Drake–Kendrick feud went too far – Jay Z

Jay Z (American rapper and businessman)

 In an interview with GQ, Jay-Z shared his concerns about the ongoing battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. 

While he acknowledges that competition is a core part of hip-hop, the mogul believes the rivalry has moved past music and crossed a dangerous line. Jay-Z also made it clear that he is staying neutral and distancing himself from the drama.

“Now, people that like Kendrick hate Drake, no matter what he makes. It’s like an attack on his character. I don’t know if I love that. I don’t know if it’s helpful to our growth where the fallout lands, especially on social media,” he said.

Jay-Z was particularly critical of how the conflict has extended beyond lyrical exchanges. “It’s too far. It’s bringing people’s kids in it. I don’t like that. I sound like the old guy wagging his finger, but I think we can achieve the same thing,” he said.

“I could stand it before because there was no social media. You had the battle and it was fun and then you moved on. Right now, I don’t know if I could stand it with the technology that we have,” he added.

Jay-Z’s remarks address long-standing rumors that he picked sides in the beef by choosing Kendrick Lamar to headline the 2025 Super Bowl. He dismissed these claims, explaining that the decision was based purely on performance rather than politics. "I chose the guy that was having a monster year," Jay-Z clarified, insisting that Kendrick was simply the best artist for the job at the time.

“I chose the guy that was having a monster year. I think it was the right choice. What do I care about them two guys battling? What’s that got to do with me? Have at it. They drag everybody in it, like everyone’s part of this conspiracy to undermine Drake, I guess,” he clarified.

While Jay-Z admitted the rivalry led to some great music, he wondered if the drama was actually doing more harm than good for hip-hop culture.

“We’ve just grown so much that — I guess I’m going to say it — I don’t know if battling needs to be part of the culture anymore.”

For his part, Kendrick Lamar maintained that his focus remains on artistry. “I think I’ve always been very open about storytelling through all my catalogue and my history of music.”

The rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar isn't new; it actually started back in 2013. The tension began when Drake took offense to Kendrick’s competitive verse on Big Sean’s song "Control." After years of simmering, things finally boiled over in 2024 when Kendrick took a direct shot at Drake on the track "Like That."