Drake Appears to Diss LeBron James in “Fighting Irish Freestyle”

Drake ignited speculation on Friday with the release of his latest track, “Fighting Irish Freestyle.” The song, dropping just a day after Notre Dame clinched a College Football Playoff semifinal spot with a 23-10 victory over Georgia, has nothing to do with football. Instead, fans believe it delves into the rapper’s frayed relationships in the entertainment world, including a possible rift with NBA legend LeBron James.

The song’s title appears to reference St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where LeBron played basketball and football before his storied NBA career. Known as the Fighting Irish, the school’s team name matches the tattoo of a young LeBron in his high school jersey, prominently inked on Drake’s bicep.

Drake teased the freestyle with a raw Conductor Williams-directed visual, featuring the rapper performing by a fireplace. Within hours, Genius dissected the lyrics, uncovering what many suspect are subtle shots at LeBron. Themes of betrayal and loyalty run throughout the track, hinting at unresolved tensions between Drake and his high-profile acquaintances.The opening verse sets the tone:

“The world fell in love with the gimmicks, even my brothers got tickets Seemed like they loved every minute Just know this —- is personal to us, and it wasn’t just business.”

Fans believe this is a direct nod to LeBron attending Kendrick Lamar’s “The Pop Out: Ken & Friends” concert on June 19, where Lamar performed the Drake diss track “Not Like Us” repeatedly. Drake seems to express feelings of abandonment, particularly toward those he considered close allies.

Rap enthusiasts suggest these lines allude to LeBron celebrating with Kendrick Lamar and fellow NBA stars, including James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and DeMar DeRozan, who joined Lamar on stage at the event.

The freestyle has divided fans, with some praising its raw emotion while others criticize Drake for continuing to air grievances about celebrities outside the rap world. Although the rapper has not confirmed who the lyrics target, the track has fueled debate about his complicated relationships and lingering tensions within the entertainment industry.