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During the 2024 Forbes Under 30 Summit held in Cincinnati on Monday (Sept. 23), Metro Boomin shared his thoughts on the ongoing state of conflicts in Hip Hop. In his discussion with moderator Matt Craig, he labeled the current rivalries as “a bit strange,” particularly due to the influence of stan culture. The renowned producer also expressed his enduring “love and respect” for his former collaborators — possibly referring to Drake.
“I believe that competition is beneficial for the industry. Hip Hop has traditionally embraced competition,” Metro noted. “There’s a significant amount of ego at play, meaning you’re meant to feel like you’re the best. Whether you’re at the top or the bottom of the ladder, you’re expected to have that attitude. When two of the leading figures in the business both believe they are the best, it naturally leads to a confrontation.”
“These days, it feels more like stan culture, which adds an unusual twist. In the past, JAY-Z and Nas had their rivalry, yet I appreciated both artists, and many others did too. It wasn’t a matter of choosing sides,” the HEROES & VILLAINS architect continued.
Returning to his “diplomatic” capacity as a producer, especially regarding songs like “Like That,” which featured Kendrick Lamar’s verse directed by Drake, Metro expressed, “At the end of the day, it’s all about entertainment. I hold love and respect for all my collaborators, and my goal is to support everyone in their pursuit of greatness while striving to elevate the genre. We all aim to contribute and enhance this art form.”
Metro’s comments didn’t specifically refer to the ongoing feud, likely considering the nature of the event, but it’s clear he still holds some regard for Drake as a musician. The two traded jabs on social media towards the end of 2023, followed by the producer releasing “BBL Drizzy” alongside the line from the OVO head, “Metro, shut your h** a** up and make some drums, n**ga” featured in “Push Ups.”