Kendrick Lamar intensifies feud with Drake, referencing Tupac Shakur’s ring during La concert performance of “Euphoria”

Kendrick Lamar, the acclaimed rapper known for his lyrical prowess and outspokenness, escalated his ongoing feud with Drake during a live performance in Los Angeles. At his “Pop Out” concert on Wednesday night, Lamar introduced a new line in his diss track “Euphoria”, aimed squarely at Drake: “Give me Tupac’s ring back and I might give you a little respect.”

The contentious reference revolves around a custom ring once owned by the late rapper Tupac Shakur, adorned with rubies and diamonds and engraved with “Pac & Dada 1996” to commemorate his engagement to Kidada Jones. Drake anonymously purchased the ring at auction, confirming his ownership via an Instagram post and through auction house Sotheby’s, which handled the £1m transaction.

The feud between Lamar and Drake has simmered for months, marked by exchanged diss tracks that scrutinized each other’s personal lives, musical integrity, and ethical boundaries. In April, Lamar criticized Drake for using an AI-generated Tupac on a diss track that has since been deleted, questioning the authenticity and respect for Tupac’s legacy: “Am I battlin’ ghost or AI?”

Lamar’s latest jab comes amid continued chart success with his track “Not Like Us”, which debuted at No. 1 in May, affirming his dominance in the ongoing rivalry. The concert itself, titled “The Pop Out: Ken and Friends”, featured appearances from hip-hop luminaries such as Dr Dre, Tyler, the Creator, Schoolboy Q, and Jay Rock. The event was live-streamed by Amazon Music under its hip-hop and R&B brand Rotation.

Despite a period of apparent calm after an intrusion incident at Drake’s home, where tensions seemed to temporarily subside, Drake recently revisited the feud with veiled references in his guest verse on Sexyy Red’s “U My Everything”. Over Metro Boomin’s “BBL Drizzy” beat, Drake hinted at undergoing cosmetic surgery, adding fuel to the ongoing verbal sparring between the two artists.

Analysis:

Political: The feud underscores broader themes of competition and rivalry within the hip-hop industry, where artists leverage personal disputes to enhance their public profiles and musical legacies. It also reflects the intersection of celebrity culture with issues of cultural appropriation and respect for artistic integrity.

Social: Lamar’s demand for the return of Tupac’s ring resonates with themes of ownership and cultural heritage, challenging Drake’s acquisition of a significant piece of rap history. The incident prompts discussions on the ethical responsibilities of artists and collectors toward preserving and honouring cultural artifacts.

Racial: As two prominent black artists, Lamar and Drake’s feud invites scrutiny through a racial lens, particularly concerning how their actions and disputes are perceived and represented in mainstream media. It highlights ongoing debates within the black community regarding authenticity, respect, and the commercialization of cultural icons.

Gender: While the feud primarily centres on artistic rivalry and personal integrity, gender dynamics play a subtle role in media portrayals and public reception. Comparisons between Lamar’s and Drake’s approaches to masculinity and artistic authenticity may influence perceptions of their respective fan bases and broader societal expectations.

Economic: The feud’s impact on commercial interests includes chart performance, streaming numbers, and concert attendance, influencing financial outcomes for both artists and their affiliated brands. It also underscores the strategic use of controversy and publicity in maintaining relevance and marketability in the competitive music industry