Lamar posted a minute long video teaser to his YouTube channel, where he poses with a Buick GNX car. The album features production from Jack Antonoff, a frequent collaborator of many of pop’s biggest stars, and guest vocals from SZA.

Further reading

Drake-Kendrick Lamar Feud Timeline: Lamar Performs Diss Tracks at Star-Studded ‘Pop Out’ Show (Feud)

Lil Wayne Responds to Super Bowl Halftime Snub: ‘It Broke Me’ (Forbes)

Here’s Who Joined Kendrick Lamar On Stage During Drake Diss: Dr. Dre, DeRozan, Westbrook, More (Forbes)