Scoop of the Day
Kendrick Lamar made waves this year by topping the Billboard charts with his diss track aimed at Drake. Surprisingly, “Not Like Us” has gained such widespread popularity that many listeners overlook its origins as a diss. The Mustard-produced track dropped around the time of Drake’s unexpected retreat from the spotlight. This week, “Not Like Us” celebrated its 21st week atop the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, officially becoming the longest-running No. 1 since the chart’s birth in 1989, surpassing the previous 20-week record held by Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.”
On the other hand, Desiigner’s “Panda” and Psy’s “Gangnam Style” currently hold the record for the longest run on the Billboard Hot Raps Song chart at No. 1, with 23 weeks each. Additionally, this marks the first time since April 2022 that Drake has neither appeared in any songs nor made significant media appearances, as he does not have a single song or feature on the Billboard Hot 100 this week.
Meanwhile, J. Cole has chosen to distance himself from the ongoing feud between the two iconic musicians, signaling his decision with the release of a new track titled “Port Antonio.” In the song, Cole surprises fans by addressing the conflict and justifying his choice to stay out of the drama, especially given his long-time friendship with Kendrick Lamar.
In the track, Cole explains:
“I pulled the plug because I seen where that was ’bout to go / They wanted blood, they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow / They see this fire in my pen and think I’m dodgin’ smoke / I wouldn’t have lost a battle, dawg, I woulda lost a bro / I woulda gained a foe.”
He further elaborates, stating:
“Jermaine is no king if that means I gotta dig up dirt and pay the whole team / Of algorithm bot n-ggas just to sway the whole thing / On social media, competing for your favorable memes to be considered best.”
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Cole also suggests that both rappers have crossed the line:
“I understand the thirst of being first that made ’em both swing / Protecting legacies, so lines got crossed, perhaps regrettably / My friends went to war, I walked away with all they blood on me.”
Addressing his “First Person Shooter” collaborator directly, Cole adds:
“They say I’m pickin’ sides, aye, don’t you lie on me, my n-gga / To start another war/ Aye, Drake, you’ll always be my n-gga / I ain’t ashamed to say you did a lot for me, my n-gga / Fuck all the narratives / Tapping back into your magic pen is what’s imperative.”
He concludes the song by attempting to diffuse the beef and reminding everyone of the true purpose of their art:
“Reminding these folks why we do it / It’s not for beefing, it’s for speaking our thoughts / Pushing ourselves, reaching the charts / Reaching your minds, deep in your heart / Screaming to find emotions to touch / Somethin’ inside to open you up / Help you cope with the rough times and shit / I’m sending love, ’cause we ain’t promised shit.”
