
Loading summary
Maul
Okay, have you heard about this? Last year, Degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant. Their fans rebelled and wanted the old scent back and Degree listened. That doesn't happen often. They admitted that they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason it's the number one men's antiperspirant and is back in Walmart, Target and other stores for under $4. So try it and see what the fuss is about.
DJ Head
Head to your local stores to try.
Maul
The OG Cool Rush for yourself.
DJ Head
Lowe's helps refresh your garden in time for Mother's Day. Right now get five bags of one and a half cubic foot Scott's Naturescapes mulch for just $10 plus select one.
Maul
And a half gallon annuals.
DJ Head
Hanging baskets make the perfect gift. Now two for only $15. The best garden starts with great deals. Lowe's we help you Save valid through 5 7. Selection varies by location while supplies last. Discount taken at time of purchase. Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 247 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.
Damaris
The best moments happen when you're with your people, laughing, vibing and just enjoying life. Coke is making those moments even sweeter. Shera Coke is back and it's all about sharing with the whole crew. Doesn't matter if it's your bestie or bro, there's a can with their name on it. So grab one for the squad and make some memories. But hurry because these Coca Cola limited edition bottles and cans won't be here forever. Don't miss your chance to share a Coke with all your favorite people.
Maul
Blending Vice's signature dynamic storytelling with the high octane world of sports, Vice Sports brings an exciting and diverse range of programming that goes beyond the game. From action packed live events to gripping behind the scenes documentaries to hard hitting investigative pieces and in depth profiles of athletes, coaches, teams, Vice Sports captures the raw energy, drama and passion that makes sports truly unforgettable. Catch live events and other exclusive sports programs Only on Vice TV.
DJ Head
Go to Vicetv.com to find your cable channel.
Rory
The volume. Welcome to our one year anniversary of the greatest battle in hip hop history with Drake and Kendrick Lamar. We are here to celebrate with two of the biggest media personalities of the entire battle. Damaris. I felt like these were the best two to bring in to really break down everything that happened a year ago.
Damaris
I agree. Representation for both camps.
Rory
We will start with our first guest hailing from Carson, California. Go figure. Had no idea. Media personality, legendary DJ and the coast guard from what I'm told. I have yet to see him swim. But we are joined by our family DJ head west coast.
DJ Head
We in the building.
Rory
Yay, studio audience.
DJ Head
Thank you for having me. I appreciate it. You know, being here, I get to. I get to sit on Rory and mall set.
Maul
Yeah.
DJ Head
This is what. What an honor. I just talk like this. I'm not. I'm not being.
Rory
And in the other corner, I do not know his height and weight because I am not built like that. And he would find that offensive if I did. Hailing from the Bronx.
Maul
Absolutely.
Rory
Fordham, to be exact. Question that we have, the one and only Maul.
DJ Head
I got a question.
Maul
I'm here every day for the last like 12 years. Like, I don't have to clap for.
DJ Head
I got a question. You know, like you said when he said you from the Bronx and then you said the street. Is that normal? Like, that's some east coast shit.
Maul
Nah. But if you say you from the Bronx, the Bronx is so big.
DJ Head
No, I know that, but that's like saying I'm from Carson. But then I wouldn't say like Diamondale, because I don't know, I always find that interesting about like New Yorkers. Cause even like Wayno does that. Like, other people do that where, like, it'd be like, yeah, this is my block. And it's like, I would never tell a nigga where my block is. Like, for safety reasons.
Maul
Like, oh, no, I don't still live there.
DJ Head
No, I know that, but I'm just saying.
Maul
Well, no, you guys tell.
Rory
You guys tell with your fingers, paws and your mouth that exact.
DJ Head
Exactly where you're from. But I'm just saying, like, to me, that that raises safety concerns. Like, I would never say the street that I live on, on my family is still there type.
Maul
But Creston. Creston is a. Is a long. Is a long.
DJ Head
Oh, okay, Gotcha.
Rory
And Fordham is a street, but it's also like an area more or less.
DJ Head
Like, okay, got you. That's like when we say Crenshaw, it's. It's a Street, but it's also an area.
Maul
Exactly, exactly.
DJ Head
That makes sense.
Rory
So we didn't dock small. He's just.
Maul
I mean, if anybody want to go to Creston and look for me, be my guest. Don't call me.
DJ Head
I always see. I always hear New Yorkers say that. I'm like, damn, he just going to say the street he live on.
Maul
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. But it's not a small street. Very, very big block.
Rory
Well, I want to start with P. Something that you guys do agree on and something that actually makes me very happy. The Lakers are the fuck out of the playoffs. Thank God. We can clap for that as well. I know both of you are very sad. Maul, for some reason, is a Lakers fan. I don't understand it.
Maul
But Die hard Lakers, he's on the.
DJ Head
Right side of history.
Maul
Die hard Lakers fan.
Rory
Not this year, but I'm a Knicks.
DJ Head
Fan, so I'm sorry to hear that.
Rory
So I feel like we should start at the absolute beginning of this entire thing, right before the battle even started. I want to go to the control verse, because DJ Head is our guest. We will let him go first. Do you think the subtle shots Kendrick and Drake threw at each other post control were serious or just for sport?
DJ Head
I think it's all sport. It's always been sport up until it. Until it wasn't.
Rory
At what point was it not?
DJ Head
I think once. I mean, we'll get there, I'm sure, but, like, once lines get crossed and stuff like that, then I think that it no longer. It starts to take it out outside of the realm of sports. It's no different than, like, you've seen, like, Ron Artest or Latrell or Draymond or. It's sport until it's not. You know what I'm saying? What line was crossed when.
Maul
From control or any line.
DJ Head
That was later on. Okay, that was later on, but from the control. It was just like once that that was all like, sport, and it was just like, yeah, get in the booth.
Rory
Okay, I feel you. Then there was a rumor, which I think both you guys have some background on. Kendrick was supposed to be on first person shooter or became first person shooter, and there was some type of disagreement between Kendrick and Drake. Both of you being insiders, can you tell us what really happened when Drake reached out to Kendrick to get him on what became first person shooter? Head, we can start with you or Maul, depending on.
DJ Head
I don't know what happened.
Maul
I'm not sure what happened. I do know that obviously he was supposed to be on the record. I don't know if he just decided he didn't want to do it because he had other plans, or if it was just a timing thing and he was taking too long to send the verse back and they moved on without him. I mean, I don't know for sure. I've never had that conversation. But, I mean, whatever it is, I don't think it was nothing. That is a real reason of why this battle may have started. Because he didn't get on the record. I believe that he had a plan and he was like, this really will go against everything that I'm planning on doing.
Rory
Okay, so you believe that he had no intention of getting on that and that, like, that verse was going to happen regardless of J. Cole and Drake going on tour together, hugging on stage, talking about the big three, sort of. But it's us, because you're at home and we're holding hands. Do you think it had anything to do with that?
Maul
Do I think it has something to do with Drake and jcole being on stage, on tour together and Kendrick not.
Rory
Liking seeing that and it being a number one record?
Maul
I mean, maybe. I think that, you know, the record happened. I don't know if Kendrick thought that them three on the record. I mean, he probably did assume that it would be a number one record with them three on it, but I don't think that that was him seeing them rejoice and have their moment on stage together. He was like, nah, fuck that. Like, I'm dissing these niggas. Like, I don't think that was it. I think he had this premeditated for a while and just again, for sport. I think it started as sport, and then I think it turned into something else. I think it started as just, you know, I don't want to be boxed in or grouped in with y'all. I feel like I'm better than both of y'all, which is cool. As an mcu, as a rapper, you're entitled to that. But I think it turned into something else after it was just sport.
Rory
How do you feel? The same way.
DJ Head
Yeah, it's pretty straightforward. I don't think it's. I don't think it's, like, as complicated as people like to make it out to be. Like, they try to make it out to be like this huge folklore type thing. I don't think it's that. It's really just. It's simple. I don't really have insight on if he was supposed to be on the record or not. I haven't Discussed that with anyone. But if he was supposed to be on the record, then, I mean, I know, I know the speculation. I'm not an idiot. You know what I'm saying? But if he was supposed to be on the record, then he. I'm pretty sure. I'm pretty sure that he would have delivered on it, but I think it's your sport.
Rory
Do you think Kendrick had been plotting dislike that verse or at least this battle for years? Because that was always the rumor, even from people on his side, that this was something that he had been plotting for quite some time. Then Drake ironically said he was gonna stop making music for a little while. And then we get to like that verse.
DJ Head
No.
Rory
What pure coincidence?
DJ Head
No, it's not coincidence. It's just the verbiage. Like the verbiage you used was plotting. Plotting. Indicate. Plotting is a verb meaning that there was action being taken. I don't think that he was plotting. I think that you're ready. Like I'm a registered firearm owner in the state of California. I'm not plotting on anyone, but I'm ready for whatever. I think that's. That's the.
Maul
As a rapping mc, I think every rapper is, you know, has that mindset. I'm always ready. Yeah, I think every rapper has bars directed at other rappers. But you know, in this case with Drake, I think that every. Any rapper would want to get into a back and forth with Drake. It does it helps you out? No.
Rory
So you think he was plotting more? Cause you said what pretty loud?
DJ Head
No.
Maul
Well, I see what head is saying. Plotting. I don't know if that's the word, but planning, I think is a better word. Preparing is a better word. But why not? I think every artist is. We talking about one of the biggest artists in the world. And if I have the opportunity to have a moment with him, going back and forth, making music and displaying my skill set, why would I not want to do that?
Rory
Well, do you think because Kendrick, the Weeknd, Metro, Future, and Ross all teamed up around the exact same time that there was not a plan or a plot to go against Drake all at the exact same time?
Maul
I. I think that's one of those, you know, when, you know, people get the opportunity to show you how they really felt, they just waiting for the first person to go. And then other people start expressing their true feelings and emotions. I think that's what that was. I think everybody secretly had some. I mean, for the last, what, 15, 16 years, Kendra Drake has been on top dominating music. I think other artists see that and, you know, I don't know if jealous get. Jealousy is a word. Is the word to use, but I think other artists feel some type of way. And then they hear bars and they're like, man, I think I could go at him. I think I could get him on a verse. All these guys have songs with him, so there's a relationship. But I think it starts like Ted said. I think it's a competitive thing first. I think after a while, you know, it goes into a little bit of a, you know, more personal thing. Like, you know, when a lot of. Lot of guys, you know, numbers aren't doing as well if they don't have a song with him or, you know, he sends a ver. He doesn't send verses back as fast as he used to, or he's not sending records like he once was. I think that that starts to turn into, like, damn, he don't fuck with me. Or, you know, like, is it an issue, you know, change of a number or something like that? You know, how those things happen? And then it turns into, all right, well, fuck him.
DJ Head
Head.
Damaris
Would you agree?
Maul
No.
Damaris
You have a elaborate.
DJ Head
Yeah, so I don't think there's like a. I don't think it's like a grandioso conspiracy. I don't think that people was plotting and waiting or I don't think even think that it was a jealousy thing or even that had anything to do with his music. I think if you're a shitty person to people, regardless of what you. Regardless of what you do. Like, I have. I have. I have homies. I have homegirls who. They. Nigga told them that they love them, and then they would do shit to counter that. Right. Whether it be through verbally or physically. So regardless of what I do for you and I. Whatever. Regardless of what I do for you, I can't just be, like, a shitty person to you on top of that and just be like, all right, everything is good now. So I think that there are things like, obviously, we all know, like, head is cryptic. Head don't like to talk about nothing. I just not willing to. Everything for me ain't content. So I'm not willing to divulge, like, you know, this nigga did this to this person. And then. It's just that when you're. When your character is not wholesome and you violate the sanctity of certain relationships. Yes. Certain people are probably gonna feel away towards you regardless of what stimulus package you've given them in the past. It doesn't matter so if you violate the relationship, I think that, yeah, people are gonna feel away about you, for sure.
Maul
I mean, that's a life thing. Away from us talking about some of the biggest artists in the world. I think that's life. I think if you have a relationship with somebody and then, you know, it changes, and then the person starts treating you some type of way, and then it's obviously emotions and feelings change. Not saying that. I think that's what happened here. But again, I. I do think that some of it is, you know, if Drake doesn't, you know, give me a verse or doesn't do a song with me, like, I sent him a record. He. He didn't send it back, but then he did an album, an entire project with somebody, and I still never got my verse. I think that leaves room for somebody to fill away.
DJ Head
I agree. But there's also. So again, there's more things at play here. So, like, if I let example, Rory put out an album. Let's say Rory wanted to, huh?
Rory
Available now, all DSPs.
DJ Head
Your album. Your album's out now. Okay? Rory put out an album. Let's say, whatever the album, let's say it went platinum.
Rory
I didn't like that laugh. I didn't like that laugh. The whole time you've been stowing, you ain't say it. Mad professional, and all of a sudden you just start laughing.
Damaris
I'm sorry. Go ahead.
DJ Head
Oh, shit.
Damaris
Please finish.
DJ Head
All right. So Rory put out album. It goes platinum. Maul has an artist and he wants. And Maul wants his artist to do a collab album with Rory. Maul works out terms and spends X amount of dollars for Rory to do album with him. That's music business. That has nothing to do with who Rory fucks with or anything. Like, that's just business, right? You get what I'm saying? So I think there are. There's business and then there's friendships and there's relationships. But there's also just. Sometimes it's just business, right? And I think that people conflate the two, because hip hop is supposed to be this communal thing where everybody is, like, jumping on shit and sharing features and stuff. Sometimes it's just business. It's not bigger than that or smaller than that. Right? The other thing is when it could be, some people feel away because, oh, he didn't get back to me as fast as he normally would or whatever the case may be. I'm not saying that's out of the realm of possibility. However, I don't like the narrative. Me, personally, Just. Cause the things that I'm aware of, I don't like the narrative that everybody's ganging up on this one individual, because that's what it seems like optically. Everybody doesn't know what's going on as to why. It's like, I said this before. Is it 20 versus Maul, or did Maul offend 20 niggas and now Maul is in the room with 20 niggas, and they all want to fuck him up. You get what I'm saying?
Maul
It could be both. I think that this particular situation was, again, people trying to capitalize off the moment they realized how big the moment was going to be, and people threw their hat in the ring. If he responds to me, great. Like, I can put out a record. I could shoot a video. I could, you know, sell some tickets. I could sell some merch. Like, we're not gonna act. Like this is not, you know, one of the biggest moments. Like any. Any artist would love to have this moment, win or lose. I think that any artist would take this moment because what are you really losing?
DJ Head
It's not about losing, though.
Maul
No, but I'm just saying. And. And the perception of losing. Right, right. Who. Who is losing in this situation? Who has lost? What has Kendrick lost? What has Drake lost? No matter what side of it you're on, if you think Kendrick lost or you think Drake lost, what did they really lose?
DJ Head
Well, I'm pretty sure that one of those parties have lost substantial business opportunities.
Maul
You think so? What. What opportunities?
DJ Head
I don't know. I mean, ain't my business to tell, but I'm. I'm pretty sure that there have been opportunities that have not come to fruition due to the nature of this. This entire thing.
Maul
The. The nature of the perception of him losing or the nature of what the song is insinuating.
DJ Head
Could be a combination.
Maul
Could be.
DJ Head
Could be.
Rory
Okay, and we'll get to that part. But more. Do you feel like he's lost any business opportunities?
Maul
Drake? Yeah. No.
Rory
Okay. All right, moving on. There was a rumor, but let's not act like it was a rumor. It was a fact. Drake and Kendrick did speak post like that to set up.
DJ Head
Are you confirming that I am okay.
Rory
Oh, it's a podcast. We don't fact check. Drake and Kendrick had a conversation prior to. Sorry, after. Like that, where they had some light convo about what the rules were going to be and how far everyone was going to take this. It was a third rapper involved as well, but he bowed out. And that's not what Today is about what do you think those rules were and what do you think that conversation was?
DJ Head
I like the phrasing of that question.
Maul
Go ahead. What do you think? Yeah, the rules were.
DJ Head
Yeah, I appreciate that. Thank you.
Maul
I don't, I don't know. I don't know what.
Rory
That's why I'm in the turtleneck.
Maul
I don't know what I think the rules were. I think it was maybe certain, you know, maybe family type shit should be off the table, maybe, you know, things like that. But I don't, I've never thought about, you know, these guys being on the phone call and, and then, you know, having a discussion about rules of engagement when it comes to mc. And I think as, you know, as men, I think there's certain things you don't say as men to each other or about each other. But obviously that line was crossed. So what was the conversation really about?
Rory
Okay, hey, what do you think?
DJ Head
Say the question again.
Rory
What do you think their conversation was pre battle about what the rules may be. How, how far we're taking this.
DJ Head
What do I think the conversation if, yeah, if the conversation happened. I think that the rules were discussed as far as a. Don't, let's not get personal, let's do the thing. But if you, if we go personal, it's going, it's going to go, it's going to go to another level that you probably don't want it to go.
Rory
Okay.
DJ Head
And then I think that's. If I had to choose, if I had to guess that would, that was the nature of the conversation.
Rory
Then let me ask you this. What was your initial reaction to push ups and do you think be around a bodyguard like Whitney was opening up the floodgates based off this initial conversation? That even though he didn't say anything disrespectful about Whitney at that time, he did say her name.
DJ Head
I think anytime you mention a name Virginia Williams, anytime you, this part you also gotta look at it. You can't. It's not a one to one, I'm a black and white individual. But there's so much nuance to this entire thing that people consistently overlook. You could look at Drake the same way you look at Maul or you could look at. Whereas people would probably perceive you to be a habitual line stepper. Whereas like you consistently and egregiously encroach on this line that people have set forth as that. That that's their comfort zone for the things that you say. Right. Same thing. This person has a history of egregiously encroaching on lines that you probably know are off limits to certain individuals, especially certain people of certain ilk. Right? So I think those things have to be taken. Accountability. Once you then like you said, we're all grown men and we know that's not necessarily true. I know people who can, who consistently encroach and don't know where the line is because they didn't have big homies or older brothers or anybody to teach them the ways of manhood. Right? So that being said, if, if you, you could say anything like from. It could be whatever the line is, it doesn't have to be, it doesn't even have to be my wife's name, my fiance's name. Any mal could say we could talk anybody about anything when we have this conversation. You just can't mention my earlobes. Right? That's my line. You mentioned my earlobes. I'm losing my shit. It's up. That's his line though. That's his choice to make. So I'm like, man, fuck your earlobes. Woo woo. Now I have to deal with whatever comes with that. And I think that's where people get lost in translation as far as the line between, oh, this is hip hop, this is sport, and this is like, no, this is a real thing. That's, that's, that's just, that's the best way I can answer that.
Rory
Well, Mo, it's a DJ head's point. Drake has mentioned opponents, girls in the past and it has backfired or taken a battle to the next level. Do you think it was smart to mention Whitney this early in the battle? Cause it was just to like that verse and then push ups was a Reply off the 20v one. Shit, was it too early to even mention Whitney at this point?
Maul
I mean, I don't, I'm not, you know, I'm not an emcee, I'm not a rapper. I don't know, you know, I can't, I can't speak to the mindset or the, the, you know, the strategy of what Drake had going into this thing. I do know that, you know, he was obviously very calculated, very, you know, strategic in his approach and his thought process of what he was going to do, how he was going to do it. But I don't know if he, if that, if I look at that like, oh, it was too early to, to say Whitney. I don't, I don't, I don't know. I don't, I don't, I don't think so. I. Again, I can't speak, you know, for his mindset in that moment. But to me, that bar didn't really, you know, like, when I, When I heard that, I wasn't like, oh, shit. Like, it didn't really.
Rory
Okay, now when I heard that you.
Maul
May have heard it and been like, okay, if they did have a conversation and he spoke about not mentioning, you know, the family and the wife or whatever, then I could see Kendrick like, okay, so then all bets are off. But I can't speak to if that was too soon for Drake to say that.
Rory
But given the fact both of us not being a rapper's brain, I didn't think make it ring on him. Like, Virginia Williams was that crazy of a bar either. But you've seen in the past that if you just say a name, it allows a rapper to be like, all right, well, family's on the table now, just saying the name, not even the bar. Is that a mistake that Drake made twice?
Maul
No, I don't think that's a mistake. I think if he wanted to say something, he said it and he stands by it. Those are his bars. Like, you know what I mean? I'm not. Who am I to say that was a mistake? Like, I'm not. I don't think that was a mistake. I just think that, you know, whatever his mindset was, he had that bar, he came up with it and decided, all right, I'm gonna say what I wanna say. Like, I don't give a fuck about no rules. And it is what it is.
Rory
What do you guys think the score was at this point from like that to Push Ups?
Maul
I don't know if I cause like that. To me, you know, obviously it's a future record. Kendrick has a verse on there. Push Ups is a record designed specifically for that moment at Kendrick. So I don't know if I scored it. I think the, like, that verse was when we all was like, oh, shit. Like, okay, like, Kendrick is. He's in the ring, he wants to get in the ring. Like, he wants to have this moment, which I think we all feel like he's done before. And he obviously wanted to have that moment for time. I think that it was more surprising for me that Drake engaged it because he was, you know, still on the road. Well, was just fresh off the road, I think, when. Like that. No, he was still on the road.
Rory
Still on the road?
Maul
Yeah. So he was still on the road. Um, you know, I, I was more surprised that Drake, he. He. He engaged in the situation um, again, because he had, you know, all of this going on, I didn't think that he would, you know, want to get off the road and go right into battle mode because you do have to get into a different mindset to, you know, get into a, A, a back and forth with an emcee or rapper as Kendrick. You have to, you know, make sure that you on. On your A game. Um, so him being on, on tour and then getting off, I was like, ah, I didn' But, I mean, I think that this is something that, again, every rapper has in the back of their mind, like, I'm ready for anybody. Like, you know, I don't care what it is. And I think that that's, you know, one of the things that I respect about Drake is because he very well could have not responded and just ignored it and been like, yo, I don't even know, like, what this guy's issue is or whatever, and, you know, continue doing what he was doing. But I think the MC in Drake, the rapper in Drake, was like, yo, hold up. Like, you ain't coming at me like that. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like, all right, you want to have this moment, let's do it. So I think there's some. There's something to respect about that. But again, I didn't think. I didn't think that he would at first, because again, his mindset and where he was at wasn't nowhere near battle rap mode. It was more so like, you know, I got, you know, this. This tour going. This album just came out. You know, me and Cole are selling out, you know, shows number one record. You know, I didn't think that he would flip the switch and get right into battle mode. So I was surprised that he engaged in the battle, had thoughts.
DJ Head
I wasn't surprised, but not from an emcee or competitive standpoint. Just ego. I think ego has been the fall of the empire. Well, part of it. But I think it was all ego bravado and miscalculation. I think it was, I think. I think from the very beginning. Well, I don't think. Obviously, I don't think. I don't count. I don't score it. Like, I don't have. I don't have a score at this point. I never really had a score, Honestly, throughout the whole shit, it was just like, boom, boom, boom. So I wasn't scoring it, but I actually had this conversation with my manager, Salas. He told me. He told me right after, like, that. He said, if he responds with me to One of the worst mistakes of his career. And I was like, how? You know what I'm saying? I'm thinking like, again, I said this before, but I'm thinking like, you know, R. Kelly, he gonna make a hit record. Everything gonna go away. You know what I'm saying? He's gonna make a hit. He gonna hit record himself out of this like he does all the time. He's Drake, he can do that. I was, boy, was I wrong. But when you look at. When you look at the. At the push up record, that still to me is one of them things where it counts. But it didn't count until it counted until he claimed the record. You know what I mean?
Maul
Until Drake claimed the record.
DJ Head
Or Kendrick, until Drake claimed the record.
Maul
Push ups.
DJ Head
Yeah, because I think academics was the only person with the record. Now, as a dj, I know how that is. You know, like, you know, flex, get the record first or whoever. Get the record first. I get the whatever. I understand that. But not in this way. Because in this way it's like, well, are you responding or are you not? And then it'd be like. It's just. He became like a meme coin. He was just memeing all day and it was just like memes and little subtle innuendos and like little. It was just stupid shit going on. It was goofy. So that's when I decided to say something again. I was acting on my own, but I was like, yo, what are we? Like, what are we doing? Like, what is it? You know what I mean? And then, because the record wasn't out and so I don't think that we actually can count the record until the day that it came out on dsp. Now it's like, oh, now this is a real record because you're claiming the record as opposed to it being. It could be AI. It could just be some bullshit that AK is doing, you know, whatever the case may be. So from there, that's when I start everything. I don't even count like that.
Rory
Okay, new worry and mouth. This episode is sponsored by Roe Mal Row. Sparks are a two in one prescription treatment for guys who want more controlled erections. I know that word makes you uncomfortable, but, you know, sometimes when it's time, you gotta act. You had no idea it was even coming.
Maul
Yeah, Rory, sometimes you need that push. Sometimes, you know, you need to get the blood flowing. Yeah, you need to get the juices going. Ro will help you grow.
Rory
They call me Rory in the streets. That's what everyone calls me.
Maul
And you can't Spell Roe without Rory.
Rory
That's a fact.
Maul
Yeah.
Rory
Every. Every time they see me out, they know what time it is.
Maul
True. Rory. And Roe stays active in your system for 36 hours.
Rory
Important.
Maul
So sometimes you can go double overtime, triple overtime depending on how you feel. Yeah.
Rory
And I mean, it doesn't make you hard like right away and you just walking around stiff.
Maul
No, no, no.
Rory
It only works when you start to feel aroused. So even if you want to plan your date around that entire thing, take it early. Let it just get right in that blood.
Maul
Yeah. Find the right window.
Rory
Yeah. Then when it's time, ro know ro connects guys with a medical provider 100% online so you don't have to waste time in waiting rooms. Because that's always awkward too, when you want to tell the doctor what you really here for.
Maul
Like everybody knows.
Rory
Yeah. They can see it in your face. They can see it if approved treatment ships directly to your door. Very discreetly if prescribed. New sexual health patients get $15 off their first order of Sparks on a recurring plan. Connect with a provider at Rory and Mall to find out if prescription row Sparks are right for you. That's Ro Co, Rory and Molecule for $15 off your first order.
DJ Head
So we all made mistakes, right? But owning up to them is the right thing to do. But we all know degree Cool Rush deodorant. Well, last year they changed the formula and it did not go over well with the fans, the grease, whole thing. It turns up sweat and other protection when you turn up the effort. And good thing it does, cuz Cool Rush fans really turned up the effort to bring back the OG formula. One guy even started online petition and degree Listen, they admitted they effed up and are bringing back that OG Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. It's back at Walmart, Target and other stores for under $4. There's a reason why it's been the number one men's antiperspirant for the last decade. It's the same reason why people are not happy when the recipe was changed. So listen, if you've never tried, it might be a good time to try. See what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart or Target and try the OG degree Cool Rush for yourself.
Rory
Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. I don't know if you knew this.
DJ Head
But anyone can get the same Premium.
Rory
Wireless for $15 a month plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities.
DJ Head
So do like I did and have.
Rory
One of your assistant's assistants Switch you.
DJ Head
To Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to do@mintmobile.com.
Maul
Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3.
Rory
Month plan equivalent to $15 per month.
Maul
Required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra.
Rory
See full terms at Mintmobile.
Maul
Give your windows the treatment they deserve with Spring Cyber Monday Last chance deals@blinds.com, your chance to make a small home improvement that makes a big difference. Blinds.com is the number one online retailer for custom window treatments, offering you professional support and styles that fit any budget from classic shutters and bamboo shades, even motorized shades for your outdoor space. Blinds.com has something for everyone with honest upfront pricing and no hidden fees. DIY or let us handle everything from measure to install. Blinds.com makes it easy with free virtual consultations. Our design experts will help guide you from start to finish with free samples sent directly to you so you can try before you buy. Plus every order includes our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Shopblinds.com's Spring Cyber Monday Last Chance deal is happening now. Save up to 45% site wide plus.
Rory
Get a free professional measure up to 45% off@blinds.com rules and restrictions may apply.
DJ Head
Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.
Rory
I want to get off Taylor made pretty quickly, but I do want to ask both of you, was it a mistake for Drake to say in Taylor made call him a pedophile?
Maul
No.
Rory
Why?
Maul
Because I think that that was obviously in a battle, you you know what people are going to try to weaponize against you and say about you, you know. So you take that and you say go ahead. I know I don't have no skeletons in my closet. Like I know the type of things that you're gonna try to say about me. So go ahead, say it. Like yeah, get it off, say it now. What I think the issue came in, I think what the label did with the record and publishing it and you know, getting behind it, putting money behind it, I think that's where the problem came in for Drake, I don't think it was the fact that Kendrick said it. I think it was the fact that once Drake realized, like, oh, this is a play. Like, okay, like. And obviously, you know, we're not in Drake's business, but he's in negotiations currently with the same label. He probably asked for a number that not many artists have ever been in a position to even attempt to ask for. So he understood the deeper thing. Like, okay, this is to try to devalue me at a time where, y'all know the business that we're sitting around handling or discussing. Kendrick is a new guy on the block with PG Lane. Y'all are now behind that. Okay, cool. There's no problem there. But I see what's happening now, and I think that's where Drake felt like he didn't lose the battle. He walked. He. The battle lost him. He stepped away from, like, oh, this is a play. Y'all are trying to get, you know, some, Some, Some. Some data and some numbers behind this thing. Like, okay, I get it. Like, all right, I'm done.
Damaris
Okay, Ma. Well, and we'll come back to that when we get to not like us head. Did you want to respond to that? Do you think that it was a mistake that he did that?
DJ Head
I don't think. I mean, I think. I think everything he did with Taylor May was a mistake.
Rory
How so?
DJ Head
The, like, I wouldn't. I understand the, like, the whole, like, an eight mile approach to shit, but that's also a rap nerd's pipe dream. That's not reality. Like, you don't. You don't go into a fight out like that. To me, that tells me that you've never been outside. Like, I'm not. I don't go to the park to fight somebody and hand them a weapon. You know what I mean? That's just not reality to me. That's some blog rap nerd shit. You know what I'm saying? Like, in the sense of, at this point, you've already escalated things, so now you should probably understand that we're not. It's not a friendly fade. Again, I've explained this at nauseam. A friendly is for someone who you're friendly with. A friendly fade. A fair one, we call it. A fair one is for the homie. Like, we have a rapport and we gonna go. We gonna go eat after, we gonna go outside, we gonna run a fair one and then we're gonna go eat. That's reserved for the homie when you're an op, quote, unquote, opposition, an enemy. Whatever the case may be, where, how we came up, there are no fair ones. You get immediately eviscerated. You get packed. We call it maxed out or packed out. There is no such thing as a friendly amongst people who are oppositions. So to me, like I said, this screams of somebody who's never had those, been in those environments because I would not hand somebody a weapon to use against real world, right? The second thing.
Maul
Well, what if it's not a real weapon?
DJ Head
It doesn't matter if it's perceived as one. The cops is going to shoot you if. Even if you, if you have a gun in this phone case, it don't matter. They're going to shoot you. It's a perceived weapon. So we all know we live on the Internet, perception doesn't matter. I mean, reality doesn't matter if the perception is up, right? So the second thing was the AI the song would have just been a cool. Would have been a dope rap song without the. Without the. Without the AI Again, screaming of lack of cultural awareness. Because you don't. I don't know, maybe I could ask you, would you ever use someone's likeness who's currently walking around?
Maul
Me?
DJ Head
Yeah.
Maul
No.
DJ Head
Why not?
Maul
Well, I mean, me, I wouldn't, but in that.
DJ Head
I'm saying why not though?
Maul
And that. Because I'm just. I don't.
DJ Head
Not in that situation, general. Why not?
Maul
I mean, but I have though. I mean, we've done skits and things like that where I've acted like other people with AI, not with AI, but in the terms of acting and using somebody's likeness and personality, not necessarily AI, but with that record, with the Taylor made record, I thought that it was a. It was a clever. First of all, we've never seen that in that type of situation, battle or not. So I thought it was a clever play, everybody. It wasn't like one of those records where it was like, oh, he killing him. It was more so like, oh, that was kind of. That was clever.
DJ Head
It would have been even more clever without that. Because to me, again, somebody who has respect for. I don't give a fuck if I don't like you as an artist. I would never. Because I have respect for hip hop. I have respect for my elders, even people who don't like me as an elder in the game, I would never disrespect them publicly because I respect.
Maul
Where was the disrespect to use someone.
DJ Head
Likeness without their permission who's currently breathing?
Maul
Yeah. But it wasn't. Yeah, but see, that's where y'all people lose me in this. Because, yes, he used a Pac. Tupac's voice with a filter.
DJ Head
Snoop Dogg.
Maul
Snoop. But when we say, oh, he's using their likeness and this, that, and the. Like, Drake wasn't using that as a single. Trying to get popping and it, like, that's where I think people was. Just. This was a moment. It was a battle. It was like, all right, let's have some fun. He's taking too long to respond. You know, what are some of the west coast, you know, Mount Rushmores? What would they say in this moment to Kendrick if they could speak to him and get him in a room? I think that was Drake's mindset. Like, yo, we doing this or not, bro? You know what I'm saying? Like, you jumped out there with the verse. Let's do it. Like, I'm fresh off tour, I'm in the studio. I'm not sleeping. I'm up. I'm ready for this moment. Like, what are you doing? And then, obviously, the record came out. Somebody made a call to an estate. The state said, take it down. Delete the song. Okay, cool. No problem. It wasn't that serious of a. I'll delete it off my Instagram or wherever it was it was living at. It wasn't that deep. So that's why I feel like when people like, oh, he used, you know, Pac's likeness, or use Snoop's likeness and this, that, and the third, and it's like, bro, it wasn't that serious, though. He wasn't trying to make. He wasn't trying to make a living off of this song and publish it and then push it out to the ma, like. You understand what I'm saying? So when people carry it that heavy, I'm like, bro, this was a battle, bro. This was like, a little intent. Like, yo, what's up, fam? Like, I'm here, I'm outside. I'm waiting for you. Like, what you gonna do?
DJ Head
Like, I agree with you, but to me, even your rebuttal screams to me that you don't understand that's disrespectful. Where we come from, where I'm from, that's disrespectful. It doesn't matter what the use case is. You don't violate the elders or the OGs.
Maul
Where was the violation at, though?
DJ Head
Why did they tell him to take it down?
Maul
Because he used somebody's likeness and their tone and their inflections in their Voices.
DJ Head
So the violation is using someone's shit without their permission.
Maul
Yeah, but again, you losing me, because I get what you're saying. Yes, he used the AI, the voice, the filter. I get that part, but it's not like he used it and was disrespecting Pac or Snoop.
DJ Head
And that's what I'm telling you. You don't. See, the bigger picture is.
Maul
The bigger picture is those are west coast artists. Kendrick is a West coast artist, and this turned into California versus Drake, not Kendrick versus Drake. No, that's the real situation.
DJ Head
No, that's not what happened.
Maul
That's exactly what Kendrick turned it into.
DJ Head
That's not what happened.
Maul
Kendrick didn't turn it into California versus Drake. You DJed the pop out Show. What are you talking about?
DJ Head
Who used whose likeness?
Maul
So it was you and Amazon.
DJ Head
Who used whose likeness?
Maul
Drake and Ford.
DJ Head
Are you saying that Dot conspired to have Dot? I mean, you're saying Dot conspired to have Drake use those two west coast legends, right?
Maul
No, I'm not saying. No, no, no, no, no. I'm not saying Dot had anything to do with it.
DJ Head
No, no, I'm. Listen, you're saying that dot turned it into California versus Drake.
Maul
That's 100%.
DJ Head
But Drake used California first.
Maul
He used it in a way of saying, yo, dawg, you taking too long to drop your verse or your record, whatever you putting out. Like, yo, what's up, fam? I'm waiting. Like, this is what the OGs would say or what I think the OGs would if they could get in Kendrick's ear. Like, kendrick, we need you, west coast savior. All of that, like, that was just fun shit. That was part of the moment. But to since then, have the estate. Whoever called the estate, I don't know who called the state, Tupac estate.
DJ Head
Who has to call anybody.
Maul
I'm just saying somebody.
DJ Head
Somebody use Rory and Mall and to. To. To do stuff without your permission.
Maul
They do it all the time.
DJ Head
No, no, that's not what I'm asking you. Are you cool with people using Moraria, Mall, Rory. Are you cool with people using Rory and Mall to just do whatever the fuck they want to do?
Rory
No.
DJ Head
Why not?
Rory
It depends the light that it's put in.
DJ Head
Okay.
Rory
There's plenty of stuff that goes on YouTube that will never copyright, copy, strike anything if you want to use our content.
Maul
I'm right.
Rory
There's been times where, like, homophobic shit was used in our likeness that we didn't feel was okay with advertisers. And it's different. There's.
DJ Head
Right.
Rory
But as far as, like, someone clipping this exact conversation. Nah, I'm fine with that.
DJ Head
Okay.
Rory
Because it promotes. I mean, granted, that didn't promote Tupac or Snoop, so. I see. There's not.
Maul
It wasn't true, though.
Rory
I know. So it's a weird comparison that I think Head is asking.
DJ Head
No, no, no, it's not. I'm not. I'm not comparing the two. I'm simply just asking straight across. Because he was bringing up, like, somebody called the estate. Just straight across business. You can't even put out your album without getting clearance.
Rory
Oh, for sure. Yeah. No, I don't think anyone needed to call Tupac's estate. They could just hear it, that's all. I'm the lawyer. The lawyer that they have on retainer.
Maul
I don't think nobody called Tupac's estate.
Rory
I'll be honest. I don't know. Kendrick.
Maul
No, I'm asking. Do you think anybody did?
Rory
I think. I think somebody probably did. I don't think it had anything to do with Kendrick, but I'm not in this debate.
Maul
Okay.
DJ Head
So my point is, Drake brought California.
Maul
In before that did because he used Snoop and. And Pac's likeness.
DJ Head
It would have been a cool record without it.
Maul
Okay.
DJ Head
It's just creatively, you have to have the bandwidth to do that on your own.
Rory
I hear that. All right. So 17 days passes in this era. I feel like because of the Internet, people want you to reply right away. And I feel like Dot was the one that kind of initiated this entire thing with free time while Drake was on tour and then waited 17 days to put out Euphoria. Was that too long, in your opinion, Ed? No, not in retrospect. We're in the timeline right now.
DJ Head
No. Why? Because you don't get to dictate what I do.
Rory
Even if you popped everything off. If you say, yo, let's fight, and then now it's on your time, no, you asked me to fight. Let's go fight.
DJ Head
But who said that?
Rory
I mean, like, that I feel said that.
DJ Head
He didn't say, let's fight. He said, fuck that shit. I'm this. That's like me saying, I'm not anti anybody. I'm just pro us. That's. I don't. I'm not anti New York. I'm just pro la.
Rory
He said he wanted to kill every. For every dog. We know what he was talking about.
DJ Head
That was wordplay. Long ago.
Rory
Initiates a battle.
Maul
I wasn't like that. That was the end of the verse.
DJ Head
No, I know that, but what I'm saying is, if you look at it, to me, that's. That's rap. That's not the same thing. Like, if we. If we're keeping this timeline that we're on right now, right. Whereas that song comes out, then you get the response, which is the push up record. And then this alleged conversation happens. It's like, oh, this is a thing. All right, bet I'll be back. You don't get to dictate when I come back.
Maul
Nah. I mean, head is being political, and I respect that. But we all know it was a play.
DJ Head
What was a play?
Maul
Lucian had to have a meeting about what was going to happen, how it was going to happen, but absolutely.
DJ Head
You know that for a fact.
Maul
I don't know. I'm just saying.
DJ Head
Yeah, that's crazy.
Rory
So do you not see that that could be something that would happen?
DJ Head
No.
Rory
In the building.
DJ Head
That's not.
Rory
After we've engaged, like that has come out and.
Maul
Hold on, hold on, hold on. Roy.
Rory
No, no, go ahead. I want to shut up.
Maul
You don't think that there was no talks with anybody at Universal about what Kendrick was about to do at any point in this. In this battle? You don't think that Kendrick had a conversation with anybody about his plans, what he was going to do, how they wanted to do it? You don't think. You think all of this was just Kendrick with his. Whoever he's in the studio with, and they would decide on what they wanted to do? You think he didn't have a single conversation with the label?
DJ Head
Do I think that. I don't. I don't think so.
Maul
You don't think he had one conversation?
DJ Head
I don't think so.
Maul
All right.
Rory
Okay. Once Euphoria drops head. I know you had said earlier you didn't think he was plotting whatsoever, but there was rumors that he had records for four years. Again, rumors, I have no idea. Euphoria did speak a bit to some stuff on pushups, but was that a record, in your opinion, that had been halfway done for quite some time?
DJ Head
No, I think you have ideas. I don't think the record has been done forever. I think you have ideas. It's like, oh, if I get into it with this artist, here's some things. Here's some bullet points. Like, we've all moderated and hosted shit, right? So me personally, my personal hosting stuff style is I go like, I'm doing a. I'm going to Cal State Northridge next. Next week to speak. I don't know what I'm gonna say, but I have bullet points of ideas. And then I. That's my best way of communication. Because I want my thoughts to always be authentic. That's why I don't have no prep sheets. I didn't come here with like, hey, we can't talk about this. And you know. You know what I mean? Cause I'm best when I'm just being real and authentic. So I think these are ideas that he might have had, but I don't think there was any records. I mean, there probably were some bars in songs, but I don't think there was a Euphoria done four years ago. No.
Rory
Okay, follow up on that. Do you think anything on Euphoria landed at this point in the battle? April 30, 2024?
DJ Head
Yeah.
Rory
What do you think landed?
DJ Head
I like the DMX callback. That's a personal fan favorite of mine. They hate the way you walk and stuff like that. Cause it was just funny. It was a moment that was funny. And I like humor, but you like humor.
Maul
Unless you're using Pac's and Snoop's likeness.
DJ Head
That's not humorous to me. That's respect. I don't find disrespect humorous.
Maul
Okay.
DJ Head
So there was other part where.
Maul
You don't find dis. Wait, wait, hold up. You don't find disrespect? You DJed the Popeye. That was based on disrespect, was it?
DJ Head
What?
Maul
Hey, we not doing this. We not. Do you. My God. We not doing this.
DJ Head
Doing what?
Maul
You don't find disrespect humorous? All you niggas was shaking y'all asses on that Amazon stage.
DJ Head
I rebuke that in the name of Jesus. I don't shake my ass.
Maul
I saw you shaking ass.
DJ Head
I don't shake ass.
Maul
I mean, you wasn't twerking, but you was. You was. You had a two step behind the turntable. We not doing that.
DJ Head
Yeah, but that's not gyrating ass.
Maul
All right, well, you was gyrating. Maybe not your ass, but you was gyrating.
DJ Head
Yeah. Okay, what was I saying?
Damaris
Lines that hit from Euphoria. You had your turn. We're going to ask ma now mall. Were there any lines, objectively, that you think struck a nerve from Euphoria?
Maul
I honestly can't remember Euphoria. Like the ball and I'm being serious. I really can't remember. I can't quote a single ball from Euphoria right now. Hey, yo, I'm being dead. I'm being dead serious. If y'all have a line that y'all can give me an example of, I would. I would love to talk about it, but I really cannot think of a line.
Rory
Okay, so the answer is no. You don't think anything landed at all?
Maul
Landed and you.
Rory
I mean, yeah, like that, that affected cuz. I mean, we're eventually going to.
Maul
Was Euphoria the one about his. His dad or.
Rory
No, no, that's Meet the Grahams.
Maul
Oh, which one is Euphoria?
Rory
The. I mean, it's one of the longer records. It's the. It's when he gets in his Toronto Croy. That one.
DJ Head
Yeah.
Rory
I don't think that was a good impression, y'all.
Maul
Yeah, I don't think none of that.
Rory
Landed New King Croy. Yeah, that one.
Damaris
When I see you dancing with Sexyy Red, I believe you see two bad bitches.
DJ Head
The.
Damaris
Is it. What is it? Like the things that were addressed in Euphoria, do you think that they hit at all? Whether to Drake personally or to his image? Do you think that they. Do you think that it made anybody go, oh, he has to respond to this?
Maul
I mean, I don't think it was that. I think people just felt like Drake had to respond. Just as, you know, as a rapper, you. You hold, you stand behind your pen and your bars. So I think people felt like Drake had to respond no matter what Kendrick said. But I don't know if it was anything in Euphoria where Drake was in, you know, wherever he was at, like getting mad, like, oh, like he said that, like it's on now. I don't think it was any of that.
Rory
I don't mean from Drake's perspective. I think just because everything played out on the timeline and the court of public opinion is really what's at stake with battles at this point. More so did that affect anything? Cause I think a lot of points were brought up with push ups and Drake talking about Kendrick contract and stuff that maybe we didn't know before. That's more what I'm saying. With Euphoria.
Maul
Yeah, but people don't care about facts.
Rory
We will get to that as well. Three days later, 616 LA comes out. Kendrick rapped. Have you ever thought that OVO is working for me? If that is true, do you guys know who that person was? Because this has been probably the most debated thing during that week of who.
Maul
The mole was, that Kendrick has a mole in ovo.
Rory
Yes. They were going through Boy Wonder's Social Security, his mom's address.
Maul
I think that was just a tactic From Kendrick of divide and conquer. Just plant the seed of start to get Drake to walk around his camp and start looking at everybody with a raised eyebrow like, is it you? I don't think that was a real thing though. I don't think nobody from OVO is working for Kendrick.
Rory
And we'll get to Hard part six, but I do want to counter your point. He did say he sent somebody to.
Maul
Get information on Drake.
Rory
No, he had said that he had placed the information about the daughter, which we'll also get to. But Drake did admit in Hard part six that he had placed the mole that Kendrick was talking about was actually placed by Drake in there.
Damaris
Double agent.
Rory
Yeah. Oh, Jason Bourne.
DJ Head
Shit.
Maul
I don't know. I don't know how true that is.
Rory
But what do you think?
Maul
I mean, I think a lot of things were said in jest. I think a lot of things was for entertainment. I'm pretty sure Drake did send some false information. Kendrick's way. How did he send it? How? Who he sent it with? I can't speak to that, but I'm pretty sure he sent some. Some. Some fake work. He sent a fake brick in the mail.
Damaris
Do you have any response to this? Do you think that there was a mole or do you have confirmation that there was indeed a mole?
DJ Head
I wouldn't necessarily call it that. A mole indicates espionage.
Rory
Explain and spell it.
DJ Head
What? Espionage? Yeah, what is it spelling?
Maul
Me? No, I just want you to spell espionage.
DJ Head
You spell it first.
Maul
Me, E, S, P, I, O, N, A, G, E. Okay.
DJ Head
You want me to go?
Maul
I'm not playing with me. Hey, you're not who you think you sitting across. We not doing this. You. My God. We not gonna do this.
DJ Head
I'm not doing anything.
Maul
All right, cool. All right. All right. And I don't even know if I spelled it right, but okay.
Rory
I appreciate the confidence you did.
Damaris
Even if you don't think that there was a mole because you keep. You keep hearkening back to the fact that none of this was plotted or pre planned. Do you think that there was indeed someone from the OVO camp that was providing information that Drake would have rather not been provided, that Drake would have rather not gotten out? Do you think that that happened?
DJ Head
I wouldn't necessarily say from the OVO camp.
Rory
An affiliate maybe? Perhaps just an ov. No.
DJ Head
Maybe. If you remember, if you go back a little bit in timeline, when the push ups record dropped, I'm the one who announced that it was dropping in 30 minutes.
Rory
And this was the leaked version or the version I said It'll be on.
DJ Head
DSPS in 30 minutes.
Rory
Okay. And again, the version that leaked or the version that ended up the official.
DJ Head
Song, I'm the one who said it'll be on and It'll be on DSPS in 30 minutes.
Rory
Okay.
DJ Head
So that's my answer.
Rory
Fair. And I'm gonna ask a follow up, which you probably won't answer. Do you think the person that told you that was the person that was working with both sides?
DJ Head
No.
Damaris
There was more than one mole.
Rory
So it was a yes. Okay with you. Moving on. All right, so Family Matters drops the exact same day. Maul, you posted a red button as well as Drake on his story. Malt, do you think the Dave Free Bar was the nuke that Drake thought it was?
Maul
No, I don't think that Drake thought that was a nuke.
Rory
That bar he had said on Red Button on the Scary Hours Deluxe with for all the dogs that he could hit the red button, everyone's going to heaven.
Maul
Yeah.
Rory
So we were all anticipating that this red button was going to be something that was going to blow all of our minds. Do you think that that red button was as effective as Drake may have thought it was?
Maul
No, I think you were just attaching that red button to anything at this point. But I think that because for all the dogs came out way before any of us even transpired. I don't think that the day Free Bar was a bar that Drake was like, hanging on like, oh, this gonna be the one that. I don't think it was that. But if you go back and listen to Family Matters, I think that to this day, I still believe that that's a better record than Not Like Us. I believe he rapped better or Not Like Us. I believe the production is better than Not Like Us. I think Drake's the only thing I would have done differently. Looking back, I would have cut that brick in three. I wouldn't have released all three of the beat changes at once. I would have released the first one, ended with the gunshots. Wait to see what Kendrick does. If he takes too long, maybe release the second one. I would have done that. But if we go back now that it's all said and done and just listen to bars and I was talking to. I've spoken to a lot of rappers and artists that make music at a high level. And without even bringing it up, they say, like Drake may have in the perception of people, may have lost the strategy game, but as far as the better bars and music, Not Like Us is not better than Family Matters Head.
Damaris
Would you agree with that?
Maul
He's from. He's from Carson.
DJ Head
He can't.
Maul
He can't disagree with it.
DJ Head
Or I just go outside.
Rory
Okay, well, since this was going to be a post battle question, but let's ask it now since Maul did bring it up. Who out wrapped who? Not who out Impact. Who. Who had the better strategy? Who had the better bars in this entire battle?
DJ Head
I stay on my side of the line of scrimmage.
Maul
He got to. He got a check from the Pop out show.
DJ Head
I don't have to.
Maul
Yes, you do. You can't go against that.
DJ Head
I could do whatever I want to do.
Maul
Nah, you can't go against Kendrick. You can't do that. And I'm not mad at you. I fuck with you. I'm not mad at you. But you can't sit here and objectively say, nah, I don't think that, you.
DJ Head
Know, I would if that's what I thought.
Maul
Drake out wrapped him. And I'm talking about, fuck me saying it. Some of the rappers that you've played their records and respect, I've had conversations with them and they like, yo, Kendrick may have got the strategy and the perception of him dropping right after Family Matters and all of that. Cool. But if you just go and listen to bars as an emcee and as a rapper, there's no way you think Kendrick. I don't even think Kendrick was trying to really rap or Not Like Us. I think he. It was a song. He was trying to get people to dance. He needed to galvanize the west coast, get the whole California behind this song. This is like our new anthem, which is. I'm not mad at that strategy, but we not going to say he rapped better than Drake on Not Like Us versus Family Matters. No fucking way.
Damaris
So Mal bringing that up, when you're referencing that and everybody else that you're referring to, are you talking about just Not Like Us versus Family Matters. Are you talking about Kendrick versus Drake in the entirety of all of these songs?
Rory
Because also at this point, Family Matters was really against Meet the Grahams in that situation.
Maul
I think Family Matters and Hard Part six, Drake is rapping better than anything Kendrick put out during that moment. Just rapping. Absolutely.
DJ Head
I aspire to have this level of.
Maul
He's still on impact of a song. He talking about a song. I'm talking about bars. No, I'm talking about lyrics. I'm talking about rhyme.
DJ Head
I'm talking about rap.
Maul
Not like us. The production is not even dope.
Damaris
Okay, so, ma, you keep bringing Up Not Like Us head. Do you think that Not Like Us is Kendrick's best rapped song in all of this battle? Which one would you pick out of all of them?
DJ Head
Euphoria.
Damaris
Okay.
Maul
I don't even remember that song.
DJ Head
It's probably. It's probably a lot of bars too confusing.
Maul
No, it's just. It's just like when you open a bag of chips, it's a lot of the air at the top and there's a few chips in there. But we ain't gonna go back to that head.
Rory
You being the Coast Guard and having some relationship with everybody in that camp and around that camp. What was everyone's reaction to the Dave Free bar comedy?
DJ Head
It was just. It was like, that's. That's. That's. That's the. That's the. Well, actually, it was two. There was two reactions. One from the musical, from the front, facing standpoint, like, that we all had internally was like, that's. Why would. That's. That's not even a good attempt. Like, that's a. Sorry, that's like a lazy attempt at something. And then the second thing was from the homies.
Maul
What about Kendrick saying you have a daughter? Yeah, that wasn't a lazy attempt.
DJ Head
What about it?
Maul
That wasn't a lazy attempt from Kendrick saying that Drake has a daughter that he's hiding?
DJ Head
I don't know. Do we have one?
Maul
You don't know? That was a lazy attempt. I'm asking you, do you think that was a lazy attempt?
DJ Head
No.
Maul
You don't.
Rory
Why?
Maul
And do you think Drake is hiding a daughter?
DJ Head
Hiding is a verb.
Maul
Okay. Do you think Drake has a daughter?
Rory
You are hiding your opinions.
Maul
Yeah. Do you think Drake has a daughter?
DJ Head
I think it's possible.
Maul
Okay. You think it's possible that you think that Drake has a daughter, or do you think it's possible Drake has a daughter?
DJ Head
I think it's possible he has one.
Maul
Okay.
Rory
I mean, I don't particularly care to get into Kendrick's personal life with his girl kids and his business partner, but do you see Mal's point in some degree that saying Dave Free might be your son's father? I agree. Is lazy. And I thought if that was the nuke. That's odd. Cause that's not. No one's really gonna believe that. Even if for some weird reason it was true. The daughter thing, is that not lazy? Because Push already did it and we saw what that did. And you're supposed to be light years ahead of any rapper right now, and you're reusing the same Strategy off something that can't be proven. Whereas Push did it and it was proven.
DJ Head
No, I get what. I get that point. But you also have to understand, like, the way I'm looking at it, and this is. I mean, you're not gonna believe me, but objectively looking at it, it's a Floyd Mayweather thing. Like, Dot has been counter punching the whole time. He's not. He's not aggressed. The only time he aggressed is once it was already fully on. You know what I'm saying? So if you think about it like that, he aggressed. If you think about it, when you say, like the. The Day Free thing came first in family matters.
Rory
Correct. Yeah.
DJ Head
And then there was a response and then the other thing came. It wasn't like. It's like, oh, okay, boom, boom. It was like a one for one to me.
Rory
Okay, so you are. And I'm asking because we think that the Day Free line was a lie that gave Kendrick also a green light to lie about the daughter, hypothetically. Because we do not know these people and their personal lives like that.
DJ Head
Oh, yeah. I mean, sure.
Rory
So it doesn't. You don't get a point taken away if you do a whole third verse about something that's completely unproven and possibly fed as information to you to give you the okie doke.
DJ Head
Well, no, even. Okay, let's do it this way. Let's take it out. Let's take the whole verse out.
Rory
Okay.
DJ Head
There's a record still.
Rory
I love. I love the record. I love the record.
Maul
Which record is this?
Rory
Meet the Grounds.
DJ Head
I don't like the record.
Rory
Okay.
DJ Head
At all. On no level. I've listened to it a total of maybe five times. And I told him that I don't like the record.
Rory
What don't you like about it?
DJ Head
It's too fucking. It's dark and it makes me uncomfortable. I don't like. I'm a joke. Jovial. Like I'm. I'm a nerd and I'm like cerebral. But I'm a jovial individual. I have good positive frequencies. I don't like that. I don't like the depth. And dark like, that ain't my. That ain't my bag. So I told him that that's one of my. That's like my least favorite record out of everything mall.
Rory
Do you think Meet the Grams even based off your opinion of the record? Because even Head said he doesn't really like it like that. Do you feel like it was effective off Drake's probably best record in this entire beef?
Maul
No.
Rory
Why?
Maul
I mean, people don't even really talk about Meet the Grams. It's not even a song that people. I think, like Head said, I think most people kind of forget that record. Like, we get it. He dropped it right after, you know, and the timing of it when he dropped it was like, oh, you know, everybody was running back and forth to YouTube. Kendrick just dropped and this whatever. But I think when you go back and listen to it, it's probably the least favorite from most people.
Rory
Fair. But do you think if Family Matters, being the diss record that it is, had more time to breathe, it would have been more effective in this battle? Whereas Meet the Grams to not like us back to back after. I think Drake's best diss record ever.
Maul
Family Matters.
Rory
Yes. Do you think that that was an effective step on when it came to Drake's best effort?
Maul
No. I mean, no matter what Kendrick said or put out, I thought the timing of it was dope. It's kind of like if, you know, head, if you DJing and somebody bump your table and fuck up your needle and the record jump, the energy is completely different in the room at the party. So I think that's what Kendrick did. He bumped the needle, the record jumped, and it was kind of like, okay, people kind of like, you know, but not only the record jump, my record comes on. You know what I'm saying? So I thought the time and I thought the strategy of what Kendrick did to me was dope. Like, okay, I get it. But again, I'm going back just as a music head, as a consumer of hip hop and listening to bars and raps. And once I listen to that, I don't care when the record dropped, how it dropped in the moment. I understand, you know, the impact of that. But now that I'm just listening to bars and raps, nobody can convince me that Drake got out rapped in this thing. Like, there's no fucking way he got out rapped. Now I understand what the optics of the record is and it being big and everything that Kendrick got off of that, the Amazon show and the super bowl halftime and things like that. I understand that part of it. And like Head said earlier, optics is a big part of it and perception is a big part of it. Again, I'm just a consumer of hip hop and rap and listening to music and in me listening to it, there's nobody that can convince me that Drake had the worst bars in this whole thing.
Damaris
Okay, Mal Harkening back to Family Matters.
Maul
Harkening Spell that.
Rory
I'm sorry, HR Mal.
Damaris
Do you think domestic abuse allegations are too far in a battle, especially if they're unproven?
Maul
Do I think domestic abuse allegations in a battle are too far?
Rory
Unproven.
Damaris
Unproven.
Maul
Unproven, Yes.
Rory
I think everyone can say proven domestic violence is fair in a battle.
Maul
Maybe. Yeah, I guess. I think that anything you start talking about, when you start talking about somebody's family and things like that may be a line that may be too far. But then again, this is rap, hip hop, but I don't think that there's any line as far as calling somebody a pedophile. I think that's the worst thing you can put on anybody's head.
Rory
And we're going to get to that.
Damaris
Get to that.
Rory
But how do you think that domestic violence allegations are okay in a rap battle?
DJ Head
It's nuanced.
Rory
Define nuance in this situation.
DJ Head
It depends on what the line is and what and where and what the rules of engagement are.
Rory
Drake, I think, directly said that Kendrick had beat his girl.
DJ Head
Then to me, then. Was it warranted?
Rory
I don't know.
Damaris
Do you?
Rory
Because I don't know.
Maul
Yeah.
Rory
Do you think unproven domestic violence is okay to put.
DJ Head
I think. I think anything is okay as long as both parties are cool with what the outcome. Like, you know how like, the YM be like, hey, let's meet up and die.
Maul
Yeah.
DJ Head
If both of y'all are cool with dying.
Damaris
I'm sorry.
DJ Head
No, I'm just saying, like.
Rory
No, I get your point.
DJ Head
If me and you are okay with dying, then nothing's off the table. You know what I'm saying? It's only a problem if one party disagrees to the terms.
Rory
Okay. With that said, do you think Drake is a pedophile?
DJ Head
Do I think he's a what?
Rory
Do you think Drake is a pedophile by definition?
DJ Head
No.
Rory
Okay.
Maul
By what? So, not by definition, but by what? Because it sounds like you think he's a pedophile by something else.
DJ Head
That's not what I said.
Maul
I said. I said it sounds like.
DJ Head
That's not what I said. I don't take credit for anything I don't say.
Maul
Okay, so you don't think Drake is a pedophile by def. By the definition of a pedophile?
DJ Head
Correct.
Maul
Okay.
Rory
Okay. I hate. This is just going to demonetize us immediately and it's going to make my algorithms crazy. The definition of pedophile is sexual perversion in which children are the preferred sexual object. I'm going to close my laptop and hope the feds don't write here.
DJ Head
And. And the defined and the definitive definition of a child is what?
Rory
All right, see, don't. Don't whack 100 me where you know, the age of consent in every state.
DJ Head
Okay, fine. I think I'm.
Rory
I think to answer your.
DJ Head
The layman answer.
Rory
We also know, as, like, moral fiber what a kid is and what a kid is.
DJ Head
The layman answer, Rory, is no.
Rory
Okay.
Damaris
Okay.
Rory
And I believe you did answer it in. If everyone's ready to die, everything's off the table. But you think pedophilia is okay to be brought up in a battle?
DJ Head
I think once. If I do discuss with you. Hey, let's. This is a line. My earlobes are off limits, and I violate the sanctity of that. Let's meet up and die.
Maul
Okay. On what he just said, I mean, you know, that's fair. If he. If he feels like, you know, again, if there was a conversation and, you know, certain things were deemed off limits, if somebody violates the terms of the conversation, I think all bets are off. There's no rules of engagement. Everything is fair game. I just think. Just where I think your moral compass kicks in at some point. And it's just certain things, certain energies I just wouldn't invite into my music and things like that. And I just think just that word is something that I just would never throw around unless it was absolutely, definitively true, like, then cool. But if not, I don't think you. You play with that word at all.
DJ Head
I think that's the difference, though.
Maul
What?
DJ Head
The nuance of. The nuance of. I want to say, like, cultural prowess. Right? Like people who don't understand certain things.
Maul
Here's my thing. Not to cut you off. If Kendrick. Again, I've never had a conversation with Kendrick about any of this shit, but if he feels like Drake is indeed a pedophile, how long did he feel like that? How long did he, you know, think Drake was a pedophile? And why has he done music with somebody he thinks is a pedophile? No, I'm not saying. I'm not. I'm not telling you to answer it. I would just say, to me, it's just like, if we know, you know, we come from a certain area, we see, you know, he's a. We don't even play with that word. Because where we from, we know what happens to those type of people. We see people creating content online or meeting up with people that's trying to meet up with kids and have sex. Beat them up, you know, whatever. So in this battle to introduce that energy against someone that you don't know if it's facts or not, you may just feel like it is for whatever reasons, whatever conversations you're privy to. My thing is, how long did you feel like that?
DJ Head
I get what you're saying.
Maul
You know what I mean? Like, how long?
DJ Head
Let me ask Maul a question.
Maul
Yeah.
DJ Head
Mal is beefing with Joe Budden. What's off limits?
Maul
What's off limits?
DJ Head
What's off limits? What?
Maul
Nothing is off limits.
DJ Head
Nothing is off limit.
Maul
Yeah.
DJ Head
So let's meet up and die.
Maul
Yeah.
DJ Head
Okay, so by that standard, then you can't say, well, that goes against my moral compass and all. Like you just said, nothing is off limits.
Maul
Right.
DJ Head
So that's what that.
Maul
You're right, and I understand that. But when it comes to that, and we both have children, right? So we can at one point in our lives, be ready to die and crash out. We'll burn all this shit down. But now, when we're fathers and we have children, we don't think the same anymore. We don't speak the same anymore. We look at life totally different. We're more. You know, we're different versions of what we used to be. Because again, you have children and you understand how sacred that is and you know how precious children are. So, yeah, we could be in this situation where we ready to go all out, but at some point you got to be like, nah, I ain't doing that, though.
DJ Head
You just brought up kids. Who brought the kids up first?
Maul
No, I understand what you're saying. In the timeline of things, I understand what you're saying.
DJ Head
So then.
Maul
But even. But even in that, you don't get.
DJ Head
The right to dictate anything beyond that point.
Maul
I'm not. I'm not trying to dictate shit. I'm just saying at some point you have to say, all right, what I'm saying is the worst thing you could say about somebody, that better be a fact. Because once you do that, once you label somebody that again, we. Somebody calls somebody a rat, we know what happened, what could happen. You just call somebody a snitch, coming from Carson, coming from New York, we know what could happen. A pedophile is worse than all of that shit.
DJ Head
Okay?
Maul
So when you label a man that. I would just think that you would have to be 1000% correct in what you're saying and have facts on that before you throw it out there. And I do understand there's no rules once you say, oh, you Know, my manager might be my kid's father. Cool. Disrespectful.
DJ Head
So. No, no, no. Not disrespectful. Again, you're trying to mitigate how one perceives the disrespect. You don't have the privilege of doing that. If somebody. If I tell somebody. If I walk outside right now and I tell somebody smd, I have to be ready for whatever. I can't be like, oh, I got a kid and you got a kid. Let's think about it.
Maul
Oh, no. Drake was ready for the. Obviously, he's the one that said so.
DJ Head
Then at that point, there's no more discussion. Let's meet up and die.
Maul
I get that. But here's the problem is now. The problem is now, when this is a record that you are, like, grandstanding and this is a message that you are displaying to the world. You know what I mean? Like, you got your super bowl show and you got the Amazon show, and now you're doing stadiums and things like that. And this is the record that is like, you know, that's where to me.
DJ Head
It'S like, okay, I just made a better record than you.
Maul
If that's the line you want to stand on, cool. I'm not. Listen, it's a battle. We pick sides. Who you think won, who you think lost. Great. I'm just saying now that all of that is kind of like, over.
DJ Head
Well, would you feel the same way if Family Matters became what Not Like.
Maul
Us is about the line of Dave Free being he performing at the super.
DJ Head
Bowl, claiming that my kids ain't mine, his kids ain't his.
Maul
But I've said that. I've said. I was like, yo, he better have some information we don't have. Cause that's crazy to put on something.
DJ Head
That'S not what I asked you. What I asked you is, do you feel the same way if Family Matters becomes what now like us is? Yeah, okay.
Maul
Absolutely.
DJ Head
All right.
Maul
No, my moral compass is set to where it's set to. It's certain things to me that I'm just like, all right, you gonna say that. You gotta stand on that.
DJ Head
So you being from where you're from and me being from where I'm from, we have a certain level of. I call it texture, which I don't necessarily know how to describe it. You can tell when somebody is not authentically of that texture because they.
Maul
What texture?
DJ Head
You come from a certain environment where you operate in a certain space. Code. Code of conduct, for instance. And I've spoken this like, that's why I don't. That's why I conduct myself a certain way. I can't get on the Internet, on the radio, on television, and just crash out. I can't say what I want. That's another gripe I have. We can get to that later. But I can't just say whatever I want because I have people that if certain. If certain people call my phone, I have to answer the phone. Like, there's no. There's no. Like, I have checks and balances because I don't get the freedom to just say whatever the fuck I want to say. Because I represent too many or certain places and people and individuals who look to me as a representation of them. It's not just about me. And so that's a different level of respect tenfold. There's another thing called. And this is why. I mean, I'm not gonna. I'm not gonna pick on y'all, but there's two things which I was. Which I talked to Elliot about before. One is called journalistic integrity. I'm a. I'm a. Like, I'm a professional broadcaster. I come from professional broadcasting, right? So we have to learn journalistic integrity. Like Rory May. I know he was joking, but, like, yo, we don't fact check here. That brings up the second point of contention, which is called libel, which I'm pretty sure, like, Benner is familiar with or whatever libel is when you say or do things that are false or disinformation, misinformation that can lead to you being sued. Tasha K. Right. So I conduct myself in a manner in which I always have those three things in the back of my mind at all times. I don't get the luxury of just freestyling speech and shit like that. So that being said, when you look at, like, your moral compass is set a certain way, mine is set a certain way, you can look at certain individuals and how they move throughout the game. It doesn't even have to be Drake. It could be other media personalities or streamers or artists or whatever. You can tell who. Who never had to go to the park or never had to catch the train or never had to answer their phone.
Maul
Absolutely.
DJ Head
You can tell those individuals, right?
Maul
That's a fact.
DJ Head
So you can't be like, say, you can't make an accusation like, rory fathered Mall's kids. And just because my record wasn't bigger than yours, be like, well, you can't say that about me on your record. No, we're. We meet. We meet up and we're meeting up and we're dying.
Maul
He didn't say. He didn't say he followed his kids. He said, I heard he might.
DJ Head
I understand that, but the insinuation is so you.
Maul
But. Yeah, but you know the difference though? As a journalist, you understand I'm not a journalist. Okay. As a broadcaster, you had to. You had to learn certain things about what you say.
DJ Head
Yeah.
Maul
So if I say I heard that, it might be. It's a totally different thing.
DJ Head
So when did he call him? When did he call him A PDF?
Maul
Okay. Say, Drake. I heard you like him young. You better not ever go to Cell Block one. Fast forward. Certified lover boy. Certified pedophiles.
DJ Head
Hey, there's a comma there.
Maul
Certified lover boy. Certified pedophiles. Who is he talking to?
DJ Head
You tell me.
Maul
Is he talking to the certified lover boy?
DJ Head
You tell me.
Maul
Okay, I'm asking you because this is your record.
DJ Head
I was in my record. I wasn't there.
Maul
You played this at every party?
DJ Head
Not every party. I did a corporate event I didn't play it at.
Maul
Why not?
DJ Head
Because they wanted like 80 90s R.
Maul
B. Oh, but if it wasn't. If it wasn't, you would have played it. It's in your set.
DJ Head
I don't have a set. I read the crowd. I'm not lying to you. I've never prepared a set in 20 years. I go, I crowd. That's why radio so hard for me, because I can't see people.
Maul
If you have five parties in the.
DJ Head
Week, I'm gonna play the record.
Maul
Out of how many of them parties will you play that?
DJ Head
It depends on the crowd. That's what I'm telling you. I'm reading the crowd. If the crowd, if the energy calls for it, then that's. I'm not one of them DJs who make it about me. It's not what I want to hear. It's whatever the I'm whatever the crowd is.
Maul
Okay, how many times do you play Family Matters?
DJ Head
Where at a party? Probably once. Okay, maybe.
Rory
Do you think it's a party record?
Maul
No, that's my point. I don't think Drake was trying to make party records in this moment.
Damaris
Okay, well, we're going to move on to the last song. Well, the last diss in this battle. Drake's Heart, Part six. Mal, you mentioned that the Heart Part six would age better than any other song in the battle. A year in, do you still believe it will or that it has?
Maul
I said that it will age better.
Damaris
Better than any other song in the battle. You said it was one of, quote, one of the best battle disses or rap disses of all time.
Maul
I still think that's probably Family Matters is probably the better song because of, you know, the beat switches and things like that. Just the energy switching in that. In that record. But Drake's rapping on the Hard Part six. I mean, I don't know if people, you know, really listen to that record. I still think that. That his rapping on that is incredible.
Rory
Do you think he misinterpreted Mr. Morale in his response to Drake as far as the pedophile angle went?
Maul
You said, do I think he did what?
Rory
Misinterpreted what Kendrick was saying on Mr. Morale as far as past sexual abuse in his family?
Maul
I'm not. No, I don't. I don't think so.
Rory
Because the. The idea of the record is that there was some type of sexual abuse in the past with his family line, and because of that, his family thought he was touched, and he was saying, no, I was never touched. Like, I'm trying to tell you, Please believe me, my cousins did not touch me. Drake took the angle after. Not like us to take the pedophile angle to say that he was touched. And that is why he keeps bringing up pedophilia. Do you think there's any stat lost in completely misinterpreting what Kendrick was saying?
Maul
No, I think if you're gonna do that, if we gonna find comb misinterpretations throughout this whole thing, It's a lot.
Rory
I mean, we have on every record. That's why I want it to be.
Maul
I don't. I don't. No, I don't. I don't think. I don't think he misinterpreted. I don't think. I don't. I mean, if he did, you know, if Kendrick comes down and said that's not what happened, then, okay, he did. But I think that Drake heard that record like we all did, and that's what he took from it, and that was the bar he came up with.
Rory
Do you feel that he waved the white flag at the end of the record?
Maul
Waved the white flag again? I think that he realized what was happening. I think he realized UMG's positioning in this and what they were trying to do, which is why he still has a case ongoing against them around the business that they did, around the record. Not so much, you know, Kendrick, but just what UMG did with that record and that messaging.
Rory
Well, I mean, Mo, again, I want to be objective here. Hard Part 6 came out 24 hours after not Like Us. So I don't think we even knew what bots or what UMG was doing at that time. I think UMG even heard Not Like Us at the same time we did. So I hear you on the second part. Once Drake realized what umg, because, you know, I've been on your side with that entire thing. At the end of that, I don't think UMG had anything to do with that Outro. I think he was saying to Kendrick, no, no, no.
Maul
I'm not talking about waving a white flag, because I think it was more so, like, he understood that, you know? All right, you want to have this back and forth. You obviously have this record. Okay, cool. You gonna put out a record? After I put out a record, I'm not gonna keep. Like, how long is this gonna go on? Like, I could put out five records. You gonna put out five records? Like. Like, we gonna keep putting our records every week. I think at some point, Drake was just like, all right, man. Like, I. I'm not. This. If this is. If this is what your plan was, to drop right after I drop, then cool, man. You got it. Like, I'm not gonna sit here and just drop records every two days and just go back and forth for the entire summer. I'm not gonna do that.
DJ Head
Ed, what's the question?
Rory
Thoughts? The white flag or response to what Mall had to say with the five records and constantly going, how long is this battle going to continue on?
DJ Head
Battle fatigue is a thing. You know, I. I watch. I'm a big WWE fan. I watch rap. I watch wrestlers submit all the time.
Rory
Okay, so you think it was battle fatigue?
Damaris
You think it was a submission?
DJ Head
Well, the thing is, I don't want to get hella deep because people, like, say I'm. They like to call me pretentious, but.
Maul
Damaris, is that what they say about you?
DJ Head
Yeah, they do. Okay, Damaris, let me ask you a question. When you listen to The Heart Part 6, is his energy the same as it is on Family Matters?
Damaris
I'm choosing not to answer that question because this is completely between you guys, and me and Rory have decided to stay completely out of it.
Rory
Yeah, we're trying to get you because we have already.
Damaris
Because we've covered this battle so much, there's preconceived notions about what sides we are on. So we're staying completely. Yes.
DJ Head
So you think that Drake's energy is the same from On Family Matters and on the Hard Part?
Maul
It's not supposed to be. It's a different Record. The energy of the record is different. The production is different.
DJ Head
I agree.
Maul
It's a totally different energy.
DJ Head
Do you think his temperament is the same?
Maul
Well, no, because, again, it's a different song. I think that he's seeing what's going on. Like, he's piecing certain things together, like, kind of trying to put the puzzle. Like, oh, okay, this is what this is about. Like, oh, all right. So I don't think his. Yes. His temperament is different on heart par 6 than it was on Family Matters. Absolutely. But not. Not due to battle fatigue or, you know, anything like that. I think it's due to him, like, finally seeing, like, okay, I see what's going on here. I see what's happening. I see what this is. Getting ready to. This is a leverage moment. Like, okay, I thought we was battling as just rappers and there was no business attached to this. I think he started seeing that. Oh, wait a minute. Okay, I see what's happening here. Like, there's business being attached to this. Like, I wasn't doing this for business or trying to capitalize. He has. What. What could Drake. What could he capitalize off? He's already the biggest. One of the biggest artists in the world. There was no room for capitalization there. It was just like, all right, I'm having a moment with an MC I obviously respect, with a rapper that I respect. He has some words for me. I have some words for him. But I don't think that. I think that Kendrick's mindset was business. I think Drake's mindset was battle. And I think that's where the disconnect happened. And Drake walked away from like, okay, you in business mode. PG Lang, getting it going. UMG is behind it now. Okay, I see what's going on. I'm not. I'm. That's not why I engaged in this thing. I engaged in this shit as a battle, not as turning it into business and then getting, you know, whatever Kendrick got from it, which I'm not mad at. I mean, capitalize off the fucking moment as a. As a businessman and as an artist, cool. But I think Drake's mindset was more. This is just a battle of two of the best rappers and MCs right now.
DJ Head
I disagree. Like, Rory said, the songs was just days of, like, there was no business around it. Plus, that's not necessarily how the music business worked. Rory's put out an album. You could probably. Well, you don't want to talk platinum. Okay, fine, but. Huh.
Rory
Go ahead.
DJ Head
Go ahead.
Rory
I love that this is the example for everything. It's my album.
DJ Head
I'm just saying, like, no, not. I'm not trying to be disrespectful, but there's a lot of people who speak on the music business that don't actively participate in the music business.
Maul
Right.
DJ Head
That's not how the music business is set up. It doesn't work like that. You don't get to just dictate do. I'm doing this and I'm doing that. And there's whole departments of people that have to move and do shit when you do shit. The other part is you don't think.
Maul
Drake and Kendrick dictate.
DJ Head
That's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is you still have to. That still takes time. You don't get, oh, yeah, you don't have to.
Maul
Or the label sees what's going on and they call you.
DJ Head
Like, who's the label?
Maul
Anybody that works for the label that you assigned to.
DJ Head
Okay, I'm glad you said that. That's not necessarily true because.
Maul
What do you mean?
DJ Head
If I'm in the radio promotions department, I don't represent the label. I represent the record.
Maul
It depends on who you are. Some people work for the record label that are at radio.
DJ Head
No, no, no. We know that they work for the label, but I'm not. I'm not a representative of the label to, like. I don't call you.
Maul
No, not publicly, no. You. Some. Some people at radio are absolutely on payroll with labels. One million percent.
DJ Head
I'm not saying.
Maul
You know that.
DJ Head
I'm not saying that. What I'm saying is if I am in the promotions department, I don't get to call you and be like, yeah, so what are we doing with this record? That's not how.
Maul
No, no, no. I'm not saying that. I'm talking.
Rory
This is.
Maul
This is bigger than promotions department. This is bigger than that. I think that the higher ups saw what was happening with two of the biggest artists of their generations and was like, we need to capitalize off of this 1000%. And nobody can convince me that that did not happen. One million percent that that happened. We are going to capitalize off of this moment.
DJ Head
So you think there was a. There was a. There was an entire plot line from.
Maul
Not. Maybe not from the beginning, but once it started, it was going.
DJ Head
When do you think that the label started to conspire?
Maul
I think that once the record started dropping, once we got the back and forth, like Drake dropped, Kendrick dropped, Drake dropped a day or two after that. I think that once they saw that and then they saw what the numbers was doing on whatever was YouTube or whatever. They was like, no, we're absolutely capitalizing off of this moment. There's no way the entire world is looking at this moment. And the labels that these gentlemen are attached to in some way is not capitalizing off the moment. They're not gonna fumble that back.
DJ Head
No way.
Maul
Which is why you get the Amazon show.
DJ Head
That's why you get the Amazon show off the record.
Maul
One million percent. You think that people wasn't gonna tune in and stream the first time Kendrick performed that record? Absolutely. Amazon didn't do that by act. That wasn't accident. That wasn't just something that they absolutely was like, no, no, we need to capitalize off of this momentum. One million percent. And why would. And it's a smart business play. I'm not knocking it. But we're not gonna sit there and act like it wasn't, you know, a meeting and didn't come together and say, we have to capitalize.
DJ Head
You're saying that UMG was like, Amazon, let's do this thing.
Maul
I'm not saying that's how it went. I'm saying when they saw that momentum and they saw how big that this is the biggest moment in hip hop in the last. However, maybe since J Nas, maybe even bigger than J Nas. There's no way you're gonna sit across me and say, somebody at these labels or somewhere else didn't say, we have to capitalize off of this moment. This moment is too big of a moment. We may not ever see a moment in H Pop like this again. And that Amazon or whoever else is not going to have a meeting and say, we need to capitalize off of this moment. Absolutely. And I'm not mad at it. But don't sit here and say, nah, nobody had that talk at 1 million percent. They had that talk, and they should. It's about making money.
DJ Head
Just because you talk louder don't mean you right. That's not what I'm not.
Maul
That's not my intent.
DJ Head
That's not what happened. I can tell you I was there. That's not what happened.
Maul
Of course you were there. I know you DJed the pop, but you're not gonna sit here and tell me Amazon didn't say, yo, we're not gonna capitalize.
DJ Head
When you say Amazon, you're saying, jeff.
Maul
Bezos, whoever runs whoever was in charge of putting together that show and streaming it on Prime. That's who I'm talking about. Okay, Bezos probably know, but he Has a bunch of people that work under him that it's their job to not fumble that moment. Absolutely.
DJ Head
Or run. I'll run an or scenario by you.
Maul
Run it.
DJ Head
I pitch. You should do a show at SoFi.
Maul
Why? To perform Mr. Morale in the big steppers.
DJ Head
Sure, whatever.
Maul
Cut this, bro.
DJ Head
To perform the record.
Maul
To perform the record.
DJ Head
I actually. I'll tell you, I actually pitched an idea for the actual music video.
Maul
Not like us.
DJ Head
Correct.
Maul
Okay.
DJ Head
It's like, hey, let's do. You should do it this way. Do a concert. Oh, yeah? That's what you think? Yeah, that's what I think. Little did I know there was already something in the works for a show. Right. But it wasn't at the Sofi stadium those three days.
Maul
Little did you know, there was already something in the work.
DJ Head
And I'll provide you with another scenario. Okay, so there's this big grandioso mall conspiracy theory theory, right?
Maul
No conspiracy theory.
DJ Head
Well, okay, a flat earther theory that you have. Or it's like, hey, we need to do a show because we had a show already planned that I was supposed to do in Leimert park for Juneteenth.
Maul
Respect.
DJ Head
June. Juneteenth is a historical black area in. In Los Angeles.
Maul
Leimer park is a historic.
DJ Head
We were already supposed to do a show for Juneteenth Respect. That show ended up not happening. Dot was like, oh, let's say, hypothetically speaking. He's like, well, let's just do our own show, because that show fell through. Oh, they do. They put together a show, hypothetically speaking. That's a possibility. Right. That bypasses a label. That also bypasses Jeff or whoever he has in place. Head.
Rory
Can I just interject for one second? I'm not here to add an opinion. Just add facts to it. Who was the head of Amazon Music at the time of the pop up show? Because I understand you're bringing up Jeff Bezos. He's in space. But let's talk about who was actually.
DJ Head
His girl went fair.
Rory
Okay, so who was the head of Amazon Music at the time?
DJ Head
At the time, it was Tim.
Rory
Tim, friend of the show. We love Tim Henshaw. That's our guy. Love him to death.
Damaris
Do you know where Timothy.
Rory
Where is Tim from and who did Tim grow up with?
DJ Head
Tim is from Compton. Who did he grow up with? What you mean? I don't know who he grew up with.
Rory
Okay, fair enough. I'm just adding in some context of what you're saying, no, Jeff Bezos wouldn't. Wasn't involved in that. I'M just adding context. I have no dog in this fight.
DJ Head
Awesome.
Rory
I watched the pop up, paid for it. Loved him. Go ahead.
DJ Head
Yeah, but also there's also nuance to that, which is like again, I don't get into. I'm not. I don't speak out of turn because again. But there's also street stuff that is probably wouldn't. Cause I understand where you're going with that. But there's also stuff that supersedes all of this.
Rory
And also, Tim was just doing his job in an amazing way.
DJ Head
Well, Tim also put together incredible Dreamville Fest. The dream.
Rory
Everything he's done with Tyler. Tim is one of the best executives that we need in music right now. Love Tim, but very just wanted to add a tidbit into this entire thing.
DJ Head
Yeah, for sure. Shout out to my nigga.
Maul
I think what Rory is saying is Tim was not going to miss a moment to capitalize as he should though, which is my whole point that somebody somewhere said, guys, we have to capitalize off of this moment. Which is what they should have done. I'm not mad at the Pop out show, but we not going to act like and respect to Lemur Paul because I know Juneteenth. I respect it.
DJ Head
Cause we streamed there the year before.
Maul
That's why I said I already know that that probably was a thing. But now that we have this moment, hey, let's capitalize off of this moment. Let's make it a bigger. Let's bring in Amazon prime and things like that and attach it to. Let's get a bag. We can get people. Let's highlight artists from the city. Let's make it a whole thing. Like.
DJ Head
Yeah, but it wasn't. It wasn't. It was, I guess the narrative and this was made clear to us. Even me and my group of gu. This is not an anti anyone show. This is a pro us show.
Maul
No cool. And I salute to that. I'm not saying it was an anti Drake thing, but that moment, that record, the battle. All I'm saying is let's not act like it wasn't big business that wanted to attach itself to that. Like, hey, I get it. Culture Battle two of the biggest of their generation. We can't not capitalize is all I'm saying. Somebody somewhere sat down and came up with a with a plan and said we have to have this moment. We have to stage this moment. We need to stage this moment.
Damaris
Okay, so mall, just to clarify what you're saying and just put it in black and white. Are you saying that the Pop up does not happen. If Not Like Us does not become the hit that it did if the battle doesn't happen.
Maul
No, it does not.
Rory
Okay, head, what do you think?
DJ Head
I disagree. I think it's possible. There's always. Because you gotta think it came together extremely fast.
Maul
You know why it came together extremely fast?
DJ Head
Because we lost the Juneteenth in Lamar Park.
Maul
Right? But then that record, that moment, that battle happened, and it was the most talked about thing around the world. And somebody somewhere said, hey, guys, let's do this again. Great business move by whoever put it together. Not mad at it. It's not an anti show.
DJ Head
So do you share this sentiment? If the idea came shot of doing.
Maul
The show, whoever it came from, they understood the business that they could make out of it. I'm just saying that somebody somewhere used their brain and said, hey, we shouldn't just let these songs live on YouTube and just, you know, not turn it into this grand moment. Like, we should absolutely capitalize, which is smart. I'm just saying, I think one artist was thinking that way and the other wasn't. The other was just strictly because, again, what do what. What does Drake gain from, you know, turning that into biz? Like, he already has all of those things. He's top four biggest artists in the world. He stands to gain nothing from that. Which is why, again, I respect Drake as a rapper and the emcee, because he can go into every battle feeling like, I have nothing to gain from this. What am I gonna gain? The perception in the Barbershop, some people might feel like, yo, he got him. Like, what does he gain from that? He stands more to lose regardless of who he's standing across, because he's already here. For the last however many years, he's been on top, dominating music. So it's like, okay, but I'm a rapper, and if somebody comes at me, I gotta stand on my pen.
DJ Head
To me, that's doubt.
Maul
What do you mean? It's doubt?
DJ Head
Because if we're here at y'all studio right now and let's say, I don't know, do you think that. You think that Rory can beat up Mike Tyson?
Maul
Beat him up in a fight?
DJ Head
Yeah, In a fistful?
Maul
No.
DJ Head
Okay, so if Mike Tyson comes here, he's outside, and he wants to fight Rory, and Rory's like, fuck it, I'm gonna go outside. We gonna be well. The perception's gonna be, well, shit, at least Rory went outside and took the fate.
Maul
Are you trying to say that Drake is not a fighter? He's Not a rapper.
DJ Head
No.
Maul
What I'm saying is Rory's not a fighter, so he should not go outside and fight Mike Tyson.
DJ Head
What I'm saying is you give people that adieu when you already have a preconceived notion that they're the underdog.
Maul
I get what the point you're trying to make, but, no. If I'm a rapper and I'm an emcee and another. This is just rap culture and another MC comes at me, I would throw shots at me. Whatever. Whatever. Now Drake is in a position where he cannot. He doesn't have to respond because he's already, you know, he's been at the top of the mountain. Like, he could look down at everybody and be like, yo, I'm not paying these dudes no more. I can only elevate you, sir. I can only bring you up to where I'm at. If I battle you right now, I have everything to, quote, unquote, lose or whatever. I don't gain nothing by getting in this battle. Even if Drake, public perception annihilates Kendrick, what does he gain from it? Is he gonna sell more records? Is he gonna stream more? Is he gonna sell more tickets? Is he gonna get a stadium tour? He already turned down the super bowl three times. What does he gain from the moment it.
DJ Head
He might have got all of that, but it didn't go that way.
Maul
What? He already has all of that. What are you talking about?
DJ Head
Which stadium tour?
Maul
You don't think that Drake could do a stadium tour?
DJ Head
I didn't say that. I said which one.
Maul
Oh, okay. As long as that's not what you. Hey, so we all make mistakes, but owning up is the right thing to.
DJ Head
Do, you know, A degree Cool Rush deodorant.
Maul
Well, last year they changed the formula and it did not go well with their fan ass. Degree's whole thing is it turns up the sweat and odor protection when you turn up the effort. And good thing it does, because Cool Rush fans really turned up the effort to bring back the original formula. One guy even started an online petition. And Degree listen.
DJ Head
They admitted they effed up and are.
Maul
Bringing the original Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it.
DJ Head
Cool, crisp and fresh.
Maul
It's back in Walmart, Target, and other stores known for under $4. There's a reason why it's been the number one men's antipers sprint for the last decade. It's the same reason why people were not happy when it changed. So if you never tried it, it might be a good time to see what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart or Target.
DJ Head
To try the OG degree.
Maul
Cool rush for yourself.
DJ Head
Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 247 at access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.
Rory
Yo, K Pop fans. It's your boy Bom Han and I'm bringing you something epic.
DJ Head
Epic. Introducing the K Factor.
Rory
The podcast.
Maul
It takes you straight into the heart of K Pop.
Rory
We're talking music reviews, exclusive interviews and deep dives into the industry like never before. From producers and choreographers to idols and.
DJ Head
Trainees, we're bringing you the real stories.
Maul
Behind the music that you love.
Rory
And yeah, we're keeping it 100, discussing everything from comebacks and concepts to the mental health side of the business. Because K Pop isn't just a genre.
Maul
It'S a whole world and we're exploring.
DJ Head
Every corner of it. And here's the best part.
Rory
Fans get to call in, drop opinions and even join us live at events. You never know where we might pop up next. So listen to the K factor on.
DJ Head
The iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever.
Maul
You get your podcast.
Rory
This isn't just a podcast.
Maul
It's a movement.
DJ Head
Are you ready?
Rory
Let's go. Let's.
DJ Head
And the dream season is now complete. The Golden State warriors are the 2015 NBA champion on the new limited podcast series, Dub dynasty. It's been 10 years since their shocking run to a championship. We examine the controversial move that made it possible. It's never a great conversation as a.
Maul
Player when you hear that you're being.
DJ Head
Benched for the entire behind the scenes story of Golden State's incredible 10 year run. Listen to Dub Dynasty on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Rory
Mo you think Drake's perception grew after he beat Meek?
Maul
His perception?
Rory
Yeah.
Damaris
As a rapper.
Rory
As a rapper, even after the ghost writing, as. As an entity, as a brand. I don't think it's everything.
Maul
I don't think it grew. I think people expected. Meek is obviously battle rap tested. He comes from battle rap. We watched his progression from the corners of Philly to where he is today. So their paths were different. But in that moment when that battle happened, I don't think anybody thought Meek was a better rapper than Drake. So I don't think that his perception changed. I think people respected it. Like, yo, he's able to make these hit records, he's able to make hit rap records, R and B records, and he'll still get in the and rap with a quote unquote battle rapper. I think that it may have like showed people like, nah, Drake is really about that. But I don't think it was much of a change of perception in Drake there.
Damaris
So do going into this battle from what you were saying earlier, do you think that people were under the impression that Kendrick was the underdog in this battle or do you think that people were under the impression it was an even matchup?
Maul
Nah, I don't think that people felt Kendrick was an underdog. Well, some people may have felt that way, but people that, that know rap and that listen to bars and skillset, they knew that Kendrick was well equipped to get in the ring with anybody in rap. Now Drake is obviously the big artist, the biggest star in the moment. But I don't think that the people that really know rap felt like Kendrick was an underdog. No, I think they felt like Kendrick had more to gain, he had more to get out of the moment in the situation than Drake. Because again, Drake has, he has all of the accolades, he has all of the numbers. Even though I don't care about shit. But I'm just saying we're talking about when anybody has to win or lose here in this moment, what does Drake have to lose? Outside of, you know, calling me something that is the most egregious thing ever and then trying to defamate my character on a personal level. Cool. Yeah, but as far as like accolades and accomplishments, Drake doesn't, he didn't stand to gain anything here.
Rory
If Drake had annihilated Kendrick in this battle, do you think you'd be speaking this way? Because I think at that point we would put Drake at a God level tier as far as everything he's accomplished in music. If he would have beat one of the greatest rappers that we've seen.
Maul
I don't think he's got.
Rory
I know, but we're talking about the MC shit. Cause I even think Drake was viewed as an underdog with the Meek thing. Just based off Meek's perception at the time. And the Ghost writing shit was going on. It was weird. That made me even go, damn, maybe you can't Fuck with Drake.
Maul
So what is your. I'm sorry, what was your question?
Rory
Do you think if he would have beat Kendrick, you'd be speaking this way, that he had nothing to gain from it? I think there'd be no. There'd be no questions about Drake's jacket for the rest of his life.
Maul
Yeah, you talk. You talking to somebody that feels like Drake won the battle because he has the better bar.
Rory
Fair enough. Fair enough.
Maul
Like, you know what I'm saying? I'm talking about. But I'm not talking about a song and what it's streaming and where it's on the chart. I'm talking about the bars.
Rory
Okay, well, let me go off what social media. And the perception was just off algorithms and numbers. If social media didn't exist, and this is from somebody on Twitter, 9hove. I thought this was a great question. If social media didn't exist and people just listened to each song, do you think there would have been a different result? I know your answer, Maul, because you.
Maul
Already feel like my answer, because you know that it would have had. Yes, absolutely.
Rory
I want to ask Head that question.
DJ Head
What's the question?
Rory
If social media didn't exist and people just listened to each song, do you think it would be a different result?
DJ Head
Not a different result. It'd be more even kill, though.
Maul
So it's a different result?
DJ Head
No.
Rory
Yeah.
Maul
What do you mean, no? Okay, what are you talking about? You said it would be more even killed, so that's a different result than what it is now. Because the result now is that it's not even killed.
DJ Head
No, the journey would be more even killed. Not the written result.
Maul
All right, well, you just changed what you just said. You said the journey.
DJ Head
Well, I was talking.
Rory
Can you elaborate more on that?
DJ Head
Yeah. So the end result would be the same if social media didn't exist, but also if social media didn't. Didn't exist, that would have in turn disarmed Drake immensely, but it also would have. Would have lessened the blow. Lessened the. The expectation of Drake. Drake. Drake was the aggressor. He was doing a lot of taunting, a lot of memeing. Him and Maul, in collaboration, doing all of that.
Rory
Media manager hit that.
Maul
Yeah, get that.
DJ Head
Yeah, they were doing. It was. So it was a lot of that going on.
Maul
Yeah.
Rory
Well, can I stop you? I don't know if he's aggressor after the. Like, that verse started everything.
Maul
But that's the way head trying to paint it, man. I'm not sure Drake was on tour. How Was aggressive.
Rory
I'm not trying to. I'm not.
Maul
So J. Cole is bigging this guy up on the record with Drake. Put him in the three. The big three. He was part of the big three, according to J. Cole. Cause Drake never felt like that. But according to J. Cole, yeah.
DJ Head
You're talking about things that play out in public. I'm saying. I'm not saying anything. I'm just saying that you don't know what went on behind the scenes.
Maul
Some of it I know, but I would never speak on public because there's certain things I would never speak on. It's certain shit. I know right now that if I said right here on this platform, it would shake the entire industry. And I will never do that same. I will never do it.
DJ Head
Exactly. So there. So there you have it. So with that being said, with those things said and being not said, if. If Drake is the aggressor and. And Dot is counter punching, I think that the playing field will be more even killed dependent because there's the lack of social media. He got a lot of blowback because it's like this big red button and like, oh, my God. And then also, like, it was a lot of corny shit that was happening, like taunting Ant. That's lame as fuck to me. Ant is like a Laker fan. He don't do nothing. He don't bother nobody. Ant is out the way, great person. Ant is an amazing guy. Right. That was lame and corny, right? Just doing. See, I have a problem with bullies.
Maul
If you was from Chicago, would you feel like this, or is it because you're from California?
DJ Head
No, I had nothing to do with that. I don't like bullies. I don't give a fuck where they go.
Maul
No, but you being from California, you don't think that that has anything to do with your stance on this whole thing? I'm from New York, I'm not from Toronto.
DJ Head
No, but I also think you have a different affinity for your person than I do. Like, I actually.
Maul
An affinity as far as what, like personally?
DJ Head
Yeah.
Maul
Oh, yeah, Absolutely.
DJ Head
So y'all, how long y'all been cool or friends?
Maul
Years. Like how long first met Drake? Maybe 2012. 11. 12.
DJ Head
But how long have y'all had a rapport like you got now?
Maul
For a couple years.
DJ Head
Like how many?
Maul
Maybe like two or three years.
DJ Head
All right, so y'all had a rapport for like two or three. These are my friends for 18 years. So, yeah, it's gonna be different. You know what I'm saying? Like, I Known these dudes for 18 years. That's not the same thing. That's not music business. That's not anything. My answer would be the same no matter where I'm from, depending on if you're asking me an objective opinion about what's going on versus my friendships or my homies or whatever the case may be.
Maul
So there's a certain level of bias is what I'm asking.
DJ Head
No, the bias comes from my relationship with the people, not what's playing out. I can call it straight, but it affects it.
Maul
Absolutely.
DJ Head
If you want to paint me with a brush, that's fine, because what it.
Maul
Really is is that we're more alike than we are different. You're gonna publicly, you gonna ride with your people, but when y'all get behind closed doors, you gonna say, yo, you was wrong publicly, you will never say it.
DJ Head
No, no, no, no. I don't believe it. See, I was taught that that's one thing I do push back on in the way that I was brought up, amongst the people that I came up with, is I don't believe in that right or wrong shit. If you're wrong, you're wrong.
Maul
Yeah, but what I'm saying is, if we're out together somewhere and you're with your best friend of 20 years and he does something stupid, it's happened. He grabs a girl's ass in the club, big fight happens. In that moment, you gonna stand there and fight with your boy. Am I one you head. We not doing this. Yes, you are. You're not gonna stand there. You gonna stand there and watch your man get beat up.
DJ Head
I would probably intervene in a certain way, but I don't think I would have the same energy had he. Had he not been in the room.
Maul
Okay. If your boy grabs a girl's ass and you DJing, your man next to you in the booth, he drunk. He grabs a girl ass, her man standing right there. They start pouncing on your homeboy, you gonna keep blending, nigga, or you gonna get in the fucking field and start helping your man that's getting. They playing hopscotch on his back.
DJ Head
I don't think what I'm saying to you is I would intervene, but it wouldn't be in the same capacity.
Maul
What do you mean? So in what capacity would you intervene? Would you say on the mic, hey, guys, stop?
DJ Head
No. Stopping something and de. Escalating is different than acting, than getting in the field.
Maul
Okay? So would if you. A boy was getting beat up based off the actions he did, are you.
DJ Head
Gonna help this has happened before in my life.
Maul
Okay, so.
DJ Head
And I de. Escalated.
Maul
So somebody was getting. Your boy was getting jumped and you didn't throw a fist at all?
DJ Head
There was. I wouldn't say didn't throw a fist, but.
Maul
Okay. All right. That's all I'm saying. Even if he was wrong, you're gonna hold your man down. But when y'all get back to the set, yo, you was wrong. You caused that whole fucking situation.
DJ Head
Not. It doesn't go. It's not a. It's. That's. To me. That's a grade. That's not a one to one to me. It depends on what's going on.
Maul
Your boy does something crazy. He. He caused this.
DJ Head
Grabbing ass to me is not the same thing as the scenario that I was in.
Maul
Okay, what's the scenario you was in? Painted.
DJ Head
I'm not gonna talk about that.
Maul
Why not? We don't need the names. We just need the situation.
DJ Head
That's when I came. I'm not gonna talk about that.
Maul
Okay.
Damaris
All right, well, let's move forward. I have a question you guys brought up. Well, we brought up the Internet and its effect on this battle. Both of you guys were heavy on the Internet and involved in the cultural commentary when it came to this battle. Do you think that the cultural commentary that you both provided had any effect on the public perception of who won this battle? Do you think you guys moved any sticks or stones or moved any towels any which way when it comes to these two artists?
Maul
Well, I'll answer first. I don't think. I don't think anything that I said or did moved any. I think that, you know, people obviously look to my platform for any type of little tidbits that they could get. But as far as the result or people's feelings on the record, I think once you get the record, no matter what anybody says, I think people have their own, like, I like this record. Or. Well, most. Some people don't, but most people have that, I like this record. I'm fucking with this record or not. No matter what an influencer or podcaster says, I don't think that's going to affect how somebody feels about a song that they're listening to in their personal time, in their personal space. Like. But, you know, obviously people look to platforms to kind of get inside information and little behind the scenes things that they can get. Again, there's certain things that I know that I would never say publicly. I would never speak publicly because there's a reason these conversations were private. But, you know, I Can speak matter of factly when certain things come up, because I know certain things and, you know, I'm privy to certain information, but I would never disclose that information publicly. Like, so you. I don't think it. My words or anything I said in that moment persuade anybody's opinions on the record that they got. I think that my words resonated with some people that heard the records and they felt the same way. I feel that I believe. But I don't think I swayed anybody's opinion or anything like that. No.
Damaris
Okay.
DJ Head
Head. Would you.
Damaris
What do you think?
DJ Head
I assume no responsibility for anything that's transpired over the last calendar year in hip hop.
Maul
It's interesting your name might.
DJ Head
You.
Maul
Your name in that Rico something out there, man. What's up, man? You all right?
DJ Head
Negative. See that? That's crazy to put on somebody.
Maul
No, no, no. I asked the question. I didn't put it on you.
DJ Head
I asked.
Rory
Okay, well, let me ask this kind of based off her question. Mall. You posting the red button Head, the cryptic tweets, the way you, Daylight, and a few other people through that entire battle, you're not about to tell me that was just like. Oh, I was just tweeting, like. I feel like everyone knew what they were doing here and everybody was anxious. Everyone was looking for you for OVO stuff. And you on the PG Lang, TDE Kendrick side. You guys are both very intelligent. I feel like you guys knew what you were doing when you were posting those things. So you don't think you had any effect when you or Daylight or people we know that are close to the camps said something?
DJ Head
No, I know that people like, to be honest, you can ask my team. I was completely oblivious until, like, damn near. Until euphoria dropped.
Rory
Do you feel like you made it seem like you knew what was going on?
DJ Head
No, no, I. I was aware of stuff that was going on, but it wasn't like I was acting on behalf of anybody.
Maul
Okay.
DJ Head
You know what I'm saying? Like, I was away. Like, you gotta understand, like, that's why I was just trying to explain, like, I don't have to, like, certain people. I don't have to talk to them to know what they own. That's just a different texture. It's a different rapport that I have with people like that. Your camaraderie that you have with your homies. Sometimes you probably will sit in this chair and know what Mal is on before he even says it. It's just camaraderie that you build with your. With your brothers. Like, I don't have to talk to anybody to know. Like, if you say if, if something happens, I wouldn't have to get on the phone and call nobody and be like, oh yeah, that's what he owned. I already know what he owned because I know him. You know what I'm saying? So I wouldn't say that. I wouldn't say like, oh, I'm not, I don't know. And no, I had an idea, but I wasn't at that point, I wasn't acting on behalf of anybody. I'm just like, yo, I'm not also let me back up. You gotta understand, around the push ups time, there was nobody defending the homie. I took that personal.
Rory
How so?
Maul
Which, wait, and what you mean nobody was defending?
Rory
Yes, that's what I'm curious. What, no one's.
Maul
Other rappers?
DJ Head
No, people who I thought would be boisterous and having a.
Maul
And have you talking about like people with platforms.
DJ Head
People with platform. Not even podcasters. Anyone with a platform who are with us, who came up with us, who are homies and friends and break bread with us. No one was saying anything. So I'm like, well, you know, I'll say something like, I know. Like, you know, this is what I don't, don't. Nobody was defending the homie and I didn't like that.
Maul
But, but when you say defending him, defending him against what though?
DJ Head
The meme coin that is Drake.
Maul
So you didn't feel like anybody was defending Kendrick against memes that Drake was putting out?
DJ Head
Nobody was just, nobody was proactively saying anything about nothing. Everybody was just waiting to see, like, nah, bro.
Maul
But see, that's why I feel like, that's why I feel like this turned into a west coast versus Drake thing. No, exactly what you're saying. Nobody's defending, defending Kendrick for Drake posting a meme, like, what would somebody say? Like, oh, Drake, you corny for that?
DJ Head
Well, as you know, there are conversations that happen all the time, but no one's, no one's emboldened enough to have an opinion, like publicly is what I'm saying.
Maul
I get that, but I, I mean.
DJ Head
Like, don't, don't, don't, don't hide your support from me.
Maul
Yeah, but I think people was waiting for the music to support, to show their support, not show support against holding Kendrick down against a meme.
DJ Head
I'm not talking about the meme. I'm just saying like, this is after the record already came out. You know him just like I know him. You know what's about to happen. Don't. Don't be back channeling and be quiet about your support. To me, that's not. That's disingenuous. You know what I mean?
Rory
But do you think that also happened to Drake once the public perception went towards Kendrick? So I think we're just talking about, like, wishy washy people in general, that they're just going to go to whatever side is happening at the moment.
DJ Head
Agreed. Which is why I operated the way I operated it. I'm not wishy washy type.
Rory
I hear that.
Maul
I think it was crazy at the Pop out to see certain people on that stage that Drake has helped along their journey and that has publicly supported Drake stand on that stage and celebrate a song calling him a pedophile.
DJ Head
No.
Maul
You don't think it was nothing crazy about that? You ain't look at nobody like, yo, but ain't that your man?
DJ Head
Nope. All right.
Rory
Would you do that?
DJ Head
Do what?
Rory
If somebody had been your friend for, I don't know, 20 years, had met your kids, been in your house, and then someone else called them a pedophile that you don't even really have a relationship with, like that. Would you be dancing at a show?
DJ Head
It depends on the violation that that person put me in that position.
Rory
Okay, fair. We'll do that. So, I mean, I. I don't know the relationship between LeBron and Drake for real. I don't know if he ever violated him. But we're just speaking in hypotheticals now that we saw there.
DJ Head
Yeah. More or less hypothetically speaking, if you violate me.
Rory
Okay, so we're just gonna assume that a crazy violation happened between me and my son walking out with you at your LA show to then like a few weeks later. Now I'm dancing with him.
DJ Head
Oh, you're talking about, like, the athletes and.
Rory
Yeah, and I'm not talking about any specific people that I felt like.
DJ Head
I thought he said on stage. LeBron wasn't on stage.
Rory
I meant just in general.
Maul
At the Pop, he wanted to be.
Rory
He was looking at Russell like, yo, yeah.
Maul
Savannah was like, nigga, you ain't doing that. Like, no.
DJ Head
So to my point, not everybody's as invested as I am.
Rory
Fair.
DJ Head
You know what I'm saying? Like, Ma said, like, he met him in 2012 and they got cool over the last few years. These are my people for 18 years. That's not the same thing. Right. Let's start there. Second thing is, you Gotta look at LeBron. Remember in the top of the. At the top of the show, I said, sometimes business is Just business. Everybody that you sign to a record label or have on your album, you're not necessarily friends with, it's just, oh, this person fits on the project, or let's do some business or let's make some money together, whatever the case may be. That's not the same thing. So I'm not. I'm just. Hear me out.
Rory
Yeah.
DJ Head
So what I'm saying is, if I don't owe you shit, I don't owe you anything. Like, if I'm gonna go to this Popping Ass concert, I'm gonna go to the Popping Ass concert. It has nothing to do with our relationship. Again, that's me being probably a little spectrum and being able to compartmentalize my relationships and my emotions. But I would assume that's the same thing for most people or for a lot of men is being able to, hey, let's truncate our emotions and let's just go enjoy this show or whatever.
Rory
And I fully agree with that point there. And again, we're using the hypothetical head.
Maul
Don't believe that. He just said he was mad about people not showing they support. Report publicly for Kendrick when Drake was dropping memes.
DJ Head
Yeah, but I didn't. I wasn't talking about athletes that he does.
Maul
Are you talking about people that he knows?
DJ Head
Yeah, for 20 years. Oh, I just said it was 18.
Rory
20 years. What they both explained that LeBron has said out loud, he's been in my house with my kids. Like, they have a real relationship. I don't really know any real business they've done together outside of maybe both being signed to Sprite.
DJ Head
No, no, no. I'm not saying that they've done business.
Rory
I was using that as a hypothetical. Again, we don't know that. I don't look at Bron and Drake from what we know as they were a business relationship that had met a few years ago.
DJ Head
No, no, no. I'm not drawing that parallel. He introduced that, so that was a different scenario. What I'm saying is, overall, I don't think it's that deep for most people.
Rory
Okay.
DJ Head
I come from radio. The average listener don't give a fuck. They just want to hear a Popping Ass song. You know what I'm saying? It's just like on YouTube, if you all have a pod, if you do a YouTube, you might see, you know, 50 or 48% of you guys are not subscribed to the channel. Right, Right. It's. No. It's just passive consumption. So I don't think it's personal if LeBron or this person goes to the fucking concert, bro. Like, it's a concert that they want to go. Go be at and they want to have a good time. I don't look at it as me saying, fuck you. It's just like, this is a concert I want to be at.
Maul
Yeah, but then y'all. Y'all was mad that Game wasn't there. I was mad with not you, but a lot of people from the West Coast, a lot of artists, they kind of gave Game some heat online. Like, he wasn't there. He didn't show support for the west coast and all of the artists collectively coming together and having a beautiful moment.
DJ Head
Who gave him heat online?
Maul
Everybody. Game addressed it. He spoke about it online.
DJ Head
No, no, no, but I'm saying. Who was saying that?
Maul
Oh, I'm just saying, I don't know who in particular, but Game obviously had some energy and some words coming his way, and he felt inclined to go on IG Live or post a video on IG explaining why he wasn't there. You know, he does what he want to do. Drake is his brother. Whatever, whatever, whatever. Like, so obviously he felt some heat from him not being at that show. So again, there is a thing where people feel like, yo, like, I can't support that. Now, Game may support Kendrick, he may love Kendrick, but he can't support that show. Because in that moment, that song, that message, and what is who it's going at, who it's attacking is somebody else who he has a fondness of or a brotherhood where he's like, yo, I can't support that. I love Kendrick. I love my city, I support my city. But I can't support that moment because that song and that message and that song is going at somebody. Excuse me. Who I respect and who I have a love for. And I can't do that. So, yeah, people. People. Some people on that stage knew that they weren't supposed to be there, but, you know, again, it's people looking for, you know, to cap a lot off a moment. Like, you know, so it's a streaming. We know how many people gonna be watching this. Everybody wanna be seen. And, you know, I get it, but you can't say that, you know, oh, I'll just, you know, it's the music and I could support her. There is a thing, though, where, yes, it is music, but I know this dude personally on a personal level, and I can't support that because me and him have a relationship where he's done. You know, we've done things for each other, showed you, my family love opened his home to me. I've opened my home to him like this. So there's a certain thing where, like, I can't support that. I love Kendrick, you know, I love my city. I love a lot of those guys on the stage, but I can't be there because that moment is, you know, it's going as somebody who I also have a love for.
DJ Head
Yeah, that's everybody's choice to make.
Maul
No, and. But that's. I'm just speaking to, you know, the fact that certain people were there, and yes, they might want to just be there to support Kendrick, but you know what that moment, it was about. And it's like, I can't. You know, we know everybody can make.
DJ Head
Their decision, but it was. I mean, it was. There's a lot of people there.
Maul
No, absolutely. There was a lot of people there. But some of those. A lot of those people that was there, they knew that it was like, yo, this is gonna look a type of. This is gonna look away. Like, I'm in at this show supporting this record. The song is playing. I'm on stage dancing to it. I'm in the video. You all of that. We know what that is. That's very strategic shit. That's very thought out shit. That's not just. I'm going to a show to have a good time. Cause if I'm going to the show to have a good time, I'll be in the skybox and won't nobody know I'm not there. But if I'm on stage and I start dancing and I start. And then at the end, the picture and all that's. I want to be seen. I'm making. I'm here.
DJ Head
Well, to be fair, there's no skyboxes at the Forum.
Maul
Well, at the Forum, no, but I could have been in that building and not been. Been on the stage is what I'm saying. Being on the stage is a statement. I stand by this. I support this message.
DJ Head
I know people that were on the stage that just got up there just. And they weren't trying to make a statement. Me, I'm not going to speak for.
Maul
Them, but that have a personal relationship with Drake.
DJ Head
They have a rapport.
Maul
Yeah, not a rapport. A personal relationship with Drake.
DJ Head
I don't know what the nature of the relationship is.
Damaris
All right, moving forward. And we're going to wrap this up soon. Head. I have a question. Maul went viral a lot. Both of you did. But Ma has this type of platform, so he really went viral a Lot With a lot of clips talking about Drake in the battle. What was your perception of Maul and the clips and the messaging in those clips? Off first look, not now.
DJ Head
What do you mean? Like back then?
Damaris
Yeah, back then. And you can be honest. We won't jump you.
Maul
Yeah, your man Jeremy has some slick shit to say.
DJ Head
Well, there was a lot of people. Well, I don't personally, I don't. If I'm being honest. I don't personally give a. Like, I don't ingest other people's energy like that. Like, I don't. Like. I. I just don't. That's not really what I do. But there are a lot of people who felt away.
Rory
Why would they feel away? Was there anything he said that was a violation or over the line or anything crazy?
DJ Head
I don't remember everything he said. I remember there was one thing in particular where people had. Where somebody. I think someone had made reference. Somebody said. I don't remember when. I don't remember what you said. But there were people that were upset with what you said. I wish I could remember the context, but it was just like. Because you. Because you come off as very delusional in the way that you approach your, like your argument.
Maul
I love that.
DJ Head
I actually envy it, to be honest with you.
Maul
Yeah. I love that I come off delusional because I know exactly what the fuck I'm saying and why I'm saying it.
DJ Head
Yeah.
Maul
But again, I can't speak on certain things publicly.
Rory
So why do you feel he comes off delusional?
Maul
And were all of these people from Cali that felt like that?
DJ Head
Nah. Well, you said why? Yeah, just very, like some of the stuff is very far fetched. And Narnia is what's far fetched that I said.
Damaris
Yeah. Such as. So because you're saying you don't remember what he's saying.
DJ Head
I don't remember what he said. Like friends, like the thing you said today. Like, nobody can convince you otherwise.
Maul
About what?
DJ Head
About your stance on who had the better bars. Who, who, who won or whatever. Right.
Maul
Yeah.
DJ Head
Okay. So to me, like for instance.
Maul
But why is that delusional for me? And it's people that write music and rappers that rap at a very high level that feel the same way.
DJ Head
So to me, that's just not a very whole human fuck music. Anybody who has a stance that. You can't convince me otherwise. Of anything, no matter what you present.
Maul
No, no, no, no, no. Not anything. I'm talking about these bars that you can't convince me that.
DJ Head
So what I'm saying is, as opposed to having that approach, the approach will probably be. Will present. Present it to me and I'll make an assessment. You shutting down the presentation, the presentation of any assessment to me, that just, that's more of a personal thing than it is a rap thing. Me shutting down, like you saying, nobody can convince me otherwise, no matter what. That you're shutting down any and all.
Maul
Energy that Drake had. Didn't have the better bars.
DJ Head
Correct?
Maul
Yeah. Because I listen to the music.
DJ Head
That's true.
Maul
And I trust my ear and my brain.
DJ Head
I feel you, but that's just not where I am. So that's just what.
Rory
So do you feel that if somebody doesn't have the same opinion as you, they're delusional?
DJ Head
No.
Rory
Okay. So I guess I'm trying to figure out exactly what you're saying.
Maul
So when people feel like me and.
Rory
Mall disagreed, but we talked it out, I mean, of course the clips went viral, but there were 45 minute conversations with that entire thing. So even if we disagreed, I didn't think Maul was delusional. And not hearing me, I just felt that's how Maul felt. And music, to me, I don't think you can be delusional because music is like food. It's what it is.
Maul
It's only delusional because it wasn't resonating with what other people felt in the battle. That's what it's delusion. Cause if I was saying, yo, Kendrick is smashing him, everybody be like, yo, that nigga Maul know what he's talking about.
Rory
And other people's. Other people, social media, we can't. I'm more, I guess, asking Head what you mean by that? Like, I don't know if he didn't receive information. I just think that's how he felt. The same way this way you felt.
DJ Head
No, no, no. I'm not saying in that sense. I'm not saying that. I'm saying to me, like, creating a world in which no one can pull you out of, no matter what. No matter what it is. I don't, I don't. I don't occupy that space. Like, I'm. I'm willing to, like, I've had conversations with like, skinheads, like Aryan brotherhood, Neo Nazi motherfuckers, dudes with like swastika on their necks, and they're like, you know, I don't like these type of, this group of people. I don't like black people. It's like, for me, I want to know why and not necessarily for them. To change my mind on how I feel. But I'm open to any possibility. Him saying there's nothing you can do to me shuts down the realm of any possibility.
Maul
You said there was nothing you could do to me.
Damaris
Is there anything anybody can do to convince you that Drake won this battle?
DJ Head
Present. Present it to me. I'm open to hearing it.
Damaris
But you heard Family Matters, you've heard all that.
DJ Head
That's not a good enough.
Maul
You don't think he. You don't think. You don't think Drake rapped better than Kendrick on Family Matters, than Kendrick on Nalekos?
DJ Head
No.
Maul
You think Kendrick rapped better?
DJ Head
No, but I'm willing to. I'm willing to receive presentation.
Rory
Do you want me to play it?
DJ Head
No.
Damaris
So, so, so the purpose, the purpose in us asking these follow up questions is. I get what you're saying where you can say that someone's. If they can't be convinced of something and they're shutting down all outside perspectives. But in a rap battle, there's only the bars and the music. So if you've heard and dissected both songs just because someone. Are you saying that if I brought up the lyrics to a song you already know you already heard and present them to you differently, there's a chance that you would change your mind about this battle? You think that that's possible?
DJ Head
That's possible. Anything's possible. But that's not what I was making reference to about the illusion. It was a thing when I was saying I couldn't remember like the. When you asked me before. Like has he said something? He said something that made me think he was delusional before. Okay, I wasn't making a reference to right now.
Maul
Damn, I wish you were.
Rory
Yeah, I'm curious what it was.
DJ Head
Yeah, me too.
Maul
Yeah, What I said. Well, I said that seemed like I'm.
DJ Head
Delusional just cause you asked me.
Maul
You know, man, you know, we know each. You know me like I ain't. When did you. So before this battle, have you ever thought Mars delusional?
DJ Head
Yes. When, bro, you want me to recall? Okay, well if I said I think.
Maul
Head is delusional, I can tell you why I think.
DJ Head
Okay, well, I'll recant it because I can't remember right now. Okay, I. I'll let you know. I'll let you know for sure.
Damaris
We do have access to the viral. The two viral clips of Maul if you'd like us to play them and see if you find a delusional moment in them.
DJ Head
No, I mean, I don't he asked me from before too. Like it. There's been several moments where I was like, oh, that's kind of. That's kind of out there.
Damaris
Okay, that's fair.
Rory
But does that warrant the word delusion? Delusion, There's a lot of things that I've disagreed with plenty of people, but we just have far different opinions on this. I don't view that as delusion. To me is a pattern amongst your entire life.
DJ Head
No, delusion.
Rory
It is based off something we disagree with and can't come to terms.
DJ Head
Delusion as in reality adjacent.
Rory
But that has to be a pattern because there's some stuff that is probably reality adjacent to me. But it's few things. Like, it's not a pattern with me where everything is that far fetched. But there's certain topics that I do feel that. Yeah, I wouldn't call somebody that delusion. If that is a significant thing that is in your life with everything that you face, that's delusion. If somebody said, yo, I think Nas won over Jay. And I start breaking down every fact that Jay said in Takeover. And it being the Doors being a better song and they were like, nah, I like dick sucking lips better. I'm not gonna call him delusional. We just disagree there.
DJ Head
That's a fair statement. That's just like you said, it's subjective.
Rory
Yeah.
Maul
Delusional.
DJ Head
Oh my God. We gonna hang on this.
Maul
I don't know if you still think I'm delusional.
DJ Head
I will go back and look and try to figure out where I. Where I had those. Those thoughts. It's been like two, maybe two or maybe three, I don't know. And I will find them and I. And I'll. And I'll. And I'll send them to you.
Maul
Okay. All right, cool. That's a bet to close out.
Rory
Thank both you guys for.
Maul
For this.
Rory
I think this was actually good. I feel like this battle has put stand culture in a different light for me. And I don't think either of you guys are that whatsoever. I think the reflection of what happened in this battle made Eminem's Stan song seem normal. Like, lock your girl in a trunk before what I've seen on this fucking timeline. This battle turned the world into a very weird fucking place. I thought this was gonna be the greatest thing ever for hip hop. And I feel like it may have been the fucking worst. So to see you two sit down and just chop it up for the year anniversary, I do think this is important. Not that the stands have any sense Whatsoever that's delusion to me is the OVO community and the TDE community. That's delusion.
Damaris
Very much so.
Rory
So I don't think they're gonna look at this and be like, oh, two people can just talk and, like, everything be fine. Like, we could just have different opinions. So I think this was great. And I wanna end it with positivity. Mall. Say something nice about Kendrick Lamar.
Maul
You said what?
Rory
Say something nice about Kendrick Lamar.
Maul
Say something nice about Kendrick. Yeah, well, I mean, I feel like I've been. I've always said what? I didn't even say nothing yet. Why y'all laughing? I've always, I've always. Throughout, throughout this entire, you know, year that we, we just came through, I don't think I've ever, always, never my intentions, but I don't think I ever said it. I never downplayed Kendrick's skill set, his ability, his, his status as an mc, as a rapper.
Rory
Not my question. Say something nice about Kendrick Lamar.
Maul
Like what? I don't know him personally.
Rory
Saying, yo, I didn't downplay you is not saying something.
Damaris
Him as a rapper, him as a.
Rory
Whatever.
Maul
I don't know him as a person, so I can't say he's a rapper. He's. He's one of the ill. But I've always said this. He's one of the illest. He's one of the best of his generation. Like, I went to Mr. Morale's show with Rory, said it was one of the best rap shows I've ever been to. Kendrick's stage performance has gotten a million times better. He's a star. Like, I've said all of these things already, but because in the battle, I wasn't on the side of thinking Euphoria or Meet the Grams was amazing. People feel like I hate Kendrick. And I'm like, yo, did y'all not just see everything I said about him? When Mr. Morale came out and I said the album was incredible and he could probably turn that into a Broadway play. Cause it, it plays like a playbook. Look, like, I, I, I, I said all of these things about Kendrick. I. With Kendrick, I think he's amazing. I just think that in this moment, he said things that's kind of like, ah, that's a little crazy to say that. Put that on another man. I don't like the record not saying Kendrick. I've never said Kendrick isn't dope and he can't rap. You will never find me anywhere on the Internet saying that. So, I mean, something nice about him. Yo, keep putting out dope ass bars. Keep putting out dope projects. Like, keep doing your thing on tour. Like, do all of that. I wish you stopped performing that fucking record. I think that that's crazy. You don't need to perform that record. And that's. To me, it's like you're making that a point to perform that record. Cause his catalog is dope. He doesn't need to perform that record. But, you know, I get it. Have your victory lap. But I just think that at some point, you gotta get away from that record. Because that energy, that message is like, that's disgusting to be out there rapping or even saying that word on stage every night. Like, I've seen the J. Nas battle kissing Beans and all these dudes that I grew up listening to. That's never a word anybody ever even threw out there. Like, you don't play with that words. I come from that. So that's why I'm always speaking to that. Because it's like, yo, you heard what you just said about this dude. Like, that's a little. You throwing that on some. A man's jacket is the worst thing you can put on somebody. So. So to me, I just don't like that. I don't like that message. How Head said there's certain things he just don't feed into. That's not his frequency. That I'm not even. I'm just like, all right. Once I hear that, I'm not even listening to that no more. You know, that's. But that's me. And I'll stand on that. But as far as me saying something nice about Kendrick is amazing. He's an amazing artist, amazing, phenomenal rapper. And I'm looking forward to hearing what else he got for us. Like, I don't have nothing negative to say about Kendrick other than that not like us record. To me, I hate it. I don't like it. It. And I think that Drake had the better bars in the battle. I'll stand and I'll die on that.
Rory
Okay. I appreciate the final thoughts and I agree with a lot of what you said. Mall, can you say something nice about Kendrick Lamar?
Maul
He says Kendrick is in a phenomenal rapper. He's a phenomenal mc. He makes good music.
Damaris
Like Ma. Thank you.
Maul
He has a great stage show.
Damaris
Thank you for your candor.
Maul
Yeah, like, what do you want to say? DJ had.
Damaris
Can you. You say something nice about Drake?
DJ Head
You still wanted them ones. King, let this go. Get back to the rap.
Maul
No spots.
DJ Head
I just did.
Rory
I Said you still without saying something negative.
DJ Head
You still one of them ones, bro. Do you?
Rory
I don't think the therapist would accept it, but it's fine.
DJ Head
Do you?
Maul
Yeah. Like, no, Give him push back the way y'all gave me.
Damaris
I didn't give you any pushback. I think you did an amazing job.
Maul
Do you?
Rory
Is not a compliment.
Maul
Do you? He's been doing him. Give me. Do you.
Damaris
That is.
Maul
He should be telling kids to do him and stop performing. Not like us. Say that.
DJ Head
I like the record.
Maul
You don't like that record?
DJ Head
I don't like the record. No, you don't.
Maul
Ed, I've been to your parties. I know the shit you play, what.
DJ Head
Party you come to.
Maul
I've been. Hey, you don't think I've ever been to parties that you DJ'd? Are you.
DJ Head
Are you having which party?
Maul
Head, I've been going to your party since probably 2014, 2015, 2016. What are you talking about?
DJ Head
I don't DJ that many parties.
Maul
You've DJed a private party I was at in the hills at a house. What the fuck are you talking about right now?
DJ Head
Did I play the record?
Maul
No, this is years ago. This was before the record.
Rory
I've been with Ma at parties that you dj.
DJ Head
Really?
Maul
What the fuck are you.
Rory
I don't know what you're talking about.
DJ Head
Right, listen, I'm being. I don't have a good memory.
Maul
Hmm.
DJ Head
I don't.
Maul
Hey, you don't gotta. But you remember every fucking thing.
Rory
Your name is DJ Head.
Maul
Yeah, like, what the.
DJ Head
Yeah, there's trauma. So let me do my nice thing again. Go back to three or whatever.
Damaris
Do you guys have any final thoughts for each other?
Maul
Okay, Final thoughts for each other. Yes. I mean, shout out to Head. Shout out to everything that you're doing. Somebody that I, you know, I've supported and I've had, you know, I like everything about you. Anytime we've ever met and seen each other in la, it's always been nothing but love and respect. Love the space that you in. Now shout out to you. Shout out to West Coast Ellie. West Coast Wilson. West Coast Wilson. Jeremy has some. Some wild to say. Jeremy. No, I'm just joking. I don't know.
Rory
Jeremy. Yeah, a few questions, but Shout out to Jeremy. Shout out.
Maul
Shout out to Gina.
DJ Head
Gina.
Maul
Views Gina.
Rory
We would love to have you on.
DJ Head
The show if you hold it down for the black women.
Maul
Yeah, I love. I love everything that you got going on, you know, and. And I love the fact that you always keep it. You keep it. You Keep it callous. And I respect that. You know what I mean? Like, you stand on where you from. You rep your city. You rep it proud.
DJ Head
Well, I got all my uptowns right, well.
Maul
Cause you out here and you're in New York.
Rory
I did notice that you were wearing Lakers, and I saw uptown. I thought he tried.
Maul
Well, this is because we, you know, we lost. We got bumped the first round. So this is kind of like just my homage. Yeah. Like, you know, it was better days at one point. Right now, we in a little bit of a, you know, a funk, but shout out to head. Shout out to everything you're doing. And, yo, man, this last year has been. It's been fun to, you know, watch the west coast celebrate and. And all the artists, you know, pop out and perform. Like, it's been fun to see a lot of guys get some. Get some time to shine and get some, you know, light put on them, because it is a lot of dope talent out of California that I think a lot of people kind of, you know, don't get to get a chance to really tap into.
DJ Head
I agree.
Maul
And I respect Kendrick for taking that moment and sharing that moment. You know what I'm saying? Sharing that stage and sharing that platform with other artists. Don't like the message that it sent at my boy. But either way, love the fact that the city came together. Love the fact that the culture came together for a night on stage. And it was dope. I think anybody from anywhere has to salute that and respect that. So, yeah, man, shout out to you and keep doing what you doing, man.
DJ Head
Thank you. I appreciate y'all for having me head.
Damaris
Any final thoughts for moving.
DJ Head
Yeah, thank you for having me on your platform, for inviting the conversation. Shout out to what y'all have built post battle. And that was.
Maul
I know. That was a shot.
DJ Head
That was a what?
Damaris
That was a shot.
Maul
No, I wasn't a shot.
DJ Head
It was hip hop.
Maul
Yeah.
Rory
Temperature may be different over here. It felt like a shot over here. It was built pre battle, trying to act like. I mean, you ain't.
Damaris
You ain't built too.
Rory
You ain't built off the battle too.
Maul
Like, I wasn't talking about. Talking about that. I got exactly what he was saying. I got exactly what he was saying.
DJ Head
Yeah, I respect. I respect it. I respect it for sure. And also, I think, like, being able to. Being able to navigate this space and stand on opinions no matter how delusional I seen. I didn't say that. I know you can say it no matter how.
Maul
Yeah.
DJ Head
You know, wild they are. And also, I'm gonna share something with you.
Maul
Yeah.
DJ Head
You being a New York. A New York native.
Maul
Yeah.
DJ Head
I respect you being a Lakers fan.
Rory
Just. Yeah, that's something I don't respect about.
Damaris
Our entire production team was like, okay, let's not do this.
DJ Head
It doesn't matter about. You told us that. You told me. You asked me for my words.
Maul
Let Head have his words, man.
DJ Head
I respect you being a Lakers fan.
Maul
Absolutely.
DJ Head
And, you know, when the time is right, I'm pretty sure you'll probably, you know, make the move as well to la, so.
Maul
Nah, I can't live in la, man.
DJ Head
So. So I'm just saying taxes, trying to.
Maul
Get away from them.
DJ Head
I wouldn't say that on camera.
Rory
Oh, no, no. We're actually moved to a state that.
DJ Head
What are we doing here, guys? You know, tax evasion is a felon.
Maul
No, not. Not evasion.
DJ Head
Tax deference is legal.
Maul
I just live somewhere where there's no taxes. That's all.
Rory
Got you 180 days.
Maul
Yeah.
Rory
We're going by the book. IRS is not.
DJ Head
Well, I have nothing else to offer. That was crazy. Well, you know, I'm trying to get away from these taxes.
Maul
Yeah. That's it. I love la. That's, you know, that's, you know, that's like one of my. One of my homes, man. I love la. Shout out to la, but I can't live.
DJ Head
Oh, also, I'll give you a compliment, too. I've actually had this conversation internally with a couple people. Yalls live show is really good.
Rory
It's the greatest live pod, period. Thank you.
DJ Head
Y'all live show is really good because a lot of people don't have as much crowd interaction and engagement as you guys do. And that being the cornerstone of your live show, people don't understand that people are so vain. They think they just want to sit there and watch you talk.
Rory
Hell, no.
DJ Head
I want to do that. God know y'all live show and the way that y'all have curated that is stellar.
Maul
Yeah. I mean, we're going to give the people a opportunity that talk shit to us and say we ain't shit. And this, that, and third. All right, so then you say something. Let's see who you are. Like, that's what the whole. The whole premise of the live show.
DJ Head
But I respect it. I remember when I went to go see y'all live show in la, I was like, damn, this shit is good. Cause y'all, like most people don't understand live versus pod.
Maul
Right?
DJ Head
So.
Maul
Right.
Rory
And what sucks with the Live shows, though, is that when we go to la, we have to pay New York tax on what we make on the live show, then we have to pay California tax on what we do with the live show. So as much as the live show is great, man, fuck them. Live shows, entertainment tax. I don't know what the fuck that was.
Maul
I don't know who that is.
DJ Head
Hey, I don't.
Rory
I don't even. I don't even know taming.
Maul
Who is that?
DJ Head
I don't have nothing to do with that. You might want to holler at Eric Garcetti and then start Karen Heron, bass, Gavin Newsom. You know what I'm saying?
Maul
Yeah. Nah, for sure.
Rory
Last nerdy, nerdy question. Real, real quick. Even if they cut it, do you still stand by your tweet that he said they like?
DJ Head
He's not they.
Rory
No, I'm a nerd. That's why I'm asking the question.
Damaris
He ain't they.
Rory
Do you think that every hit record needs to be at 101bpm post? Not like us.
DJ Head
No.
Rory
That was the only egregious, delusional tweet I think I've ever seen from you.
DJ Head
What did I say?
Rory
You said, everyone gear up. If you want to make a hit record, it has to be at 101bpm.
DJ Head
That's not what I'm saying.
Rory
Like us. Someone pull it up.
DJ Head
Pull up the Tweet.
Maul
I'm very one on one BPM. As a DJ. Have you any event that you've DJed recently? Have you played Nokia? Yeah. Okay.
DJ Head
I played it when I went to London.
Rory
It's a great record. I mean. Yeah, in London. That's gonna go crazy.
DJ Head
Yeah. Girls love that song.
Maul
Yeah. Been a great conversation. It's good to see you. And let the west coast know it's still all love over here. You know what I'm saying?
DJ Head
Hey, you let them know, because I don't think they know.
Maul
It's all. It's always love. It's always love. I love la.
DJ Head
You gotta come come let them know.
Maul
Absolutely. I gotta. I gotta come to y'all show, man. I gotta come kick it with y'all. Come pull up some shit with y'all.
DJ Head
Yeah, thank y'all for having me. It's New Rory.
Maul
And Ma, I'm that nigga. He's just Ginger. Peace, New Rory.
DJ Head
Okay. Have you heard about this? Last year, Degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant. The fans rebelled and wanted the old scent back. And Degree listened, and that doesn't happen often. They admitted they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason why it's the number one men's antiperspirant and it's back in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under $4. So try it and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart, Target and try the OG Cool Rush for yourself. Since its invention, the TV has been just that, a tv.
Maul
But what if it could be something more Meet Samsung Vision AI Whether it's upscaling classic content to look brand new or translating in English broadcast subtitles to.
Rory
Spanish in real time, Samsung Vision AI.
DJ Head
Helps you get more from TV than.
Rory
You ever thought possible.
DJ Head
Experience Samsung Vision AI and get a.
Rory
Music frame on Samsung with a qualifying 2025 TV and audio purchase purchase. Visit Samsung.com to learn more. Valid 416 to 5.4 and qualifying 2025.
DJ Head
Neo QLED OLED and the frame TVs.
Rory
With Vision AI while supplies last.
Maul
See Samsung.com for terms and conditions. Vision AI features vary by model.
DJ Head
Upscaling utilizes AI based formulas and results.
Rory
May vary based on source content.
DJ Head
Translation accuracy not guaranteed.
Damaris
Hey, Janice Torres here and I'm Austin Hankwitz. We're the hosts of Mind the Business Small Business Success Stories produced by Ruby Studio and Intuit QuickBooks. Catch up on seasons one and two and join us for a brand new season of the podcast as we talk to small business owners about how they manage and grow their businesses with the help of platforms like Intuit QuickBooks.
DJ Head
Listen to mind the Business Small Business Success Stories on the iHeartRadio app, Apple.
Rory
Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
DJ Head
Amazon One Medical presents Painful Thoughts do they ever actually clean the ball pit at these kids play gyms? Or is my kid just swimming in a vat of bacteria, catching whatever cool cootie of the day is breeding in there. A cootie that'll probably take down our whole family. Luckily, with Amazon One Medical 24. 7 Virtual Care, you can get checked out for whatever ball pititis you've contracted. Amazon One Medical Healthcare just got less painful.
Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL - Episode 367 | DJ Head & Mal Reflect on Drake vs Kendrick Beef One Year Later
Release Date: May 2, 2025
In Episode 367 of "New Rory & MAL," hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, hosts Rory and Maul delve deep into the tumultuous year-long beef between two titans of hip-hop: Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Joined by media personalities DJ Head and guest Damaris, the episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the origins, developments, and ramifications of this high-profile confrontation in the rap industry.
The episode opens with Rory introducing the topic:
Rory [02:40]: "Welcome to our one-year anniversary of the greatest battle in hip hop history with Drake and Kendrick Lamar."
He emphasizes the significance of having media heavyweights like DJ Head and Mal dissect the events that unfolded over the past year, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration.
Maul [04:00]: "From control or any line."
The conversation traces back to Kendrick Lamar's verse in Jay-Z's "Control," which ignited tensions in the hip-hop community. Both DJ Head and Maul discuss whether the initial disses were genuine or merely sportsmanship:
DJ Head [05:57]: "I think it's all sport. It's always been sport up until it wasn't."
However, they acknowledge that lines were eventually crossed, transforming the beef from friendly competition to a more personal conflict.
A pivotal moment discussed is the rumored disagreement over Kendrick's involvement in Drake's track "First Person Shooter."
Maul [07:03]: "I don't know if he just decided he didn't want to do it because he had other plans, or if it was just a timing thing and they moved on without him."
Both guests speculate that Kendrick's absence from the track may have been a catalyst for the ensuing beef, especially considering his collaborative work with J. Cole and Drake.
A controversial aspect of the battle was Drake's use of AI to mimic legends like Tupac and Snoop Dogg in his diss track "Push Ups."
Maul [34:12]: "Because he used a Tupac's voice with a filter."
The hosts debate the ethics of using deceased artists' likenesses without permission, with DJ Head arguing that it was disrespectful:
DJ Head [40:54]: "That's disrespectful. You don't violate the elders or the OGs."
Maul counters by highlighting that the intention wasn't to disrespect but to create a memorable battle moment, though opinions differ on its appropriateness.
The role of record labels and their strategies in amplifying the beef is another focal point.
Maul [88:52]: "One million percent that that happened. We are going to capitalize off of this moment."
He asserts that labels saw the potential in the beef and orchestrated events like the Amazon pop-up show to maximize exposure and profits. DJ Head maintains that while labels aim to capitalize, the artists themselves navigate the battle based on personal and professional motivations.
The influence of social media in shaping public opinion was extensively discussed.
Maul [112:15]: "But as far as the result or people's feelings on the record, I think once you get the record, no matter what anybody says, people have their own opinions."
Both guests agree that while their commentary may influence some listeners, the broader public forms opinions based on the music and social media narratives.
A heated segment addressed the ethical boundaries in battle rap, specifically Drake's accusation of Kendrick being a pedophile.
Maul [66:27]: "But I don't think that there's any line as far as calling somebody a pedophile. I think that's the worst thing you can put on anybody's head."
DJ Head emphasizes the importance of credibility and the severe implications of such allegations:
DJ Head [67:01]: "No, I think from the definition, he's not a pedophile."
The hosts conclude that personal attacks, especially unproven and defamatory statements, cross ethical lines in rap battles.
As the discussion winds down, Rory reflects on the overall impact of the beef on hip-hop culture.
Rory [134:32]: "I feel like this battle has put stand culture in a different light for me. And I don't think either of you guys are that whatsoever."
Both DJ Head and Maul offer closing thoughts, acknowledging the complexities of the beef and its broader implications on media, culture, and personal relationships within the industry.
Maul [135:27]: "He's one of the illest. He's one of the best of his generation... I don't think Drake rapped better than Kendrick on Not Like Us versus Family Matters. No fucking way."
Episode 367 of "New Rory & MAL" serves as a deep dive into one of hip-hop's most talked-about feuds. Through candid conversations, notable quotes, and critical analysis, the hosts and guests unravel the multifaceted layers of the Drake vs Kendrick beef, exploring its origins, ethical dilemmas, and lasting impact on the music industry. For listeners seeking an insightful retrospective on this high-profile battle, this episode offers a thorough and engaging examination.
Maul [07:02]: "I think that this battle may have started because Kendrick didn't get on the record."
DJ Head [05:57]: "It's always been sport up until it wasn't."
Maul [34:12]: "Because he used a Tupac's voice with a filter."
DJ Head [40:54]: "You don't violate the elders or the OGs."
Maul [66:27]: "I think that anything you start talking about... pedophilia is something that I just would never throw around unless it was absolutely, definitively true."
DJ Head [67:01]: "No, I think by definition, he's not a pedophile."
Maul [135:23]: "He has a great stage show."
DJ Head [86:42]: "That's not how the music business is set up."
These quotes exemplify the key points discussed and provide insight into the perspectives of the guests regarding the intricate dynamics of the Drake vs Kendrick beef.