Drake’s Most Controversial Moments
Drake is one of the most influential and commercially successful artists of the 21st century—but his career hasn’t been without controversy. From rap beefs and industry feuds to questions about his lyrics and personal life, Drake has found himself in the spotlight for reasons beyond his chart-topping hits. Here’s a breakdown of Drake’s most controversial moments that had the internet buzzing and fans divided.
1. The Meek Mill Feud and Ghostwriting Allegations
In 2015, Meek Mill accused Drake of using a ghostwriter—specifically citing Quentin Miller as the pen behind some of his verses. The rap world was shaken. Drake responded with two diss tracks, “Charged Up” and the now-iconic “Back to Back”, which earned him widespread praise and even a Grammy nomination.
While Drake seemed to come out on top, the controversy sparked a long-running debate about authenticity in hip-hop and whether it matters if an artist writes every bar themselves.
2. The Pusha T Battle and the Reveal of His Son
Drake’s feud with Pusha T reached a boiling point in 2018 when Pusha dropped “The Story of Adidon.” In the track, he revealed that Drake had a secret son, Adonis, and criticized the rapper’s alleged plans to use the child as a marketing moment for his Adidas rollout.
The diss stunned fans, and Drake later confirmed the news on his album Scorpion, rapping, “I wasn’t hiding my kid from the world / I was hiding the world from my kid.” The moment became one of the most defining—and damaging—conflicts of his career.
3. Relationship Questions and Age Gap Concerns
Drake has faced backlash for his relationships with younger women, most notably his interactions with then-teen actress Millie Bobby Brown. In 2018, Brown mentioned in interviews that she and Drake texted regularly, which raised eyebrows online. Though both insisted the relationship was platonic and supportive, critics questioned the appropriateness of such interactions.
He has also been linked to other young women in the entertainment industry, sparking debates about celebrity power dynamics and privacy.
4. The “Hotline Bling” Video and Meme Culture Gone Wrong
While the “Hotline Bling” video boosted Drake’s cultural status, the quirky dance moves quickly turned into viral memes. Although mostly lighthearted, some critics accused the video of cultural appropriation due to its Caribbean influences without full acknowledgment of the culture behind them.
Drake has walked a fine line between appreciation and appropriation throughout his career, especially given his frequent use of UK grime, dancehall, and Afrobeats sounds.
5. Tension with Kanye West
Drake’s relationship with Kanye West has been one of the most talked-about rivalries in modern hip-hop. From subliminal disses to leaked information, the two have traded barbs for years. The beef intensified when Kanye was accused of leaking the details about Drake’s son to Pusha T—an accusation Kanye denied.
They eventually called a truce in 2021 with a joint performance at the Free Larry Hoover concert, but fans still question the sincerity of the peace between the two rap giants.
6. The XXXTentacion and MO3 Backlash
In recent years, Drake has come under fire for lyrics that some interpreted as insensitive or referencing the deaths of other rappers, such as XXXTentacion and MO3. Lines from songs like “Her Loss” and “Circo Loco” were scrutinized for what some saw as veiled threats or tone-deaf commentary.
While Drake has never confirmed the meanings behind these bars, critics argue that the references were unnecessary and disrespectful, especially to grieving fans and families.
7. 2024 Kendrick Lamar Diss Saga
In 2024, one of Drake’s most explosive controversies erupted with Kendrick Lamar’s diss verse on “Like That.” The track triggered a full-blown lyrical war, with Kendrick calling out Drake’s authenticity, fatherhood, and alleged behind-the-scenes manipulation.
Drake fired back with multiple diss tracks including “Push Ups” and “Family Matters,” but not everyone was impressed. Critics debated whether he was grasping for dominance or defending his legacy. The drama captivated hip-hop fans for weeks and marked one of the most intense rap battles in recent memory.
Controversy seems to follow Drake as much as success does. Whether it’s rap beefs, personal decisions, or cultural missteps, he remains a figure people love to talk about—for better or worse. Through it all, Drake has maintained his dominance in music, proving that even in the face of scandal, he knows how to keep the world watching.
