The Ongoing Drake and Kendrick Lamar Saga: A Legacy of Comparison and Parallels
In the world of hip-hop, few rivalries — or, more accurately, comparisons — have persisted as long as the one between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. While both have undoubtedly carved their own legendary careers, it’s almost impossible to mention one without the other. From album releases to music videos, the two have become intrinsically linked in the eyes of fans and commentators alike. Even when they’re not directly involved in a beef or rivalry, their careers seem to orbit around each other, leading to comparisons that fuel discussions across social media and in the industry.
Take, for example, the recent release of Drake’s “NOKIA” music video. The video was a visually captivating piece to accompany one of his most successful singles in recent memory, but it didn’t take long for fans and pundits to start drawing comparisons to Kendrick Lamar. DJ Akademiks, a frequent champion of Drake, immediately noted some uncanny parallels between the visuals in “NOKIA” and Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” video. He pointed out that Drake, at one point, is surrounded by dancers, performing a move that closely resembles one Kendrick Lamar does in his own video. Further fueling the theory, there’s the inclusion of an owl in the “NOKIA” video, which contrasts sharply with a caged animal at the end of “Not Like Us” — a subtle visual cue that some fans believe alludes to a deeper connection between the two rappers.
This kind of theory isn’t unique to Akademiks. As soon as “NOKIA” dropped, Twitter was abuzz with theories connecting Drake’s latest video to Kendrick Lamar’s artistic choices. From symbolic references to similar visual motifs, fans quickly became engrossed in the idea that the two were once again locking horns, albeit in a more abstract and creative manner. What may seem like innocent coincidences to some, has sparked full-blown speculation among others.
DJ Akademiks, though supportive of Drake, also acknowledged that this ongoing comparison between the two isn’t one-sided. He pointed out that both Kendrick and Drake seem to be unable to escape the gravitational pull of each other’s presence. “These two are gonna be tied together like Siamese twins,” Akademiks remarked, suggesting that both artists have subtly (or not so subtly) been taking shots at one another through their music. According to Akademiks, the issue isn’t with the fans who make these comparisons, but rather with the artists themselves, who continue to engage in the unspoken rivalry through their art.
It’s also worth noting that some fans believe Drake’s inclusion of NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the “NOKIA” video is yet another nod to Kendrick Lamar. This theory is rooted in the fact that Kendrick Lamar included NBA star DeMar DeRozan in the “Not Like Us” video, and fans see Drake’s move as a direct response to Lamar’s. Whether these theories hold any weight or are just the product of eager fan speculation, they’re a testament to the cultural and artistic significance of both artists in modern hip-hop. It’s not just about the music anymore — it’s about every move they make, every decision, and how that decision might relate to the other.
Despite the constant back-and-forth of comparisons, both Drake and Kendrick Lamar have largely thrived in their individual lanes. Drake’s dominance in the mainstream continues, with his frequent releases and collaborations pushing him further into the global zeitgeist. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar maintains his status as a lyrical powerhouse, delivering introspective and politically charged work that resonates deeply with fans. They may not have directly collaborated in years, but their legacies continue to intertwine, feeding off each other in an unspoken rivalry that shows no signs of slowing down.
The debate about whether Drake and Kendrick Lamar are taking subliminal shots at each other might never fully subside. Whether it’s the inclusion of specific symbols, the choice of featured artists, or the way their music videos mirror each other, the comparisons will keep coming. And perhaps, as Akademiks suggests, it’s not just the fans who are obsessed with the parallels — it’s the artists themselves. If anything, the ongoing cultural conversation between Drake and Kendrick proves just how intertwined their careers have become, and how each new project only further cements their place as two of the most influential figures in hip-hop today.
