Kendrick Lamar made headlines at the opening of his “Pop Out” concert in Los Angeles on Wednesday night by starting his set with the Drake diss track “Euphoria” and introducing a new verse.
The concert, titled “The Pop Out — Ken and Friends,” featured performances by Dr. Dre, Tyler, the Creator, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul. It was livestreamed by Amazon Music as part of its “Forever the Influence” celebration of Black musicians and creatives for Black Music Month. The event’s name is inspired by Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” where he asserts his dominance over Drake.
Kendrick Lamar has just DROPPED a DISS song on Drake called “euphoria”
The updated lyrics included the line, “Give me Tupac’s ring back and I might give you a little respect,” referencing the ring once owned by the late Tupac Shakur, which Drake purchased at an auction last year. This addition adds another layer to the ongoing rivalry between the two rap giants.
The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been a significant narrative in hip-hop, with both artists releasing tracks aimed at each other. Despite a brief pause following a security breach at Drake’s home in Toronto, the rivalry reignited recently with Drake’s verse on Sexyy Red’s “U My Everything,” where he referenced the conflict over a Metro Boomin beat. This beat and collaboration with Future on the song “Like That” further fueled the feud earlier this year.
Fans were quick to react on social media, with many praising Kendrick for his boldness and lyrical prowess. Others expressed hope that the two rap giants might eventually reconcile, noting the immense talent and influence both artists bring to the music industry.
This latest development is likely to reignite discussions about the nature of hip-hop rivalries and the impact they have on the genre. Industry experts suggest that while such feuds can be beneficial for publicity, they also reflect deeper issues within the competitive landscape of hip-hop.