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.

1. Introduction to the Battle

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.

2. Origins of the Beef

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.

3. The "First Person Shooter" Incident

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.

4. The Use of AI and Likeness in "Push Ups"

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.

5. Labels and Business Strategies

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.

6. Social Media and Public Perception

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.

7. Ethics and Content in Battle Rap

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.

8. Final Analysis and Reflections

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."

Conclusion

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.

Notable Quotes

• 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.