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Like, comment, share and/or subscribe! Warning: This isn’t a “breakdown” of lyrics. A few of them will get that treatment. Maybe. This post will focus more on other artists’, podcasters, etc, reactions to Euphoria and my opinion on this and how this REAL bomb drop of this beef rattled not just Drake, but the entire hip-hop community. Also, I should mention I curse a lot through this so if you’re sensitive to that, this may not be the best blog post to read. Check out the other blog posts if you haven't already. *** FLASHING IMAGES AHEAD for those who suffer from seizures or any other similar condition.     This will damn near be a rant. Viewer discretion is advised. The Boogey Man... Credit: Lollapalooza   My reaction:   When Euphoria dropped, I was completely in shock. Not because of the drop. Mostly everything Kendrick did I guessed he would do. I was in shock because of what that man released into the world, at the time, was arguably the greatest diss track of all time. Personally, all of Kendrick’s diss tracks are a league of their own and the best bullets of diss tracks ever launched at one person… (and others that may or may not know yet) and affected others. Ripple effect.   Dot had a target and knew his assignment. No distractions.     I never worried about when Kendrick was going to drop his full length diss because a grown ass person who isn’t a follower and marched to only their rhythm didn’t rush for anyone but themselves even if it was 2024, in this current, “hurry up!!!!!” climate. Just because the younger generation and even the older fuck asses were telling Kendrick to hurry up and release music doesn’t mean Kendrick needed to do so. Hilarious that old heads wanted him to hurry up considering how long diss tracks took to come out back in the days, in the 90’s and so on. Due to us having instant access to social media, streaming services, YouTube, etc., where people are speaking endlessly about their opinions on the battle and pushing narratives, positive and negatively, truthfully and/or fake to the masses, it makes people more impatient, and they want their specialty burgers with everything on it NOW even though they just ordered it a mere 2 minutes ago. People are ridiculous now. Kendrick could’ve waited a month or more and I would’ve been fine with that.   However, Dot was beyond prepared and strategic. Suspense. Dot knew his opponent very well. Impatient. Childish. Peep freak . Anyone who wants to dispute that last part… dude literally can’t stop being all up in everyone’s relationship business then trolls on IG like it’s his personal pink diary with daisies on it and a spiral pen for dramatic effect. Not cute. (Check out my Not Like Us post to understand my " peep freak " comment in more detail if you haven't already)   Before the song dropped:     The amount of hip hop, media personalities and so on who already saw Drake as “ahead” after “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle” was ridiculous, disgusting and shocking to me. Especially when it came to some of the East Coast legends and the more lyrical MCs in the game. Some of these individuals couldn’t see Kendrick in a battle against Drake (Listen, I listened to Drake’s disses to Meek Mill in their rap battle for the 1st time last year and I will never understand why this battle was a big deal. That’s how you know hip-hop was on a looooooow ass tier at that point and the masses cared waaaay too much about fuckin’ ass Drake. What? Because he said, “You gettin’ bodied by a singin’ N****?!” REALLY?!?!?! Meek revealing that he had ghost writers was more eye-opening and still, they were both weak diss tracks) which is hilarious because a true hip-hop fan that cares about lyricism would have known Drake wouldn’t have stood a chance. Drake knew this, hence why he wasn’t happy that J. Cole dropped out of the battle. No one to hide behind and act like he was throwing the more lyrical bars when J. Cole IS a lyricist.   Too bad for all the envy J. Cole may have towards Kendrick, he didn’t dislike him enough to battle him like that. Or maybe Cole’s not a battle guy at all and likes people to think he is. Personally, I think he doesn’t like to be challenged by anyone that is top tier lyrical and prefers to stay in a comfortable place… which is why musically Cole hasn’t grown a whole lot (Although “For Your Eyes Only” is an incredibly slept on concept album that was sort of like MM&TBS and I’m ONLY speaking on some of the honesty and growing into adulthood part of it) but I think with the right producers (let go a little Cole!) and some dope music arrangements and hooks, he would be on fire. Ugh, but his homie is Drake, so…   Moving on, all these dumb ass countdowns for Dot to drop. Again, no countdowns for the fragile ass “Boy”, who, in essence, took longer than Kendrick to drop “Push Ups” (3 weeks, by the way), but let’s baby the “baby”. I saw none of this for Drake, only for Kendrick. TACKINESS. Since when do we have countdowns in rap battles/beefs? I’m telling you, duck lips, acrylics and scrunchies must be something y’all who condone this nonsense wear in secret. Low key smackin’ ya lips, rolling ya eyes in y’alls head and saying, “KENDRICK NEEDS TO DROP LIKE RIGHT NOW CUZ… I AIN’T ABOUT TO WAIT FOR THIS NIGGA, FORREAL…” Every fucking time I heard someone said Kendrick was on the clock, this was the vibe men seem to be giving- AND I’M NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT THE GEN-Z MOFO’S!!! All of you who are Millennials, Xennials (I am one) and friggin’ Gen-Xer’s were out of control, acting like you’re standing on a corner shaping your nails with a blunt in your mouth, gossipy, actin’ spicy but trying to act tough – ALL TO SUPPORT ANOTHER LIP SMACKER NAMED AUBREY GRAHAM?! HUH?!?! Gross. The motherfucka took 3 goddamn weeks, if you wanna do fucking countdowns. Kendrick took 2 friggin’ weeks but somehow this was spun like HE took the longest. Soft fuckin ass brains a la social fucking media – fuck it, the INTERNET.   Think for yourself.     Those guys I mention below. Credit: It Is What It Is Podcast     Now where was I? Oh yeah, for instance, Mase and Cam’Ron, who were seen wearing OVO jackets. I’m snickering as I write this. Like forreal, y’all? These men, who are respected lyrically in hip-hop, sat there on their program I don’t care to mention was beyond the word “bias”. Because I didn’t even know they would be like this because I stopped paying much attention to them for years, to hear the shit they said, especially when Euphoria dropped confused me. But I watched their demeanor, what and how they said it.   Mase said “It was interesting…” as he nods with nearly an uncomfortable smile on his face, then says, “Um, I thought it was cool…” starts grinning uneasily while Cam’ron asks him who’s winning. Mase fixes his mouth to say that “Drake is winning from an MC standpoint, you know it took a while for him to get – for us to get the record from Kendrick and when you wait a while – it got to be like out of this world. I think if Kendrick dropped this record right after “Drop and Give Me 50” (not the name of your Boy’s song btw, even if it was titled that way prior to release) it would have been crazy.” He goes on to say, still looking uneasy, “But we waited.”   Da Fuck?!   So, then Cam’ron, who equally looks uneasy, says when asked what he thought by Mase, “I don’t know man, I think Drake is winning. Euphoria didn’t really move me. I’m expecting lyrics from Kendrick Lamar. You’re expecting certain things and so it was kind of long, took too long to come out for us (I’m cracking up now) and I’m not saying it’s bad…” and Mase adds, “It was a good record (says it again), that we waited a while for. It was a good record we waited a while for.” As Cam’ron continues to babble about a record can still be hot after waiting “2 years…4 years later”, Mase grins with Cam’ron and says in what can be called “lame-assed seriousness” fake sagaciously says, “There’s a certain thing you have to have in a record that Kendrick doesn’t have in his record-” and then Cam’ron chimes in saying, “You gotta school these niggas!!” Laughing but comes off like we’re supposed to think it’s confidence there when, for me, I hear none. Anyways, Mase says “You gotta say something that make niggas look at the nigga different and when he did the whole ‘I don’t wanna hear you say nigga no more’, that was a - pause - angle we already heard before…”. Cam’ron then says the most ignorant shit ever (although they pretty much said enough) by saying, “I’m not saying that this rap beef isn’t entertaining but-”, he goes into his “when we used to do this shit” spiel he says, “People had the potential to die, like literally, or get seriously hurt and I just don’t feel that in these battles – AND I DON’T- I’M NOT PROMOTING THIS!”   Cam’ron said it doesn’t have a dangerous atmosphere for him.   I pause.   I’m a New Yorker. Brownsville, BKLYN. Born in the early 80’s. Any of us who were born in the 80’s, 70’s, 60’s, etc understood what happened during 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G.’s beef and the swell of the East and West Coast rivalry it created, thanks to dummies like Diddy and the press. Some would even say Suge Knight. A fucked up time and to see 2 of my favorite rappers pass away less than a year from each other is traumatizing for a teen. It was traumatizing for EVERYONE during that time, adult or not. I think most of us still have PTSD from that time and this fucking moron Cam’Ron, who lives in his own comfortable bubble within his bubblehead, fixed his fuckin’ mouth to say this battle doesn’t come off as “dangerous”.   SINCE WHEN DOES A RAP BATTLE AND/OR BEEF NEED TO GET TO DANGEROUS FUCKIN’ LEVELS?!?! Are y’all that bored?! Nearing your 50’s and/or in your 50’s and y’all need it to be a violent beef so y’all can get engagement?! Views?!   East Coast hip-hop OG’s were grossly disappointing during this beef. I should have heard them rallying for this and giving some perspective. REAL prospective. Real friggin’ hip-hop!!! Only a handful – HANDFUL of them who respect lyricism and the true art of hip-hop spoke out and their respect for what was at play, specifically Kendrick’s masterful dissection of Drake. I also saw East Coast OG’s who reacted to a few videos, meme’s etc in favor of Kendrick. I also saw some who reacted to Drake shit on Instagram – the positive shit about him. There were artists I expected to see because of shit they’ve said in interviews, past and present, them equally slaughtering on the mic and showing why they are THOSE emcees. Beautiful to see them stand on art, lyricism and respect for this culture and not letting their ego get bruised when there isn’t any reason for that to happen in the first place.   Which comes to why I’m using Cam’ron and Mase as the example for all the men who said or DIDN’T say anything about this battle but specifically when Euphoria dropped. There's a reason why the men I mentioned above was saying what they said and acting how they were acting. Not just the fact that Drake had Dipset on stage with him, btw. A lot of men were acting so fucking cringey, jealous and pathetic when K-Dot dropped this song AND AFTERWARDS. Gillie the Kid, who said “Euphoria” was “Whack sauce” or something to that effect, Ice Cube, who, for some reason needed to remind everyone that “No Vaseline” was the best diss track of all time and that he was “Kendrick before Kendrick” and wasn’t at all that supportive at first (which is sad), and Ice T made a shady comment that surprised me because I definitely would have thought he would’ve loved all of this, as a metal head and hip-hop star? Come on!  Then you have all the other super silent rappers that may have sat there and said, “I don’t listen to this music-,” which I somewhat don’t believe. The silent rappers and not so silent ones- you know what Kendrick did to them that has never been done before in the history of musical hip-hop battles?   He emasculated them. With one song.   That is the word. Emasculated. He made Gillie, Cam’ron, Mase, Fat "fuckin’ mouth" Joe- all these mouthy ass dudes and those who didn’t say A THING (or slickly said shit on their albums that subsequently came out after the battle ended. You know who you are) during this battle feel like they had no hanging balls that dropped. Pene done turned inward, hid and shivered.    Kendrick’s 1 song made these men feel a certain way. About themselves? About their abilities as rappers? Questioning their pen? It can be all or some of the above. Just like one verse from “Like That”, changed the game, “Euphoria” was the start of changing rap battle history but what that man packed into this 6 plus minute song was nothing short of jaw-dropping.   Euphoria is masterful and exactly how I pictured Kendrick would “whoop feet” . Opening the song with an R & B soul sample, Teddy Pendergrass, and packed the opening with lyrics, measured not slowly delivered to brace everyone for what’s to come. It irritated me when I saw people being so friggin’ impatient for Dot to get to where it will get intense, lively or “faster”. I call these fuckers “10 second chumps”, can’t hang and need everything to hurry up and get to the point. I hope y’all don’t fuck like that… just saying. What Kendrick was doing was building suspense .   Suspense . Something we have long missed in music, although I can count a few people who still practice this art… this design. Suspense is what we loved about every goddamn song before the fuckin’ 2000’s came along. Immediacy has become “the meal to consume” for nearly 2 decades. BORING!   Not only did Kendrick tap into his own artistry/creativity, but he also tapped into his musical (and possibly theater/movie) influences to carve out such vocal display with impressive inflections and changing of voices and music theory in the first official full length diss track from him. The bar certainly was raised by this quiet giant.   And the production… sigh. Fabulous and perfect. The beginning was poetic, with this hilarious sense that everything was going to be calm… at least to the people who ARE NOT fans of Kendrick and fans of real well-crafted music. But it was such a slow and cool bop to it, at least for me, I had the "squint in my eyes and head nod" going strong.   Then came the horns and “Shoooo! Shoooo! Shoooo!” and that was it. More rapid suspense before he dropped the first verse. You see, Kendrick clearly understands and thinks how a song will sound live and how a person will react to it. I think artists (minus rock and some other musical genres) need to think more in this light. Again, this is what I missed about the music I listened to growing up and hip-hop is surprisingly not the genre I consumed the most. Yes, I grew up on hip-hop. This Brownsville girl who loves metal, rock, funk, R&B – my first concert was Metallica in 1997 at Madison Square Garden… the day after Biggie died.   I digress. Songs like “All Night Long (All Night)”, by Lionel Richie, “Little Red Corvette”, by Prince, “A Night To Remember”, by Shalamar, “Something About You”, by Level 42, “The Choice Is Yours”, by Black Sheep, “In Particular”, by Blonde Redhead, "One", by Metallica and so many, many more I can name that have suspense in various parts of their songs - in the beginning or throughout. That feeling of when a song makes you excited and when the song is done you crave more of it. Because of that “build” or “build up” that has grips on you and you’re about to lose your mind because the musicality behind it and the chords played; so well thought out to make you, the listener want to move some and/or all parts of your body to the music.   So, yes, Kendrick’s first full length diss track was going to be… cinematic… and suspenseful… and it had to be. Why? The differences between him and Drake… Drake doesn’t have suspense in his music. Straight to the point, checks all the “what must be in a hit song for the 2010’s” boxes which is what is “popular” now. Talk about women- excuse me for being considerate about women  - “bitches and hoes”, money, fame, trap beat, halfway decent hook, probably a feature, autotune probably somewhere in the song... BORING !     I feel like Kendrick had to remind people what real rap songs – thought out rap songs, sounded like again.   Some thoughts on some of the lyrics:   I don’t have a whole lot because there are many deep dives out there but some lyrics that caught my attention.   “Try cease and desist on the "Like That" record? Ho, what? You ain't like that record?”   The audacity of Drake to sit there and accuse Kendrick of sending a Cease and Desist for “Taylor Made Freestyle”- I’m sorry I’m laughing as I type this – like…how dare this fuckin’ dude?! As Kendrick said, “he’s a master manipulator and habitual liar, too.” This dude produced not one bit of proof but Metro Boomin’ sure did for “Like That” and I wouldn’t be surprised if this case Aubrey has for UMG makes it to trial, this evidence will come out.   Now that I mention the case with UMG… who is the most likely person sending cease and desists? You’re right Drake, “cease and desist are for hoes” so I guess you were talking about yourself.   Remember, Aubrey. Discovery.   That's ho shit, I got a son to raise, but I can see you don't know nothin' 'bout that Wakin' him up, know nothin' 'bout that Then tell him to pray, know nothin' 'bout that Then givin' him tools to walk through life like day by day, know nothin' 'bout that Teachin' him morals, integrity, discipline, listen, man, you don't know nothin' 'bout that Speakin' the truth and consider what God's considerin', you don't know nothin' 'bout that       Kendrick was so slick here. SOOO Slick! I think Kendrick played with how he pronounced his words, and it makes this whole part of this section of the lyrics have a double meaning. “You don’t know nothin’ ‘bout that” what I also hear is “You don’t know nothin' ‘bout DOT” . Listen to how Kendrick sings this part.   Kendrick essentially tells Drake he knows nothing about how to raise a child and be a good example in his life. However, in between telling Drake what he doesn’t know about being a good father, Kendrick is also telling him he doesn’t know a fuckin’ thing about HIM .   Or it could be a combination of Kendrick and Dot that Drake doesn’t know, and he doesn’t. The Boy had to go on social media and half ass listen to “Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers” to find anything on Kendrick. Google searched for information on Dot and all he got was the R. Kelly/Spotify shit. Sad as hell.     What I learned is niggas don't like the West Coast And I'm fine with it, I'll push the line with it...     Yes, Kendrick, you’re right about this 100%. I am going to speak for the East Coast, mainly New York. Yes, it’s true that New Yorkers do listen to West Coast music. A lot. Not always with the homies, though. Growing up I always heard all hip-hop music no matter what the region was, blaring and/or out of the projects/apartments/homes, etc.   However, New York is ridiculous when it comes to other rappers being from anywhere other than the 5 boroughs. There is almost a sense that New Yorkers feel like hip-hop belongs to them and only them which is, again, ridiculous. If anyone dares say that someone from another state or region is the best rapper, to them, it’s not true and it almost can’t happen because New York is the state that birthed this thing called “hip-hop”, therefore, anyone being better than someone from New York is bullshit and there must be some sort of conspiracy, etc. For the most part, it just doesn’t happen. My god, fuckin’ New Yorkers didn’t even want to acknowledge New Jersey! Go find the latest interview with Redman on “Sway In The Morning”, where he talks about his beginnings in rap and how it went for him in New York. The bias of New Yorkers with hip-hop is sad and I dislike it immensely.   Hey New York! It makes us look weak! We’re supposed to be the ones looking at everyone in other regions/states, nodding like, “Yeah, that’s influence.” We should be proud of how many people love this art form and look to us as the originators. But, instead, there’s a jealousy that the West, specifically California, has mostly taken the art form and has rivaled the East Coast, specifically New York, with the very sound they originated with their own style and have been insanely successful with it. We know damn well that’s really where our annoyance lies. The Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac. You're missed. Credit: Biography   Some say it’s because of the 2Pac and Biggie beef. Because ‘Pac “switched” sides and started to represent West Coast.   Here’s the thing: Tupac knew where he came from and never forgot it. He always said he had love for the East Coast, for New York. He was born there. HOWEVER, the sheer amount of negative shit he’s gone through in NYC is crazy. I can understand why he felt the way he felt. Quad Studios attempted murder was what pushed him over the edge. How the fuck would you feel if this happened to you? For some, you would be looking at your birthplace sideways for a while.   I digress. The narrative of the Biggie/Pac shit – I don’t buy it. The West Coast had insane talent and that was hard to swallow for New Yorkers. Because no one can be better than New York and that is unheard of. And that, is pure shite. Talent is talent and if it meant the best lyricist was from fuckin’ Council Bluffs, Iowa, then so be it. Where a person is from should never fuckin’ dictate who is better or what sound is better. Music is fuckin’ music. Art is art. Love it, enjoy it and shut the fuck up.   And this is why I’m disappointed that not too many MC’s/OG’s in the hip-hop game came out and had an opinion on someone who was being lyrical, bringing it back to the 90’s and before.   Emasculation.   Common, Pete Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Xzibit, Nas are some of the few people who have spoken positively about Kendrick in this battle. To now see some of the older rappers from the 80’s and 90’s putting out albums, almost like “Oh shit! It’s safe to come out and be lyrical again!” It’s wonderful to see but, from these older rappers, I get a sense that they wanted to remind the West Coast – and the world, who the true masterminds and originators of this art form is rather than it be a celebration of the man who stopped the Owl from continuing this shite-y course of lazy music – and a celebration of lyricism is loved again.   Btw, New York, I am blaming you for what happened to hip-hop in the early 2000’s up until Kendrick had the balls to say, “ Enough is enough ”. The beginning of New York’s stranglehold in music started slipping with Puff Daddy.   Shiny fuckin’ suits and sampling in the production that was so friggin’ obvious it makes you clench your teeth. Lazy work equals millions of dollars made at the expense of true lyricists such as Biggie and Craig Mack. Yes, Biggie made those songs what they were, but Puff and his team didn’t do much with their samples. It was the sample, maybe speed it up or slow it down some, and then put a beat over it right quick and - Voila!   I couldn’t wait for Biggie to leave Puffy so he could work with a real producer who could really curate and work around his high level of lyricism, charisma, creativity and power. At least Tupac was able to work with whom he wanted. Big, not so much. It hurts so much that we will never be able to hear/see that. Forever under Puff’s rule… and production.   Because of this design made by Puffy, this started to follow suit. Not much brain power to make a pop/rap hit. Once Biggie passed, music changed. Biggie and Pac’s passing put hip-hop in a bit of a depression, even though Jay-Z, DMX, and a few others were banging out hits. Something was always missing that should never have been missing and Big and Pac has since been always mentioned in music. They left a huge fuckin’ hole that has never been fully filled and might never happen. Anyways, New York okayed Puffy’s behavior and allowed that man to rule hip-hop for far too long, enough that he became a friggin’ billionaire.   Not just Puffy I have to blame. A lot of rappers started pivoting from hip-hop to pursue other endeavors such as acting. There’s not one issue with that. However, when you nearly abandon hip-hop, what the hell do you think other regions/states are going to do?! Just sit there and twiddle their thumbs and wait for New Yorkers/East Coast to come back around to their art form?! No. Other talented and not-so-talented mofo’s came out to play. All inspired by New York.   One last thing – y’all cosigned Drake (Insert fuckin’ Funk Master No Flex. No FUCKIN’ WAY any man or woman who isn’t half-white would get a pass for using a PHONE to FREESTYLE!!! Absolutely no respect for anyone who thought this was okay. People like Funk would not be okay with Kendrick or other rappers he could care less about freestyling using a phone. THAT’S NOT FREESTYLING!!!) Y’all take up for that. Which is insane to me. Y’all would rather say Drake is better because he isn’t a threat. Y’all know full and well that fucker doesn’t touch Kendrick in lyricism and creativity. Easy to like a non-threatening mofo than one who could challenge y’all. That’s lame and weak and unlike the New York I grew up in or thought that I grew up in.   So, with that said, East Coast and/or New York, thank Kendrick for putting confidence and competitive spirit back in you, again.     I be at New Ho King eatin' fried rice with a dip sauce and blammy, crodie Tell me you're cheesin', fam We can do this right now on the camera, crodie     Kendrick had a double entendre with the New Ho King reference. Just like what I pointed out in my “Family Ties” post, I think, allegedly that Dot’s fam and/or Dot may have been threatened. “Dip Sauce” in urban slang could mean stylish. May mean nothing but “Blammy” is a gun. Hmmm. Dot appears to be with the shits, and I will walk away and say nothing more on this one. Draw your own conclusions.   Dot challenging Drake to battle on camera is excellent on all fuckin’ fronts. Drake would lose miserably, because from what we saw, that man cannot freestyle on command. Using a phone is not freestyling. Even the BS songs he has released with part of the title having “freestyle” in it is annoying and lame. I swear the definition of “Freestyling” has changed since the 90’s. The fact that anyone in the hip-hop community has allowed Drake to run with these shite-y titles because he became “successful” is ludicrous. Anyways, K-Dot knows Drake wouldn’t accept that challenge and he sure did not when Euphoria was released and heard what Dot said to him. He’s not writing those lyrics he’s been known for all these years. You know what? I find this lyric of the song to be very overlooked in some ways, especially when some of the bigger platforms like Joe Budden Podcast (who seems to side with Drake even if they were seen dancing to NLU and singing Dot’s praises on the battle but continue to nitpick every freakin’ fuckin’ thing Kendrick does but not necessarily Drake. The bar is low for Drake on that podcast so if he does one thing right, Kendrick will have to do about 5 more things better to get equal respect. Disgusting. They should rewatch their own episodes. You can like Drake for being a decent actor and knowing how to “pen” pop songs, not as a rapper/lyricist but don’t sit there, as a forum to the “culture” and be lazy and hypocritical and not do real research on subjects you speak of. The moodiest podcast ever…) who seem to ignore a lot of what Dot said on the record and this line, for me, is what I feel Joe would’ve been perfect to have an opinion on Drake’s ability to battle Kendrick on camera – shit, or even in person! Nope, not what we got. Just lazy reporting with no research. Just people walking in and writing on the board what’s trending and interesting for the day insert eyeroll .   I almost wish that they did battle on camera. Drake’s “L’” would’ve been much worse. MUCH WORSE, although his “L” is horrifying enough.     “We don't wanna hear you say "nigga" no more…”     Finally, the last line on Euphoria that people mention in passing. People think this line is only directed at Drake. I don’t think it is. This was a shot at Kanye as well.   The way Dot sung this line was directly taken from Kanye’s song, “Get ‘Em High” from his album “College Dropout”. Dot used Ye’s own melody/cadence, which was super dope… but not for what people think, especially those who are active fans of Kanye. Kendrick didn’t say this line in this way to pay homage to Ye. In fact, it was the opposite.     The body language from these two said a lot...   Kanye’s three-faced ass decided to jump into the battle, saying, “I got you, Dot!” (I’m laughing my ass off as I write this… I’m sorry) on “Like That (Remix)” which was mediocre at best. Yes, his best line was towards J. Cole but he added nothing to the sauce, really. (I will soon begin writing my blog post on J. Cole as well – stay tuned for that) I don’t think Ye thought Kendrick would come out being so insanely successful in the battle. I think he knew Dot would win but the display, the strategy – what Dot did is the word I will keep saying on this post – Ye fell victim to emasculation. It didn’t matter that he is a successful musician in his own right. What Dot did was simply masterful and spun most of the rap world into little jealous children.   And yes, Ye became a jealous child. J. Cole is also added to this mix. For him to make that record, “7 Minute Drill”, being the first one to put out a full-length song – Cole purged all his envy into that song. Everything he felt about Kendrick Lamar underneath it all came flying out. Then wanted to backtrack and “apologize” and then still send the man more subliminals… me with an eagle eye stare at Cole.   I digress. Kendrick said what he said at the end of the song because, simply, Ye has displayed how much he doesn’t care about his people – more so black women, but he so badly wants to be accepted by any other race than his own. The incredible amount of harmful shit he has said about black people, supporting a cock-bag like Trump who cares only for himself and definitely doesn’t care about people of color – Ye went out of his way to distance himself from people of color but only uses us when he wants to whine and complain about “the man” doing something to him and because we are such a forgiving people we go and back this idiot. (Listen, I can support a person’s right to their political beliefs, and I do. However, when they lean so far away into Hell to the point they care not for the very people who support you, that look like you, I have a problem with that. Some people are Republican purely because they have economic beliefs, and so on but not because they dislike people of color. Read up on different types of Conservatives. I sure the fuck ain’t one) Kendrick sent that scathing stray, “We don't wanna hear you say "nigga" no more…” because he sure the fuck doesn’t want THAT man to be using a word that he TRULY means it when he says it with the hard “ER”. Kendrick, to me, showed that he was tired of Ye and his bullshit.   So, it came as no surprise that Kanye started talking shit about Kendrick. I wasn’t surprised at all.     IN CONCLUSION     We are all seeing it. The insane, high-level standards they have for Kendrick like he isn’t a human being first, and then try to say, “Well he criticized this person and that” not realizing that he isn’t the only fuckin’ artist who has criticized and/or have opinions about other artists. Hell, we got mutherfuckers who’ve been out here pushing drugs on their own people, rap about it then have all the goddamn opinions in the world about other artists and their lifestyles. But – OH NO – Kendrick can’t have opinions because he’s “Mr. Morale” and “Mr. Alright” and “Mr. Loyalty” and “Mr. Good Fuckin’ Kid”. GET A LIFE!!! The jealousy is sad and pathetic and, unless K-Dot did some shit to these people – rappers, music producers, etc – come out and say it then! But no, I doubt that will happen. It already would have been done.   Kendrick doesn’t need to acknowledge/work with every mutherfucker in the rap industry, past or present, so that y’all can feel important. I feel like that’s part of the reason some folks in the industry are salty. Kendrick has already paid respect to the “OGs” in the game. Many times. Seeking validation from a grown man is unfortunate and I suggest these same individuals who are going through this particular symptom should listen to “Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers”. Dot has some medicine he’s already prescribed in that album. DO yourself a favor and listen. If it were someone not as lyrical as Kendrick that slayed Drake, the outpouring for for that person would have been momentous and hugely substantial because "it won't be no threat."   In the end, Euphoria, this 6 minute plus giant of a song had people in their feelings and emasculated many, many men... Comment, share, and/or subscribe and thanks for reading. If you like what I've created, spoke about, etc and would like to contribute to my CashApp click the box below. I appreciate you, immensely.

You can watch the video instead and support my new YouTube Channel! Hello to all the "thinkers" out there! Thank you for stopping by and reading my first post here and taking the time out and to read. I really wanted to give us all the space to get back to reading and writing again, a break in streaming and YouTube videos. I hope this is becomes that space for you all! I appreciate you! Ok, sorry for interrupting... Did we miss some things said and/or shown in the music videos and/or songs released by K-Dot? Or am I one of the only people who had noticed these things and few has spoken about any of them? First up is "TOP5" being mentioned on Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar's award winning song "Family Ties". I may now have a better understanding as to why this song is even titled "Family Ties". Guess who this is... It's safe to assume fans think "Family Ties" title is directly about the familial relationship of K-Dot and Baby Keem. I do think it ties into Dot's "affiliations" in LA, California (I wouldn't be surprised in Illinois as well). No need to elaborate on that. Kendrick, I felt, wanted to remind certain individuals of this fact. He also wanted to inform these individuals he was aware of a certain individual that was in his "backyard" so to speak. That individual is Top5. Now that this guy has revealed himself in such an embarrassing way, I am assuming many things that makes sense to me but I can be wrong. Top5 said very publicly who he was on DJ Akademics platform, knows Drake and apparently does "work" for him (Read between the lines) Drake has also helped him out by paying for his legal fees, according to Top5. It's possible that Top5 was sent... to put it mildly... "deal" with the "problem" that is Kendrick at some point before Family Ties came to fruition. Anyways, why would this be happening? Most of us have no idea but I bet Drake and Kendrick knows for sure. Let's look at the lyrics: (These are the ORIGINAL lyrics seen on Genius's website and not the updated ones we hear now) [Chorus: Baby Keem] Jump in that— (Hah, hah), summon that bitch Jump in that— (Hah, hah), jump in that fire (Hah), jump in that bitch Hittin' that fire (Hah), jump in that whip (Hah), thumb in that bitch Cum in that bitch (Ho), drummin' that— (Hah, hah) Drummin' that bitch (Huh, say, huh) [Verse 1: Baby Keem] I keep playin' with the dead (With the dead) Family ties, with the burdens in my head (They in my head) I keep tabs on the ones that mean no good (They mean no good) They all act when I tap back in the hood Amino acids for the kids Raised around the fire, alcoholics on the ledge Racin' to the lobby, Ricky Bobby on yo' body, oh I keep gang beside me, whole autopsy on the Audi , yo What I get from this (and I could wrong) Keem is ready to do damage on a mutherfucker that fucks with his family and his people, when he needs to get shit poppin' off, is with the shits or in simpler terms, is going to have his back. Also, they are always watching. [Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar] I thought you'd known better I been duckin' the pandemic, I been duckin' the social gimmicks I been duckin' the overnight activists, yeah I'm not a trending topic, I'm a prophet I answer to Metatron and Gabriel (Ah, ah, ah) Bitch, ain't no discrepancies I am a legacy, I come from the '70s The Al Green offspring, guns and the melody The big shot, wrist on cryotherapy Soon as I press that button Nigga better get right like the ambulance comin' Us two ain't alike, he ain't been through nothin' Dave Free got at least one B in the oven I'm trippin', I'm juggin', my mental is— Amazing, brother I think Drake never took Kendrick seriously when it came to who he was affiliated with or maybe affiliated with and/or... how many people in his 'hood truly care about and look out for him. So, allegedly, Drake tests him. I need not say more on the first line on Verse 3. Kendrick knows things. He knows a lot about Drake's misdeeds. This 3rd verse alludes to that, specifically the "that button". And because Drake may have done something that Dot may never forgive him for, he is letting him know he is aware of who he sent and also knows a few things about him, with an insult to add with it, which is something he later states in "Meet The Grahams" when he says "he ain't been through nothin' ", which is very diminishing to say the least. But why should Dot care at this point? Even if Drake had issues sans money problems, it wouldn't matter. This man, to Dot, is horrible and has done horrible things that are unforgivable. I found it interesting how his voice switched when he spoke on his mental state on Verse 3. He gave nothing away, with his voice going flat and nearly uninterested. Unreadable (Very Gemini). I think that was the point and it was a point well made. I do find it interesting that people are still trying to sort of connect the dots on this but not many people have referred to this song and when I've seen it people are still saying Dot is referring to "Top 5 rappers" in the Hip Hop game. They mention Top5 but not the connection to why Kendrick would mention "Top 5" in the first place or maybe they have and just can't utter the same damning words I refuse to utter myself. In my opinion, Dot didn't just come out of nowhere and decided, with Baby Keem to title a song called "Family Ties" and if you re-read the lyrics, it seems a little clearer to me he isn't speaking about smoking on anyone's "Top 5 rappers". Besides... didn't Drake move out of California? I also don't think it's a coincidence that Drake named his supposed nuke of a diss track, "Family Matters" because he "casually" mentioned Kendrick's family and business associate(s). To me it's a response to “Like That", "Euphoria" and "6:16 in L.A." in addition to "Family Ties" with Baby Keem. The music video for "Family Matters" was telling as well and some may think it is a stretch but... this man loaded a faux "good kid m.A.A.d. city" van, crushed, in what appears to be a mortuary fridge. All part of the beef, I thought... until “Meet The Grahams.” I digress. Maybe because of what had transpired sometime between 2017-2022 , the result is what we see on the cover of Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers . I won't post the picture here because I want people to go to that album and pay close attention to the visuals and then find subsequent photos that were released in 2024, ironically, after the beef, photos we didn't get to see from the photographer Renell Medrano, who had an art exhibition called "Lambon" in October 2024. Now listen to the album and/or read the lyrics very carefully. I digress. K-Dot showed on Family Ties that this was the beginning of showing how he was going to handle Drake in 2024. The many sides of the Dot. Oh, and if this is what I think it might presumably be, Kendrick Lamar has every right to be angry and protective of his family. Oh and btw, Kendrick was right, MM&TBS is a classic and will be for those who didn't believe in it in the first place. Comment, share, and/or subscribe and thanks for reading. Disclaimer: (Um, oh yeah, so these are my thoughts and opinions, and these thoughts and opinions are ALLEGED so, if you think this weighs more than 300lbs, I can't hold you.) Entertain purposes only. If you like what I've created, spoke about, etc and would like to contribute click the box below. I appreciate you, immensely.

? - By XXXTentacion You can also watch/listen to the video and support my YouTube Channel! Trigger Warning : This will go into some graphic information about deceased person(s) and the nature of their passing. Keep them in your thoughts, always. What's up, thinkers? This blog piece was definitely heavy to put together. Not because of the research but learning a little more about XXXTentacion, someone whose music I didn't particularly listen to. However, I really hope I did some sort of justice with this by acknowledging some of what Kendrick is allegedly conveying in his imagery and lyrics to the world for XXXTentacion. Alright, everyone. Read it through carefully! It will all make sense at the end! The pop star named Drake had a problem with XXXTentacion. XXXTentacion was talented, had his own lane and style. XXXTentacion was Jamaican-American. It’s alleged pop star Drake stole his flow from XXXTentacion – a song named “Look At Me”, while XXXTentacion was incarcerated. This was in January 2017 . In March 2017 , XXXTentacion had made a comment about Drake’s mom looking cute and how she can get it and put a photo of himself over Drake’s father – an old family photo of the Grahams – which was posted on Twitter. Of course, little Aubrey had people speaking for him between this time in March and June 2017 and threats and fights (physical for the latter) that ensued toward XXXTentacion. X embarked on his first and last tour in May called “ The Revenge Tour ”. In August of 2017 , XXXTentacion released an album called “ 17 ”, which Kendrick Lamar praised on Twitter and was on his “5th” play of the album. In October 2017 , XXXTentacion stated he wasn’t releasing any new music citing he was, “ tired of being mentally abused ”. In November 2017 , XXXTentacion was attacked and stabbed and accused Migos of doing it. Later he posts footage of the attack on Twitter. XXXTentacion apologized to the Migos for accusing them of the incident, thinking it was them due to the pendants worn by the perpetrators. In January 2018 , XXXTentacion started “ Helping Hand ” on YouTube, where he was handing out PS4’s in his hometown in Florida and encouraging people to start doing good deeds and if they do, they will receive personal rewards like tickets, free shows, etc. Also in January 2018 , XXXTentacion previewed a song titled “ Beverly Hills ” on Instagram, but it was later changed to “ Floor 555 ”. Very clear it’s about Aubrey. Interestingly enough, “ Not Like Us ” music video is exactly 5:55 minutes in length. 555 does have a meaning and XXXTentacion may have been sensing/seeing something. "Not Like Us" music video with 5:55 video length - Credit: Kendrick Lamar/Dave Free & pgLang In February 2018 , Drake goes ahead and drops the “ God’s Plan ” video. In the video he is visiting XXXTentacion’s home state of Florida handing out money and gifts to people – which was obvious he was completely copying the “ Helping Hand ” challenge XXXTentacion created but doing it in a way that many would consider it a much larger and flashier scale. (and completely self-indulgent, self-serving way that benefits his ego and mocking XXXTentacion) Later in the month XXXTentacion posts a photo of someone that looked like Drake with what appeared to look like jizz on their face. DJ Akademiks warned XXXTentacion he “might provoke a dangerous reaction from Drake”. Two stories from XXXTentacion were posted by XXXTentacion stating that Drake would be responsible if he was killed. Then he walked back that statement by apologizing and saying his account was hacked. In June , Since Spotify enacted the “Hateful Conduct Policy”, which would have removed music by XXXTentacion, TDE put Spotify on notice that if they decided to remove XXXTentacion’s music, they would remove their artist’s catalogues from their streaming service. Later that month , fuck ass Drake releases “ I’m Upset ” music video. Ironically this music video was directed by Karena Evans who also directed “ Luther ” by Kendrick Lamar featuring Sza . Karena also directed “ God’s Plan ”. Btw, the music video for “ I’m Upset ” seems super vanilla and full of optics. Degrassi all in it. This music video was released on June 14th, 2018 . On June 18th, 2018 , XXXTentacion was murdered in his home state. A day after Kendrick Lamar’s birthday. His girlfriend was pregnant with their first child. At the end of June, Drake’s album, “ Scorpion ” was released. Named his album “ Scorpion ” and it might be his undoing Kendrick references this album quite a bit, and for good reason. “ Good Credit ” by Playboi Carti featuring K-Dot also references Scorpion. Drake is saying very damaging shit… the kind of shit that makes someone look at him like he had something to do with “it”. Allegedly. But, hey, this is the same pop star, Drake a.k.a. Aubrey Graham who was against lyrics being used against artists and is now suing UMG for defamation regarding Kendrick Lamar’s, “ Not Like Us ” lyrics. He’s saying that people are perceiving that what Dot is saying about him is true, right? "I'm Upset" by Drake from Scorpion Although it was released a month before XXXTentacion’s passing, that seems to be very… on the nose. The single also has artwork that is like XXXTentacion profile pic. One would think this was purportedly planned. X was shot twice at a downward angle in his neck. He was shot 3 times. Conspiracy solved but never solved: John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the United States' 35th president for 3 years. He was the youngest president elected from Massachusetts, a Democrat. Behind the scenes he was considered a playboy – a man who had lots of affairs and he was full of personality. He was popular and considered, at that time, one of the most popular presidents ever. Ironically, he won a Pulitzer Prize in Biography for a book he wrote called “Profiles in Courage”. However, many years later it was confirmed it was ghost written. I digress. The one hotly debated subject is JFK’s demise. JFK and Jackie O, the first lady at the time, climbed aboard a midnight blue 1961 Lincoln Continental Convertible limousine and their secret service, the governor and his wife, were in another motorcade. As they moved through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas at 12:30pm, 3 shots were fired . The bullet entered JFK’s upper back and exited his neck. The second bullet struck the back of his head. I won’t even post what was heard that Jackie O had said after the 2nd bullet struck… Lee Harvey Oswald was named the assassin and was killed 2 days later by Jack Ruby, a Dallas nightclub operator. Lee said he was a “patsy” and didn’t kill JFK. Many witnesses attested he was there at the Texas School Book Depository where they say the shots were fired. However, there are many who think there were 2 shooters. After all, Lee Harvey Oswald was apparently not much of a skilled shooter even though he was a Marine. K-Dot's lyrics on "Good Credit" For some reason, they say, JFK’s autopsy was rushed by request of the family and the White House, so the doctors rushed it, and it wasn’t completed. Three years later, JFK’s brain was missing. It was supposed to be preserved. Allegedly the family transferred it to the National Archives. Some say it may have been because the gunshot wound entered from the front and not the back . Only those who know…know what really happened. Super Bowl Ad - Kendrick Lamar with Sza - Credit: NFL Sza in "Luther" music video - Credit: Kendrick Lamar/pgLang Dodger Blue/Peekaboo… So, what does this all mean? JFK's 1961 Lincoln Continental Convertible XXXTentacion drove a BMW i8. JFK was in the Navy. Although he never flew a jet, a jet is still a symbol of the military and government. He flew seaplanes, though. And what is another name for BMW's? Credit: wuoltk As I stated earlier JFK was in a midnight blue Lincoln Continental Convertible the day he passed. And, you know, those guys who blocked off XXXTentacion vehicle on 6/18/18 on that fateful day were driving a Dodge Journey… that was blue . “ Peekaboo ” is track “9” and “ Dodger Blue ” is before it on the GNX album on track “8”. XXXTentacion made an album called " ? ” released in March 2018 . On that album there is a song called " Infinity (888) ” featuring Joey Bada$$ where XXXTentacion is clearly coming at Drake, but he also mentions… JFK . XXXTentacion's lyrics on "Infinity (888)" featuring Joey Bada$$ from the album, " ? " Why did you really leave L.A., Aubrey? JFK was assassinated on 11/22/63 . 61 years later Kendrick releases GNX. It wasn’t just sending the boy a message that it was going to just be “head shots for the year”. It's more than that. Deeper than that. Allegedly. Kendrick told the boy he hated the way he “sneak dissed” – where Drake does it where only the parties involved would know what he's talking about. The boy was surface level with it, like boiling milk with the film on top. Dot's providing a masterclass of psychological warfare… and only the boy would know what Dot, and everyone else who has jumped in sending sneak disses and subs, are talking about, only this is far more worse. They pulled up in a blue Dodge. 1 of them mentioned the boy. X thought JFK was the realest. Peekaboo. R.I.P. XXXTentacion. Comment, share, and/or subscribe and thanks for reading. Disclaimer: (So these are my thoughts and opinions, and these thoughts and opinions are ALLEGED  so, if you think this weighs more than 300lbs, I can't hold you.) Entertainment purposes only.

What is all of this? Random and not so random thoughts that come through my mind that need to go somewhere and here is the place I may put it...sometimes. As I go through this very complicated, oftentimes exhausting but exhilarating path in life I will put down my thoughts here, share my music and musical opinions, opinions in general and probably some traveling adventures I might share...and it's totally cool and up to you if you want to come along this unpredictable journey with me. To add to this, I want people to read just a little more again if they aren't already. Yes, I could be on YouTube or add video or audio to my content, and I have thought about it. Strip down approach is best where people can unwind and chill or whatever and just read. There will be times when I may incorporate my voice here and there but that’s when I feel it’s warranted. I can fuck around turn this into my own “YouTube” spot. You never know. I highly doubt it, though. I'm socially awkward with cognitive issues and I truly have to think before I rush and speak because my brain has too much going on and there are times when I start speaking I will just either freeze or it would be a jumbled mess. I lose my train of thought a lot. So if there are others like me out there who struggle with the same issues and may or may not work on it, and are in your 40's, younger or older - I understand how you feel. With that said please enjoy the content and thank you so much for the support. I truly, truly appreciate it.

Did we miss some things said and/or shown in the music videos and/or songs released by K-Dot during the great "beef" of 2024? First I would like to mention this lyric below: Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, Dot, fuck 'em up Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, I'ma do my stuff So, the website Genius has an explanation for it that I don't entirely agree with. If you want to see what it is, check out their website. I could be reaching here with what I think this is but when I originally heard this I told my guy right out, "Meg Thee Stallion". Why I say this? I truly think, in how it was worded and said, that Meg may have contacted Dot for all we know and told him literally "Fuck 'em up" or "Fuck that crew up" or whatever on some lyrical shit and Kendrick replied back he would. "Wop" is most likely " WAP ", which is the title of the song Meg Thee Stallion and Cardi B created, which was a huge hit in 2020. Meg did release a song called "Hiss" dissing Drake at the top of 2024 (I don't like genderizing, but she was the only woman to confront him) and I wouldn't be surprised that Kendrick and Meg had a conversation about Drake and Kendrick paid homage to and/or mentioned Megan in arguably one of the greatest diss tracks of all time. (Any of K-Dot's songs during the battle is up for debate, hence why I said arguably). Kendrick even shined a light on Rihanna with the lyrics " Man Down , call an amberlamps, tell him, "Breathe bro"". "Man Down" is a song from Rihanna's "Loud" album, which, to me, is one of her best songs ever. (I'm Caribbean American and love reggae and I think Rihanna did an amazing job on that song). Anyways, Meg did a great job calling out Drake on "Hiss". Too bad Nicki thought that song was solely about her. Another reason/scenario could be that it's still " WAP ", still paying homage to Meg but the conversation never happened. I mean, we know " WAP " mean "Wet Ass Pussy". However it can be a combination of "Wop" in the first line and "WAP" in the second line. That's just my take on it. Not Like Us music video: Tommy the Clown - Credit: Kendrick Lamar, Dave Free & pgLang Credit: Kendrick Lamar, Dave Free & pgLang I think it's obvious that one is supposed to see an owl or some kind of resemblance to a face when seeing this set up. I saw an owl. I haven't seen anyone mention this, though. At least not in the spaces I frequent. I did also notice (I could be reaching here as well) that this could also resemble Drake (eyebrows could be the horizontal slash in the speaker). I think this could have been Dot's play on a "Rorschach test" for the viewers. I also believe Tommy, Kendrick and the dancers are all in a shipping container, btw. Credit: Kendrick Lamar, Dave Free & pgLang Now here the above picture is interesting, and I saw no one commenting on this. Tommy the Clown presses play on the record player. However, there is no record there. What does this mean? I see no grooves of a record. The combination of photos have led me to believe that this set up is supposed to be Drake and the record player may be Drake's brain... that has no musical talent, or something to that effect in it. Tommy just presses a button and the player spins. Mind you, a clown is pressing a button on this record player in a room that resembles a shipping container or Conex box. If I'm right, this is truly a diabolical visual diss. I guess the lack of hair makes it even worse. Credit: Kendrick Lamar, Dave Free & pgLang Credit: Kendrick Lamar, Dave Free & pgLang Now this maybe a "schizo" sighting on my part but no one has said anything about it, and I noticed it the first time I watched the video. I told my guy, "Are those eyes?" He didn't see them at first. I had to pause the video a few times for him to see it. The more I did that, the more I was like "these look like owl eyes". Everything K-Dot does is intentional. I've watched this video so many times. This was in full view and not hidden. I tried looking up other shipping containers that may have this kind of logo and nothing showed up. It made me wonder if this is a stamp/logo that Drake allegedly has on his shipments so that other companies know what to pick up/ship. If you watch this part of the music video, which you can watch on YouTube, Kendrick doesn't hide this logo/whatever this thing is at all. I feel like there is something to this, but I may be wrong. There are also other numbers and identifiers on these containers people in the Kendrick reddit community (y'all know who you are😉) researched on this. I'll leave it at that and let y'all find that on your own. The Boogeyman ... Credit: Kendrick Lamar, Dave Free & pgLang I watched the video without sound a few times while researching for the blog and realized something while putting this together. What if this music video is created with K-Dot literally in Drake's head? Is this Drake's living nightmare and/or nightmare/Drake having a dream? Like Dot is supposed to be Drake's nightmare? (Which he is😁) Look at the beginning of the video. Kendrick shows up, adlibs similar to Friday the 13th btw, and is moving through a dimly lit hallway wearing white, flicking lighters (a signature to Lil' Wayne, which could signify some things, one of which I think is Lil Wayne was the one who put Drake "on" in the first place but Lil' Wayne shows up in Drake's "nightmare" in the form of Kendrick Lamar. In the beginning of the video, we all know it is Dot but he's indiscernible initially) while the lights are also flickering on and off. It almost seems like Kendrick shows up as a Boogeyman... and a God. The opening alone seems to have layers. You then see the next scenes which are the photos above with Tommy the Clown. Dot did say "I see dead people" on the track and in the video. When Dot says this... is he saying this as Drake or as himself? Or both? I say this because Drake has been allegedly accused of XXXTentacion's and possibly other's demise. Drake may be haunted. I can see this meaning more, of course, the obvious being Dot obliterating Drake in this rap battle. Tommy the Clown's next line is "You're late..."which can mean many things: You're late - You should've been axed out a long time ago, allegedly, for the demise of important figure(s) in music and our culture You're late - You should've been called out for your fake gangsta ass a long time ago and many people should have appropriately checked you for that and those people are just as questionable You're late - You should've been called out for every fucking lie you've been caught in and there's been many... You're late - G.O.A.T.? Really? Not when you have ghostwriters, which have been made painfully obvious after the battle. (Even before the battle, let's be forreal. J Cole can hold you up only so much) You're late - Let's add to the last one: Using a phone in a freestyle at Hot97 in 2009 and stupid ass Funk Master Flex allowed that shit? I'm from BKLYN. No respect for that. Not-a-one. You're late - You should've been kicked down uneven, jagged steps many times for disrespecting women, especially of color and artists with solid families because you're a broken, unhappy man-child. You're late - Allegedly stealing your own artists music as well as independent artists on Soundcloud, etc. Pathetic. You're late - Consistently being a bully on social network platforms and in music and then love playing victim You're late - There is probably more. However, for those who may have been victims, allegedly. Lastly, for the little ones who have yet to know about a DNA test and learn of their lineage. Fill in the blanks. Lastly, "You're late" - For the rap battle (which was the most obvious), via Drake's perspective. It may not mean any of this, but this is my interpretation. Drake should’ve been gone a long time ago and should've never been as big as he was before the beef. Before social media, he would have been called out. I would delve into my thoughts of Drake in another blog, probably. Tommy the Clown - Credit: Kendrick Lamar, Dave Free & pgLang I digress. I'm still figuring out why Tommy the Clown looked shocked after Kendrick said what he said at the door and why he stepped away from the record player with his hands up a little later in the video. Is the camera supposed to symbolize Drake's eyes on everything? Or Kendrick's? Or is Kendrick and the amazing dancers facing Tommy and the record player set up? I must add that when Kendrick flips the bird the next shot is the one above. The latter question makes more sense. 12 people facing Tommy the Clown, operating a simple digital record player with no record that looks like an owl or a person (whatever you may interpret it) is interesting. Does 12 people represent a potential "jury"? Possibly. Very cheeky of Dot, btw, if that is the case. Drake on trial, figuratively. Dave Free and Kenny - Credit: Kendrick Lamar, Dave Free, and PgLang I won't go into much detail here because this is one of the quickest edits/shots of the entire video and is one of the most controversial. I will say this: Dot and Free is clearly doing a familiar "handshake" that OVO does. Now, what led up to this rapid-fire series of edits is Dave, who is seen on a cell phone with a jacket over his forearm and a young lady next to him (who resembles one of the dancers). "Business" is being conducted, shall we say, with a deal being closed with Dot, wearing a suit, is now on the phone. I'm assuming the "handshake" is really, allegedly, some OVO "mafia" type shit that Drake may think he originated. When I see the OVO handshake or the "OK" sign, it makes me think of white supremist’. (I will come back to this in a later blog) The Family - Credit: Kendrick Lamar, Dave Free, and PgLang When the family appears, the way the camera changes is interesting. It looks as if someone is watching them. My thoughts on this are I think this is supposed to be Drake watching Dot with his family enjoying themselves, living their life... and subsequently celebrating and dancing over his "grave". Drake supposedly thinks he knows K-Dot and his life when he doesn't at all. Super dope for Whitney to get her lick back, though. But, let's face it, Drake comes off like he wants to know more about Dot's life. A bit "Peep Freakish" if you think about it... If you understand what I said above, you would understand this scene . Credit: House Party/New Line Cinema - 1990 The G.O.A.T. - Credit: Kendrick Lamar, Dave Free, PgLang Near the end of the video Kendrick is seen with 3 clear reflections of himself. I liken it to him seeing himself (and he said it on the song, "Like That") as the number 1 MC in the rap game thus far, the G.O.A.T...and "Big Me". No more Cole or Drake on that list. One Last Thing The arm of one of the dancers - Credit: Kendrick Lamar, Dave Free, PgLang "Girls Don't Cry". Just like some things I pointed out I haven't seen yet mentioned, this is also one of them. I'm going to be careful with this one. I remember listening to a “live” of a content creator and one of the members commented about the tattoos saying some were fake and the rest were real. I never forgot that. So, I fixated on the "Girls Don't Cry" one (I won't touch the '444' one) because I know I saw the design before. (I have no idea if the tattoos are fake, btw) The design. Now... fast forward a few months later I decided to finally research this and this may be the most well-hidden piece so far. When you search for this phrase, you will see t-shirts with this phrase printed on them with this exact design. Verdy, a Japanese designer, is the owner/creator. He isn't the point of this but once you click on the link (which is very obvious, as you will see girlsdon'tcry.shop link) you will see a word that stands out as it stood out for me which was Harajuku. This made me think immediately of "Tanea", a lady who, allegedly, was invited to one of Diddy's "parties" and stated she saw younger females dressed as Harajuku girls on a program (I don't need to explain in detail what I mean by "younger females". Watch the interview on YouTube) who was interviewed on a YouTube program called "Soft White Underbelly", which the interviewer speaks to different people with different and relatable issues and problems, ranging from mental, abuse, drug abuse, etc. The initial interview with Tanea was in 2022. The next one that mentioned the Harajuku girls was in October 2024. I feel only a few people would know what that tattoo REALLY meant, and Dot made sure this was in full view. This message was loud and clear, and Dot may know some things about Drake. Some may wonder what does this have to do with the Boy? Well, since Drake had partied and had been at Diddy parties (assumedly, as well as Dennis Graham), allegedly, he could have known and been in the presence of young people who shouldn't have been there in the first place. With that being said... FInal Thoughts Diddy's trial starts on 5/5/2025. There will be A LOT of revelations, and it won't be pretty. Drake must know this. I also think this is why of all the songs released in the beef, NLU needs to go, according to the Boy. In fact, if Drake gets his way, all of those songs he would make sure they are banished because they reveal way more than some of us even realize, allegedly (and some of us have already) and he's stressed and stressing over it. Oh well. Don't be a bully and there won’t be any problems. Some of these findings may be something or maybe nothing. They were on my mind, and they feel like they fit somewhere in the jigsaw puzzle that is this "beef". The real ones must know by now it is bigger than a rap beef. If you know, you know. I'll leave at that. "Not Like Us" music video is one of the greatest music videos created for a rap battle, layered and, not only catered only to the Boy but for our people, who continue to forget who they are and prioritize money, attention and status over education, mental health and strength, empathy and culture. Comment, share, and/or subscribe and thanks for reading. Disclaimer: (Um, oh yeah, so these are my thoughts and opinions, and these thoughts and opinions are ALLEGED so, if you think this weighs more than 300lbs, I can't hold you.) Entertainment purposes only.

Warning: The topic(s) and mentions in this post touches upon mental conditions and health that may be sensitive to some. If you need assistance I suggest clicking on the link below. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help “ Meet The Grahams ” is a direct hit between the eyes and heart. Drake would never admit the potency of this song hence why he has such hyper focus on “ Not Like Us ”, saying K-Dot called him a pedophile when he didn’t. Any person with decent 6th to 8th grade reading comprehension would know Kendrick didn’t outright call Drake a pedophile. I digress. A topic for another day. We witnessed someone, people consider a megastar – and Drake is – was, in terms of numbers and, I guess if you are a delusional Drake fan - lyrically via hip-hop, be broken down to the knees mentally with his heart beating faster, palpitating more when he found out the song dropped and when he finished listening to it. I wouldn’t be surprised he sat in silence for a while with some of his team flanked around him in shock with a slew of questions and statements flooding his mind initially (because he’s self-centered) like, “What the fuck?!”, “I just dropped Family Matters! I nuked this mutherfucker, how did he know when to drop?”, “Where the fuck is my drink?”, “How does he know about *radio edit*?” “HOW DOES HE KNOW ABOUT THE *radio edit*” “THIS IS MY WIN!!! HE JUST RUINED THE ONLY SONG I HAD LEFT!!!!” and I bet there was more, but I don’t think the mention of his family bothered him as much he wants people to think it did. Okay, so probably his mother a little bit. Drake, who continuously went after different artists’ families in his songs, finally received his comeuppance in the form of a pure dissection from the one, Kendrick Lamar. So, I would like to dig into the lyrics that stood out a bit to me: "I'm sorry that that man is your father, let me be honest It takes a man to be a man, your dad is not responsive " The first lines of the song were cutting. In fact, “ Dear Adonis ” alone was bad enough. However, telling Adonis that his father isn’t a man, not even responding as one is rough. From what people have been seeing from Drake/Aubrey for a while… this seems to be true. Even from the start of the beef until now, 2025 of January we are still seeing a man-child at play. Adonis’ generation will watch and see everything that has happened even before now and sadly Adonis is probably living his life dealing with it… and with a man who can’t even grow up enough to leave a rap beef alone. Who knows what he sees and hears and what’s normalized around him. Aside from that, very scathing lyrics that are so simply worded and said as if speaking gently to a child sitting next to him at a public park…with the evidence of the Boy’s misdeeds everywhere. "Don't cut them corners like your daddy did , fuck what Ozempic did " I always thought this was an interesting lyric and not for the obvious Ozempic line. I thought it was interesting that K-Dot said “did” twice. I told my guy it was weird for Dot to say that twice and it came off like lazy writing when we both knew Dot is not that dude. After a while it came to me what I think Dot was alluding to and this is what I think it is. I think Kendrick is saying Drake suffers from D.I.D… D.I.D. is Dissociative Identity Disorder. It’s a mental health condition in which a person has multiple personalities. Some of the symptoms are connected to your emotions, mood shifting, memory gaps, flashbacks, having more than one person in your head, etc. So, when Dot says to Adonis “Don’t cut those corners like your daddy did” it’s so ruthless because what did Drake do? He utilized a whole other persona, becoming someone from the Caribbean (Jamaican, usually) to appeal to certain demographics, speaking patois and singing Dancehall music, even installing some of this in his pop and hip-hop tracks, by the way, and have made millions from this. To add to this, he has no respect for black people even though he is one and none for Caribbean folks (has that man ever spent more than 3 months in Africa in his entire lifetime yet? Like in Benin/Togo or Ivory Coast or Ghana , South Africa , Angola , Chad or Zimbabwe, etc and not friggin’ Egypt or the islands that border Africa?) He has also become Latin and English Drake (London/Brixton Drake is more like it) and has made millions being those personas as well. Another persona Drake likes to be is Gangsta’ Drake. This seems to be his favorite persona. All the flexing he seems to do on songs and, allegedly, in real life and what may seem to get him in trouble. He emphasized “Mob Ties” in his songs a great deal when Aubrey was never this person. In fact, Aubrey isn’t this person at all. One must wonder if Aubrey even knows who he is and if he even likes himself and that’s why he co-opts these personalities. When he is around Caucasians, he speaks like Aubrey from Canada, like “himself”. So, in essence, Kendrick is basically saying Drake can’t be himself and sell records. I know D.I.D. is very serious and should be taken seriously and no, I didn’t put a full-on definition of everything that’s under its umbrella. I think Kendrick was generalizing with this. " Ozempic got a side effect of jealousy and doctor never told y'all niggas " (Drake Lyrics on Family Matters) Another thing that was telling was Drake pointing out Rick Ross’ supposed use of Ozempic and the side effects of jealousy. Kendrick reverses this sad retort on Ross in such a clever way with using the D.I.D. angle because, well, how would Drake know this? We all clearly saw when MTG single was released that Drake is prescribed this medication. Also, it is well known that the medication does have severe side effects that cause anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, mood swings and so on. Dot showed not only how much of hypocrite Drake is for saying someone is using a medication (he may or may not know Rick Ross is using) that he is using but he himself always has mood swings, his continuous “Woe is Me” songs all because he’s always the victim but he is also a very jealous person himself (um… there is so much proof of this… jealous of Serena and Alexis, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s relationship, or anyone with solid families, etc.) and, yeah we can go on and on with this subject and, again, this will happen on another day. "Don't be ashamed 'bout who you wit', that's how he treat your moms Don't have a kid to hide a kid to hide again, be sure" K-Dot’s continuing to teach Adonis how to be a responsible human being even if they are in an industry that would otherwise be frowned upon and he’s also letting him know his father is ashamed of his mother. I found it interesting that Dot ensures Adonis understands this as well as understand that he was hidden from the world, allegedly like the potential siblings he may have and if he, Adonis, finds himself with women who may be pregnant and say they have his children, he should make sure to get a paternity test and if they’re his children, handle his responsibilities like a man. I can imagine Drake being pissed at this but I’m sure his eyes widened… for obvious reasons… assumedly. "Dear Dennis, you gave birth to a master manipulator " Sheesh! This line is just raw. It doesn’t say Sandra gave birth to Aubrey but Dennis. He assumedly created the character that is Drake, and he doesn’t say his name here, but instead describes both Aubrey/Drake and Dennis at the same time, which in the next few lines of the song, Dot explains why Drake should be paying Dennis, the person that “birthed” him, more for using him. "Or better yet sellin' your niece, to the weirdos, not the good ones " This lyric nagged me. I looked up songs pertaining to Drake called “Good Ones” and found a similar named track with The Weeknd and Drake. I think Dot saying “Not the good ones” was a slick way of backing The Weeknd, considering Drake had shit to say to him as well during the beef. Also, The Weeknd is a huge part as to why the album “Take Care” from Drake was a huge success. Lyrics for this song is also a bit… interesting but judge for yourself. I also searched “weirdos Drake” on Google and the song “Another Late Night” by Drake pops up with lyrics. I also think those lyrics deserve a good read as well… Clearing my throat and continuing. " They lookin' at you too if you standin' by him " I think the Feds are, purportedly, watching. This is also why Drake, allegedly, doesn’t want to touch this song at all or even “ 6:16 in LA ”, which is full of things only Drake and certain individuals would know (Akademics reaction on his live stream comes to mind, btw), so he doesn’t want to touch the landmines he considers these songs. Which is odd because if you are innocent there wouldn’t be a lawsuit and none of this would be an issue, and a loss would be a loss. Anyways, people who supposedly continue to stay around Drake, Feds will wonder and will delve into their personal and business affairs. Just how they work. "His father prolly didn't claim him neither" I thought this was a great line because Kendrick makes it known that he doesn’t KNOW everything. When speaking to “baby girl”, he lets her know that there was a likelihood that Dennis wasn’t claiming Aubrey as his son and this could be one of the many reasons, allegedly, why he doesn’t claim the many children, including “baby girl” in his life. K-Dot also makes another cultural reference here with “prolly”, since it is a variant of “probably” and it’s a Southern word. I saw Texas on one website – very African American. Also makes me wonder if this is a clue. Could, allegedly, the mother of the child might be from the south? (shifts eyes, coughs, looks at map of Florida 👀) "And a fuckin' deadbeat that should never say, " More Life "" Kendrick is ruthless here. It was more than the album name mentioned. It’s the meaning of “More Life” and why Drake names the album that. “More Life” is a Jamaican phrase to wish someone well. This was also made popular by Vybz Kartel, who’s a dancehall artist Drake is fond of. So, Dot is not only saying Drake shouldn’t fix his lips to say such words because, let’s face it, the literally words of “More Life” when Drake, allegedly, seem to bring young ones into the world and don’t claim them, in the slang terms cares for only self so who in the fuck is he wishing well? Lastly, the “culture vulture” part of it, which is synonymous with Drake character to this point, him once again unable to be himself and acting like a vampire by sucking musical resources from Jamaicans. "I know you probably thinkin' I wanted to crash your party" Di-a-bolical . Drake had to have been not only beyond furious at this bar, but his shoulders slumped. If any of his opps and/or “friends” were there, he had to have been looking at everyone suspiciously. It also makes me wonder something: Did Drake have an actual small celebration thinking he won the beef over Kendrick? That would be hilarious if there was a celebratory party after “Family Matters” dropped. Kendrick leaving “Haubrey” last on the song to rain on what he thought was his victory parade (so presumptuous of him, btw) was very clever and a mind fuck. There is no way this lyric didn’t heighten Drake’s paranoia and his fury. One would think Kenny was standing outside Drake’s window watching Drake’s every move, but we know that’s not what happened. Kendrick was like the proverbial superhero that came in and ruined the bad guy's sinister plans... right on time. "But truthfully, I don't have a hatin' bone in my body" I want to quickly speak on this line because I saw a lot of reactors on YouTube smirk and/or react to this in a way that called bullshit on Kendrick. I think this line is misunderstood. Kendrick says in the beginning to Aubrey, “you probably thinking I wanted to crash your party “and afterwards said “But you fucked up the moment you called out my family's name”. Dot is letting Aubrey know he wasn’t a person who carried hate… until Drake decided to go the route he went even after being warned twice not to go there. I also think there is more to this line which circles back to what I have mentioned in my “Family Ties” post. It’s more than Drake merely mentioning Dot’s family in a rap beef. "just disrespectin' your mother…" I’m only pointing out this lyric because a tiny part of me has wondered what began Drake and Dot’s falling out. Before this song dropped, I told my guy that Drake comes off like the kind of dude that is demanding and rude to his mother and takes her for granted. Dot could have seen and/or heard interactions Drake had with his mother thus beginning the proverbial “side eye” of disapproval from K-Dot. From the outside looking in, Sandra was the constant in Aubrey’s life, the person who was there physically and quite possibly indulged him a bit too much. Aubrey comes off certainly spoiled and entitled. However, for all I know, this lyric is probably a lot more layered than I think. "Take that mask off…" Sounds familiar? If you listen to Tyler, the Creator, you will understand. Not much of a scavenger hunt but, find the song pertaining to Tyler and listen to it after listening to “Meet the Grahams”. No further explanation required here on this. "you lied about your daughter, huh …" The recent album from Dot, “ GNX ”, brought me back to this line. On the song “ Reincarnated ”, one of the most profoundly heart wrenching songs that has Kendrick embodying 2Pac’s cadence for much of the song (and it was also a perfectly timed “clap back” to Drake’s putrid “Taylor Made Freestyle", where Drake uses AI technology to embody 2Pac and Snoop Dogg to diss K-Dot) Dot says “My instincts sent material straight to the charts, huh”, which I’m equating the “Huh’s” at the ends of these particular statement-Esque bars as if he was dared or that he knows a secret or lie that the other person(s) he may be addressing would know. For the Reincarnated lyrics I posted here it was as if people doubted Kendrick’s ability to stay true to his aesthetic, himself, with the lyrics he created and chart on music lists and he proved those individuals very wrong by trusting himself and his art. So, when he states that Aubrey lied about his daughter and adds “Huh”, Kendrick is letting Aubrey know that HE KNOWS and that he’s lying about her and has been doing so. Who knows how long Dot knew about this. I get the sense that many people in the industry purportedly do. I don’t think all “Huh’s” in Kendrick’s songs are created equal, though. Final Thoughts... I do find it ironic Uma Thurman sending Drake that pic of Beatrix solely up against the Crazy 88 in the movie, “ Kill Bill ”, like he was being bullied. However, Kendrick spoke to Adonis the way Beatrix Kiddo did Vernita Green’s daughter, Nikki Bell, after *SPOILER ALERT* ……………Beatrix killed Vernita and Nikki walked in the kitchen afterwards. Beatrix had a short but real “heart to heart” with her amongst the carnage…and her mother’s body. Go figure. This song is perfect, which is what I think about all the songs released from Kendrick in this beef. Drake may never take a therapist and/or therapy seriously, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he listens to quick snippets of this song on some days because he purely can’t help himself. I’m leaving that statement very open ended, but I do hope you all understand what I mean, especially if, by now, you have some understanding of Aubrey’s character. So, I said Kendrick broke him down to his knees. Not Like Us took the rest of Drake’s legs and feet… and then his soul . Comment, share, and/or subscribe and thanks for reading. Disclaimer: (Um, oh yeah, so these are my thoughts and opinions, and these thoughts and opinions are ALLEGED so, if you think this weighs more than 300lbs, I can't hold you.) Entertainment purposes only. If you like what I've created, spoke about, etc and would like to contribute click the box below. I appreciate you, immensely.

" GNX ", Kendrick's sixth studio album, is simply incredible and the song " Hey Now " is a definite standout, even if some people don't agree, which is fine. Art is art, subject to your likes and interpretation, unless someone has the talent to express in words how to convince you to see/hear their vision of song(s) and/or albums and get paid for it… or not. Not much for this song for me to say but there are some things I noticed: [Intro] Damn, baby I like it Damn Hm I kept wondering why Kendrick said this and was sounding all sexydexy. I could be wrong (just like in the other posts I posted) on my thoughts in this. This kept messing with my mind until a few nights ago, when Prince’s “ Sexy M.F. ” was repeating in my head. The song is on his “ Love Symbol ” album, where you hear Prince say: [Intro] Come here baby, yeah U sexy motherfucker [Adlib by Prince] I like it, I like it Kendrick damn near mimics the flirty-ness and voice of Prince. Why? I’m not too sure. I would like to think he is paying homage to Prince. I mean, he did wear purple in a few of his promo photos for the Superbowl. Also, Prince raps on this song. He was influenced by hip-hop at the time in 91’-92’ and heard “Bitch Better Have My Money” by AMG. Listen to at least up to 2 or so minutes of the song, "Sexy M.F." and you can hear the similarities. "It's the Ben Frank murderer , Mister, I ain't heard of you" I know some people say that this lyric meant Kendrick spends his money or something of the sort. For me it may be something more layered, and it may be more directed to Drake, and yeah, I could be wrong. (OK, I think this is a HUGE reach and I'm laughing while typing this) Ben Franklin, besides being America’s 6th President, tried to follow “13 virtues” throughout his life starting at the age of 20. Here is the list: 1- Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation." 2- Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation." 3- Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time. 4- Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve. 5- Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing. 6- Industry. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions. 7- Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly. 8- Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty. 9- Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve. 10- Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation. 11- Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable. 12- Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation. 13- Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates. To put it bluntly, these virtues are DEFINITELY not something “the Boy” would care for. Then the alleged activities he may be involved in doesn’t help. He cares about spending Benjamins, not knowing who the person is. To delve into a little bit about Benjamin Franklin, his views on slavery evolved and he became a critic of slavery and more of an abolitionist. Final Thoughts... With that said, Dot could be talking about something else completely. He definitely most likely is on the last one, more than likely. Maybe someone else might be able to dig in further on what's been provided above. Or maybe… this might be a schizo thought(s). No shame. However, I do think it's interesting that money seems to be front and center on this song, down to Prince's mention of the very song that, in some sense, inspired him to write Sexy M.F. Comment, share, and/or subscribe and thanks for reading . Disclaimer: (Um, oh yeah, so these are my thoughts and opinions, and these thoughts and opinions are ALLEGED so, if you think this weighs more than 300lbs, I can't hold you.)

Grand National Tour - NJ - 2025 What's up, thinkers! Hope your days and nights have been going well. My mind has been spinning since this mini-battle came around and needed to share my thoughts on it. Last year (2024) I told my guy after the battle Kendrick had with Drake, that Kendrick was going to drop an album. After I saw the “ Not Like Us ” music video, it really made sense that he would do so. I saw many people saying Dot was dropping an album in 2025 and there was NO WAY he was dropping one this year.   Then the Super Bowl announcement came, and it cinched it for me. He was DEFINITELY dropping an album in 2024. So many people could not see it. I kept saying in chats and convos with my guy, mostly, that Dot planned this whole thing out and there must be an album coming since there’s a Super Bowl in February 2025.   Then GNX drops on November 22nd, 2024. It surprises many, considering how he dropped it. The teaser some call “Bodies” on his IG - or as Jeremy Hecht has temporarily named it, “Tiramisu” - then he released the album on DSPs and eventually on vinyl, etc.   And wow. Just wow. Bonafide West Coast hip-hop album for the ages.   I said, a West Coast hip-hop album. You know, when I listen to “ Bodies ” I’m immediately in love with the song. It has suspense and drama I love that Kendrick is so great at capturing in his work. I noticed he continues to perform this song in the current GNX tour.   And tomorrow he will be in his home state. Many think this song includes Black Hippy , which comprises of Schoolboy Q , Jay Rock and Ab-Soul . I can see that, for sure. I can see Kendrick – in fact – I can almost see a Black Hippy reunion of some sort forming again, album and all.   However, it’s not possible now. “ Bodies ” may feature Black Hippy, but Ab-Soul has his own shows coming up and he dropped his album last year as well. Kendrick also is currently touring, and Jay Rock is said to be creating and/or dropping a project soon.   So, what do I think might be going on?   WARNING! I could be wrong… In 2012, Kendrick rapped on a very well-known song called " Control ”. He said:   “I'm the King of New York King of the Coast; one hand, I juggle 'em both ”     I think Kendrick will attempt to do this. He has never created a full, up and down West Coast sounding record before GNX (Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City comes super close to me, personally) and he has literally dominated it critically and commercially with GNX. He has always made music, however, that’s influenced by both coasts, especially the East.   I feel Dot is going to spin the block on what he said on “ Control ”, be literal, especially with all the momentum he has at the moment, and I think he already (I hope) has secretly worked with East Coast producers and/or Sounwave helped make some amazing East Coast, dope ass production for the ages and he will quite literally be “ The King of the Coast ”.   To make it more poetic… Joey Bada$$ deciding he wanted smoke with Dot. Bad move. A part of me thinks Dot shouldn’t give him the time of day. However, if Dot is doing what I think he’s doing, he would have set his plan in place for Joey and Loaded Lux , since they wanted and want his attention since earlier this year up until now, and Dot, who said, “ My Gemini Twin back powerin’ up ” and “ No more handshakes and hugs ” (I can relate to both), he will strike at his enemies that are on the East Coast… that may include J. Cole . You never know.   Overall, I think Kendrick is coming out with an East Coast hip-hop album. Bar heavy, lyrically beyond the word “impressive” and fuckin’ indescribably “GOD”-tier -but…wait- The other signs that Kendrick may be dropping an East Coast album: Sza in Avirex - Mineesota 2025 - Night 1 of Tour - Credit - IG: @gnxtour -Sza was seen wearing an Avirex jacket on the first day of the tour in Minnesota. You see, Avirex , for those who don’t know, is a brand of clothing very known in NYC, born in NYC during the 70’s. I have an old black and grey Avirex with a hood with faux fur lining but it’s not leather. Some people think Avirex is out of style. I don’t think it is and for those who do, you must be out of your fuckin’ mind – I mean – it’s your preference so I understand. I don’t remember ever seeing Sza wearing an Avirex coat before this year. Anyways, many greats have worn them in the 90’s, Biggie, Method Man… and Nas . Put a pin in Nas for a second. -Kendrick released a song on 9/11 … 2024 that has been dubbed “ Watch the Party Die ”, on his Instagram. On it there is a picture of an old beat-up pair of Black Air Force 1’s . The song was released at the same time MTV Video Music Awards started. The awards were live in New York. Hmm. The song is certainly a statement. What’s interesting is in the early 80’s Avirex provided aviation apparel to the U.S. Air Force. What does that mean? Not sure. “if I catch flight, it's gon' be direct” MetLife Stadium, NJ, Night 2 - Deluxe and/or Warning? Credit - IG: @gnxtour -When Kendrick and Sza was at MetLife in NJ performing for the NY/NJ crowd on night 2, May 9th 2025, Kendrick revealed the GNX under a red tarp. Now it’s been rumored he was going to the studio in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, but we don’t necessarily know (on The Bigger Picture 5/24/25, Jeremy Hecht was trying to coax DJ Hed to reveal if he was in the studio with anyone but also started naming other artists. Jeremy tries. It’s funny. I can’t say I blame him). I do think it’s very interesting that Kendrick reveals this red tarp in the NY/NJ area. Like a big red warning. Something’s coming to your area. Be prepared . Nas and Kenny. -GNX was, like I said, a West Coast album. However, throughout the album Kendrick has dropped clues of Nas. Yes, Nas shouted him out on IG and congratulated him, hence Kendrick mentions him on “ Wacced Out Murals ” (I wonder how orchestrated that was… hmm…), the theme of “ruling the world”… so we have “ If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) ” with Nas and Lauryn Hill, with the latter ironically from New Jersey and Dot is touring with Sza (from Jersey as well), then there’s “ One Mic ” from Nas (The lyrics from this song resonates very much to Kendrick now and back then. The envy. All the bullshit unnecessary criticism Dot had to endure for no reason other than putting out quality music and minding his fucking business. Read the lyrics) which he interpolates in “ Man in the Garden ”. Lastly, we have “ Luther ”, from GNX that samples “ If This World Were Mine ”, covered by Luther Vandross (Luther Vandross was from NYC) and Cheryl Lynn (from LA) and I feel like Dot may have chosen this song because the lyrics can be construed as a “love letter” to hip-hop in his mind even though it’s a love song. Layers upon layers. ****Oh yeah, btw, “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” was released on June 4th, 1996, 29 years ago. Kendrick and Sza will be in St. Louis, MO on June 4th, 2025. Possibilities of something releasing then? A reveal? We’ll see. It would make for an interesting homage… One of the NYC inspired fits - Credit - IG: @gnxtour One of the NYC inspired fits - Credit - IG: @gnxtour I am wearing a wallet chain, Euro Hiker Timberlands, baggy jeans cut and unhemmed at the bottom (didn't wear jeans much and still don't), and I have baby dreadlocks (my friend at the time didn't take not the best shot of me. This pic is not cropped up top if anyone was wondering) bubble vest, and baggy light grey hoodie. I hung out in the Village in the late 90's/early 2000's most times - BKLYN Early 2002 Me with my head intact - Example of the fit then - Early 2002. -Kendrick’s outfits for the tour are very NYC, reminiscent of DMX with an East Village/Punk vibe to it. Army fatigues, leather jackets (on some days), jeans with some patchwork in some spots on the pants, Timberlands or what looks like Timberlands (Last time I’ve seen Kendrick wearing Tims… I think it was during the "To Pimp a Butterfly" days… maybe the “Alright” video?), a t-shirt over a long sleeve shirt, skull or pullover hat/cap and a chain wallet or wallet chain. I used to wear army gear, pullover hats, Timberlands (not the traditional ones) and wallet chains from the 90s into the 2000s and still wear some of these fits to this day. Not to say people in other parts of the world didn’t wear these clothes, of course, but it was synonymous with the NYC scene. I feel Dot is sending subs with his fit… and clues. Dot's hair cut on night 2 in Inglewood, CA. Now look at Joey... interesting how they even both have on leather jackets. Dot trolling Joey in real time and Joey doesn't even know it. -GNX Tour - On the 2nd performance at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, CA, Kendrick showed off a new haircut. Notice any similarities? And that’s why Joey… (Continue to the next blog coming soon... TO BE CONTINUED) Comment, share, and/or subscribe and thanks for reading. If you like what I create and would like to contribute to my CashApp click the link below. I appreciate you, immensely.

Hello, thinkers! For me, the GNX era and album cover is an ode to Knight Rider . I haven't seen anybody talk about it. I think Yahoo News did a little news snippet that kind of mentioned Knight Rider, but they didn't go into much detail and didn't connect any dots. Now I could be wrong, but when I saw how Kendrick was dressed on the GNX album cover, I kept thinking there was more to this album and the vehicle other than what's been explained by Kendrick and, you know, what's been on Wikipedia and what's circulating online. So, as we know, the Grand National is a vehicle that's very important to Kendrick. In 1987 , his pops drove him home from the hospital in a GNX after he was born. For an album that mostly sounds like the West Coast, it's to me, fitting that Kendrick informed the world of this sweet story and origin of why the GNX holds importance for him. However, I do believe Kendrick was inspired by Knight Rider. As you know, Knight Rider was an action crime drama played by David Hasselhoff. Some people may not know about that, may not have been born in the 1980s. Some may have grown up in the 1990s and may not have known what Knight Rider was. The character on that show was named Michael Knight, and he has this dope ass car that's named K.I.T.T. and it's basically a friggin’ AI vehicle. GNX - Kendrick Lamar - Credit: pgLang Knight Rider - Michael Knight sitting on K.I.T.T. - Credit: NBC First, what's obvious, of course, is the cover , right? And you have, if you were to look up some pictures you have David Hasselhoff . He is very similarly dressed to Kendrick or Kendrick similarly dressed to him sitting on a vehicle. Their demeanors as well are similar. I don’t know why but my brain just said, “A vehicle is a man’s best friend…” I’m chuckling. Don’t ask. The character of Michael Knight is that his real name is Michael Long and what happened with him is that he was shot in his face that was nearly fatal, and he was given a new face through plastic surgery and a new name. He was reborn as Michael Knight. He was rescued by a billionaire named Wilton Knight and at the time, Michael Knight, original name Michael Long, was a police detective lieutenant at the time. Now, if I go more into this character of Michael Long, or, you know, AKA Michael Knight, first off, he was born, the character was born outside of Los Angeles . He was raised with a blue-collar family. He joined the army. He ended up working in counterintelligence in Vietnam. He was captured during a mission. He escaped, but then he had an injury, a brain injury that required surgery and then he had a metal plate in his head. He gets discharged from the service, returns to Los Angeles and joins the LAPD. Now what happens to him is he gets betrayed by an informant and was shot in the head and the metal plate deflected the shot. However, it screwed up his face. He becomes declared dead to the public and he gets taken care of by an organization called FLAG, which is Foundation for Law and Government. F.L.A.G. is a private crime fighting arm of Knight Industries , which again is this billionaire, Wilton Knight, who's behind all of this. Long story short, the whole thing - the whole point of Michael Knight is he believes in justice. He believes in protecting the innocent. That is the easiest way to explain who he is. He's about protecting the innocent. And I think that's interesting, just on the character level of it, because what has Kendrick been basically doing all this time? Really think about that. What is his whole thing right now? Drake, right? Taking back hip hop, making it hip hop again… and vindicating those who need to be vindicated. But it's more than that, right? He accused Drake of very fucked up shit. But one must question, as much as the courts want to say it's hyperbole and all this stuff, the character is a little bit adopted, right? That's how I feel. Many people may feel differently. I won't say adopted. I'll say it's sort of a “ slight embodiment ”. Let's put it that way. Excuse me. That being said, he’s this crime fighter, “ I want to protect the innocent ,” all of that, right? But what's interesting about his character, we know he's not an original “Knight”. His last name is Long. Michael Long. Apparently, how can I put this without laughing? Garthe Knight is the son of Wilton Knight. He has his own backstory. Knight Rider's Garthe Knight - The Evil Brother Are we for real here? Sorry, but Garthe always made me laugh (makeup, etc – too funny) Garthe Knight resembles Michael Knight almost identically, right? (insert obvious eyeroll) But his mustache and his soul patch is what sets him apart from Michael. He hates Michael because he feels like he has usurped his life and pretty much took his father away from him. Replaced him . Garthe’s background , which is also quite interesting, he spent several years in an African prison and was sentenced to three life sentences. He met with an African revolutionary named Tsombe, who's a member of the Pan-African Liberation Movement. He's able to avoid a life sentence because of a top official who was taking bribes on leases on diamond mines. So, there's that. Now on the show, what he does is he comes back to the United States, works with Tsombe and his mother, Elizabeth Knight, to steal missiles from the government called Red Bluff in Nevada (Lightly letting you know who this guy is) Basically, he's supposed to be a bad guy, okay? That is who he's supposed to be in this. He's the “bad” of the “Knight” Brothers. Garthe Knight - check out that...nevermind... So why do I bring this up ? Well, for one, it could also be loosely tied to this show and how angry Garthe is, how he feels, emotions, whatever, right? I also think that in the song “ Wacced Out Murals ”, K-Dot basically warns, he's saying, “ look, who I was before, I'm not that anymore now. I'm on some crazy shit ”. What I find is interesting is that on a tour, I don't know if anybody has seen any of the concerts on the GNX tour yet, but he has made a point on “ Family Ties ” that certain people don't compare to him. He led in peace, giving out warning after warning after warning every show and if you guys haven't read my “Family Ties” blog post, it's very interesting that he says this during the “Family Ties” performance, which for me ties back to Drake and what I think - that he was the real problem. And the reason why Baby Keem and Kendrick created Family Ties . There is no way this man only just put money on the street to get information. Just no . I'm pretty sure many people have tried to when it came to Kendrick. However, I think this time it may have went further than that. I think it was might have been more diabolical. Hence why Dot’s is constantly alluding to the XXXTentacion's “conspiracy”. Like this man is more than what you guys think. All alleged . It seems he might have had a hand in a lot of people passing away and I feel like he may have tried to do the same thing with Kendrick. Allegedly . But I digress. So, with the Garthe Knight character, I feel like that's who he's supposed to be. Is the “I don't give a fuck” individual. I thought it was interesting when looked up K.I.T.T. I decided to check out the person who voiced the vehicle and it is a man named Peter Cullen. Peter Cullen also did voice work for The Transformers: The Movie, the 1986 movie and voiced Optimus Prime (Btw the best Transformer movie of all time I mean that's objective but for me, the best) It was emotional, action-packed - everything about that movie was amazing. I think everybody should see the very first Transformers in the 1980s at least once. Optimus Prime - The Transformers: The Movie - 1986 Orion Pax becomes Optimus Prime - Credit: Paramount Optimus Prime was basically the hero of the story, whereas Megatron , who was a Decepticon , he was, of course, the bad guy. In the story, Optimus Prime is also known as Orion Pax ( You have to see the movies/series and/or just read somewhere how Orion became Optimus Prime vice versa in the first place. I won't spoil anything ). He embodies strong moral values, right? Leadership, strategic, has the most advanced weapons, knows martial arts… (Hmm… Kung Fu Kenny ). I think that's kind of funny, but okay. And you know what? We don't even know if Kendrick even knows that. I wouldn't be surprised, though. I don't think he's the type of person who's going to sit there and tell everybody every fucking action he makes and thinks. Anyways, he wants justice and peaceful coexistence with humans. He has this cry, rallying cry that's called, "till all are won” . Which is really an interesting quote. However, he was reborn as Orion Pax and reclaimed his role as Optimus Prime et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. I think with the original story, this is what I feel Kendrick was going for. Duality . That's the theme. To add to the whole point, what was Michael Knight? He was about justice and peace. Right? Optimus Prime, the same thing about justice and peace. However, they had to deal with that “other side”. What I also found was interesting when I went back to check Peter Cullen’s background and I laughed. This man who, again, one of the best voice actors of our time, was from Canada . Layers. The GNX album cover is super dope and extremely clever. My 1980’s eye couldn’t help but see things, even down to how they made the photo slightly aged. It seems so minimalistic when it’s not even, even down to the belt. The belt. Last but not least.... About that red GNX popping up at the concerts... Coincidence? As always I appreciate your thoughts and thanks for the support. Kendrick has an awesome sense of humor. However, he is a layered person. Everything means something. Check this out... Comment, share, and/or subscribe and thanks for reading and supporting! Disclaimer: (Um, oh yeah, so these are my thoughts and opinions, and these thoughts and opinions are ALLEGED so, if you think this weighs more than 300lbs, I can't hold you.) Entertainment purposes only. If you like what I create and would like to contribute to my CashApp click the link below. I appreciate you, immensely.

When the “ Great Hip-Hop War of 2024 ” started, there were a lot of people who had no idea why Kendrick and Drake didn’t get along. Of course, many thought it started from, “Control”, the song Kenny was featured in with Big Sean and Jay Electronica where Dot decided it was time to make hip-hop competitive and lyrical again. (I also think Kendrick did this because he knew Drake would take offense once his name was called out. A part of me also think that he may have wanted Drake to be “outed” as a so-called lyricist then knowing full and well that he was not that kind of guy. But that didn’t happen.) However, this is not the case. “Control” just opened some people’s eyes that there may have been a beef or simply, for most people, that Drake is a sensitive rapper that needed to be tucked back in his pajama clothes and/or K-Dot was just seeking attention and starting trouble.   The Rift and Why…   Here’s the thing: I remember during the “ Great Hip-Hop War of 2024 ”, I told my guy that it seems like Kendrick saw and experienced something on that tour with Drake back in 2012. I also think he saw and heard Drake disrespecting his mother a lot that rubbed him the wrong way as well hence the line in “ Meet the Grahams ” when he was addressing Aubrey. But I can also see Kendrick saying that line to mean when he disrespects women (which Drake is known to do) it is the same as disrespecting his mother. Either or, that’s how I took it initially, but I can see it both ways.   Like I said in other posts, Kendrick saw a lot and this tour was most likely part of it. But what about studio sessions? It seems like they never really did studio sessions together… kind of telling don’t ya think? Mr. OVO not wanting a certain lyricist to see how he REALLY works?   So, one must wonder… how did Kendrick know about Drake’s non-existent penmanship? That’s a mystery. However, Kendrick did tell us when he found out… and it was before Meek Mill did.   Let me introduce you to this awesome YouTube channel (sent to me by my amazing guy), called “ Anthony Imbrunone ”. This amazing, funny, super sweet and insightful duo has 2 amazing videos that, while I was working, I was completely wide-eyed. Both videos are called, “ Episode 4.1: Decoding Drake & Kendrick ” and “ Decoding Drake and Kendrick Part 2 ”.   Why was I (and still am) wide-eyed? Well, I love GKMC (Good Kid M.A.A.D. City) album, but I was not too much of a fan of the song, “Poetic Justice”, mainly because I don’t like Drake. I always feel like he deadens a song somehow. When my guy and I went to the recent GNX concert and Dot performed “Poetic Justice” I was like, “Why is Kendrick performing this?”   I GET IT NOW!!!!! To make it worse… I wish so much that I enjoyed it more at the concert and now I like the song even more… thanks to Deseree Rose and Anthony from “ Anthony Imbrunone ”.   They will literally leave you speechless. I was and still am speechless. Watch both videos below and share! Part 1 then Part 2.   All I will say is – and I can’t stand DJ Khaled but – to Drake… “Congratulations, you played yourself…” Order yourself some food, get some snacks, sit back and relax - This is going to be an eye opener - PART 1 Ran out of food? Get some more! PART 2 Comment, share, and/or subscribe and thanks for reading and the support!

I know what’s up with this guy and it was simple. Kanye, at least, admitted it. Lil’ Wayne come up for fresh air and yells to the world the Super Bowl was “ taken ” from him. I noticed, however, that he nearly said something else at his own event. It was subtle. That moment didn’t escape me, so I just let that lay dormant in the back of my mind. I would suggest looking at the moment he gives his speech at the Weezyana Fest 2024 after he was given the keys to New Orleans and being the first inductee into the New Orleans Hall of Fame and you will see what I’m talking about. Weezyana Fest 2024   Kendrick dropped the album “ GNX ” and “ Wacced Out Murals ” the song on the album, mentioned Lil' Wayne and him possibly being let down by Dot’s hard work. Lil' Wayne tried to “show his teeth” so to speak. But later this year in a Rolling Stone magazine, Lil’ Wayne acted like he didn’t remember anything.   Lil' Wayne sees and hears everything and pays close attention.   To pretend he doesn’t pay attention is childish and a bit ignorant and naive. The man is in a state of constant deniability which is lame and bitch ass. Nothing remotely cool about that shit. I know he is paying attention because of the recent album he released, “Tha Carter VI”. That album is filled with subs at Kendrick – and, no, I’m not an obsessed fan searching for that shit. It was obvious. The songs that were clearly obvious was “Loki’s Theme” and “Banned From NO”. I also think he was throwing subs in the song that feature’s his son (which is sad, btw, because that moment should be a pure one between father and son) called “Rari”.   Sidenote: I noticed many of the artists who have their back and forths with each other, whether subliminally or direct, are using certain imagery and/or words that I hope is decoded sometime soon. Examples that I’m seeing or hearing are the words black ballerinas , rabbits , the word “ Ferrari ” being used and seeing it in music videos - I feel there is more to all of this.   Anyways, Lil’ Wayne isn’t particularly that angry about the Super Bowl. I think Kendrick getting it was a bigger addition for the real reason why he is so salty and angry at Dot. The real reason why Lil’ Wayne is upset and “disappointed” is because Kendrick Lamar is the person who went toe-to-toe with Drake and destroyed that man in a rap battle – and it’s EXACTLY what Lil’ Wayne wanted to do.   Hey Dwayne, no one told you to procrastinate! No one told you to think about your other alliances with Cash Money who was probably leashing you from attacking the little “Boy”.   Lil’ Wayne and Aubrey have been back and forth sending subliminals to each other for some time now. This could’ve started when Lil’ Wayne went to prison, and Aubrey decided to be a POS and “fucked on Wayne’s girl” or when Lil' Wayne purportedly sold Drake and Nikki Minaj’s catalogue as well as his own. Who knows. But I do think Lil' Wayne wanted to take Aubrey out for a long time because – what happened? Aubrey/Drake became more famous and bigger as time went on and I don’t think Lil’ Wayne was happy about that. Plus, Aubrey/Drake started co-opting different identities, one being more gangster (yawn) and Lil’ Wayne told Aubrey to “ keep it Canadian ” once he – Drake – was under Young Money. But the “Boy” didn’t do that. He decided to use Lil' Wayne for what he needed and did his own thing because – well – he can. He’s a half black, half Jewish person. There are things he can get away with that Lil’ Wayne couldn’t. Aubrey just needed a “ black ” co-sign to make himself more ‘hood, more street and to boost his relevancy… a person who couldn’t freestyle to save his life but needed a fucking phone to do so. Wild . And thinking only of the money that they – he – would make with this man-child who is mixed-race (which he may have thought of the buzz word “exotic”) with what seems like a great personality which it depends on what personality he decides to use, Lil' Wayne, in my opinion, signed over part of his future once he signed Drake.   So Lil' Wayne is mad, watching Kendrick have the guts to strategize and attack his protégé. I also think that he didn’t appreciate Dot bringing up his and his ex-girlfriend’s past with Drake. I think it’s because Lil' Wayne already had problems with Kendrick as well. Something tells me it’s been jealousy and Kendrick has been peeping that for a while. I feel something will reveal itself eventually with them because it seems to be coming out slowly. Kendrick said that man’s name – Lil' Wayne, with no question. I do think Dot was dissing him by being dismissive on “Wacced Out Murals” when he said “whatever though…” then followed it up with “…call me crazy, everybody questionable…” People don’t want to see smoke between Dot and Wayne, but – sorry – it’s been there, stewing and brewing for a while now.   Lil' Wayne post on IG - Credit: 'Lil Wayne   When you watch the initial post Lil' Wayne did when the Super Bowl performer for 2025 in New Orleans was announced, it was the straw that broke the yadda, yadda, yadda. Not only did Kendrick take away Lil’ Wayne’s opportunity to take Drake down, but he also watched this man go on an insane run with the Pop Out, NLU music video, watching Kendrick break records on the charts, etc, and now – he will be performing in his hometown at the Super Bowl halftime show. Lil' Wayne doesn’t like Drake, just like many rappers/artists that don’t. However, Lil' Wayne is just as hurt as Drake but for different reasons.   I do feel Kendrick is baiting Lil' Wayne to come out, say his name. Candy Man is ready for him.   Dwayne decided to make an album to show he is still that dude but he did show his saltiness. Sad. I don’t see him letting it go. But Lil' Wayne, if he wanted to, can go after Drake still. However, I don’t see Lil' Wayne wanting to deal with real smoke like J. Cole. Sad but true. Comment, share, and/or subscribe and thanks for reading.

Hey everyone! Hope y'all are hanging in there. I had some more thoughts about Family Ties and didn't want to edit the first post and add to it. So I figured making another installment of it was best. For all I know, I may have more thoughts about it later. As I said before, Family Ties was the first song where Kendrick outright informed his enemies (mainly Drake) he was back outside, he knows there’s botting (said it before Aubrey) and bullshit and “I’mma kill that noise”. It wasn’t, however, in the most obvious lyrics that people talk about the most which is the “Top 5” reference which I referenced in my first blog post (be sure to check that out before reading this one) K-Dot’s lyrics on “Family Ties” with Baby Keem: 2021, I ain't taking no prisoner Last year, y'all fucked up on all the listener Who went platinum? I call that a visitor Who the fuck backing 'em? All been falsified Dot mentions “last year” which would mean, during the release of this song, would be 2020. Drake had 5 songs, most with featured artists, on the Billboard charts. One of the songs is “Toosie Slide”, which Kendrick named in “ 6:16 in LA ”. Dot was letting people know then Drake was fake without using too many words and here we have, in 2025, Drake having the audacity to sue UMG and citing botting allegations for “ Not Like Us ”. The nerve of him . I think Dot was seeing, and have been seeing how trendy, too “on-brand”, and algorithmic hip-hop was becoming and eventually became hence why he said earlier in the song he wasn’t a “trending topic”, says what he says above to then saying what I think is not only the biggest flex and warning, but what literally ended up coming true. Kendrick says: The facts mean this a vaccine, and the game need me to survive The Elohim, the rebirth Before you get to the Father, you gotta holla at me first, bitc h Yes . Kendrick was needed . Real hip-hop was needed . What does this mean? I’ll explain. Most of the older generation and even the ones who are “popular” today stayed almost to the same sound and formula. Not much change. From J Cole to even up to recently Ghostface Killa, from Lil’ Wayne to Ice Spice and more, most of these artists play it safely. Same topics, same schemes, same melodies, picking producers who are most likely sending beats rather than sitting with them in the studio (possibly to save money) and if they are in the studio with them they [the producers] aren’t BEING producers by challenging the artist and vice versa (for example, jumping in on switching out certain words, maybe a certain melody, pushing the artist to sound more passionate on the song, drawing inspiration from certain things, etc). There is more to being a producer than just making the music and/or beat. It’s psychological . Same with being an artist. The hip-hop scene has lacked originality for a while and barely a handful of people have kept its integrity, grit, competitiveness, creativity and drive for freshness but stay true to themselves. One of those people who have consistently done this without fail is Kendrick Lamar. So, when Kendrick states the game needs him to survive… look what happened! Kendrick and Drake get into it, Kendrick flicks that annoying bee out of the stadium and then a ton of legacy rappers peeped out of their curtains like, “We can come back out now? We can REALLY rap now?” Then they came outside, with all the bravado, dabbing up other legacy artists like they weren’t watching the Kendrick and Drake battle hoping “Hip-Hop” won. Remember, Drake infamously told Meek Mill in “BacktoBack” he was “Bodied by a singing ni**a”. I choose to believe him. He's a singer, not a rapper and he's not hip-hop (ghostwriters, which is made obvious), even if people see you as such. That line was not very smart at all to say and I’m shocked that so many fans of hip-hop thought that it was dope. (Now that I think about it, I think Dot’s hilarious rebuttal for this was in “ Euphoria ” when he said he “ liked Drake with the melodies .” Let that rest on your mind for a minute and you’ll understand why that is the perfect rebuttal to Drake’s response to Meek on his own diss track) Kendrick had to slay the gatekeeping dragon to bring hip-hop back to what it once was and it’s still working itself out. Look at what The Clipse dropped with “ Let God Sort ‘Em Out ”. These men are in their late 40’s/early 50’s creating a classic album, simple and intricate at the same time. Beautifully perfect album. Tyler, The Creator paid homage to old school hip-hop with “ Don’t Tap the Glass ” which is amazing as well as 2024’s “ Chromakopia ”, which is a classic as well. True lyricism with all these people pushing the boundaries and NOT playing it safe. Hip-hop wasn’t like that before. It wasn’t safe at all back then. It was criminally creative and pushed boundaries. Kendrick just had to remind the world what Hip-Hop was, still is and can be. The Elohim, The Rebirth. Comment, share, and/or subscribe and thanks for reading.