Stephen A's Take: Kendrick is booked in Toronto. What should Drake do next?

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show: Episode Summary Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: Kendrick is Booked in Toronto. What Should Drake Do Next? Release Date: December 5, 2024

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into the escalating tension between two of hip hop's titans: Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The discussion centers around Kendrick Lamar's upcoming performance in Toronto, the hometown of Drake, and the implications this has for their ongoing rivalry. Smith navigates through the complexities of their feud, exploring the blend of personal grievances and professional rivalries that fuel their interactions.

The Drake-Kendrick Lamar Saga

Kendrick Lamar’s Toronto Concert: Kendrick Lamar is set to perform at the Toronto Blue Jays' home stadium, a move that has ignited speculation about Drake's next steps. The commentator explains, “[01:12] Kendrick Lamar will be coming to the six to perform at their home stadium. Some say the date of the concert right before Father's Day adds insult to injury for Drake...” This timing has heightened the stakes, positioning Kendrick directly in Drake’s backyard during a significant family-oriented holiday.

Legal Maneuvers and Public Backlash: Drake has reportedly taken legal action against Kendrick Lamar's project, Not Like Us, which has only intensified the public's interest. The commentator notes, “[01:12] Drake has taken legal action against Not Like Us and now sees his rival likely to play to a sold-out stadium in his city.” This legal confrontation has not gone unnoticed, with fans and industry insiders closely monitoring the developments.

Analyzing Drake's Response

Drake’s Emotional State: Drake openly acknowledges the tension, stating at [02:03] “This is Drake.” His candid admission reflects the personal impact the conflict has had on him. He emphasizes the mutual respect between the two artists despite the ongoing feud.

Critique of Legal Approach: The commentator criticizes Drake's reliance on legal action, arguing that it detracts from the ethos of hip hop. “[02:46] ...you don't go the lawyer route in hip hop over something like this. You take it to the studio, you take it to the streets.” This sentiment underscores a belief that artistic expression should prevail over legal disputes in resolving conflicts within the genre.

Encouraging Musical Rebuttals: Drake advocates for a return to traditional hip hop rivalry methods, urging Kendrick to respond with his own music rather than legal threats. “[03:50] ...the point is Kendrick got you with that song. Come back with one of yours.” This call to action highlights the expectation for artists to engage in lyrical battles rather than legal ones to maintain authenticity and respect within the community.

Public and Industry Reactions

Street Credibility vs. Legal Battles: The commentator emphasizes that legal battles harm an artist's image within the hip hop community. “[05:18] ...because the streets are telling you, though, bro. We don't roll like that. We don't roll like that. Not in hip hop.” The public's preference for resolving disputes through music rather than the courts is a recurring theme, suggesting that Drake's current approach may alienate his core fanbase.

Impact on Music and Popularity: Interestingly, the commentator observes a correlation between legal actions and increased public interest. “[05:18] ...the numbers for Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us went up the minute your lawsuit was filed or not filed.” This indicates that controversies, even legal ones, can inadvertently boost an artist's visibility and popularity.

Conclusion and Insights

Stephen A. Smith wraps up the discussion by highlighting the delicate balance artists must maintain between personal grievances and professional integrity. The episode underscores the importance of adhering to hip hop’s foundational values of artistic expression and respect, rather than resorting to legal means that may undermine an artist’s credibility.

Notable Quotes:

• Drake at [02:03]: “This is Drake.”
• Drake at [03:01]: “You can get lawyers involved and talk about people engaging bots and payola and all of this other stuff to buffer and uplift his numbers.”
• Commentator at [05:18]: “...we don't roll like that. We don't roll like that. Not in hip hop.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers an insightful examination of the Drake-Kendrick Lamar rivalry, blending sharp analysis with a deep understanding of hip hop culture. Stephen A. Smith effectively navigates the nuances of their conflict, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of what lies ahead for these two influential artists. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or new to the scene, this episode delivers a rich and engaging exploration of one of music's most intriguing rivalries.

Transcript

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[Kendrick Lamar Commentator]

I need to address the latest turn in the Kendrick vs Drake saga. As in Kendrick Lamar.

[Drake]

The Toronto Blue Jays tweeted yesterday that.

[Kendrick Lamar Commentator]

Kendrick Lamar will be coming to the six to perform at their home stadium. Some say the date of the concert right before Father's Day adds insult to injury for Drake, who has taken legal action against Not Like Us and now sees his rival likely to play to a sold out stadium in his city. I understand that Drake's a bit sensitive in these times. You know, he's in his feelings and don't ask me how. But I know that he has seen this show and I know that he has seen some of the things that I have said about this show, about him on this show.

[Drake]

This is Drake.

[Kendrick Lamar Commentator]

Y'all know this Drake, right? I mean, I know y'all know his name, right? You know we ain't seen him in a while. That's what I'm saying. You know this him, right? That's Drake to Drake, the artist extraordinaire. I did not say or echo a single negative thing about you. You're a phenomenal artist. You're big time. What I said was fact. Not like us. Got you.

[Drake]

I even pointed out how to line about accusing you of being a pedophile. Ain't nobody paying attention to that.

[Kendrick Lamar Commentator]

They just think it's lyrics.

[Drake]

His bars being dropped and he got.

[Kendrick Lamar Commentator]

The better of you. What I'm saying is you don't go the lawyer route in hip hop over something like this. You take it to the studio, you take it to the streets. That's all I said. I didn't sit up there and say you can't answer Kendrick Lamar.

[Drake]

I said, you better figure out a way to do so. Meaning you have the capability, I think, to pull it off. That's all. It's not a crime for somebody to say, he got you. He got you on that one. Not like us was big time. You can get lawyers involved and talk about people engaging bots and payola and all of this other stuff to buffer and uplift his numbers. But dammit, when you go to the streets, everybody know what not like us is. And because they know what not like us is and who did it with Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan and LeBron James, your boy all bopping and weaving to it, getting their groove onto it. Yo, bro, all we saying is go.

[Kendrick Lamar Commentator]

Back in that studio. Ain't nothing but respect. You're great.

[Drake]

You Drake. This is what you've done. Ain't nothing but respect. You had a concert, bro. I was featured at your concert introing you. I wouldn't allow no shit like that to happen if I didn't have respect and love for you. You had a Toronto Raptors game. I'mma roll right up to you. I always roll right up to you and see you. Nothing but respect. Nothing but respect. That's not the point. The point is Kendrick got you with that song. Come back with one of yours. That's all I'm saying. Come back with yours. This is what you do. You come back with yours or you.

[Kendrick Lamar Commentator]

Say, damn, he got me.

[Drake]

That's all. Wasn't nobody looking for fights in the streets. We damn sure wasn't looking for some trial in court or some lawfare, as they say. Wasn't looking for anything like that. We were looking for you to come back with your own. He got you, you got him. He got you. And you either keep going or you stop and concede. He got me. That's all. That's not negative, it's facts.

[Kendrick Lamar Commentator]

He got you right now. That don't mean you can't get him. And if you don't get him later, then say, he got you.

[Drake]

But if you're going to be silent, if you going to ghost everybody, if you going to go down under, if you going to rely on lawyers.

[Kendrick Lamar Commentator]

Then it's not a good look. Because that ain't what hip hop is. That's all. And if that's how you feel, then they write when they say you're not like us. Not every industry ain't like that. And I got that part. That's all I'm saying. Come back with your own joint or concede that he got you. Other industries, like I was saying, can go to a route of lawyers, not hip hop over a song. No, no, it doesn't look good. That's it. That's all I'm saying. If you find that disrespectful in any way, my apologies. That's not my intent. I did mean it when I said he got you on this song. You got to get him back or you got to concede he got you and take the lawyers out of it. Because the longer you keep the lawyers in it, the worse you gonna look. The public made that statement when the numbers for Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us went up the minute your lawsuit was filed or not filed. But you were probing, looking into bringing lawyers into the equation to take legal action. The minute that happened, the numbers went up. That's why. Why is that? Because the streets are telling you, though, bro. We don't roll like that. We don't roll like that. Not in hip hop. Not in hip hop.

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[Drake]

Oh, oh, oh.

[Kendrick Lamar Commentator]

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