In a recent episode of his podcast 4th&1 with Cam Newton, the former NFL star sparked an intriguing conversation about the ongoing tension between two of hip-hop’s biggest names: Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The episode, titled If Rappers were College Football Programs Kendrick Vs. Lil Wayne, featured Newton suggesting that Lil Wayne, rather than either of the two artists themselves, should step in to mediate their ongoing feud. Newton’s comments were bold and sparked a debate about the role of artists in resolving conflicts within the industry.
Cam Newton expressed his admiration for Drake but noted that his opinion of the Canadian rapper had evolved, particularly after the recent back-and-forth between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Newton argued that while Drake had undeniable talent, he didn’t think the rapper was capable of taking the battle to the necessary level to properly address Lamar. “Drake ain’t capable,” Newton stated bluntly, adding that the emotional depth and artistic tenacity required to challenge Kendrick in a meaningful way might be outside of Drake’s current capacity.Newton’s recommendation for Lil Wayne to step into the conflict was based on his deep respect for the rapper’s understanding of the art form.
“I wanna see Lil Wayne… just for the appreciation of the art,” Newton continued. “He won’t be able to do that with Dwayne Carter. I want to see Wayne handle it, just to see the battle from someone who understands the nuances of hip-hop.”
Newton’s call for Lil Wayne to mediate stems from the rapper’s legendary status in the industry, with his vast influence and his experience navigating both personal rivalries and the evolving landscape of rap.Adding another layer to the discussion, Newton pointed out that Kendrick Lamar was set to perform in New Orleans, Lil Wayne’s hometown, which could make it difficult for Wayne to release a diss track aimed at Lamar. Newton speculated that performing in the same city as the legendary rapper might complicate Wayne’s involvement in the conflict, as the city’s deep-rooted ties to Wayne could make it hard for him to take sides openly. It would also add a level of complexity to any potential lyrical warfare, given the pride New Orleans takes in Lil Wayne’s success.
The timing of Newton’s remarks coincided with Kendrick Lamar’s unexpected album release on November 22, 2024. GNX featured a track titled Waced Out Murals, which stirred up attention due to its pointed lyrics targeting both Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg, while also paying tribute to Nas. In the song, Lamar raps: “Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud. Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down. Whatever, though, call me crazy, everybody questionable.” These lyrics appeared to reference the respect Lamar had once held for Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III album but suggested that Lamar now felt let down by the rapper’s subsequent actions or affiliations.
The album release added fuel to the fire, but it was Lamar’s announcement in early September that he would headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show that really made waves. His selection sparked controversy, with some artists, notably Nicki Minaj, suggesting that Lil Wayne should have been the one to perform, particularly since the event was set to take place in New Orleans, Wayne’s home turf. Wayne’s absence from the lineup seemed to be a point of contention within the hip-hop community.
On September 13, 2024, Lil Wayne took to Instagram to express his disappointment over not being chosen for the Super Bowl performance. The post, which gained significant attention, revealed Wayne’s frustration at being overlooked for such a major event, especially given the connection to his hometown. The fact that the Super Bowl was being held in New Orleans only seemed to amplify his sense of exclusion, further intensifying the tension between him and the artists involved in the event.
Cam Newton’s suggestion that Lil Wayne could step in to mediate the conflict between Kendrick Lamar and Drake highlights the intricate relationships between artists in the hip-hop world. Whether Wayne would be willing to take on such a role remains uncertain, but the dynamics of this ongoing feud, combined with the personal and professional connections involved, have certainly made this a storyline worth following in the months to come. As the battle between Lamar and Drake continues to evolve, it’s clear that Lil Wayne’s influence—whether through his music or his ability to act as a peacemaker—will continue to resonate deeply within the hip-hop community.
