Drake Responds to Rap Beef with Joe Budden and Kendrick Lamar on New Track ‘Gimme a Hug’

Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR have finally dropped their highly anticipated joint album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, on February 14, 2025. The album, packed with 21 tracks, highlights the dynamic creative chemistry between the two OVO artists. One of the standout moments on the album is the track “Gimme a Hug,” where Drake reflects on past conflicts and rap beefs, including a direct jab at Joe Budden.

In “Gimme a Hug,” Drake uses his lyrics to confront the negative energy that has surrounded him throughout his career.

With lines like, “Funny how it’s only bh nias waiting on the boys obituary,” Drake hints at the detractors who’ve hoped for his downfall, while reinforcing his resilience in the face of adversity.

 He doesn’t hold back when addressing Joe Budden either, calling out the rapper’s relationship with Melyssa Ford in a scathing verse “Melyssa Ford, you a legend from The 6, hate to see you with a d**k sucker.” This verse not only continues Drake’s legacy of sharp bars but also underscores his refusal to get bogged down by personal drama, instead using it as fuel for his music.

The album has been building anticipation for months, with hints dropped during PARTYNEXTDOOR’s Sorry I’m Outside tour stop in Toronto last August. Fans were finally treated to the complete project on Valentine’s Day 2025.

 In interviews leading up to the release, PARTYNEXTDOOR shared that one of his favorite tracks with Drake would be featured on the album, teasing fans further. The album’s cover art, which was revealed shortly before its release, shows the duo in front of the iconic Absolute World twin towers in Mississauga, Ontario.

$ome $exy $ongs 4 U also marks Drake’s first major project since his lyrical battles with Kendrick Lamar in 2024, while PARTYNEXTDOOR’s previous album, PartyNextDoor 4, dropped in April 2024. Fans can now stream the album across all digital platforms and experience the latest chapter in the OVO duo’s musical journey.