In 2024, Kendrick Lamar cemented his dominance over the rap game. Not only did he rack up two Number One singles—“Like That” (with Future and Metro Boomin) and “Not Like Us”—with rumors of a third hit on the way, but he also claimed the coveted halftime slot at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Yet, the defining narrative of Lamar’s year wasn’t his accolades—it was his explosive feud with Drake.
What began as simmering tensions with the Canadian rapper erupted into a fiery battle of diss tracks and allegations, transforming Lamar’s public persona. Once celebrated as a Pulitzer Prize-winning, poetic visionary, he shed the “good kid” image to become a scrappy and defiant gladiator of West Coast rap. His Grammy-nominated diss track, “Not Like Us,” became the anthem of the year, turning their feud into the biggest rap battle in a generation.
Lamar’s shift was evident in his new album, GNX, a bold blend of spiritual introspection and gritty bravado. Tracks like “Dodger Blue” showcased his willingness to confront critics head-on: “Have you ever took a fade and ran three more back to back/Oh, you haven’t? Then shut the fuck up and keep it rap.” The album captured both sides of Lamar—the introspective artist wrestling with his legacy and the fierce competitor reclaiming his street cred.
The fallout from GNX rippled through the industry. Lil Wayne lamented losing the Super Bowl halftime spot to Lamar, and Snoop Dogg laughed off a cheeky callout on “Wacced Out Murals.” Even Drake, bruised from the battle, tried to keep the spotlight by engaging in online banter.
While Lamar’s feud and fiery tracks grabbed headlines, GNX also explored deeper themes. In “Heart Pt. 6,” he reflected on his rise with Top Dawg Entertainment, his departure to create pgLang, and the challenges of evolving as an artist. Cameos from underground rappers and mariachi singer Deyra Barrera added layers to his vision of Los Angeles—a city defined by struggle, culture, and resilience.
For fans of his introspective albums DAMN. and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, this harder-edged Lamar might feel jarring. Yet, he remains self-aware, wrestling with his duality. On the closing track, “Man in the Garden,” Lamar declares, “More money, more power, more freedom, everything heaven allowed us/Bitch, I deserve it all.”
As 2024’s undisputed rap MVP, Lamar proved he could dominate the “rap octagon” while questioning what it means to hold the throne. Whether audiences crave the soulful preacher or the street warrior, one thing is clear—Kendrick Lamar isn’t just surviving in the game; he’s redefining it.
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