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Drake has responded to Kendrick Lamar as some expected with “The Heart Part 6,” adding new fuel to their explosive feud. In the track, the Canadian superstar addresses the accusations of being romantically involved with minors and more and fans on Xitter are wondering if it’s enough.
I want to speak as myself for a minute and express that I have never cared less about a rap beef. I find nothing exciting, interesting, or enthralling about two Black titans of the culture fighting and exposing each other. What is the end goal? It does nothing for the greater good. And, as Vince Stapes said, this is only aiding a particular segment of the industry and certainly not the creators. Anyway, let’s get into this newest salvo from Drake.
Titling the response “The Heart Part 6” is clearly taking a page out of Kendrick Lamar and his “The Heart” series, and directly addresses some of the heinous acts that K-Dot accused Drizzy of.
From “The Heart Part 6”:
The Pulitzer Prize winner is definitely spiralin’I got your fucking lines tapped, I swear that I’m dialed inFirst, I was a rat, so where’s the proof of the trial then?Where’s the paperwork or the cabinet it’s filed in?1090 Jake would’ve took all the walls downThe streets would’ve had me hidin’ out in a small townMy Montreal connects stand up, not fall downThe ones that you’re gettin’ your stories from, they all clownsI am a war gеneral, seasoned in prеparationMy jacket is covered in medals, honor and decorationYou waited for this moment, overcome with the desperationWe plotted for a week and then we fed you the informationA daughter that’s eleven years old, I bet he takes itWe thought about giving a fake name or a destinationBut you so thirsty, you not concerned with investigationInstead you in Advantage Studio, it’s a celebration
Considering that Kendrick Lamar seemingly has a lot of contempt for Drake, most fans are expecting a response from that side very soon. As it stands, fans of the pair of siding with their faves while detractors are taking their positions as expected. We’ve got reactions from X, formerly Twitter, from all sides below along with the track in question.
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DJ Vlad has long been seen as an unsavory sort among certain Hip-Hop circles despite his mysterious ability to snag interviews with notable figures within the genre. After attacking a Black woman who checked him over his opinion on the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef, DJ Vlad attempted to weaponize his whiteness but the culture peeped game and is getting Vlad The Vulture out the paint.
Morgan Jenkins, a best-selling author and academic, caught wind of DJ Vlad speaking on Kendrick Lamar’s explosive “Not Like Us” track, stating that the song “needed a better mix.”
Jenkins, quoting Vlad’s comment, rightfully wrote, “You are WHITE. This is a BLACK FOLK AFFAIR,” prompting Vlad to respond and spiral like most Karens do.
“Wait, so a professor at @Princeton is telling me that a white person shouldn’t be allowed to voice their opinion about Hip-Hop? Is that how you interact with your students,” Vlad fired back.
Jenkins fired back with, “What I’m saying is that you put your opinion in a discussion that’s not needed. This conversation is and should center Black people, not you.”
Vlad then pulled the ultimate cornball move and threatened to contact Princeton University about Jenkins’ comments but found himself on the wrong side of history again after Jenkins laid down the law.
“Semester’s over and my contract has been completed. But thanks for trying to bully me out of a job for centering Black people because you got your feelings hurt. Very retaliatory, huh? Nice tactic,” Jenkins artfully countered.
Because Vlad has no shame, he attempted to throw his academic credentials around and referred to Jenkins as a bigot. He then foolishly demanded that Jenkins takes Princeton out of her X bio. This is when it gets even better.
“Sweetheart, before I was a professor at Princeton, I GRADUATED from Princeton. LOL So what is you REALLY saying,” Jenkins added.
Vlad, unable to take the L for what it was doubled down and the entirety of Black Xitter (yes, we’re calling it that) formed like the Avengers to shove Vlad The Vulture out the paint. Even typically neutral folks like comedian KevOnStage was smoking on the Vlad Pack and it is still continuing since the fracas began late Saturday night (May 4).
DJ Vlad has made a career of inviting pivotal figures in Hip-Hop culture to spill the beans about things that were both incriminating and largely damaging to the reputations of others. Further, Vlad’s propensity for digging into the affairs of Black people has never sat right with those who have had the misfortune of watching one of his interrogation videos, excuse us, interviews.
The saddest part in all of this are Black men are coming to the jiggin’ and booin’ (shoutout Vince Staples0 defense of Victim Vlad. But those dustballs are getting shots too, disrespectfully.
As it stands, Vlad The Vulture is getting baked, simmered, and sautéed and it’s an amazing thing to watch. Further, he deserves it because all he had to do was mind his business. Now, he’s upended his whole brand just because he couldn’t stand to be told he was out of pocket by an accomplished Black woman.
Check out the replies below.
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Kendrick Lamar and Drake have engaged in an explosive back-and-forth that took a dark turn according to some observers but the onslaught is far from over. Fresh from dropping the blistering “Meet The Grahams” track, Kendrick Lamar took aim Drake and doubled down on some serious allegations with “Not Like Us.”
Produced by DJ Mustard, “Not Like Us” delivers what some are considering the first of the series of Lamar’s diss tracks to take a sonic approach that might end up getting burn outside of content creator streaming channels and the headphones of dedicated fans.
Unlike the sinister “Meet The Grahams,” “Not Like Us” is a far more upbeat affair but still maintains the intensity from the previously released diss tracks with K-Dot not taking his foot up off the gas even in the slightest.
From “Not Like Us”:
Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em youngYou better not ever go to cell block oneTo any b*tch that talk to him and they in loveJust make sure you hide your lil’ sister from himThey tell me Chubbs the only one that get your hand-me-downsAnd Party at the party, playin’ with his nose nowAnd Baka got a weird case, why is he around?Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophilesWop, wop, wop, wop, wop, Dot, f*ck ’em upWop, wop, wop, wop, wop, I’ma do my stuffWhy you trollin’ like a b*tch? Ain’t you tired?Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A-Minor
Honing in on the allegations that Drake has targeted younger women, K-Dot delivered the “A-Minor” in an extended sing-song fashion that was designed to cut deep. The bars above also take digs at the Canadian superstar’s head of security, Chubbs, PartyNextDoor, and Baka Not Nice, who reportedly forced a woman into prostitution and later plead guilty to assault and other charges back in 2015.
Although some fans thought Drizzy delivered a valiant effort with “Family Matters,” the pendulum is swinging in the direction of Kendrick Lamar, especially given the fact he took his time in responding to the earlier jabs but has unloaded the full clip.
On X, formerly Twitter, the debate of who is winning the battle rages on and we’ve got comments from all sides below.
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Kendrick Lamar has clearly had enough for the shots and subliminal messages from Drake, beginning his blitz earlier this week with the blistering “euphoria” track. With Drake still absorbing blows from that salvo, Kendrick Lamar once again fired back with the cleverly titled “6:16 in LA” track and the culture is in a frenzy.
While the issues between Drizzy and K-Dot have long been rumored, nothing to the level of the recent flurry of disses fans have been treated to lately.
Dot took the most measurable shot on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That” track earlier this year and it was clear who the target was. The Canadian superstar hit back with “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle,” the latter of which has been served with a takedown notice from the estate of Tupac “2Pac” Shakur.
It was just this past Tuesday (April 30) when “euphoria” dropped and it wasn’t expected that another song was coming. Using Drake’s timestamp title formula, “6:16 in LA” (released Friday, May 3) digs even deeper into the persona of his rival.
From “6:16”:
Have you ever thought that OVO is workin’ for me?Fake bully, I hate bullies, you must be a terrible personEveryone inside your team is whispering that you deserve itCan’t toosie slide up outta this one, it’s just gon’ resurfaceEvery dog gotta have his day, now live in your purposeIt was fun until you started to put money in the streetsThen lost money ’cause they came back with no receiptsI’m sorry that I live a boring life, I love peaceBut war-ready if the world is ready to see you bleed
As it stands, most fans are saying the battle is leaning in favor of Kendrick Lamar, definitely since Drake egged him on to respond. Now, the timeline waits to see what the response will be or if the “Red Button” will be pushed.
Check the reactions below and the track below.
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Gucci Mane is an artist who will use moments in pop culture to inform the direction of his music, most recently seen with his “Woppenheimer” single in 2023. The rapper and author referenced a particular moment that’s rocking the culture regarding Diddy with the drop of his new “TakeDat (No Diddy)” track.
Gucci Mane, 44, dropped “TakeDat (No Diddy)” on Wednesday (April 24) with production from TP808 and TPerc. The song is largely Big Guwop chanting “No Diddy” at the end of his hook and bars.
More from “TakeDat”:
I got a young Miami b*tch from the cityI’m spendin’ money like a trick, no DiddyI rock pissy yellow diamonds, no DiddyBut she can’t be underage, no Diddy (Ugh)Extendo with a switch, no DiddyFolks passin’ pills around like frisbeesAnd booby trap goin’ up on a WednesdayI’m in a bag, it’s a Monica LewinskyI’m f*ckin’ rappers’ baby mommas, no Diddy (Take that)I got these n*ggas in they feelings like Drizzy (Take that)
The early returns on the track have been cropping up on X, formerly Twitter, with some fans noticing where Gucci is attempting to take the direction of the song. The results so far appear to be mixed but we’ve got reactions from all sides, along with the track, down below.
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Chris Brown and Quavo have a history of not being the best of friends and it appears that the pair are still on the path to war after this weekend. Chris Brown dropped a new track titled “Weakest Link” aimed at Quavo, with the late Takeoff having his name added to this feud.
From what we gathered, “Weakest Link” is a response to the track “Tender” and adds to the growing rift between the pair that has been ongoing for years according to reports.
On “Tender” Quavo rapped:
Wipin’ your nose with the tissue, not wipin’ no snot (Snot, whoo)Tell me, lil’ bro, what’s your issue? It’s over a thot (Thot)You said that it’s bigger than that (It’s big), but no, it is not (No, it is not)It’s ’cause I be diggin’ in that (Ya dig?), it got ’em hot (They got ’em hot)I’m givin’ respect (Sh*t), but I know you not (I know you not)Your b*tch on my neck (Your b*tch), your b*tch at the spot (Spot)
The streets are saying that the Migos artist is speaking about Brown’s ex, Karrueche Tran.
Brown, digging deep into his petty bag, fired back by suggesting he got familiar with Huncho’s ex, Saweetie:
Okay, let’s get down to the facts, p*ssy, I’m dripped in red (Okay)Don’t let this R&B sh*t fool you, n*ggas get ripped to shreds (Get back)Quavo talkin’ like he a thug, n*gga, you a bitch with dreads (You a b*tch)Can’t wait to see the day that you back up all of that sh*t you said (You on)What’s all that boss sh*t you talkin’? You ain’t no huncho, n*gga (You ain’t no huncho)You the weakest link out of your clique, let’s keep it a hundo, n*gga (One hundred)You f*cked my ex-ho, that’s cool, I don’t give no f*ck, lil’ n*gga (Still a b*tch)‘Cause I f*cked your ex when you were still with her, b*tch, I’m up, lil’ n*gga (I’m up)
We’ve got no opinion on who is winning this particular beef but fans observing are naturally calling out Brown’s violent past with women, while also adding that Quavo has similar stories of the same acts on his jacket.
Check out the reactions from X and the songs in question below.
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Jill Scott might be a beloved vocalist but she is currently catching the wrath of X, formerly Twitter, after taking a moment to show love to Chris Brown. When challenged about Brown’s history of domestic violence, Jill Scott doubled down and seemingly defended her abusive stepfather because he happened to be an expert at laying concrete foundations.
On Sunday (April 21) in the wee hours, Jill Scott posted a tweet praising Chris Brown, who is currently having a war of words with Quavo of Migos fame.
From X:
@chrisbrown is amazing. How does ANYBODY sing like THAT? Dance, look, Act and Rap… like THAT? Beyond gifted. It appears, exceptional people have to go through exceptional [fire emoji]. There’s nothing to debate.
The Philadelphia songstress was challenged by an X user who wrote, “I think the women he’s abused would disagree,” to which Scott answered, “I doubt it. My Mother’s ex husband was a mean, violent human AND he could lay foundation better than anyone in my city. What he did with cement was awe inspiring. We got away. He got a raise and praise for his ability. God dealt with the rest.”
Scott’s words sparked a flurry of criticism from fans on X who pointed out that her praise of Brown and the attempt to humanize her stepfather was a slap in the face of victims of domestic violence.
Scott continued to try and explain that she wasn’t making an excuse for her stepfather nor was she attempting to shift blame. Her stance, from what we gathered, is to note that terrible people often do terrible things but they’re also capable of change.
“Look. Years of prayer, therapy, self reflection, & making every effort to keep my feet on the ground has made me compassionate for other human beings. People go through [poop emoji] and do terrible [poop emoji]. We say we believe in God ; pray for enlightenment. We ARE a living testimony,” Scott wrote hours after her initial comment.
On X, the reactions to Jill Scott bigging up Chris Brown and pushing back against the critique had her trending near the top of the list on the social media network. We’ve got reactions from all sides below.
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Drake is currently on the offensive after officially dropping the “Push Ups” track, which aims at Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, and Future. As the ongoing war of words continues, Drake pulled off what some online are calling a masterful stroke with an AI-rendered diss track aimed at Kendrick Lamar using the voices of Snoop Dogg and the late Tupac “2Pac” Shakur.
The AI-assisted track, titled “Taylor Made,” hit social media over the weekend with Drake posting the full audio across his socials. In the track, Drizzy uses AI to rap from the perspective of 2Pac and Snoop Dogg, using the iconic stars’ voices to coach K-Dot on how to diss the Canadian superstar.
From “Taylor Made”:
(As 2Pac)Kendrick, we need ya, the West Coast saviorEngraving your name in some hip-hop historyIf you deal with this viciouslyYou seem a little nervous about all the publicityFuck this Canadian lightskin, DotWe need a no-debated West Coast victory, manCall him a bitch for meTalk about him liking young girls, that’s a gift from meHeard it on the Budden Podcast, it’s gotta be trueThey told me the spirit of Makaveli is aliveIn the n*gga under 5’5″, so it’s gotta be you
Snoop Dogg’s voice is used for the second portion of the song with some of the bars reading:
Nephew, what the f*ck you really ’bout to do?We passed you the torch at the House of BluesAnd now you got to do some dirty work, you know how to move, right? Right?I know you never been to jail, or wore jumpsuits and shower shoesNever shot nobody, never stabbed nobodyNever did nothing violent to no one, it’s the homies that empower youBut still, you gotta show this f*cking owl who’s boss on the WestNow’s a time to really make a power move
As Drake keeps attempting to goad Kendrick Lamar into responding, it doesn’t appear that he had any more bars for Rick Ross after taking shots at his former friend via the “Push Ups” track.
Breaking the wall here and speaking for myself, I don’t have a strong opinion regarding who is winning this mock meat tussle. I just want to hear some bars from these great rappers and that it all stays on wax without getting weird or personal. Anything else is too toxic for me. There you have it, that’s my view of things so far. – D.L.
Reactions to Drake’s latest salvo have been cropping up since the drop of the “Taylor Made” freestyle. Check out the song and the reactions below. Also, it appears Snoop Dogg also reacted to the news. Check out that video too.
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1. Is he monetizing it? Doesn’t seem so but what do we know?
8. Thoughts?
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Nas and DJ Premier have made musical magic together throughout their still-ongoing careers, and the promise of a joint album between the pair is seemingly confirmed as fact. The pair connected for the track “Define My Name,” with Nas hinting at the long-awaited collaborative project with DJ Premier.
Fans of Premier know to expect hard drums, heavy basslines, and expert scratching on the hook from the legendary producer and member of Gang Starr. Nas, who has proven to be in great shape lyrically during his recent run with Hit-Boy, hasn’t lost any of that momentum present across all three King’s Disease projects and the Magic trio.
From “Define My Name”:
The definition of my name probably started where/I rode the E train, fingers covered in ink stains/Writin’ was like an escape, excitedly leave the beat flamed/It was Ra, Kane, Kool G and Kris/Few names like Cool James, ‘Face, Cube and Rick
The bar work is exceptional per usual but some fans felt the track from Premier wasn’t strong enough. However, Nas making mention that “it’s album time” near the end of the track caught the interest of Hip-Hop Xitter. The duo have teased this mythical pairing for years and now all signs are pointing to actually happening.
DJ Premier produced three tracks from Nas’ classic debut album, Illmatic, so it’s fitting they’re putting out this new heat today to celebrate three decades of creative excellence.
Also, Nas announced Friday (April 19) that he will embark upon his Illmatic 30-Year Anniversary Tour across Europe and the United Kingdom this fall. Learn more here.
Check out the reactions below along with “Define My Name.”
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Cannabis fans, it’s time to celebrate as 420 (or 4:20 or 4/20) is here this weekend and we’ve got a gift guide that should come in handy. Depending on where you are, you can snag yourself one of the offerings below to get your mind and the vibes right.
As I say every time I put together one of these roundups, I’m a proud cannabis user but I tend to focus on function versus feeling good. There is nothing wrong with being stoned but I’ve got way too much to do so I’m the kind of person that prefers small doses, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t indulged on a higher level. No pun intended.
In this guide, I’ve added some brands you may have seen before in my coverage along with others that are new to me. What I’m enjoying as cannabis usage is more widely accepted is the range of innovation and products available to the market. When I was a much younger man, it was just flower and whatever cheap delivery method you could find.
These days, edibles, carts, e-rigs, infused beverages, and more are dominating the space and the world is better for it. Hopefully, you’ll see a product below that will be your new favorite. We do want to urge that these products are made for individuals who are at least 21 years of age and please use them responsibly.
Let’s have a safe 420 weekend!
P.S. I will be gradually updating this post with more offerings as the day goes on. If you don’t see your brand yet, grant me a little patience or give me a kind shout. Thanks.
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1. 22Red
Source:22Red
22 Red comes from the mind of musician Shavo Odadjian and covers all your cannabis delivery methods via flower, prerolls, vapes, and more. There is also a merch line and other goodies. Only available in Arizona and Nevada for now.
Learn more here.
2. A Golden State
Source:A Golden State
We’ve featured A Golden State in previous cannabis roundups and I’ve had the good fortune of visiting a recreational dispensary that carries their product. From flower to vapes, A Golden State’s commitment to quality is clear. Only available in California,
Learn more here.
3. Betty’s Eddies Sweater Weather Fruit Chews
Source:Betty’s Eddies
I may have said this before but Betty’s Eddies are the best tasting edibles I’ve ever had. The fruit chews come in a variety of flavors and functions, and have I mentioned how good they are? Only available in Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts & Puerto Rico.
Learn more here.
4. Blazy Susan Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2024
Source:Blazy Susan
Blazy Susan specializes in accessories to aid one in their cannabis enjoyment. This includes rolling papers, trays, a very dope backpack that comes complete with a rolling tray, dabbing tools, and more. We’re big fans of the Blazy Susan over here.
Learn more here.
5. Breez
Source:Breez
Breez is a brand new to our roundup but we like what we’re seeing. Specializing in infused mints, tinctures, flower, prerolls, and beverages, Breez aims to take the fuss out of choosing your preferred path whether you’re ready to turn up or turn down. Available in California and Illinois.
Learn more here.
6. Cantrip
Source:Cantrip
Many moons ago, I attended the Cannabis Cup in the Bay Area and I was rather new in my journey. I was blown away by the variety of infused beverages. Cantrip adds to that growing category with infused seltzers, sodas, and energy drinks.
Learn more here.
7. Cookies
Source:@MarblesKennedy
Cookies is a leading brand in cannabis culture and comes from the mind of Berner. From flower, CBD, merch, teas, and more, there is a reason why it’s become a go-to brand for consumers. The quality is unmatched and it’s widely available. Don’t sleep.
Learn more here.
8. CQ
Source:CQ
Some readers may be aware that I cover adult beverages too and sometimes, I want to sip something but don’t always want booze. A brand like CQ would be perfect for those who want to sip their cannabis. I also appreciate they have both a high and low dose offering. The high-dose option is only available in select states so check the website.
Learn more here.
9. Dip Devices X Aster
Source:Dip Devices
Dip Devices offers affordable dab pens, dab straws, and their latest device, a dry herb vaporizer known as the Aster. With an approachable price and tons of function, the Aster should get notice from those who like to take their flower on the go.
Learn more here.
10. Dr. Dabber
Source:Dr. Dabber
I want to give a strong salute to a titan of the cannabis community, the late Rico “Phone Homie” Valderrama, who was the first person to teach me about dabbing. Dr. Dabber is a dab head’s paradise with some awesome devices and bundles. Check out their Switch, Boost Evo, and XS (Khalifa Kush Limited Edition) devices. Available worldwide.
Learn more here.
11. FLORA+BAST
Source:FLORA+BAST
I appreciate companies that understand the science of cannabis and how it can apply to our lives beyond getting lifted. FLORA+BAST epitomizes that with functional gummies, oils for intimacy, sleeping aids, and more. Cannabis and overall wellness go together seamlessly via this brand.
Learn more here.
12. Frozen Fields
Source:Frozen Fields
I’m still learning all the various ways cannabis and hemp-derived products are developed and Frozen Fields has my curiosity piqued. The North Carolina company specializes in THCa and Delta-8 THC products, including its newest innovation, Formula-X.
Learn more here.
13. Gelato Canna Co.
Source:Gelato Canna Co.
Gelato Canna Co. has a product I’ve yet to see on the market in its infused mini sugar cones. They also have a clever product known as Cookie Crumbs, which is loose shake and buds from the bottom of the bag. Available in California and Michigan.
Learn more here.
14. G Pen
Source:G Pen
We’ve been rocking with G Pen for years and we can’t say enough good things about its Dash+ device, a fantastic dry herb vaporizer. But that’s not all they have. The brand also has collaborations with Mike Tyson, B-Real’s Dr. Greenthumbs, and The Grateful Dead among others.
Learn more here.