Kendrick Lamar’s Drake Response “Euphoria” Divides The Internet
Summary
TLDRThe transcript discusses the recent rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, focusing on Kendrick's track 'Euphoria' and its impact. The conversation delves into the lyrics, where Kendrick addresses Drake's relationship with his son, his Blackness, and his place within the hip-hop community. The participants debate the significance of 'First Person Shooter' and the 'Taylor Made' freestyle, with opinions on who won the latest round of the feud. They also touch upon Drake's cultural disconnect, his use of social media influence, and the broader implications of the feud on the hip-hop genre. The summary acknowledges the complexity of the situation and the differing perspectives on the artists' contributions to hip-hop culture.
Takeaways
- 🎤 Kendrick Lamar's track 'Euphoria' is a response to perceived slights from Drake, highlighting their differences in approach to hip-hop and life.
- 🔥 The song touches on personal issues, including Drake's relationship with his son and his public image, indicating the depth of the feud.
- 📈 There's speculation about an extended 19-minute version of 'Euphoria', suggesting that the conversation between the two artists may not be over.
- 🤔 The debate over whether 'First Person Shooter' should be considered part of the feud, with some arguing it was the catalyst for the recent exchange.
- 🎧 Kendrick's mention of not understanding Drake's friendship with Kanye West adds another layer to the complexity of their relationship.
- 🏆 Kendrick is portrayed as more focused on the integrity of hip-hop and its cultural significance to Black Americans, rather than commercial success.
- 👑 Drake's approach is criticized for being more about personal gain, chart positions, and changing styles to stay relevant, rather than contributing to the culture.
- 🚫 The use of Tupac's voice in 'Mistake Boy' is seen as a misstep by Drake, highlighting the risks of his attempts to engage with iconic figures in hip-hop.
- 📉 Some argue that Drake's 'Push Back' and 'AI Record' ('Mistake Boy') did not adequately counter Kendrick's lyrical prowess, giving Kendrick the upper hand in the feud.
- 🇨🇦 The cultural gap between Drake's Canadian background and the African American experience in the U.S. is highlighted as a key factor in the differing perspectives of the two artists.
- 👎 The script suggests that Drake's social media and public relations strategies, such as engaging with influencers, are seen as manipulative by some in the hip-hop community.
Q & A
What is the title of the track Kendrick Lamar released in response to Drake?
-The title of the track Kendrick Lamar released in response to Drake is 'Euphoria'.
What is the main topic of the discussion regarding the lyrics of Kendrick Lamar's 'Euphoria'?
-The main topic of the discussion is the analysis of Kendrick Lamar's lyrics in 'Euphoria', particularly the lines addressing Drake's relationship with his son and the broader implications on their public personas and the hip-hop community.
What is the significance of the 'first person shooter' reference in the context of the Kendrick and Drake exchange?
-The 'first person shooter' reference signifies the starting point of the recent exchange between Kendrick and Drake, where Drake's verse was perceived as a challenge or 'first punch' to Kendrick, setting the stage for the subsequent lyrical battle.
Why did the speaker believe that including 'first person shooter' in the debate is important?
-The speaker believes that 'first person shooter' is important because it was the initial provocation in the public exchange between Drake and Kendrick, and Kendrick continues to address it in 'Euphoria', making it a significant part of their feud.
What is the general sentiment towards Drake's response to Kendrick's 'Euphoria'?
-The general sentiment is mixed, with some people appreciating Drake's response for its creativity and others criticizing it for being an 'overplay of the hand' or 'thirsty' for attention.
What is the debate about the timing of Kendrick's response to Drake's 'push-ups'?
-The debate revolves around whether Kendrick took too long to respond to Drake's 'push-ups', with some arguing that there is no set time limit for responses in a lyrical battle, while others believe prompt responses are expected.
How does the speaker describe the impact of Kendrick's 'Euphoria' on the ongoing exchange with Drake?
-The speaker describes 'Euphoria' as a scathing psychological breakdown of Drake, exposing him and questioning his contributions to the hip-hop community, which is seen as a powerful move in the ongoing exchange.
What is the speaker's stance on the importance of being a 'hip-hop purist'?
-The speaker acknowledges the value of being a 'hip-hop purist', appreciating Kendrick's commitment to the cultural heritage and authenticity of hip-hop, while also recognizing that there is room for different approaches within the genre.
Why does the speaker believe Drake's actions, such as buying Tupac's ring, are seen as offensive by some in the hip-hop community?
-The speaker believes these actions are seen as offensive because they perceive Drake as attempting to claim a stake in the game and manipulate his position without having given back sufficiently to the hip-hop community.
What is the speaker's opinion on the cultural differences between Canadian and American hip-hop artists?
-The speaker suggests that there are fundamental cultural differences that influence the perspectives and approaches of Canadian and American hip-hop artists, with a particular emphasis on how racial issues are experienced and addressed.
What does the speaker predict about Drake's potential response to Kendrick's 'Euphoria'?
-The speaker predicts that Drake will respond before the end of the week, suggesting that Drake has something recorded and is eager to maintain control over the narrative without letting Kendrick's song dominate the conversation unchallenged.
Outlines
🎤 Kendrick Lamar's Response to Drake
The first paragraph discusses the release of Kendrick Lamar's track 'Euphoria', which is a response to Drake. The speaker highlights the complexity and depth of Kendrick's lyrics, which touch on personal matters such as family and address perceived slights from Drake. There's mention of a rumored extended version of the track and speculation about the impact of a song called 'First Person Shooter' on the ongoing feud between the two artists. The paragraph also delves into Kendrick's mindset and his stance on addressing issues before moving forward, as well as the broader implications of their interactions within the hip-hop community.
🔥 Drake's Controversial Response and Public Perception
The second paragraph focuses on Drake's response to Kendrick's track, particularly the song 'Mistake Boy' which involved a controversial use of Tupac Shakur's voice. The discussion touches on the public's reaction to Drake's tactics, the perceived need for a public argument, and the pressure on Drake to respond effectively to Kendrick's lyrical prowess. The speaker also addresses the criticism of Kendrick for taking time to respond to Drake and argues against the idea that there is a set timeframe for responses in rap feuds. There's a prediction that Drake will respond before the week's end and a reflection on Drake's approach to maintaining control of the narrative.
💬 The Cultural Divide and Hip-Hop's Purpose
The third paragraph explores the cultural differences between Drake, a Canadian artist, and the American hip-hop scene that Kendrick represents. It contrasts Drake's more commercial approach to music with Kendrick's focus on social commentary and the preservation of hip-hop's cultural heritage. The speaker criticizes Drake for his lack of engagement with black issues and for his attempts to adapt to changing trends, while praising Kendrick for his authenticity and commitment to hip-hop's roots. There's also a discussion about the expectations placed on Drake to deliver a compelling response and the challenges he faces in doing so.
🏆 Kendrick's Victory in the Latest Round
The fourth paragraph presents opinions on the latest exchange between Kendrick and Drake, with the participants of the discussion largely favoring Kendrick's 'Euphoria' over Drake's 'Push Back'. The title 'Push Back' is mentioned, but it seems there might be some confusion as the actual title of Drake's track is not established within the text. The discussion includes an analysis of the lyrical content and the psychological impact of Kendrick's song, which is seen as exposing Drake's tactics and lack of contribution to the hip-hop community. The speakers agree that Kendrick has won the current round and express anticipation for Drake's potential counter-response.
🤔 Drake's Cultural Disconnect and Strategic Maneuvers
The final paragraph questions Drake's cultural awareness and his choice to post a clip from the movie '10 Things I Hate About You', which is seen as a potentially tone-deaf move considering the ongoing discourse about his connection to black American culture. It also addresses the broader cultural gap between Canada and America, particularly in terms of racial history and experiences. The speaker criticizes Drake for his perceived manipulation of social media and the hip-hop community, and contrasts this with Kendrick's more genuine and less opportunistic approach to music and cultural engagement.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Euphoria
💡First Person Shooter
💡Drake
💡Hip-Hop Purist
💡Social Commentary
💡Chart Position
💡Black American Heritage
💡Cultural Differences
💡Rap Battle
💡Tupac
💡Internet Influence
Highlights
Kendrick Lamar responds to Drake with a track called 'Euphoria', sparking debate and discussion.
The track includes a line about a famous actor looking paranoid and spiraling, potentially referring to Drake.
Kendrick addresses the rumors of a 19-minute version of the track, though it's unclear if it exists.
Discussion about Kendrick's potential involvement in 'firstperson shooter' and its role in the feud.
Kendrick's lyrics criticize Drake's approach to relationships and fatherhood.
The debate on whether 'firstperson shooter' should be considered part of the feud or just a catalyst.
Kendrick's mention of not understanding Kanye and Drake's friendship, indicating underlying issues.
The expectation that Drake will respond to Kendrick's 'Euphoria' within a week.
Drake's 'mistake boy' and the controversy surrounding the use of Tupac's voice.
Kendrick's strategy of waiting for Taylor Swift's controversy to pass before releasing 'Euphoria'.
The critique that Drake's music lacks the social commentary and depth that Kendrick's offers.
Kendrick's use of DMX's 'I hate' rhetoric to criticize Drake's authenticity in hip-hop.
The cultural differences between Drake's Canadian background and the American hip-hop scene.
Drake's alleged manipulation of social media and the internet personalities to his advantage.
The discussion on the importance of giving back to the hip-hop community and Drake's perceived lack of contribution.
Drake's posting a clip from the movie '10 Things I Hate About You' on IG stories, seen as a sarcastic move.
Final consensus among the discussants that Kendrick won the recent round of the feud with 'Euphoria'.
Transcripts
all right man yo the internet was on
fire yesterday when Kendrick Lamar fires
back at Drake with a track called
Euphoria now there's a lot of you have
to listen closely because there's a lot
but he raps about how a line that stood
out was famous actor we once knew is
looking paranoid and now spiraling he
takes shots at his relationship with his
son he says I got a son to raise but I
can see you don't know nothing about
that and he keeps going now there's a
rumor that there's a 19-minute version
of that I don't know if you guys saw
that I I saw the rumor but I you know
yeah it's it's Kendrick Lamar it's
possible it's possible it's possible
that's a lot to say
but yeah so a lot of debate some people
loved it some people hated it here we
are well you know I think what we need
to get into and and and Cass I know
you'll feel me on this right I'm not
sure if Rosenberg feels this but
now that we know and I see it seems like
it was confirmed in this Kendrick song
Maybe I'm hearing it wrong and maybe
it's to something else but there was
rumors around Kendrick being on
firstperson shooter and he didn't want
to do it but then he jumps up on like
that so that would make firsters shooter
in some ways the Catalyst for this me
most recent round of exchanges right cuz
you could even you could even argue that
on that third verse on first person
shooter it's kind of like Drake firing
off to what he knew was coming but we
didn't know it was coming right right
and then also remember cuz Kendrick if
you think back to there was a track on
Kendrick's album where he mentioned that
he didn't understand how Kanye and Drake
were piecing it up like I'm he's like I
don't understand that right so that kind
of gives you a view into Kendrick's mind
state of things like yo if you and I
have problems we're going to have to
address these problems before we move on
with anything else that we do right so
he addresses that in this song where he
goes and the thisone that came out
yesterday before when he goes hey I
didn't understand Drake reaching out to
me knowing that me and Drake had some
issues to
address right so he did he did Point all
of that
out so I I just want to say though I
don't I I for me personally I don't
consider I consider firstperson shooter
to be very important it it's it's like
the Catalyst of the whole thing I just
don't consider it part of the battle in
terms of the the public was consuming it
as being like so then let's do this then
so we could we we we'll call firstperson
shooter and like that verse for the sake
of the debate right now we'll call that
kind of like the weighin that's like the
promo before the fight right they was
just you know they was teeing up for
what was the actual battle we'll call
that is that that's
fair yeah except I would disagree
because like that is the first punch
like that was like that was a a swing in
public I'm swinging on you when he said
mother F The Big Three is just big me
those were the words that put this thing
in motion as far as everybody knows it
was a shot it was more like the first
shot of a war you know what I'm saying
and and and the and the and the first
person shooter was Arch Arch Duke
Ferdinand that was like the beginning
things that led to the first shot but
that but that was the first shot there
was some things in first person shooter
that we didn't know but I'm saying but
you have to be you guys you guys you
guys you guys this is why you're either
going to take first person shooter and
like that and put it in or you're going
to take them both and set it on the side
and you're going to say that you start
it like that like that is where this
thing just started you can't you can't
you can't you can't start it like that
because even even Kendrick still he's
still addressing first person shooter in
the an
Euphoria still addressing it right
because it's an important event that's
part of their Feud no but the event
that's part of their Feud I get it but
it wasn't a bad old song that it had it
was it was one many Subs that's been
happening for years well so the reason
but the reason I say the reason why I
say they're either in or they're out is
because both of them are collaborative
songs first person shooter is a
collaboration with another artist and
like that is a collaboration with
another artist or
artists right you see what I'm saying
and the word cast one y'all y'all do
what y'all going to do I I can't agree
this started just now with like that I I
don't understand the logic of the well
the only reason I say that is because
then Drake comes out with push-ups then
he follows up with an AI record so if
you're scoring it if you're scoring it
push-ups was a okay battle on let's get
it on right boom round round one fight
right right and we're teeing up he comes
with push-ups right Kendrick playing in
the corner dancing around the ring maybe
he hasn't even entered the ring yet who
knows however you want to you create the
imaginary boxing scenario but Drake
comes back with the AI record what was
did it have a name did the AI song have
a name yeah it did what was it again
with the Tupac mistake I think it was
called mistake boy here we go which
which you know I thought was very
creative but I thought it was an
overplay of the hand and I thought it
was it was very thirsty like you were
begging like please come back outside
please please argue with me in public I
will say this that tayor made freestyle
that Rosenberg said in
there it is what he what he what he did
say did ring truth Kendrick did wait
till Taylor was out the way to drop that
happened well but and and but that
happened but th this further solidifies
the mistake for Kendrick I mean for for
Drake he had to yank it down well yeah
cuz it was a thing he knew that wasn't
going to be real well and make good with
the Tupac estate like it yeah he knew
that wasn't going to go well for him he
knew that cuz he didn't even put that up
on stream he knew it was going to happen
he wasn't he wasn't going to be able to
he wouldn't have been able to put it up
on stre right he knew that was a a
stupid move either way that whole part
everything that he said and did on that
song to me was and the social media
around it that was Drake pulling up what
the Rock used to do standing right in
the middle of the ring and being like
nah I want you in the middle of the Ring
get out here and remember on the ad
liing when he says that the ad libs at
the end you're going to have to do some
quintuplet you know blah
Anand contral Anand I know you're in
that New York apartment I know but like
he was taunting I want to go let's go it
was begging almost for a fight yes well
yeah cuz Kendrick wouldn't come outside
and he and and there's been a history of
him not coming outside I mean listen
oast I'm just I'm just no I'm not OC
cast I'm very I'm very in the middle
today because Kendrick went but do do
you guys cuz I saw a lot of people
trying to discredit Kendrick for quote
unquote taking too long to respond I
think is BS well I don't really know
where that I don't the internet tries to
the internet and social media tries to
act as if they're the endall Beall and
deciding factor of how things are
supposed to play out by the way in every
way in every Walk of Life in literally
in every Walk of Life I don't know when
we decided that someone had a certain
period of time to respond I I don't know
yeah I never heard that became a thing
I've been watching battles play out I've
been watching battles play out for a
long time in real life before there was
the internet there was never a clock
ticking on response time and if there
was a clock ticking on response time
guess what the clock's still ticking on
Drake's response to push a t so how can
he be the how can he be the Arbiter of
when people are supposed to respond when
you didn't
respond right well well that was that
was called you know he just he just
didn't he didn't answer the Bell that
was the end of the fight that's what
that was you took a body shot you went
oh oh no I'm going to go ahead and sit
this one down that's battles have to end
the question is will this one end or is
Drake going to come back d i i i predict
I predict the Drake response before the
end of the week I predict Drake already
rush I already I I predict he has
something recorded I predict that Drake
does not want to let Kendrick control
the narrative at all and let this cook
for a minute without a response I'd like
to maintain that this conversation
should continue without the Rocky music
anym more that's what I would like to
say it was no I mean maybe more music
but I here's the thing I'll say one
thing about Drake that I think is
awesome about this situation in my
opinion this nerdy old Backpacker who
loves rap lyrics and styles and doing
things in pushing boundaries and not
just name calling I think this is a very
tough thing to respond to but if Drake
does it if Drake actually comes back
with something that even those of us who
are really bar intent are like yo this
is I think even a draw goes to
Drake if he can even compete with what
he did on Euphoria in a way that's even
I think that's a win for Drake because
people don't expect Drake to be able to
do what Kendrick does so it's a great
situation for him if he's up for the
task but if you try to start reaching
too hard now because Kendrick's song was
I mean when I saw 6 minutes I thought
this isn't going to be good I thought 6
minutes is not going to be good there's
no way for 6 minutes I'm going to be
entertained and thralled and it's the
man hit every one of his own styles that
he's known for on one song and and every
time you might start to get a little
bored changes it to do something else
and then the voices out sorry he did
well he didn't keep them out he did some
voices he just kept them limited his
voice like when he did the screaming
voice I was like I hope he doesn't do
the whole song in screaming voice he
didn't just give you a little taste of
that Kendrick well now what I enjoyed
the most was you know what a lot of
debate on the Internet is about now
which is you know
challenging Drake's uh
Blackness right because I I always knew
this was going to come to pass because
Drake's Canadian he never St he never
really stands on any black issues right
he's very middle of the road milk toast
when it comes to anything all he really
cares about is his relationships his
money and his chart position right and
for those of us that love this hip-hop
thing and if you're black American you
know that there's more to this hip-hop
thing than that and that's what Kendrick
has always given us that's why we love
Kendrick cuz it's purposeful it's social
commentary it's from the ilk of the
Chuck D's and the ice cubes and the like
I said earlier the Q-tips and the Andre
3000s that come with purpose and
something to say and stand for something
and that's why it's so poignant when the
record starts um where he's just talking
about this famous actor we're starting
to see him spiral yep right and we've
talked about that as Drake tries on new
clothes and new hairstyles and accents
to try to stay with the times and stay
relevant with the times and by the way
this is not a shot at Drake that's what
Drake has done to get to the stardom
that he has and the sucess that he has
and it's worked and by the way we like
the songs and we like the songs but we
can't but no but you can't do and yes
Drake would get offended to hear you
have the conversation but what you can't
do is pretend like it's not what you've
done he he is Drake has chosen a path
yes the path was never going to be I am
going with I'm going to make an album
I'm going to get Alchemist in there I'm
going to get this one in there I'm going
get I'm not going to be a hip-hop purist
I'm not trying to be a hip-hop purist I
I know that's I've had actual
conversations with him about that that
was an I wanted that there are people
who wanted that from him well because we
know he loves that cuz he comes from
that and you come from that so that was
always the thing right it was always
like the this was always the little
things about Drake that would drive me
nuts you fonte from little brother's my
hero he's the reason I got in the game
where's the feature from fonte you know
what I mean where when is that happening
when are you doing the thing that we
know is in there in you and when is that
album that for the hip-hop heads were
getting yes I I'm not going to argue
with younger people I know there are
30-year-olds listening who consider
several Drake albums classic but make no
mistake Kendrick made very specific
mention you don't have one hip-hop
classic well because there's not hip-hop
consensus on it cuz he knows there's not
consensus and he knows at very least
Kendrick knows at very least he has one
to two even if someone like me would
argue more he knows he has one to two
well so now the reason and we could go
back to you know people when Drake
starts go or I mean when Kendrick stars
going I hate you for this and I hate you
for that that's taken from if for just
so we're clear that's taken from when
DMX was on The Breakfast Club y right
when DMX was like and he had a
reoccurring thing on The Breakfast Club
where The Breakfast Club would ask him
yo how you feel about Drake and he would
be like I hate his haircut I hate this I
hate that and DM would run that down
that's what Kendrick is running back on
just so we're clear a legend a legend in
the game was consistently like I hate
your haircut I hate your face I hate I
hate the way he talks it's is that
multiple times or one clip was at least
twice
it's cuz they asked him he came back and
he like do you still feel this way he
was like he doubled down on it God and
and do Kendrick say the same things that
DMX said pretty much pretty much pretty
much but you know that just SOL
solidifies what Kendrick goes back to
what Kendrick was saying on a like that
verse he is more concerned with respect
and with hiph hop than he is with money
and
power right and so you have people
operating from two different places
which I think people need to understand
Kendrick is not operating from a place
where he's trying to out chart
position he's not operating from that
place he's operating from a place of I
love this hip-hop thing I'm and I love
the her AG of what hip hop means to
Black Americans which is why he
continues to poke Drake about his
Blackness as a black Canadian who Drake
on record has always talked about you
know in Canada we don't have those
problems we don't have those those
racial problems we don't you know Canada
is not like that Canada and by racial
Canadian I mean that that that part's
specific that is in there too it's baked
into it and to turn black conversation
and to turn the knife Kendrick said and
you know what all these people that are
real hip-hop people I'm speaking for
them cuz H he goes it's not just me it's
not just me it's the culture right it's
the culture that hurt now I will say
though on the flip side I said this a
couple weeks ago and and I do believe it
I I believe Kendrick I believe
everything he said but I also know being
a purist you still have your moments as
a purist where you do have some little
bit of like but it is messed up that I
can't be the most popular just cuz I'm
about good stuff 1,000% he's a fallible
human human being he has feelings and