Drake vs Kendrick: The biggest rap beef of all time? - The Global Story podcast, BBC World Service

Summary

In this episode of The Global Story by BBC World Service, Sumi Somaskanda explores the intense rap feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, a battle that has captivated music enthusiasts and sparked debates on social media. The discussion features Kenny Allstar from BBC Radio 1xtra and Carl Lamarre from Billboard Magazine, who provide insights into the origins of the conflict, its escalation, and the impact on hip-hop culture. They dissect the lyrics, the personal attacks, and the competitive nature of the rap industry, comparing this feud to historical rap battles like Jay-Z vs. Nas and Tupac vs. Biggie. The conversation also touches on the potential end of the feud and its implications for the artists' legacies, concluding with a reflection on the art of rap and the importance of appreciating the moment.

Takeaways

• 🎤 The script discusses a rap feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar that has captivated music bloggers and mainstream media.
• 🔍 The feud has been ongoing for some time, with fans closely following the lyrical exchanges between the two artists.
• 🤔 There is speculation about whether the feud is over and if it will be remembered as the biggest rap feud of all time.
• 📢 The conversation features Kenny Allstar, presenter of the rap show on BBC radio station 1xtra, and Carl Lamarre, deputy director of R&B and hip-hop at Billboard Magazine.
• 🌟 Drake and Kendrick Lamar are described as two titans from different backgrounds in hip-hop, with Drake transitioning from acting to music and Kendrick evolving from Compton to a Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner.
• 🔥 The feud escalated with explicit tracks and lyrics, including Kendrick's 'Like That' and Drake's 'First Person Shooter' featuring J. Cole.
• 📈 The rapid exchange of diss tracks between Drake and Kendrick Lamar is attributed to the current era's prolific music production and immediate digital distribution.
• 👥 The feud is compared to historic rap battles, such as Jay-Z vs. Nas and Tupac vs. Biggie, but noted to be more about supremacy than violent rivalry.
• 💰 Despite skeptics suggesting the feud was for financial gain, it is implied to be more ego-driven and beneficial for the culture and music.
• 🏆 Carl Lamarre believes Kendrick Lamar won the feud, while Kenny Allstar also leans towards Kendrick but notes it's a close call.
• 🎶 The script emphasizes the importance of enjoying and dissecting the art of rap, especially during significant moments like this feud.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in this BBC World Service episode of The Global Story?

The main topic of discussion is the rap feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, exploring whether it is over and if it could be considered the biggest rap feud of all time.

Who are the two experts invited to discuss the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud on The Global Story?

The two experts invited are Kenny Allstar, presenter of the rap show on BBC radio station 1xtra, and Carl Lamarre, Billboard Magazine's deputy director of R&B and hip-hop.

What is Carl Lamarre's relationship to Kendrick Lamar, if any?

Carl Lamarre is not related to Kendrick Lamar, but he has interviewed him and describes Kendrick as a very quiet man.

How has Drake supported UK rap music according to Kenny Allstar?

Drake has shown his support for UK rap music by extending his stay in the UK, connecting with local rappers, and attending concerts as a fan.

What significant milestone did Drake achieve that is mentioned in the script?

Drake is mentioned to have tied with Michael Jackson for the most number ones on the Hot 100.

What major achievement of Kendrick Lamar is highlighted in the script?

Kendrick Lamar is highlighted as a perennial Grammy winner with double-digit awards and a Pulitzer Prize winner.

How did the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar escalate according to the script?

The feud escalated when Kendrick Lamar released a track called 'Like That' where he fired shots at J. Cole and Drake, rejecting the notion of a 'big three' in rap.

What is the significance of the 'big three' narrative mentioned in the script?

The 'big three' narrative refers to a perceived ranking of the top rappers in the world, including J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake. Kendrick rejected this narrative, asserting that there is only a 'big me'.

How did the personal nature of the feud affect the content of the tracks according to the script?

The feud became personal, with both rappers dragging women and children into the spotlight, which is a common tactic in rap battles to provoke a reaction.

What historical rap feuds are mentioned in the script for comparison?

The script mentions the feuds between Tupac and Biggie, as well as Nas and Jay-Z as historical comparisons.

What is the current status of the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud according to the script?

The feud seems to be over, with Drake focusing on his upcoming summer music and Top Dawg, Kendrick's manager, declaring the battle over.

How does Carl Lamarre view the outcome of the feud in terms of chart success?

Carl Lamarre notes that four out of the 15 records involved in the feud made it into the Hot 100, marking an unprecedented achievement in hip-hop battles.

What is Kenny Allstar's opinion on who won the rap feud?

Kenny Allstar believes that Kendrick Lamar won the feud, but he also mentions that it was closer than many people make it out to be.

What advice does Kenny Allstar give to those interested in hip-hop?

Kenny Allstar advises people to dissect the art and enjoy the moment, emphasizing the importance of staying in the moment of greatness.