Memphis Bleek reveals he has chosen a side in the battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar

The ongoing conversation around the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef continues to spark debate across the hip-hop world. Adding his voice to the mix, Memphis Bleek—best known as Jay-Z’s longtime protégé and Roc-A-Fella artist—offered both humor and perspective during a recent appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast.

In the interview, Bleek not only joked about how he would have defended Drake if the Toronto superstar had offered him a verse, but he also weighed in on why the battle with Kendrick Lamar is unlikely to end Drake’s career. His comments shine a light on the competitive nature of hip-hop and the realities of loyalty, business, and survival in the music industry.

Memphis Bleek on Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s Rap Beef

When asked about the viral feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, Memphis Bleek explained that he has been on the receiving end of countless diss tracks himself. He pointed out that The Game has recorded “at least 40” diss songs directed at him over the years.

Instead of reacting with hostility, Bleek kept his sense of humor:

“I’m never gonna take him to court,” he said, referencing Drake’s recent decision to sue Universal Music Group for alleged defamation. “I hope it wasn’t his decision. You know how sometimes lawyers make decisions… Rap beef in court? Should’ve been some physical altercation for that.”

This comment highlighted Bleek’s old-school approach to rap battles, where lyrical sparring—and sometimes physical confrontation—was the accepted response rather than legal measures.

“I Would’ve Defended Drake for a Verse”

One of the more lighthearted moments of the interview came when Memphis Bleek joked about why he didn’t step into the beef to support Drake. Shannon Sharpe mentioned how many of Drake’s past collaborators distanced themselves during the heated exchanges with Kendrick Lamar.

Bleek responded with wit:

“He should’ve gave me a verse. I would’ve been on the frontline with you.”

This comment sparked laughter, but it also underlined a deeper truth: in hip-hop, alliances often come with collaboration and mutual benefit. A guest feature, a verse, or a business relationship often determines how loyalties are formed and defended in the public eye.

Memphis Bleek Believes Drake’s Career is Safe

While much of the media framed the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake battle as a career-defining moment, Bleek believes Drake remains firmly positioned as one of the most dominant artists in music.

“I don’t think this is career-ending like a lot of people say,” Bleek said. “I feel like Drake can definitely come back from this. As you see, he just dropped a super smash in ‘Nokia.’”

By pointing to the success of Drake’s recent single, Bleek argued that the rapper’s fan base and chart dominance are too strong to be erased by even the most stinging lyrical defeat.

The Dirty Side of the Music Game

Memphis Bleek also took a more serious tone when discussing how the industry works:

“People gonna use you for what they need you for and then when they done with you they gonna put you back because they don’t need you no more… This game is dirty.”

His words highlight a well-known reality in hip-hop and the entertainment industry at large: relationships often revolve around strategic benefits. When artists are on top, collaborators rally around them. But when they face setbacks, the support often fades quickly.

The Drake and Kendrick Lamar Beef: A Recap

To understand the weight of Bleek’s comments, it’s important to revisit the timeline of the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar feud.

• March 2024: Kendrick Lamar reignited tensions with Drake on Future and Metro Boomin’s explosive track “Like That.”

• Following Weeks: Both rappers exchanged multiple diss tracks, analyzing each other’s careers, reputations, and personal lives.

• The Climax: Kendrick Lamar released “Not Like Us,” which many fans and critics labeled as the knockout punch that ended the beef in his favor.

Drake, meanwhile, pursued an unusual strategy in hip-hop culture: legal action. He accused Universal Music Group of artificially boosting Lamar’s sales to weaken his brand during contract negotiations. UMG denied these allegations, framing the lawsuit as baseless.

Memphis Bleek’s Perspective vs. Modern Rap Culture

What makes Memphis Bleek’s comments stand out is the contrast between his classic hip-hop mentality and today’s evolving rap landscape.

• Then: Diss tracks and feuds were settled in the booth or, in some cases, on the streets.

• Now: With billion-dollar corporations and streaming platforms involved, legal teams often step in, turning battles into lawsuits instead of lyrical wars.

Bleek’s dismissal of legal involvement shows his belief that rap beefs should remain within hip-hop culture itself rather than spilling into courtrooms.

Why Memphis Bleek’s Comments Matter

Memphis Bleek might not dominate headlines like Drake or Kendrick Lamar, but his voice carries weight. As a veteran who has navigated rap feuds, label politics, and decades of industry change, he represents a bridge between the golden era of hip-hop and its modern, corporate-driven form.

His willingness to joke about the situation—while still offering insight into loyalty and industry realities—adds a layer of perspective often missing from mainstream coverage of rap battles.

The Legacy of Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar

While the dust may be settling on the feud, the debate about its impact continues. Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is being hailed as one of the greatest diss tracks of the generation, while Drake’s response tracks generated enormous streaming numbers despite criticism.

The long-term question is whether the beef will tarnish Drake’s reputation or simply add another chapter to his storied career. As Bleek suggested, Drake’s ability to consistently drop chart-topping singles could outweigh the sting of losing a lyrical battle.

Rap Beef, Loyalty, and the Price of a Verse

Memphis Bleek’s playful remark about defending Drake “for a verse” underscores an important theme: in hip-hop, loyalty often intersects with opportunity. Collaborations build alliances, and alliances build defenses.

In a competitive field where reputations shift quickly, even a single feature verse can change the narrative. Bleek’s quip was humorous, but it was also a reminder that hip-hop is as much about strategic moves as it is about artistry.

Conclusion

The Memphis Bleek interview on Club Shay Shay offered a refreshing mix of humor, honesty, and perspective on the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef. From joking that he would have defended Drake if he got a verse, to stating firmly that Drake’s career is far from over, Bleek brought balance to a debate often filled with extremes.

His commentary not only reflected his own experiences with diss tracks and rivalries but also shed light on the evolving nature of hip-hop—where lawsuits, contracts, and corporate strategies now sit alongside lyrical clashes and street credibility.

Ultimately, Bleek’s perspective reminds us that rap beefs are not the end of the road but simply another part of hip-hop’s long tradition of competition. For Drake, the ability to release hits like “Nokia” ensures his career remains resilient. For Kendrick Lamar, the battle cements his reputation as a lyrical powerhouse. And for fans, it’s another unforgettable chapter in rap history—complete with humor, controversy, and lessons about loyalty in a game that Bleek himself describes as “dirty.”