In a surprising turn of events in the rap world, Kendrick Lamar has stirred the pot with a new, untitled track that seems to take direct aim at DJ Akademiks, the controversial internet personality known for his staunch support of fellow rapper Drake. This unexpected release has ignited a firestorm of reactions across social media, as fans and critics alike dissect the lyrics for clues about Lamar’s intended targets.
The song has quickly become a hot topic, with Lamar’s intricate and provocative verses capturing the attention of the hip-hop community. The line
“Influencers talk down ’cause I’m not with the basic sh*t”
is perceived by many as a direct jab at Akademiks, who has often been accused of bias in favor of Drake amid the long-standing rivalry between Lamar and the Toronto rapper. Another pointed lyric, “The type of man that never d*ck ride ’cause I want a favor,” seems to underline Lamar’s disdain for what he perceives as the sycophantic behavior often displayed by media personalities, further suggesting that Akademiks is the intended target.
As the track progresses, the tension builds with lines like, “The radio personality pushing propaganda for salary,” which many interpret as a critique of Akademiks’ commentary style, often seen as provocative and agenda-driven. The verse, “Let me know when they turn up as a casualty,” has sparked speculation about whether Lamar is hinting at a broader critique of the industry or zeroing in on specific figures like Akademiks who thrive on controversy.
The response from DJ Akademiks was immediate and highly visible. Upon hearing the track, he took to Lamar’s Instagram to express his shock and frustration, commenting, “No no noooo.” This reaction underscores his discomfort at being singled out by one of the most respected names in hip-hop, highlighting the impact Lamar’s words have had. It’s not the first time Lamar has made reference to Akademiks; he previously mentioned the internet personality during the peak of his feud with Drake, most notably in the track “6:16 In LA,” which contained direct references to media figures perceived to be stirring the pot.
Not one to remain silent, Akademiks further elaborated on his thoughts during a live stream on Wednesday night. He critiqued Lamar’s approach to the feud, suggesting that the Compton rapper might be attempting to provoke another round of public clashes. “He’s trying to bait me,” Akademiks stated, pointing out what he perceives as Lamar’s strategy to maintain his relevance and dominance in the industry through confrontational lyrics. He even took his grievances to Twitter, challenging Lamar directly:
“Drop a single. No Round 2s. Just drop ’em hits.”
This comment reflects Akademiks’ belief that Lamar’s tactics are less about artistry and more about drawing attention through ongoing rivalry.
The saga doesn’t just stop with these exchanges. It has also sparked a wider conversation among fans and industry insiders about the nature of beef in hip-hop, the role of media personalities like Akademiks in shaping public perception, and the strategies artists use to maintain their relevance in an ever-competitive market. Many have noted that Lamar’s decision to engage with Akademiks — a figure often criticized for his sensationalist approach to music journalism — might be an indication of a broader narrative Lamar wants to convey about authenticity, integrity, and the true nature of influence in the digital age.
Some critics argue that Lamar is using this moment to reassert his position as one of the most lyrically gifted and intellectually challenging artists in the game. By taking shots at a media personality like Akademiks, who represents a new wave of digital influence, Lamar could be highlighting the contrast between genuine artistry and the often shallow, click-driven nature of modern media. This could be seen as a strategic move to distance himself from industry norms and reaffirm his stance as a rapper who does not conform to expectations or align himself with the so-called “basic sh*t.”
As this story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Kendrick Lamar will respond to Akademiks’ provocations with more music or if this was a one-time salvo in an ongoing war of words. One thing is certain: the track has succeeded in getting people talking, once again putting Lamar at the center of a heated debate about the state of hip-hop, the power dynamics between artists and media personalities, and what it means to stay true to oneself in a world that often rewards the loudest voices.
