Kendrick Lamar Counters Drake with “Euphoria”
The Latest Chapter in a Hip-Hop Rivalry
Kendrick Lamar has fired back at Drake with his latest release, “Euphoria,” following a series of musical exchanges that have reignited their long-standing feud. The tension escalated after Drake aimed several disses at Lamar in tracks like “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle,” the latter involving a controversial use of AI-generated vocals mimicking 2Pac.
Verse versus Verse: Kendrick’s Counterattack
“Euphoria” starts with a mellow tone, but Lamar’s lyrics quickly become incisive, particularly in his final lines where he accuses Drake of manipulation and dishonesty:
“Know you a master manipulator and habitual liar, too/But don’t tell no lie ’bout me, and I won’t tell truths ’bout you.”
The track intensifies as Lamar uses clever wordplay related to firearms and Drake’s name, underlining his lyrical prowess. He even references Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle,” with a bold challenge:
“Somebody had told me that you got a ring/On God, I’m ready to double the wage/I’d rather do that than let a Canadian n—a make ’Pac turn in his grave.”
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Rap Industry Reactions
The release of “Euphoria” has prompted reactions from figures close to Lamar. Jay Rock, Lamar’s longtime collaborator, celebrated the track’s authenticity on social media platform X: “Now this ain’t no AI… see I know Kdot!! Euphoria.” Top Dawg Entertainment’s heavyweights, including Terrence “Punch” Henderson and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, have also shown their support, underscoring Lamar’s status in the industry.
In contrast, Metro Boomin, who collaborated with Lamar on “Like That,” responded cryptically with a note of gratitude and laughter on X, perhaps hinting at the internal dynamics of the rap world.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Euphoria” not only serves as a direct retort to Drake’s provocations but also cements his reputation for confronting his rivals head-on, maintaining his position at the forefront of contemporary hip-hop discourse.
