This week was a very explosive one for hiphop with the release of Future and Metro Boomin’s latest project including a track featuring Compton lyricist, Kendrick Lamar. On “Like That,” Kendrick aimed detailed, yet nameless shots at two of today’s most popular artist, Drake and J.Cole who round out “The Big 3”.

 

Now, if you’re anything like me, you understand that hiphop was built on these 5 pillars: Storytelling, Lyrical Ability, Flow, Style, and Competition… and while many artist in the mainstream today have strayed away from these pillars in favor of solely focusing on style, The Big 3 are what some may consider the last 3 mainstream artist who have not strayed from those fundamentals. All except one, competition.

 

For years, clout and passiveness has replaced the 5th pillar. We’ve seen rappers pretend to be friends and sneak diss each other in an effort to ride each other’s wave of success. Thats why what kendrick did this week was so significant. He declared his respect for his peers but also stuck his flag in the ground proclaiming his solo spot on the throne of rap. The world of hiphop was on it’s feet and we expected lyrical masterpieces in the likes of Jay Z’s Takeover and Nas’ Ether. However, we go no response from Drake (so far) and a half assed diss and a whole ass apology from my personal favorite of the 3, J.Cole. No lie, I was phucking disappointed.

 

Yes, I hear the media sounding off about beef in hiphop and how J.Cole waving the white flag is what the “violent” game of hip hop needs after countless deaths over beef with the most significant being the loss of Tupac and Biggie. But, come on… This is Drake, Kendrick and Cole we are talking about. They are obviously intelligent ARTIST. A collective of Pulitzer Prize winners, protest attendees and Canadian actors. I doubt this sparring of words would end in a fight to the death… Not to say I didn’t understands Cole’s response citing his attempt to prioritize his mental health. I’m currently on that journey as well so his choice not to respond is, indeed, his choice and making that choice in the face of millions of hiphop lovers who still value those 5 pillars is commendable… But somebody’s gotta do it… So I did.

 

I just phucking love rap yall… Enjoy!

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And here’s a throwback for yall: