Drake VS Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Track: Who Won According to Critics?

Drake and Kendrick Lamar, once considered collaborators and even friends, have escalated their feud with a series of diss tracks in recent weeks. The latest salvo, Kendrick Lamar’s “Euphoria,” has prompted strong reactions from both fans and critics. Let’s delve into the ongoing beef and analyze who’s winning according to hip-hop writers and culture critics.

The Background

Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s relationship, once amicable, took a turn when Lamar seemingly dissed Drake in his verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That,” rejecting the notion of a “big three” in rap. Drake responded with two diss tracks, “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle,” but Lamar’s retaliation came later with “Euphoria.”

Critics’ Take on Kendrick VS Drake Diss Track

The energy and lyrical prowess of “Euphoria” have been widely praised, with critics commending Lamar’s patience and skill. Sowmya Krishnamurthy noted Lamar’s reputation as hip-hop’s reigning boogeyman, praising his “vicious” lyrical skill. He wrote on Medium, “What’s so great about ‘Euphoria’ is that it’s six minutes and 24 seconds of rapping. Straight bars.” As for Drake, he described his lyrics as “penchant for social media trolling and gimmicks.”

According to him, “This is a rap battle. The victor needs to showcase actual skill, wit, wordplay and flow in order to take it.”

Alphonse Pierre, writing for Pitchfork, highlighted Lamar’s passionate delivery and humor, despite some criticism of the track’s production. According to him, Lamar, “sounds like he’s been waiting years for this moment.”

He added lyrics of the song, saying, “…..cliche, but it works because he sounds like he really means it.”

Lamar’s disdain for Drake, evident in “Euphoria,” has resonated with critics, with many appreciating the honesty and rawness of his lyrics.

“Some diss songs make listeners perceive an artist differently, but other disses say things people are already thinking in ways that they can’t convey,” wrote music journalist Andre Gee for Rolling Stone. “The Cardo and Kyuro-produced ‘Euphoria’ is the latter. Kendrick doesn’t say many new things, but the way he lobs his insults makes it a haymaker,” added he.

Social Media Reaction: Who Won?

Social media exploded with reactions to Lamar’s diss track, with many producers, artists, and critics declaring Lamar the victor.

Producer and DJ Marseel took to X to express his opinion after listening to “Euphoria” declaring that “lost the culture”.  

Some pointed out Lamar’s attention to detail and his solo writing credit on “Euphoria” as evidence of his superiority in the feud.

However, some questioned whether the beef would actually damage Drake’s career, with culture critic Ira Madison III suggesting it wouldn’t. She wrote on X “Kendrick absolutely ethered Drake. But as the male Taylor Swift, he is teflon his career will be just fine even if people hate him.”

While Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s beef continues to escalate, the critical consensus seems to be in Lamar’s favor. His latest track, “Euphoria,” has been praised for its energy, lyrical skill, and raw honesty. However, whether this feud will have a lasting impact on Drake’s career remains to be seen.

Everything You Need to Know About Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar Beef

In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, rivalries, and feuds often serve as the motivation for some of the genre’s most electrifying moments. One such beef that has captivated fans for years is the ongoing saga between Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and J. Cole. This rivalry, marked by fiery verses, subtle jabs, and strategic tricks, has shaped the narrative of modern rap. It continues to intrigue audiences worldwide. Let’s delve deeper into the detailed timeline of this thrilling lyrical war!

2011-2013: Collaborations and Subliminal Shots

November 2011

Kendrick Lamar’s emergence as a formidable force in hip-hop coincides with his feature on Drake’s critically acclaimed album, “Take Care.” Additionally, Lamar’s appearance on the track “Buried Alive Interlude” showcased his lyrical prowess. It also marked the beginning of a collaborative relationship with Drake.

February 2012

Drake extends an invitation to Kendrick Lamar to join him as an opening act on his Club Paradise Tour. This was a move that further solidified Lamar’s position in the rap hierarchy.

October 2012

Collaboration continues as Drake and Kendrick Lamar join forces on A$AP Rocky’s hit single “[expletive] Problems” and Lamar’s own track “Poetic Justice.” These collaborations demonstrate mutual respect and admiration between the two artists. They also set the stage for future interactions.

August 2013

Kendrick Lamar sends shockwaves through the rap world with his explosive verse on Big Sean’s “Control.” In this verse, Lamar boldly calls out his peers, including Drake and J. Cole, claiming his dominance and igniting a firestorm of competition.

2013-2016: Escalation and Subtle Jabs

October 2013

Kendrick Lamar’s relentless assault continues as he takes aim at Drake during the BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher. He signals a shift from subtle jabs to more direct confrontations.

December 2013

Drake responds to Kendrick’s diss in a VIBE Magazine cover story, downplaying the rivalry while proving his own confidence and prowess in the rap game.

2015-2016

The rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake boosts as both artists exchange subtle shots in their respective songs. Lamar questions Drake’s authenticity, while Drake counters with veiled references to Lamar’s rise to reputation.

2023-2024: Lamar’s Full Attack and Drake’s Response

October 2023

Drake and J. Cole collaborate on “First Person Shooter,” a track that reignites the competitive spirit between them and Kendrick Lamar. In the song, J. Cole’s reference to the “big three” of himself, Drake, and Lamar serves as a catalyst for Lamar’s following response.

March 22, 2024

Kendrick Lamar releases a blistering assault on Future & Metro Boomin’s “Like That.” He delivers demeaning verses aimed directly at Drake and J. Cole. Lamar’s words cut deep as he criticizes the notion of a “big three” and asserts his power in the rap game.

March 25, 2024

Drake addresses Kendrick’s diss during a tour stop, expressing his stubborn confidence and maintaining his dominance in the rap game.

The rivalry between Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and J. Cole transcends mere competition; it represents a clash of titans vying for superiority in the hip-hop arena. With each new diss track and response, the tension between these rap giants continues to escalate.

As the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar rages on, fans and critics alike eagerly await the next moves from both artists. Whether this beef will lead to long-term consequences for either rapper’s career or simply remain a footnote in hip-hop history, only time will tell.

Who do you think won in your opinion? Tell us in the comments.

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