Drake vs Kendrick Lamar feud Was “Healthy”, Says A$AP Rocky – But Went Too Far

The ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has dominated conversations in the hip-hop community for more than a year. What started as a lyrical exchange escalated into one of the most talked-about battles in rap history, producing hits, controversy, and now even a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG). While many artists have shared their thoughts, A$AP Rocky has offered a balanced perspective, calling the beef “healthy for hip-hop” but criticizing the lawsuit that followed.

In this article, we’ll break down the origins of the Drake–Kendrick feud, how A$AP Rocky became tangentially involved, and why his comments highlight a deeper conversation about competition, artistry, and the business of hip-hop.

The Origins of the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar Feud

Hip-hop has always thrived on competition. From the days of Nas vs. Jay-Z to Pusha T vs. Drake, rap beefs have driven creativity, inspired iconic tracks, and sparked cultural conversations.

The Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef officially took off more than a year ago when Lamar dropped a series of pointed bars directed at the Toronto superstar. The tension culminated in Lamar’s now Grammy-winning anthem, “Not Like Us,” which became both a commercial success and a cultural moment.

Drake, known for his ability to deliver both hits and diss records, responded with his own tracks, igniting a back-and-forth exchange that had fans and critics dissecting every lyric. While some saw the battle as damaging to Drake’s reputation, others viewed it as proof of Lamar’s lyrical supremacy.

The Beef Spills Into the Legal Arena

What made this feud different from past rivalries is the way it spilled into the corporate world. Drake eventually filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group, his own label, accusing the company of “devaluing his brand” during the controversy.

The lawsuit alleged that UMG not only failed to protect Drake’s image but also allowed the release of tracks under its Interscope division that directly attacked him. In Drake’s motion, he even attempted to gain access to UMG’s contracts with Kendrick Lamar and raised questions about Lamar’s personal life—claims UMG strongly denied.

Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO of UMG, issued a fierce response, calling Drake’s accusations “farcical,” “nonsensical,” and “groundless.” He pointed out that UMG had invested “hundreds of millions” into Drake’s career and had no reason to undermine one of its most successful artists.

This legal drama has added another layer of complexity to the feud, shifting attention away from the music and toward the business side of the industry.

A$AP Rocky’s Role and Perspective

Though not directly involved in the beef, A$AP Rocky found himself in the conversation after his appearance on Future and Metro Boomin’s single “Show of Hands.” The track included lyrics many interpreted as a jab at Drake, especially given Rocky’s relationship with Rihanna, who has long been rumored to have a complicated past with the Toronto rapper.

Rocky rapped:
“Still don’ trust you, it’s always us, never them,
Heard you dropped your latest sh*t,
Funny how it just came and went.”

Many fans speculated these bars were aimed squarely at Drake. But in a recent interview with Elle, Rocky clarified his stance, making it clear that while he respected the lyrical battle, he had no interest in being pulled into it unnecessarily.

“The battle was between Kendrick and Drake, not Drake and everybody else who might have said something at that time, and that’s mainly why I fell back,” Rocky explained. “I just hate the way it’s turning out with [Drake] suing and all that. What part of the game is that?”

Why A$AP Rocky Calls the Beef “Healthy for Hip-Hop”

According to Rocky, the Drake vs. Kendrick battle was not inherently destructive—it was beneficial for the culture. Diss tracks and rap rivalries, when kept lyrical, push artists to elevate their craft and give fans raw, competitive energy.

“The beef was healthy for hip-hop,” Rocky said, noting that it reminded fans of the genre’s roots in competition and wordplay. For many, tracks like “Not Like Us” and Drake’s fiery responses reignited interest in rap battles, drawing in younger fans who may not have experienced legendary feuds of the past.

Rocky’s view aligns with the idea that hip-hop needs rivalry to stay sharp. When artists challenge each other, the result is often some of the best music of their careers.

His Criticism of the UMG Lawsuit

Where Rocky drew the line was the lawsuit. Suing a record label over a rap beef, in his eyes, crossed a line.

“I just hate the way it’s turning out with [Drake] suing and all that. What part of the game is that?” Rocky asked rhetorically.

To him, battles should remain in the booth, not the courtroom. Turning artistic competition into legal disputes risks stripping hip-hop of its authenticity and reducing it to corporate infighting.

UMG’s Fierce Response

Lucian Grainge’s dismissal of Drake’s lawsuit highlighted the tension between artist and label. While UMG insisted it has been instrumental in building Drake’s career, the rapper’s decision to drag the label into his feud with Lamar reflects a growing trend of artists questioning the role of major record companies.

Grainge’s statement was blunt: Drake’s claims were “ridiculous” and “nonsensical.” By pushing back so firmly, UMG made it clear that it would not take responsibility for beef-related fallout.

The Bigger Picture: Hip-Hop, Rivalry, and Business

The Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar feud is more than just a rap battle. It reflects broader issues in the music industry:

• The balance between artistry and business.

• The role of labels in protecting—or failing to protect—artists.

• The tension between competitive authenticity and commercial image.

For decades, hip-hop has been built on rivalry. But in an era where artists are multimillion-dollar brands, battles don’t just play out on wax—they can spill into courtrooms and boardrooms.

A$AP Rocky’s Position in Modern Hip-Hop

A$AP Rocky’s comments also highlight his evolving role in hip-hop. While once known for his brash persona and experimental style, he now positions himself as both an artist and cultural commentator. His willingness to praise the creative side of the feud while criticizing its corporate fallout shows maturity and awareness of the bigger picture.

By distancing himself from the beef while still engaging in the conversation, Rocky underscores his unique place in hip-hop: a star who values artistry above all but refuses to let himself be dragged into unnecessary drama.

Why Fans Still Care About the Drake vs. Kendrick Feud

Even after a year, fans remain fascinated by the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef. Every diss, every lyric breakdown, and every headline has kept the conversation alive. The addition of a lawsuit has only heightened the drama, ensuring the story stays in the public eye.

The battle has also reignited debates about who is truly the greatest rapper of this era. While Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical sharpness has won critical acclaim, Drake’s dominance in charts and streaming remains unmatched.

Conclusion: A$AP Rocky Calls for Balance

A$AP Rocky’s perspective is clear: competition in rap is good, lawsuits are not. The Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud gave fans some of the most exciting music in years and reminded the world of hip-hop’s competitive spirit. But as Rocky points out, when personal rivalries turn into legal disputes, the culture risks losing its edge.

For now, all eyes remain on how Drake’s lawsuit against UMG unfolds, and whether Kendrick will respond with more music. But one thing is certain: the battle between these two giants has left an indelible mark on hip-hop—and artists like A$AP Rocky are reminding everyone to keep the focus on the music.