As hip-hop fans eagerly debate the victor of the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle, Atlanta rap icon T.I. has weighed in with a thought-provoking take that every young rap enthusiast needs to hear.
- May 18, 2024
AceShowbiz - T.I. is no stranger to the heated world of rap battles. From clashing with Shawty Lo to Lil' Flip and even Floyd Mayweather, he's seen and participated in his fair share of lyrical brawls. However, in a recent interview with Big Boy TV, T.I. revealed his discontent with the fallout from the latest high-profile battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
On the surface, T.I. is appreciative of the artistry involved in diss tracks. "All this sh*t they're saying can't be true," he told Big Boy, highlighting that his primary focus is on the wordplay and writing skills displayed. "I mostly listen for the double entendres, the metaphors, and the skill in their art. They're hard. I think it's good for the game."
Despite his admiration for the lyrical prowess, T.I. raised concerns about the broader impact of the Drake vs. Kendrick feud on the hip-hop landscape. According to him, the dominance of these two heavyweights has overshadowed other artists' efforts to release new music in 2024.
"They done kinda f*cked it up for some others who were planning to drop in this period," T.I. lamented. The collateral damage is undeniable, with even Gunna's new album, "One of Wun", receiving more attention for its perceived digs at Drake rather than its standalone merit.
T.I. himself may have felt the repercussions of this rap war. Working diligently on what he promises to be his final album, "Kill the King", he is expected to hold off on releasing it amidst the fray. For now, fans will have to be content with the killer freestyle over West Coast instrumentals that he recently surprised them with.
Interestingly, T.I. also addressed J. Cole's decision to sit out of the battle, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from the industry. While some veterans accuse Cole of backing down, T.I. saw it as a testament to Cole's maturity.
"I feel like he chose peace and tranquility," T.I. remarked. "You gotta have thick skin... We don't know where that would take him. That was quite mature of him."
As the hip-hop community continues to dissect and discuss the ramifications of the Drake vs. Kendrick showdown, T.I.'s insights provide a refreshingly candid perspective. His observations not only add depth to the conversation but also highlight the often-overlooked consequences for other artists trying to make their mark.
