Drake and Kendrick Lamar, two of the biggest names in modern hip-hop, are no strangers to competition. Their ongoing feud has intensified recently, with Drake taking the opportunity to poke fun at Lamar’s latest album, GNX. This latest jab came during a livestream hosted by Los Pollos TV, a platform known for its passionate support of Drake. On December 3, 2024, as the hosts criticized Lamar’s GNX, comparing it unfavorably to Drake’s Certified Lover Boy (2021), the Canadian rapper couldn’t resist chiming in.
“We need a donut emoji in the chat,” Drake wrote in the comments section.
The donut emoji is often used in social media to signify something that’s “empty” or underwhelming, adding a layer of playful mockery to Drake’s response. His comment quickly became the talk of the stream, drawing attention to the ongoing war of words between the two artists.
Drake didn’t stop there. He followed up with another jab aimed at Lamar’s track “Mustard,” a fan-favorite on GNX. In his comment, Drake mimicked Lamar’s unique vocal shout on the song, humorously writing “Custaaaarrrrd!” The playful distortion of Lamar’s signature shout added fuel to the fire, further highlighting the rivalry between the two superstars. This comment was pinned at the top of the chat by Los Pollos TV, signaling their clear endorsement of Drake’s critique.
This public trolling marks just the latest development in an escalating feud between Drake and Lamar. Over the years, the two have exchanged multiple barbs, with Drake often taking the more vocal, public route while Lamar has remained somewhat reserved. Despite Lamar’s focus on his art and avoiding direct confrontation, Drake has continued to make waves with his comments, leading many fans to wonder if the rivalry will escalate further.
The tension between the two began long before this latest incident. Back in 2018, Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. and Drake’s More Life albums were often compared, with fans debating who was the true leader of the rap game. While Lamar earned critical acclaim for his introspective and politically charged lyrics, Drake found commercial success with his catchy hooks and smooth delivery. The differing styles created a unique dynamic, fueling an ongoing rivalry that would only get more intense.
This year, the release of Drake’s 100 Gigs (which included collaborations with 21 Savage, Young Thug, and Latto) further stoked the flames of competition. Lamar’s GNX, which dropped in late November, received mixed reviews, with some fans praising the album’s boldness and complexity, while others criticized its execution. It’s clear that Drake is among the latter group, as evidenced by his online comments.
Meanwhile, the feud has also extended beyond just the two rappers. DJ Mustard, a well-known producer who has collaborated with Drake in the past, recently spoke out about his disinterest in working with the Canadian artist again. In a candid interview, Mustard revealed that he felt Drake was “a strange guy” and expressed that he was not keen on making music with him moving forward. This statement added an extra layer of complexity to the situation, as Mustard had been a frequent collaborator with both artists, but tensions have clearly surfaced.
The GNX album, which features a range of introspective tracks, including “Mustard,” has been met with mixed reactions from critics and fans alike. Some praised Lamar’s lyrical depth and his ability to tackle complex social issues, while others felt that the project fell short of his previous works. Drake’s comment about the album’s “empty” execution appears to reflect this division, suggesting that he believes Lamar didn’t fully deliver on the hype.
Despite the jabs and taunts, neither rapper seems willing to back down. Lamar has kept a relatively quiet stance, focusing on his music and artistic vision, while Drake continues to take shots at his rival. With both artists at the top of their game, it’s unlikely that this feud will be resolved anytime soon.
As the drama unfolds, fans are left wondering what’s next for these two titans of hip-hop. Will Kendrick Lamar respond to Drake’s latest remarks, or will he continue to let his art speak for itself? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this rivalry is far from over.
