New Music, New Attacks: The Rap Battle That Shocked Fans

Drake surprised his listeners by dropping three albums—“Iceman, ” “Habibti” and “Maid of Honour”—and using them as a platform to call out fellow stars. The rapper’s sharp lines target long‑time rival Kendrick Lamar, as well as J. Cole, Jay‑Z, DJ Khaled, A$AP Rocky, Rihanna, Rick Ross, Dr. Dre and Pharrell Williams. The feud with Lamar has escalated since their earlier diss tracks “Not Like Us” and “Family Matters. ” In “Make Them Pay, ” Drake claims he sued his own label for defamation after Lamar’s song painted him in a bad light. He mocks Lamar’s stature by referencing the short‑statured NBA legend Muggsy Bogues and questions his public image in “Iceman. ”On “Dust, ” he even forgets Lamar’s earlier insults, implying the rivalry has lost its edge. J. Cole finds himself in Drake’s crosshairs on “Make Them Pay, ” where the rapper criticises the so‑called “Big 3” of modern rap and hints that Cole stayed neutral during the Drake–Lamar conflict. Jay‑Z receives a backhanded jab in “Janice STFU, ” with Drake accusing him of clinging to the old guard, and in “Whisper My Name” he dismisses a debate about whether to dine with Jay‑Z or take a large cash payout.DJ Khaled is called out in “Make Them Play” for not supporting a political stance Drake feels strongly about. The track also names A$AP Rocky and Rihanna in “Burning Bridges, ” where Drake questions their recent musical output. Rick Ross is mentioned in “Make Them Pay” with a line about streaming support, while Ross himself has hinted that his upcoming album will feature new diss tracks. Other targets include Dr. Dre in “1 AM In Albany, ” where Drake suggests a legal consequence, and Pharrell Williams in “Make Them Pay, ” with bragging about owning his jewelry. Even longtime friend LeBron James gets a shot in “1 AM In Albany, ” where Drake questions the former player’s loyalty and team changes. The albums showcase how rap battles can spread through lyrical attacks, sparking conversations across social media and the music community. Fans keep decoding lines to uncover every hidden reference, turning each track into a puzzle of celebrity politics and personal rivalries.