January 31, 2023
Before the invention of TikTok, many music artists gained popularity through YouTube. However, similar to the TikTok stars of today, people in the music industry saw ‘YouTube bands’ as lesser because
Read moreFebruary 1, 2023
Google has done it. They have created an AI that can generate music from text descriptions. The announcement of this is timely because recently Chat GPT, (a language learning model created by OpenAI
Read moreJanuary 28, 2023
What does it take to be a professional singer in South Korea? On stage, these Kpop idols capture our attention with catchy songs and amazing choreographies, but what about off-stage? Behind the ...
Read moreJanuary 26, 2023
Writer’s block is real, and it’s not just authors, but also songwriters and composers. Thinking of top hit songs can be difficult, so how do the pros do it? Where do they get their inspiration from?
Read moreJanuary 26, 2023
What does a TV show based on a video game and the music industry have in common? Near the end of 2021, Arcane took the world by storm after debuting on Netflix. Not only did it dazzle us with its...
Read moreJanuary 23, 2023
As the contract between Blackpink and YG Entertainment nears its end, fans of the popular South Korean girl group are wondering if the group will renew their contract with the agency...
Read moreJanuary 19, 2023
Rapper J. Cole has recently announced that he had been struggling with writer's block, but found a way to break free from it by using a type beat from Youtube music producer BVTMAN's YouTube...
Read moreJanuary 19, 2023
Hania Rani is a Polish pianist and composer whose music has been described as "hauntingly beautiful" and "evocative." She is known for her unique blend of classical and electronic music, which she...
Read moreJanuary 16, 2023
Ryan Tedder is a highly accomplished and sought-after music producer and songwriter. He is known for his work with a wide range of artists including: Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic...
Read moreJanuary 6, 2022
Drake's ghostwriter controversy has been a topic of conversation since the rapper's feud with Meek Mill in 2015. Quentin Miller, a lesser-known rapper from Atlanta, was named as the ghostwriter....
Read moreDecember 28, 2022
Many artists are using their personal brand and influence to educate artists, from beginners to fellow professionals. Timbaland has partnered with Masterclass to teach musicians how to make unique...
Read moreDecember 7, 2022
Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...
Read moreIn the hip-hop world, nothing lights up the scene like a fierce diss track battle between the industry's top artists. Lately, all eyes have been on Kendrick Lamar and Drake as they trade lyrical punches. This conflict isn't just a series of diss tracks; it's a battle that resonates deeply within the music creator community, reminding us of the power of lyrics, beats, and the raw energy of competition. As artists, every line and beat in these songs holds lessons in storytelling, production, and strategic branding.
The saga began with Kendrick Lamar's masked jabs at Drake in the track “Like That” featuring Future. It was a spark that awaited Drake’s fiery response. Drake’s retaliation came through two explosive tracks, “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle,” setting the stage for an epic lyrical war. Kendrick did not hold back, responding with “Euphoria,” a track that quickly sent fans into a frenzy due to its direct hits and sharp lyrical prowess.
The battle reached its peak with Lamar's “6:16 in LA,” followed by an even more personal attack with “Meet the Grahams,” directly targeting Drake's family. The retaliation from Drake came swiftly with “Family Matters,” but it was Kendrick's “Not Like Us” that seemed to have the clubs and social media buzzing with its fierce delivery and hard-hitting lines.
For music creators, this feud is a goldmine of inspiration. The rapid production of high-quality tracks over such a short period illustrates the importance of readiness and responsiveness in the music industry. The use of personal and public narratives within these songs shows how artists can weave their personal experiences into their music, enhancing relatability and depth.
Moreover, the engagement on social platforms and the use of memes, reaction videos, and live streams to amplify the feud highlight the importance of understanding the digital landscape. It's not just about making music; it’s about making moments that capture the zeitgeist, leveraging social media to enhance reach and impact.
Despite the excitement, the feud brings with it a cautionary tale about the potential for real-world consequences stemming from lyrical warfare. The shooting incident at Drake’s residence is a stark reminder of the line between artistic expression and personal safety.
As we follow this unprecedented battle, it serves as a reminder of the competitive spirit of hip-hop and its roots in verbal sparring. However, it also calls for a reflection on the impact our words can have beyond the studio. Whether you're a budding rapper, a seasoned producer, or someone interested in the dynamics of musical feuds, there’s much to unpack and learn from this high-stakes lyrical showdown.
For every music creator watching this unfold, the Drake-Kendrick feud is not just entertainment; it's a masterclass in marketing, lyricism, and the art of battle through music. It's a vivid reminder of why hip-hop remains at the cutting edge of cultural conversations and how, at its best, it challenges both its artists and its audience to think harder, listen deeper, and engage more fully.