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The hip-hop world is ablaze after Kendrick Lamar dropped a scathing diss track titled
“Euphoria” aimed squarely at Drake. This latest salvo reignites their long-simmering feud, taking
aim at several key moments in their rap battle history.
The Spark That Ignited the Flame:
The current escalation can be traced back to Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle.” Remember the
controversy surrounding Drake’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) to mimic the voice of the late
Tupac Shakur?. Many saw it as disrespectful, especially considering Tupac’s iconic status.
Well, Kendrick Lamar isn’t one to stay silent. His response, “Euphoria,” throws gasoline on the
fire Drake started. Lamar explicitly references the AI-generated Tupac verse, taking it as a direct
affront. This isn’t entirely unexpected, considering Drake himself deleted a previous diss track
targeting Lamar not too long ago (“Push Ups”). It seems both rappers are now locked and loaded.
A Lyrical Onslaught: Euphoria Dissects Drake’s Career
Kendrick Lamar’s “Euphoria” isn’t just a rebuttal; it’s a comprehensive critique of Drake’s entire
career and artistry. It’s a lyrical onslaught targeting various aspects of Drake’s persona, from his
beginnings as a child actor to his current musical approach. Lamar’s sharp lyricism is on full
display as he dissects Drake’s authenticity and contributions to hip-hop.
The song starts subdued but builds to a direct confrontation. Lamar’s delivery intensifies as he
accuses Drake of being a “scam artist” and questions the substance and integrity of his music.
The lyrics are potent, with Lamar using the track to assert his dominance in the rap game and
challenge Drake’s position.
Here are some of the lyrics from “Euphoria” that highlight Lamar’s critiques:
Them super powers gettin’ neutralized, I can only watch in silence
The famous actor we
once knew is lookin’ paranoid, now it’s spiraling
You movin’ just like a degenerate, heavy
antic, it’s feelin’ distasteful
Why calculate you, not as calculated, I can even predict your
angles
These lines reference Drake’s past as an actor and suggest his current behavior is out of character.
Lamar criticizes Drake for being predictable and lacking the depth he, Lamar, brings to his
music.
Euphoria Sparks Debate and Positions Lamar as a Hip-Hop Authority
The reception to “Euphoria” has been significant, with fans and critics praising the skillful
execution of the diss track. It has sparked widespread discussion and is considered a turning
point in the ongoing feud. Lamar’s strategic and personal approach makes “Euphoria” a standout
moment. He scrutinizes Drake’s past and present, positioning himself as a commentator on the
state of hip-hop and the authenticity of its artists.
A Decade-Long War of Words: A Simmering Feud Boils Over
This latest clash is just another chapter in a long-running saga. Their rivalry stretches back over a
decade, with each rapper dropping subtle jabs and veiled insults on tracks throughout their
careers. Some might point to Kendrick’s verse on Big Sean’s “Control” in 2013 as a possible
starting point, where he seemingly took aim at several rappers, including Drake. Since then, the
tension has simmered, occasionally boiling over into full-blown diss tracks like Drake’s “Push
Ups” and Lamar’s “Like That” earlier this year.
“Euphoria” marks the latest blistering exchange in this ongoing war of words. The release has
sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, sparking fierce debate and igniting
conversation amongst music fans globally. Critics are dissecting Lamar’s lyrics, analyzing his
every wordplay and punchline. Fans are taking sides, debating who “won” this round of the feud.
One thing’s for sure: Kendrick Lamar’s “Euphoria” has ensured that this rivalry remains a hot
topic, keeping the entire music industry on the edge of its seat.
The Camp Weighs In: Metro Boomin Fuels the Fire
Adding fuel to the fire, Metro Boomin, who collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on the earlier diss
track “Like That,” subtly referenced “Euphoria” without directly mentioning it. Taking to X, he
expressed his apparent approval with the words, “Thank God for the day!” . This cryptic message
from Lamar’s camp further ignites the online buzz surrounding the feud.
The Future of the Rap Feud: The Gloves Are Off
With “Euphoria,” Kendrick Lamar has thrown down the gauntlet, leaving Drake with a critical
decision: respond or retreat. Will Drake choose to escalate further, unleashing a diss track even
more vicious than his previous attempts? Or will he take a different approach, perhaps opting for
a more subtle jab or even a conciliatory gesture? The anticipation is palpable, with fans
worldwide eagerly awaiting Drake’s next move.
One thing’s for sure: the gloves are off in this rap feud. “Euphoria” has raised the stakes
considerably, pushing the boundaries of lyrical warfare. This back-and-forth could potentially
redefine the landscape of diss tracks, setting a new precedent for future rap battles. Beyond the
immediate impact, this ongoing saga has the potential to influence the careers of both rappers.