What is the immediate future of Drake, in light of Kendrick Lamar’s new diss song, “6 AM in LA.” While the question looms, it’s now time to discuss the context surrounding these two artists: Drake hails from Canada, where he has risen to become a global sensation, while Kendrick Lamar represents Compton, a city that has deep roots Hip-Hop culture.
Drake’s decision to engage with Dot on this lyrical level deserves acknowledgment. He did not have to take it there and I give him credit for that. With J. Cole apologizing and walking away from the battle, Drake’s willingness to step up demonstrates commitment to the culture, on some level. We all know Drake’s journey into Hip-Hop wasn’t rooted in the essence. He grew into it, learned it and was embraced. Hip-Hop gives most people a shot if they are genuine.
In facing Kendrick Lamar, Drake faces a unique challenge. This is a career-defining moment. Kendrick’s style is dense, layered, and thought-provoking, contrasting with Drake’s more commercial, broad approach to it. Drake’s path forward lies in his ability to create hit songs that resonate with his audience on a visceral level. He has to outswagger Dot, if that’s possible. If Drake does what he needs to do, which is super serve his audience, he can actually get right back to where he needs to be.
Drake won’t be converting Kendrick Lamar’s devoted fanbase anytime soon, and he doesn’t need to. This is warfare. Instead, his focus should be on crafting music that speaks to his audience and the general population. Kendrick Lamar’s recent sampling of Al Green reflects a specific aesthetic that may not align with current Hip-Hop trends, where sampling is damn near illegal. (By the way, Al Green entered the chat.)
As the ball rests firmly in Drake’s court, the question remains: What will he do next? The answer lies in his ability to adapt, innovate, and continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Only time will tell if Drake can rise to the challenge and reaffirm his status as a global superstar.
It is time to wake the demon up:
