The Kendrick Lamar and Drake rivalry represents one of hip-hop's most significant feuds, marked by strategic releases and lyrical warfare.

Timeline of Key Events:

October 6, 2023: J. Cole's "First Person Shooter" names Drake, Kendrick, and himself as rap's "big three," inadvertently sparking tension.

March 22, 2024: Kendrick challenges this notion on "Like That," declaring "it's just big me," directly confronting Drake's status.

April 24, 2024: Drake releases "Taylor Made Freestyle," using AI-generated vocals of Tupac and Snoop Dogg. The track was later removed due to legal issues.

April 30, 2024: Kendrick responds with "Euphoria," targeting Drake's OVO label and questioning his authenticity.

May 4, 2024: "Meet The Grahams" by Kendrick takes personal shots at Drake's family, accumulating 16 million YouTube views.

May 5, 2024: Drake counters with "The Heart Part 6," defending his credibility.

November 22, 2024: Kendrick's surprise album GNX, particularly tracks "Wacced Out Murals" and "Squabble Up," reignites the feud.

Impact and Significance

This rivalry transcends personal disagreements, highlighting fundamental differences in artistic approach and hip-hop philosophy. Their contrasting styles and perspectives on authenticity continue to fuel discussions about hip-hop's direction.

Quick Facts:

• The "big three" refers to Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and J. Cole
• Snoop Dogg has publicly supported Kendrick Lamar
• Kendrick cites Tupac and Nas as primary influences
• GNX released on November 22, 2024

The ongoing feud between these two icons continues to shape contemporary hip-hop culture, with each release adding new layers to their complex rivalry.

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