Drake & Kendrick Lamar's Misogyny: A Deep Dive

03 May, 2025

Are Drake and Kendrick Lamar, two of the biggest names in hip-hop, truly above the fray when it comes to misogyny? The recent and highly publicized feud between the two titans has, perhaps unintentionally, laid bare a troubling undercurrent of sexism that permeates not only their music, but also the broader culture of rap.

The accusations hurled back and forth infidelity, physical abuse, and the exploitation of women serve as a stark reminder of how easily women become collateral damage in the ego-driven battles of men. While both Drake and Kendrick Lamar have achieved immense success and critical acclaim, their lyrics and actions have often been viewed through the lens of misogyny. This raises uncomfortable questions about the responsibility of artists to their audience and the impact of their words on societal perceptions.

Category	Details
Full Name	Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
Born	June 17, 1987 (age 36)
Origin	Compton, California, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop, conscious hip hop, alternative hip hop
Occupations	Rapper, songwriter, record producer
Years active	2003present
Labels	Top Dawg, Aftermath, Interscope
Albums	Section.80 (2011), Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012), To Pimp a Butterfly (2015), Damn (2017), Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022)
Awards	17 Grammy Awards, Pulitzer Prize for Music
Reference	Grammy.com

The first half of 2024 has been dominated by the escalating feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, with diss tracks flying back and forth like heat-seeking missiles. The intensity of the rivalry has gripped the rap world, but beneath the surface of the lyrical sparring lies a darker reality: the persistent presence of misogyny. The weaponization of "Me Too" accusations, while perhaps effective in the battle of the bars, ultimately fails to champion the cause of women. Instead, it further entrenches a culture where women are often reduced to props in the narratives of men.

What truly strikes a discordant note is the undeniable chord of misogyny that has resonated throughout their music, even before the current conflict. Lyrics that objectify women, promote harmful stereotypes, or downplay instances of abuse are not new to the genre, but in the context of this high-profile feud, they take on a particularly glaring significance. The artists have, in essence, used each other's perceived transgressions against women to score points, without offering any genuine support or understanding of the systemic issues at play.

The narrative surrounding the feud includes allegations of Drake's inappropriate interest in underage girls. Such accusations, if proven true, paint a picture of an artist who may be exploiting his influence and power over young women. It is a grave matter which is made worse when the allegations are traded as ammunition in a feud, rather than being addressed with the gravity and seriousness they deserve.

Drake's response, delivered with brutal precision in tracks like "Family Matters," accused Kendrick of infidelity, colorism, and physical abuse towards his longtime partner, Whitney Alford. These accusations, whether true or not, highlight the willingness of the artists to use personal details, often related to women in their lives, to wound their opponent. The mudslinging contest plays out at the expense of women, who are again burdened by the brunt of the conflict.

The lyrics of Kendrick Lamar, even when seemingly addressing social issues, have not been immune to criticism. Some of his lyrics have come under fire for their portrayal of women and the implicit endorsement of certain societal beauty standards. The emphasis on physical appearance and the prioritization of male preferences, critics argue, perpetuates the idea that women's bodies exist to fulfill the desires of men. The perception of women as either objects of desire or sources of temptation, a theme present in the history of art and literature, is revisited, inadvertently or not, in the work of Kendrick Lamar. This raises the question: Can artists genuinely claim to be socially conscious while simultaneously upholding the very systems of value they claim to critique?

The current rap civil war, which originated in October of last year and escalated throughout April and May of this year, with eight diss tracks and numerous peripheral narratives, places the focus on the destructive nature of the conflict and women bearing the brunt of it. The latest track is "euphoria," in which Kendrick Lamar's words, like those of his opponent, are being scrutinized by fans, critics, and feminists. The lyrics about women's appearance are being criticized. While the intent of some of these songs may be to dismantle the other artist, the result is a battle over who can be the bigger misogynist. This exposes a deeply ingrained tradition in battle raps: using women as pawns and fodder for the insults that are traded.

The wider context of the feud includes the observation that Kendrick Lamar's work, despite its moments of uplift, often contains an underlying current of misogyny. This perspective is consistent with critiques of rap music more broadly, and calls into question the role of artists in addressing, or perpetuating, societal ills. It is imperative to ask whether the music is truly challenging the status quo, or simply repackaging it for commercial appeal.

The underlying issues extend beyond the personal conflicts and into the business dealings of the artists involved. Allegations of sexual misconduct against Kendrick Lamar's label bosses, as reported on January 31, 2025, serve as a reminder of the power dynamics at play within the industry. The exploitation of women within the industry and the impact this has on art and culture.

Kendrick Lamar's album, "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers," released in 2022, provided a look at the rappers own flaws, including infidelity and brutality. But even within this exploration of personal failings, the issue of misogyny surfaces. It is essential to understand how these themes interact and affect the reception and interpretation of an artist's work.

The impact of the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar extends beyond the realm of music, touching upon issues of social responsibility, artistic integrity, and the treatment of women within the entertainment industry. While the artists continue to trade blows, the true cost of their rivalry is borne by the women who are caught in the crossfire.

Rap has a misogyny problem. But Kendrick Lamar picked the wrong enemy

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