RZA reflects on the remarkable rap clash between Kendrick Lamar and Drake with appreciation, believing K. Dot clinched the victory due to his innate charisma… the essence of elevation!!!
The mastermind behind Wu-Tang Clan shares with Complex in a recent chat that he envisions Kendrick and Drake eventually reconciling just as Jay-Z and Nas did during their time… he also delves into their lyrical rivalry from a sporting perspective.
“Kendrick is, first and foremost, the inherent lyricist, while Drake is a cultivated lyricist,” RZA articulated. “You can coach a fighter to be good, but then there are those who have a natural talent for fighting and enhance it through training. That’s an entirely different level. Although Drake possesses countless bars, Kendrick’s lyrical impact cuts deeper.”
Drake declared himself as a “battle-hardened general” well-prepared on his “The Heart Pt. 6” final diss to Kendrick… However, RZA disagrees, suggesting that Drake’s OVO team set him up for possible pitfalls.
“The strategic choice to engage in a bar-for-bar battle didn’t reflect well on Drake’s team as they entered the fray without adequate preparation,” RZA reiterated. “When Kendrick penned the message to his child and his [mother], it showcased his emotional depth and intent.”
The Cutting Room Floor
This year, Drake’s seasoned hip-hop mentors have been offering honest assessments… remember when Mos Def remarked that his tracks felt more aligned with commercialism rather than the foundational elements of classic rap.
RZA concedes that Drake has significantly influenced hip-hop culture with his catchy melodies and has fostered a generation through his contributions; his legacy remains untarnished!!!
As for New York’s legacy in the hip-hop landscape, RZA harbors doubts about whether the five boroughs have any remaining strength to influence the culture. 🤷♂️
He expresses his admiration for GloRilla and the entire female rap scene… but notes that NYC hip hop has strayed from its roots some time ago.
He doesn’t even consider any of his favorite hip hop years to be beyond the mid-’90s!!!
TMZ.com
RZA mentions he doesn’t need to stress about his Wu-Tang Clan faltering, as every member is ready to support one another if someone is struggling on stage… a sentiment recently echoed by Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, and Cappadonna during their chat with TMZ Hip Hop.
Perhaps their upcoming 2025 album could steer NYC back on course. In contrast to the bond between Kendrick and Drake, RZA is essentially stating it’s done!!!!!!!!