DJ Akademiks Ranks Drake, Kendrick Lamar Diss Tracks on Social Media Anniversary

On the one-year anniversary of the Drake and Kendrick Lamar rap battle, DJ Akademiks sparked debate by ranking Drake's 'Family Matters' as the best diss track, prioritizing lyrical quality and bars over cultural impact. His list placed Kendrick's 'Euphoria' and 'Not Like Us' just behind, though many fans and critics argue 'Not Like Us'—which won five Grammys, including Record and Song of the Year—was the most significant diss. The rankings and ensuing discussion highlight ongoing disagreements among fans, with some supporting Akademiks’ view that Drake’s technical skills shone brightest, while others believe Kendrick’s tracks, especially in terms of impact, outclassed Drake’s responses. Additional debate emerged in the hip-hop community, with figures like Mal suggesting that, from a purely lyrical standpoint, Drake may have outperformed Kendrick, though this remains contentious. The use of AI in diss tracks, particularly Drake’s replication of 2Pac’s voice, also drew criticism and raised ethical questions within the industry. Overall, the feud continues to provoke passionate discussion about artistry, strategy, and respect in hip-hop.