LAMAR VS GRAHAM

Mr. Morale & The Hot Stepper - "The Greatest Battle of the 21st Century": FOR THE CULTURE

HOW DO WE MEASURE ART?

So let me start off with a few caveats; First and foremost – this text is the opinion of the writer who is a Hip Hop Enthusiast and a Rap Artiste actively involved in writing, recording and performing music; approaching this topic from the perspective of a “Purist Hip - Hop Consumer”; having been a “Fan of the Culture” for over 3 decades. Secondly “Art is Subjective”, so hardcore fans of both artists; please be kind with your comments as we debate on the artform and body of work that we so love & admire. ??

Noting that ART is NOT a “contact sport” like boxing which is clearly defined by Knockouts (for example) or by goals scored; match points, assists & rebounds as seen in tennis, soccer and basketball; perhaps we can approach this in 2 ways as a guide on how art can be measured. As we specifically try to seek a clear approach on evaluating the subject matter of “great art”, perhaps this can be categorized in 2 ways – “Critical Acclaim Vs Commercial Success”.

Let’s give a bit of context, shall we? The movie Avatar; was released in 2009; produced and directed by James Cameron, was the first film to gross over USD $2 billion after just 72 days of release and became the highest grossing movie of all time with a worldwide total of USD $ 3 billion (approx.) till date.

At the 82nd Academy Awards; Avatar obtained 3 Oscars for cinematography, visual effects and art-direction for its ground-breaking technology – never seen before in cinematic history; against the USD $50 million box office movie “The Hurt Locker”; which took home 6 “most prized awards” including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

In retrospect, Avatar made almost 60 times the revenue of The Hurt Locker but received only half of the accolades (Ironically the Producer & Director of Hurt Locker; Kathryn Ann Bigelow is James Camerons ex-wife but let’s leave that discussion for another day) ??

THE CULTURE AMBASSADOR – MR MORALE

Third caveat - I’m more of a Kendrick fan than a Drake fan; and watching him perform live; was one of the most exciting concert experiences imaginable as a fan of Hip Hop. Additionally, although I particularly follow Drake on social media; Lamar is not as easily accessible or as active on his Socials. Indeed, the former doesn’t post actively, like most celebrities and artistes around the world.

Additionally, Mr. Lamar is a Pulitzer Prize winning performing artiste for the work on his third studio Album “To Pimp a Butterfly” released in 2015 and his rap lyrics have been studied by numerous academia in classes & seminars around his lyrical content and compelling storytelling abilities.

The 17-time Grammy award winner could also be perceived as “The Messiah of Hip Hop” with this depiction; he wears a silver Crown of Thorns – defying the continued statement which spurred from Nas in 2006; when he boldly announced that “Hip Hop – Is Dead”

Kendrick’s Status as “Saviour of Hip Hop” was further affirmed when the conscious progressive rapper was ordained as the “New King of the West Coast” by Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, The Game & Dr. Dre in August 2011.

The above points: have hopefully built the “Mysterioso of Kendrick” as an “Artiste”?and while some might argue that Lamar may not be as “Commercially Successful” as Drake and other mainstream pop artists; he may be categorized as one of the most “Critical Acclaimed Artistes of the 21st century”.

THE CONTENDER – THE CERTIFIED LOVER BOY

“Last Name Ever.......First Name Greatest”.......these are some of the bars and lyrical wit that would eventually center “Aubrey Drake Graham” amongst the world's best-selling music artists, with over 170 million records sold, Drake is ranked as the highest-certified digital singles artist in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)

He has achieved 13 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, a joint-record for the most number-one singles by a male solo artist; tied with Michael Jackson.

Drake was ranked fourth place on Forbes's List of highest paid rappers of 2021, with an estimated income of $50 million (pre-tax). Additionally, it has been estimated that Aubrey Graham generated more streams in 2021 than every song released prior to 1980 combined; highlighting that his music accumulated 7.91 billion streams, while songs pre-1980 had generated 6.32 billion.

His seventh album, “Honestly, Never mind” released in 2022 classified him as the fifth artist with over 10 number one albums, after the Beatles, Jay-Z, Bruce Springsteen, and Barbra Streisand.

Graham had been noted as one of the top 3 current MCs dominating hip hop as ordained by Jermaine Lamarr Cole (popular known as J. Cole) on his collaborative track titled “First Person Shooter” from Drake’s 2023; (8th Studio Album) “For All the Dogs”.

Drake has been argued to have a more sexual appeal and is perhaps easier to access on social media (compared to Lamar). A self-pro-claimed, “Certified Lover Boy” & “Champagne Papi”, notably he?is not afraid to break cultural barriers in hip hop with melodious tunes and Geeky Dance steps towards showing off his emotional side for example, with his 2015 single “Hot Line Bling”. The single received two wins at the 2017 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Performance and a testament to his range as a “hip hop” and “pop artiste”.

Though commercial success might have given Aubrey Graham pop appeal; this however may classify him as not as artistic and politically centered as Lamar & Cole. Ironically while; this “Pop Celebrity Sensation” has made Drake one of the most streamed artistes in the world; some might argue that this has done more harm than good for his street cred.

Kendrick Lamar will later go on to refer to Drake as a colonizer for exploiting black artistes and culture on the track “Not Like Us” " which broke the record for the biggest single-day streams of a hip hop song in Spotify history, earning about 12.8 million streams on May 11, 2024. (We will go into this later)

With an impactful career, Drake has won a total of 5 Grammys and is the most streamed artist in the first 10 years of the existence of Spotify’s History with over 47.4bn against Lamar’s 35.7bn for monthly listeners. As of June 2024, Drake is No. 7 Artiste in the world after The Weekend, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Rihanna & Ariane Grande. (Eminem is No. 8 and Kendrick Lamar is No. 9)

THE BUILD UP

Based on the noted points; or from a “Critical Acclaim Perspective”- Kendrick had already probably won the battle even before it started - at least from a social media and “Culture perspective”. “The Messiah of Hip Hop”; simply had more street cred.

In an interview with Barack Obama by Adande Thorne in 2016; when asked if Drake and Kendrick Lamar got into a rap battle; who he thought would win, the US president predicted Lamar; citing the former as an outstanding entertainer and the latter having a better lyrical ability.

With the buildup of Kendrick’s stature in Hip Hop ?– it would appear that anyone going against “Mr Morale “would be at their own peril; equivalent to going against Mohammed Ali in the 70s or Mike Tyson in the 90s – Also noting that for whatever reason J.Cole (for example) had backed down in the beginning?after apologizing and deleting his dis-track “ 7 Minute Drill” off his new Album “Might Delete Later” (No pun intended) ??

THE BATTLE OF THE CENTURY

Notably compared to the October 30, 1974, boxing match between Mohammed Ali & George Forman - “The Rumble in the Jungle”; here’s a summary of how the “Greatest Rap Battle in 21st Century Hip – Hop”; went down:

ROUND 1:

Kendrick Lamar releases, “Like that” - on March 22 2024 with "Future" and "Metro Boomin". Drake then releases; “Push Ups” on April 13 and “Taylor Made” on April 19 where he infuses A.I generated voices of 2Pac Shakur and Snoop Dogg; a direct jab at Kendrick being the proclaimed King of the West Coast.

Notably, “To Pimp A Butterfly” was initially supposed to be called “To Pimp a Caterpillar” (TUPAC). Graham now has Lamar against the ropes. He further taunts him with “Snoop Dogg’s” verse admonishing Lamar for not releasing another diss track sooner and looking like he is setting himself up for failure, saying "World is watching this chess game, but oh you out of moves “

ROUND 2

Mr. Lamar (who has little Social Media presence); remains quiet....... the tension builds.

The anticipation continues as the entire world awaits the response of “The Pulitzer Prize Winner”; “The People’s Champ”, “The President’s Chosen Favorite”; “The King of Hip Hop”, "The Savior of the Culture” and "The Rap Messiah”; to respond.

Days later...........On April 30, 2024; Kendrick Lamar Duckworth releases “Euphoria” .........(The internet goes insane); the song breaks the single day streaming record for a hip hop song in 2024.

Lesson 1: “Kendrick Builds anticipation and then reacts”

ROUND 3

The morning of May 3 2024 will always be remembered in Hip Hop; social media influencers, celebrities, Hip Hop Enthusiasts and even news channels get into the debate and discuss the innuendos; metaphors and meaning behind the recently released work of Mr Morale in comparison to the Young Money/Cash Money label imprint; “one of the first signees” and protege of one of Hip Hops most prolific artistes - Lil Wayne.

As the social media frenzy builds; Duckworth releases “6:61 in L.A”; Graham anticipating this; swings back, pivots to the side & blocks in defense and releases “Family Matters”; a straight jab at Duckworth.............Duckworth reacts with almost Obi - Wan Kenobi - “Jedi Knight instinct” with foresight into the future......he predicts this move by Graham.......and without hesitation......in pure amazement ........and theatrical glee..........Duckworth steps back; plants his foot firmly on the canvas, leans his body weight backwards as the audience watches in slow motion........time pauses......

.....60 minutes later ; Duckworth releases “Meet the Grahams” ......its a quick uppercut tight fist to Graham’s exposed jaw........his mouth guards comes flying out as the crowd watches an erupts in bewildered excitement........Graham stands in disbelief.......... Duckworth has made impact........Graham is unprepared for what is next to come.......

Lesson 2: Always be prepared - “For every action; there is an equal and opposite reaction” – Newtons third law of motion.

ROUND 4

On May 4 , as Graham is in the corner anticipating his strategy for the next round, the bell rings and Duckworth springs into action with a slight skip.....motions to the right and as quickly ......retracts to the left....(Ali style)......he leaps forward.......and then proceeds.... left-right; left- right jab combo and straight left hook to the exposed side of Graham .........Duckworth releases the single “Not like Us” with the Album Art showing Graham’s House, referencing the presence of sex offenders and pedophiles.

Its a blow to the side of the rib cage......fracturing 3 of Grahams ribs.......Graham struggles for air...he signals to the referee.......the crowd declares Victory!.....even though Graham is still visibly conscious and within his wits.....he stays composed although in visible pain.........he holds the side of his rib cage with his right elbow.....gasping for air.........he refrains.......shakes it off........ keeps his head up........raises both clenched fists in battle position and proceeds to approach Duckworth..........for he is “Adonis Creed” .........

Commercially, "Not Like Us" broke several streaming records, debuting at number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 despite having a limited tracking week. It also reached the top spot in South Africa and peaked in the top 20 in Australia, Canada, and countries across Europe.

Lesson 3: “Kendrick Re-emphasizes his dominance over Drake”; Drake remains composed and resilient; for – “In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins” – Ulysses S. Grant

ROUND 4

Graham drops “The Heart Part 6” on May 5th in response to Duckworth’s “Meet the Grahams” and “Not Like Us”. This earned Drake negative reactions with the song gaining over 1.5 million dislikes on You Tube; the track was later deleted.

THE VERDICT

As a recording Artiste and fan of Purist Hip Hop; I try to avoid actively listening to current Hip Hop Artistes/Albums from today's Culture (as much as possible); this is to allow for my own voice, originality and authenticity without being diluted by sounds, flows, punchlines and euphemisms from other Artistes.

During the month of May as the numerous You-Tube reactions and memes popped up over social media ;I tried to dis-engage from the conversations & debates and hadn’t listened to any of the songs during the “Kendrick & Drake Beef”; just to remain objective and have an opinion from a more neutral perspective without being influenced by other people’s thoughts on the outcome and “perceived winner” (remember – I am also more of a Kendrick Fan than Drake and identify with the, Prolific Shakespearean Poet, “Rap Messiah” and “Saviour of the Culture”)

NOW THAT THE DUST HAS SETTLED

Indeed, Kendrick’s Strategy was fascinating; Perfect timing, building up tension, anticipating his opponents next move and visual imagery to establish dominance.

Duckworth takes advantage of timing for his initial release; by building suspense& excitement and had also prepared in advance for Graham’s response; with 2 pre-recorded songs.

Additionally, the Album Artwork for “Not Like Us” Lamar uses a photograph of Drakes house emphasizing possession and dominance. (Chapters III & VI seen in “The Art of War” – by Sun Tzu) ; Lamar uses “The Plan of Attack” and “Weak Points and Strong Points” (Illusion and Reality) which is an ancient Chinese Military tactic.

Kendrick had always been great with Visuals, noting that Album Covers for “Good Kidd M.A.A.D City”/ The subtleness of the Polaroid Photograph and the Album title in School Boy Q’s handwriting and “To Pimp a Butterfly” with an African American community celebrating on the Lawn of the White House. Additionally, the Music videos for “Humble” & “Alright”; mostly shot with Dave Free (These visuals have each won an MTV Video Music Award)

FOR THE CULTURE – THE REVIEW

On a warm Sunday evening after a chill day; mentally and physically relaxed; I listened to all 9 tracks back-to-back repeatedly and have a different perspective from the “unanimously declared” winner of “The Greatest Rap Battle of the 21st Century”

To this end, lets imagine a scenario 20 years from now; when these works are picked apart and analyzed purely for the art, expression, clarity of communication & lyrical prowess.

Truth be told; while Duckworth remains one of my most admired (living) Artistes in Hip- Hop today; I do however struggle sometimes to understand the subliminal messages, metaphors and euphemisms that are often shared by the Pulitzer Prize Winner.

Indeed, as a fan of “Purist Rap”, I feel Graham performed better in terms of delivery, flow, bars and cadence (At least from a purely Hip- Hop Perspective). I loved the A.I versions of Amaru and Snoop Dogg on “Taylor Made” and the references to rapping in the “House of Blues”. This made me realize how far rap has come and was ingenious (in my opinion) on Graham’s part in bringing in Pac’s “supposed point of view” into the feud.

“The Heart Part 6” while highly controversial was rather poetic and demonstrated a genius level of wordplay and imagery through rhyming and matching continuous syllables. While some saw it as a low blow, it probably wasn’t as triggering as previous rap battles claiming; “you claimed to be a player; but I f**ked your wife”. Do note that Amaru Shakur still remains my favorite Hip Hop Artiste of all time ??

Hip Hop has always had rappers demand their greatness or level of skill set to hold the position of the No.1 title, or just as a form of expression on who they (or their fans) considered to be the best M.C lyrically, or simply just expressing their grievances towards one another – “This is part of the Culture of the Art Form”.

Swizz Beatz & Timbaland for example, had curated a platform to express this side of the culture with “Verzuz”; a live streaming platform where two musicians (or groups) in good fun would showcase portions of their catalogue of work and interact with back-to-back playback of their discographies; during a live on -line session.

Audiences however agreed that both artistes (Kendrick & Drake) may have overstepped boundaries, specifically taking jabs at family members; with hints of misogyny and provocative actions that may have directly or indirectly affected the safety of children (Drake’s home would eventually be attacked by an intruder; although there are no direct claims that this may have been because of the provocation between both parties)

Drake's OVO clothing retailer on London's Carnaby Street was vandalized on May 7, 2024, by an unknown graffiti artist, who plastered the phrase "They not like us" in silver lettering on its window.

Arguably, the “Kendrick Lamar vs Drake Beef” has been classified as the “Biggest rap battle in the culture of Hip – Hop; since Biggie and 2 PAC” - with the help of social media and on-line platforms ; bigger than Jay Z VS Nas (1996-2001); Kool Moe Dee VS LL Cool J (1987 - 1991); MC Serch VS MC Hammer (1989-1994); Dr Dre & Snoop VS Luke/ Easy E ( 1992-1993); Common Vs Ice Cube (1994- 1996) and LL Cool J VS Canibus. (1997-1998).

The fact that this is being debated on platforms all around the world is a great win for the culture; “Hip Hop is Still Alive” and this is demonstrated in the strength, skill set and impact of these 2 great MCs.

You can “Thank Me Later” (No pun) ??

References

Drake–Kendrick Lamar feud - Wikipedia