The gift that just keeps on giving….
The latest chapter in the ongoing battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has reignited discussions about media bias, fan loyalty, and the state of hip-hop discourse. This time, the spark came from Drake’s new freestyle, “Fighting Irish.” Which was dissected on the latest episode of The Joe Budden Podcast. With Joe Budden absent due to legal issues, the conversation was led by cohosts Melyssa Ford, Ish, Ice, and the rest of the crew. Their discussion highlighted not only Drake’s lyrical skillset, but also some pointed critiques about how the media has navigated this heavyweight rivalry.
Drake’s Pen vs. the Narrative on the Joe Budden Podcast
The podcast cohosts praised Drake’s lyricism on “Fighting Irish,” acknowledging his knack for clever wordplay and potent delivery. However, the more compelling conversation kicked off when Ish suggested that their past coverage of the Drake-Kendrick feud may not have been entirely objective. He noted that there seemed to be a slight tilt toward Kendrick Lamar. Perhaps unintentionally, in their breakdowns of tracks like “Family Matters,” “Meet the Grahams,“ and “Not Like Us.“
This observation opened the door to a broader discussion about how media narratives shape fan perception. For instance, Ish argued that the surprise factor surrounding Kendrick’s releases “Meet the Grahams” and “Not Like Us“ may have overshadowed Drake’s contributions. In doing so, making it difficult for songs like “Family Matters” to receive the recognition they deserved. Despite this, the cohosts were quick to point out that their analysis of the feud reflected the natural evolution of hip-hop discussions rather than an intentional bias.
They not like us: The Drake vs. Kendrick divide
One undeniable consequence of this rivalry has been the increasingly polarized fanbases. As the podcast hosts said, some fans—on both sides—have become incapable of offering objective assessments of anything related to Drake or Kendrick without it turning into “hater” territory. The passion is at an all time high, but it often comes at the expense of constructive conversations.
For instance, “Fighting Irish” delivered plenty of lyrical gems worth dissecting. But, much of the fan conversation has been dominated by who Drake might have shaded in the freestyle. While subliminal shots are part of rap’s DNA, reducing a track to its disses risks overlooking the intricate rhyme schemes and creative wordplay that make the song noteworthy. As Melyssa Ford aptly put it, “You don’t have to hand him the W to appreciate the art”.
A call for honest Hip-Hop discussion in 2025
As we look ahead, it’s worth reflecting on how this rivalry—and its media coverage—has shaped the hip-hop landscape. Kendrick Lamar’s dominant run in 2024 was undeniably impressive, but does that mean Drake’s contributions should be downplayed? Both artists have consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity and storytelling. With that being said, their feud should serve as a celebration of hip-hop’s competitive spirit rather than a reason to divide fans.
The Joe Budden Podcast may not have given us a definitive answer on whether their coverage was truly biased, but they did present multiple perspectives that mirror the complexity of the debate. As fans, perhaps it’s time we followed suit. As a result, we should appreciate the artistry of both Drake and Kendrick without letting tribal loyalties cloud our judgment.
“Fighting Irish” Freestyle
If nothing else, “Fighting Irish” reminds us why Drake remains a formidable force in the rap game. Even in the face of fierce competition. Let’s hope the next episode of The Joe Budden Podcast dives deeper into the lyrical brilliance behind the freestyle. Giving us more to chew on in this ongoing saga.
For now, let’s leave the hate and hyperbole in 2024. Let’s step into 2025 with a renewed appreciation for the art—and the artists—who keep hip-hop thriving. Also, it turns out that this dispute with UMG isn’t seemingly working in his favor. Unfortunately, the record company reportedly took the freestyle down from YouTube. Although it’s been removed, press play on the trendy track and take to the comment section to share your thoughts! Lastly, stay tuned here at REMIXD Magazine for all things Drake, KDot, and entertainment!
