Pusha T Weighs In on Drake’s UMG Legal Action Over Kendrick Lamar Beef: ‘Suing is Crazy’ ~ Musetracker

Pusha T has always been an artist unafraid to speak his mind, and his recent interview at Art Basel’s Saint Sessions Live with MSNBC’s Ari Melber was no exception. During the conversation, the Virginia-born rapper shared his candid thoughts on the rap battle between his longtime rival Drake and lyricist Kendrick Lamar. Pusha didn’t hold back, praising Kendrick for his poetic prowess while also reflecting on the aftermath of his own infamous feud with Drake in 2018.

Kendrick’s Victory in the Battle

When asked if Kendrick Lamar emerged victorious in his clash with Drake, Pusha T’s response was emphatic: “1,000 percent.” He elaborated on what set Kendrick apart, explaining that Kendrick’s ability to deliver truth with surgical precision makes his lyricism unparalleled. “You could be clever, you can say cute things … but the truth really hurts and the truth cuts deep,” Pusha said, emphasizing Kendrick’s knack for soul-stirring lyrics that resonate far beyond surface-level jabs.

Pusha credited Kendrick’s artistry for his ability to make opponents “tap out” or resort to drastic measures. Although he didn’t name names, his reference to lawsuits hints at the tension and high stakes that can arise when hip-hop rivalries spill over into real-world consequences.

The Parallels Between Push and Kendrick

Ari Melber skillfully drew parallels between Pusha T’s historic feud with Drake and Kendrick’s lyrical sparring with the Toronto rapper. In 2018, Pusha shocked the hip-hop world with “The Story of Adidon,” a scathing diss track that revealed personal details about Drake’s life, including the existence of his secret son.

While reflecting on this chapter of his career, Pusha admitted that his success operates in a niche space compared to Kendrick’s mainstream appeal. He described himself as playing in a “semi-popular” lane where his wins aren’t as celebrated or acknowledged by the masses. In contrast, Kendrick’s widespread popularity ensures his battles receive a different level of attention and reverence.

The Fallout from the Drake Feud

Pusha T also opened up about the professional consequences he faced after his beef with Drake. According to Push, the fallout extended beyond the music itself, affecting his collaborations and industry relationships. “The record labels, the artists, everybody were taking me off of songs, it was crazy,” he revealed. He cited an example involving Pop Smoke’s posthumous album Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, where Pusha requested his verse on “Paranoia” be removed after Young Thug accused him of reigniting the Drake feud in his lyrics.

Push expressed no regrets, but his comments highlight the complexities of navigating the business side of hip-hop while staying true to its competitive roots.

Celebrating Kendrick’s Influence

Despite his own struggles, Pusha T praised Kendrick Lamar for elevating lyricism in the rap game. “It’s good to see lyricism be looked at and respected on such a high level,” he said, acknowledging Kendrick’s role in pushing rap’s boundaries. For Pusha, Kendrick’s success is a win for all rappers who prioritize intricate, meaningful bars over commercial appeal.

A Subtle Critique of the Industry

Throughout the interview, Pusha T’s words reflected a subtle critique of an industry that often values marketability over authenticity. His own experiences underscore the challenges faced by artists who prioritize lyrical depth and creativity. Yet, Pusha’s commitment to his craft and his respect for peers like Kendrick demonstrate his unwavering belief in the power of hip-hop as a storytelling medium.

Takeaways from the Interview

Kendrick’s Legacy: Pusha T’s recognition of Kendrick Lamar’s victory in his battle with Drake speaks volumes about the importance of truth and vulnerability in hip-hop lyricism.
Industry Politics: Pusha’s recounting of being sidelined after his feud with Drake highlights how the industry can sometimes stifle raw, confrontational artistry in favor of more palatable content.
Lyricism vs. Popularity: The contrast Pusha draws between his niche appeal and Kendrick’s mainstream success underscores the diversity of hip-hop’s audience and the varying standards for what constitutes “winning” in the genre.
Resilience: Despite facing professional setbacks, Pusha T remains steadfast in his commitment to elevating lyricism and honoring hip-hop’s roots.

FAQ

1. What sparked the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake?
While the exact origin is unclear, tensions between Kendrick and Drake have been fueled by subliminal disses and competition for the top spot in rap. Kendrick’s infamous “Control” verse in 2013, where he called out several rappers including Drake, added fuel to the fire.

2. Why did Pusha T feud with Drake?
Pusha T and Drake’s feud dates back to longstanding issues between Pusha and Drake’s mentor, Lil Wayne. The beef escalated in 2018 when Pusha released “The Story of Adidon,” exposing personal details about Drake’s life.

3. What is Pusha T’s stance on Kendrick Lamar’s influence?
Pusha T has nothing but praise for Kendrick Lamar, commending his ability to bring lyricism to the forefront of mainstream hip-hop and push the boundaries of the genre.

4. Did Pusha T regret his feud with Drake?
While Pusha T acknowledged the professional fallout from his feud with Drake, he did not express regret, instead focusing on the artistic and cultural significance of his actions.