Kendrick Lamar Strikes Back: Unleashing “Euphoria”
This morning, the rapper from LA dropped a bombshell response in his ongoing feud with Drake. With “Euphoria,” a six-minute emotional outpouring, Lamar not only takes aim at Drake as a rap artist but also attacks his character on a deeply personal level.
The Emotional Core of “Euphoria”
Lamar’s latest track references Drake’s connection to the hit drama “Euphoria” and reflects the relief he feels in finally expressing his pent-up frustrations. This feud between two rap giants, often considered part of hip-hop’s millennial elite, has spanned over a decade. It resurfaced in early 2024 with a flurry of diss tracks — some genuine, some manufactured.
Unpacking Lamar’s Lyrics
In the opening verse, Lamar adopts a calm yet sinister tone: “Know you’re a master manipulator, a habitual liar too / But don’t lie about me, and I won’t tell truths about you.”
But as the song progresses, Lamar’s anger intensifies. He accuses Drake of neglecting his son, ridicules his Toronto slang, mocks his rumored plastic surgery, suggests he’s a snitch, questions his Black identity, and even criticizes Drake’s romantic choices. While these attacks are disrespectful, they’re not entirely new; other artists like Rick Ross, Megan Thee Stallion, and Pusha T have made similar accusations against Drake.
At the 3:10 mark, Lamar deviates from his usual poetic style to unleash a barrage of insults, listing every detail he despises about Drake:
- The way you walk and talk
- Your fashion sense
- Your passive-aggressive insults
- Your avoidance of direct confrontation
This raw, unfiltered callout is what has been missing in this rap beef. In an era dominated by synthetic feuds, Lamar’s authenticity stands out.
The Evolution of the Beef
Lamar’s initial shot came on March 26 with “Like That,” a sub aimed at Drake on a track with Future and Metro Boomin. J. Cole responded with “7 Minute Drill” on April 5 but later withdrew from the beef, citing lack of interest.
Drake’s official response, “Push Ups,” dropped on April 19. He mocked Lamar’s pop collaborations, stature, and tour sales. However, Drake’s rollout of “Push Ups” caused confusion; some fans thought it was an AI-generated leak. Drake capitalized on this uncertainty by releasing “Taylor Made Freestyle,” incorporating verses from Tupac and Snoop Dogg, though this move backfired when the Shakur estate issued a cease and desist.
The Impact of “Euphoria”
Lamar’s release of “Euphoria” via YouTube is a throwback to old-school beefs. It’s raw, emotional, and devoid of gimmicks. This track is fueled by years of pent-up frustration, making it a genuine expression of Lamar’s feelings. Whether this beef is over or just beginning, one thing is certain: Lamar’s authenticity has left its mark on the rap world.