In a recent edition of the podcast “It Is What It Is,” hip-hop commentators Cam’ron and Mase stirred up some controversy when they suggested that Jay-Z might be manipulating the career trajectory of Kendrick Lamar to secure an advantage in his feud with Drake. The pair from Harlem World expressed their view that Jay-Z, who has been associated with the NFL as the Live Music Entertainment Strategist since 2019, might be leveraging his position to embarrass Drake via Kendrick’s heightened visibility.
During the discussion, the sportscasters claimed that these maneuvers included excluding Cam’ron and Mase from a recent Fanatics Fest, exacerbating their already strained relations with Jay-Z. Cam’ron shared insights on his rocky relationship with Jay-Z, indicating that tensions still simmer.
DJ Akademiks joined the conversation, siding with the opinion that Jay-Z is tilting the scales in Kendrick’s favor in this rivalry. He pointed to Drake’s 2015 release “Charged Up” as proof of underlying tensions, arguing that Jay-Z is keen to keep the conflict alive.
It’s crucial to note, however, that Kendrick Lamar has enjoyed considerable success independently this year, with Jay-Z having been a consistent backer of his accomplishments. Furthermore, Jay-Z and Drake have previously collaborated, notably on Drake’s 2021 “Certified Lover Boy” album.
Adding to the speculation, Jay-Z’s hand is suspected in the selection of Kendrick Lamar for the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans, set for February 9, 2025, which will be broadcast on Apple Music.
The choice of Kendrick Lamar has sparked significant backlash, especially in Louisiana where local rap legends Lil Wayne and the newly appointed state entertainment ambassador Master P are significant figures. This has ignited a heated debate over Jay-Z’s influence and the intricate relationships within the hip-hop community.
On social media, the topic has caught fire under the hashtag #AppleMusicHalftime, with numerous fans and critics discussing the implications of Kendrick’s selection for the hip-hop scene. The upcoming event is shaping up to be a highly anticipated highlight, potentially intensifying the ongoing dispute between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.
