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Hit Em Up, No Vaseline, Not Like Us


Abstract:

Prior to this beef, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole comfortably occupied their own lanes, with the 3 nations of fans coexisting in harmony, each having their favorite among the trio. Occasional friendly jabs were exchanged, like Kendrick's memorable verse on "Control" in 2013, but nothing compared to the current turmoil. It all began with a simple “F*** the big 3," igniting what has become the most epic rap beef in history. But how did we transition from a collective rivalry to individual showdowns? J. Cole gracefully bowed out, recognizing the toxicity of the escalating conflict. He knows his identity and loyal fan base will endure beyond the sequence of events that will take place. In stepping away, he elegantly exits what may indeed be the greatest rap beef of all time.









History:

As we all remember the last time 2 goliaths collided in the rap scene. A bout between West Coast and East coast was set off. We all can see something similar in the works through the Parallels Between Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar and 2Pac vs. Biggie 

Certain rivalries etch themselves into the collective memory, serving as touchstones that define entire eras. Among these, the conflicts between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and the legendary feud between 2Pac and Biggie, stand as towering pillars of hip-hop history. While separated by time and context, the similarities between these rivalries run deep, offering profound insights into the culture and dynamics of the genre.

At the core of both conflicts lies a relentless quest for supremacy within the rap pantheon. Drake's smooth melodies and introspective tones represent one facet of hip-hop, while Kendrick Lamar's gritty lyricism and social consciousness embody another. Similarly, 2Pac's unabashed bravado and politically charged verses stood in stark contrast to Biggie's laid-back flow and narrative storytelling. In each case, the clash of artistic visions ignited a rivalry that reverberated throughout the rap world.

Yet, beyond the musical disparities, these conflicts were fueled by personal and professional animosities, exacerbated by the media frenzy and fan fervor. Drake's shots on tracks like "The Language" and Kendrick Lamar's bold declaration on "Control" echoed the intensity of 2Pac and Biggie's verbal sparring, immortalized in diss tracks and media interviews. Rumors of betrayal, and jealousy only added fuel to the flames, perpetuating the mythos of these rivalries and amplifying their impact on the cultural landscape.

Tragically, this conflict was marred by violence, casting a shadow over the hip-hop community. The deaths of 2Pac and Biggie marked the tragic climax of an era-defining feud. We are now only left with memories and conspiracy theories on the matter. In the meantime Drake and Kendrick Lamar's rivalry continues to simmer, punctuated by these insane diss tracks and social media jabs. While the threats of  violence loom large, it is the enduring legacy of these conflicts that sets them apart. Like 2Pac and Biggie before them, Drake and Kendrick Lamar have transcended their beef to become icons of the genre, their names etched in the books, and digital footprints of rap history.

Think Piece:

If I am really going into this beef (no Diddy) I have to say how I feel. Maybe it is recency bias but we are witnessing the greatest rap beef of current time’s history. Hip hop fans of the current times should be grateful that we are able to experience this without the biases of our parents or aunties and uncles who preferred Big or Pac when they heard the beef songs for the first time.

We are at the point of the beef where we can see something is close to happening in the near future that will determine who the winner of the beef will go down as in history. Euphoria set it off right and let us know just how much Dot hates Big D (Pause & Resume). Meet the Graham’s dark sinister turn let us know there is no coming back as friends after this beef. Kendrick’s 3rd blow in the trilogy of all trilogy’s has hit the hardest. 

EVERYBODY SAY O-V-HO!! Not Like Us will be looked back at as one of them ones. Hit Em Up, Ether, No Vaseline, Not Like Us. These songs are all the foot on the neck. The jump I have in my car is like I'm driving a semi on a bumpy road.

DJ Mustard deserves his flowers with this one as well. That little part in the beginning of KDot saying “Mustard on the beat ho” will be Mustard’s newest intro adlib because of this track. It will be interesting tho to see how this song will be engulfed into the culture with clubs, Tik Tok etc. Like I’m fr bumpin this song in the car heavy. This gives me a feeling that it is going to be a culturally iconic hit.

Let me know what you think is the best way for Drake to respond after KDot dropping a trilogy of disses…. If he is able to do the impossible and pull off a 3-0 comeback then he will undoubtedly have to go down as the G.O.A.T. but from the looks of it right now KDot is choosing his destiny on where he is going to stand in history.


Appreciate the read. Love.


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