A battle rap legend, but Kendrick Lamar's war goes on

Kendrick Lamar, a prominent figure in the world of hip-hop, recently made history by being the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. During this highly anticipated performance, Kendrick showcased his unique style, wearing a striking blue leather jacket over a black T-shirt, paired with blue flared jeans and a black cap. His look was completed with a large diamond necklace, and he was surrounded by dancers dressed in the vibrant colors of the American flag. One of the standout moments of the show was when Kendrick delivered a powerful line from his Grammy-winning track 'Not Like Us,' which took a direct shot at his long-time rival, Drake. This particular lyric resonated with the audience, as an estimated 127 million viewers tuned in to witness Kendrick's electrifying performance. The atmosphere inside the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans was electric, with 70,000 fans passionately singing along with Kendrick, making it feel like a significant victory in their ongoing feud. However, Kendrick's battle is not solely with Drake; it extends to what Drake represents in the evolving landscape of hip-hop. Margs, a London rapper and host of rap battles, pointed out that Drake embodies a commercialized version of hip-hop that Kendrick is determined to challenge. Drake's immense popularity, with 143 million Instagram followers and a reputation as the most streamed artist of the 2010s, has led some to believe that he has diluted the essence of rap music. Margs noted that while many enjoy the catchy and danceable nature of Drake's music, there is a contrasting side of hip-hop that Kendrick aims to preserve, one that is deeply rooted in the culture and history of the genre. Kendrick has expressed his concerns about the current state of rap, stating that the 'grit' has been lost over time. He believes that rap should be viewed as an art form, not just a series of catchy songs or verses. His feud with Drake, he argues, stems from a broader issue of rap being sidelined in favor of more commercial sounds. Kendrick's commitment to authenticity is evident in his work, as his song 'Not Like Us' has achieved over one billion streams on Spotify and garnered five Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year. He emphasized that being chosen to represent hip-hop on such a prestigious platform as the Super Bowl meant everything to him. Hip-hop has a rich history of addressing social and political issues, and Kendrick is keen on reviving that tradition. His Super Bowl performance included powerful political messages, starting with actor Samuel L. Jackson, who introduced Kendrick while dressed as Uncle Sam. The performance featured imagery that highlighted the struggles faced by marginalized communities in the United States, culminating in the impactful line, 'This is bigger than the music. ' In a time of political change in the U. S. , Kendrick's message resonated deeply with fans. Margs pointed out that the current trends in hip-hop often lack the political consciousness that characterized the genre's origins. He believes that artists used to use their voices to protest and convey important messages, a sentiment Kendrick shares. Kendrick's approach to rap is akin to a sport, and he draws inspiration from battle rap, where artists engage in live competitions, exchanging clever disses and showcasing their lyrical prowess. This form of rap emphasizes substance over style, focusing on the artistry of lyricism. Kendrick has stated that battle rap has always been a core part of his identity as an artist. While some emerging rappers, like Layyah, have found success through different avenues, such as viral songs and social media, Margs believes that this shift has somewhat diminished the traditional art form of battle rap. Layyah, who became the first female rapper to win 'The Rap Game UK,' admires Kendrick but does not intend to follow his path in battle rap. She believes that the current landscape of rap offers various platforms for success, where creating a great song and a captivating routine can lead to popularity. Margs argues that this new approach can sometimes overshadow the importance of lyrical skill and creativity. As for the ongoing rivalry between Kendrick and Drake, it has remained relatively quiet since the release of 'Not Like Us. ' Some fans interpreted Kendrick's Super Bowl performance as a potential conclusion to their feud, while Drake's recent song suggests a desire to move past their differences. However, lingering questions about their past conflicts remain. Margs highlighted the difference between the competitive nature of battle rap and the ongoing drama between Kendrick and Drake, noting that in battle rap, there is a sense of sportsmanship where competitors respect each other after a performance. Kendrick's success at the Super Bowl and his dedication to preserving the true essence of hip-hop demonstrate his commitment to the culture and the art form.