The simmering feud between rap titans Drake and Kendrick Lamar has taken an unexpected turn with a potential involvement from tennis legend Serena Williams. While not a direct endorsement, Williams’ recent praise for Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” has ignited speculation that she might be siding with Lamar in the ongoing lyrical war.
A History of Hits and Hints: Drake, Lamar, and Serena
The connection between Drake, Lamar, and Williams is a complex web of speculation and rumored past relationships.
-
Drake and Williams: Rumors of a brief romantic connection between Drake and Williams have swirled for years, though neither has ever confirmed them. In 2022, Drake’s album “Middle of the Ocean” included lyrics seemingly referencing Williams and her husband Alexis Ohanian, fueling speculation of a sour relationship.
-
Lamar and Williams: Both Williams and Lamar hail from Compton, California, fostering a potential hometown connection. However, there’s no public evidence of a personal relationship between them.
While the true nature of these connections remains unclear, Drake’s lyrics in “Middle of the Ocean” seemingly reignited the rumors and indirectly brought Williams into the rappers’ feud.
The Diss Track Heard ‘Round the World: Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”
In his 2022 diss track “Not Like Us,” Lamar unleashes a scathing attack on Drake, taking aim at various aspects of his career and personal life. The lyrics referencing Williams and Ohanian allege marital issues and imply that Drake is not on their level.
This specific section of the song, coupled with the rumored past between Drake and Williams, is what sparked the media frenzy and speculation of Williams’ potential stance in the feud.
Queen Speaks (Indirectly): Serena Praises Lamar’s Track
The fire was further stoked when Williams, at the 2024 Essence Fest, openly praised “Not Like Us,” calling it “the hit of the summer” and admitting she loves vibing to the song whenever it comes on.
While not a direct endorsement of Lamar or a diss towards Drake, Williams’ public praise for the song that attacks Drake has been interpreted by many as a subtle indication of her feelings about the situation.
Tennis World Takes Sides: Gauff Follows Suit
The impact of Williams’ comments transcended the music industry. Fellow tennis star Coco Gauff, a known admirer of Williams, also recently declared her support for Lamar in the feud, citing her disapproval of Drake’s comments about Williams and her preference for Lamar’s music overall.
This further fueled the narrative that Williams’ praise for “Not Like Us” might be more than just a casual music fan moment.
Fan Frenzy and Media Speculation: Is This a Real Beef?
The media has gone into overdrive analyzing Williams’ comments and their potential implications. Fan theories abound, with some suggesting a hidden message of support for Lamar, while others believe it’s simply an enjoyment of a good diss track.
Regardless of the true meaning, one thing is certain: Serena Williams’ indirect involvement has injected a new layer of intrigue into the Drake-Lamar feud.
Beyond the Headlines: The Power Dynamics at Play
The situation raises questions beyond just a celebrity feud.
-
Women in Hip-Hop: By seemingly siding with Lamar, Williams, a powerful female figure, is drawn into a traditionally male-dominated space. This raises questions about the role of women in hip-hop culture and the potential for female voices to influence the narrative.
-
The Power of Social Media: The entire episode highlights the immense power of social media in shaping public perception. A single comment can spark a media frenzy and influence the course of a long-standing feud.
The Future of the Feud: Will There Be Resolution?
The inclusion of Williams, intentional or not, adds a new dimension to the Drake-Lamar saga. Here’s what the future might hold:
-
A Direct Response: Will Drake address Williams’ comments in a future diss track? This could escalate the situation further, potentially dragging Williams into a more direct confrontation.
-
A Diplomatic End: Perhaps both rappers will decide to end the feud and move on, leaving the Williams drama as a footnote in a larger story.
-
A New Era of Female Influence: Williams’ involvement might open doors for other women to have a voice in hip-hop feuds, potentially leading to a more balanced dynamic in the future.
Ultimately, the true impact of Serena Williams’ “pick” in the Drake-Lamar feud remains to be seen. Whether it’s a calculated move, a casual music preference, or something entirely different.
