In an electrifying twist to the hip-hop narrative, Kendrick Lamar has once again set the rap world ablaze, this time making a surprise appearance on Future and Metro Boomin’s latest album, “We Don’t Trust You.” Within the rich tapestry of tracks, it’s Lamar’s verse on “Like That” that seizes the limelight, igniting a firestorm of discourse among fans and critics alike. In what appears to be a meticulously crafted retort, Lamar skillfully dissects and addresses comments made by Drake and J. Cole, turning the track into a battleground for lyrical supremacy.
The genesis of this latest chapter can be traced back to a collaboration between Drake and J. Cole titled “First Person Shooter,” featured on Drake’s project “For All the Dogs.” In this track, J. Cole subtly nods to the trio of himself, Lamar, and Drake as the “big three” of rap, sparking a debate over who stands as the ultimate emcee among them. Drake’s response, cleverly woven into his lyrics, seems to sideline Lamar from this elite group, posing a rhetorical question about the identity of the true G.O.A.T. and implying a direct rivalry between just him and Cole.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr1Cdli5nE8&t=3s
Lamar’s response in “Like That” is nothing short of a lyrical onslaught. With a directness that leaves no room for ambiguity, he challenges the notion of the “big three,” proclaiming his singular dominance in the rap game. “Yeah get up with me, fuck sneak dissing / ‘First Person Shooter,’ I hope they came with three switches,” he declares, setting the tone for what is a bold rebuttal to both his peers. His lyrics further escalate the discourse, as he critiques the artistic merit of their work and confidently asserts his enduring legacy, drawing a parallel to the legendary rivalry between Prince and Michael Jackson to emphasize his point.
This is not the first time Kendrick Lamar has taken the rap scene by storm with his unapologetic candor. Reminiscent of his groundbreaking verse on Big Sean’s “Control” in 2013, where he named a roster of rappers as his competitors, Lamar has once again demonstrated his prowess and unwillingness to settle for anything less than the crown. His verse on “Like That” has undoubtedly become the focal point of discussion, underscoring the anticipation and excitement surrounding “We Don’t Trust You.”
Released on a Friday, “We Don’t Trust You” marks the first of two collaborative efforts between Future and Metro Boomin, with fans eagerly awaiting the second installment set to drop on April 12. Amid the array of tracks, it is Lamar’s contribution that stands as a testament to his unparalleled skill and vision, ensuring that his influence and legacy will reverberate through the annals of hip-hop history. As the debate rages on over the true G.O.A.T. in the rap game, Kendrick Lamar’s latest verse only adds more fuel to the fire, solidifying his place as a central figure in the ongoing saga of hip-hop supremacy.