JAY‑Z Calls Drake–Kendrick Feud "Taking Us Back" in Rare GQ Interview
In an exclusive March 24 conversation with *Gq*, Jay-Z criticized the ongoing rap battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drakes as counterproductive, stating it is taking hip-hop back rather than forward. He described the conflict having gone too far while emphasizing that such feuds are not helpful for artists or fans alike. The rapper's rare appearance comes ahead of his summer stage return amid widespread media coverage across outlets including Rollingstone Consequence Network and Billboard on March 24, all reporting similar concerns over its impact within hip-hop culture today
Key Points
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1Jay-Z believes the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has gone 'too far' for modern Hip-Hop.
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2The rapper argues that technology is ruining traditional sparring by allowing negative content to spread too quickly online.
Developments
Perspectives
Jay-Z believes the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake hasn't been 'helpful' to the wider hip-hop scene.
— (Perthnow.com.au)"This Is Taking Us a Couple Steps Back" - Jay-Z is questioning whether rap battles are beneficial in modern times, noting that technology has ruined some of their fun. He admitted he loves excitement and sparring but feels negative aspects have overshadowed the genre.
— (Rollingstone) / (Nypost)"It went 'too far.'" - Jay-Z expressed concern over how Kendrick Lamar's rap beef with Drake has escalated, suggesting it crossed appropriate boundaries for hip-hop culture. He is seen as a corporate figure giving buttoned-up takes on the conflict.
— (Consequence) / (Billboard)"Jay-Z sat down... which marks the rapper legend's first cover story in nearly a decade." - The interview with GQ was rare and wide-ranging, covering his career history as well as hip-hop culture at large. He is preparing to return to stage this summer.
— (Pitchfork)"Jay-Z believes..." Jay-Z noted that while the excitement of battling has always been a cornerstone movement but he thinks social media's rise and negative stuff are ruining it for everyone involved in rap battles today, especially with Drake & Kendrick Lamar feud highly publicized
— [Mar 24]Jay-Z argues that while battling is a traditional hip-hop pillar like breakdancing or DJing, modern social media has made recent feuds between Drake and Kendrick Lamar harmful rather than helpful. He criticizes these conflicts for their negative consequences on the wider scene's growth compared to past eras where such sparring could be resolved quickly without lasting fallout involving children online.
Jay-Z expressed concern that technology and social media are ruining rap battles by amplifying negativity involving fans' children rather than fostering growth through music collaborations like Kendrick Lamar's feud with Drake suggests he believes battling may no longer be necessary for hip-hop culture today, as it has taken the genre back from its roots in breakdancing.
In an exclusive GQ interview published on March 24 marking Jay-Z's first cover story since nearly ten years ago. The rapper expressed concern that recent high-profile rap feuds have become too negative and harmful by involving personal lives rather than focusing solely on music collaborations, suggesting the culture of battling may no longer be necessary for growth in hip-hop today