Drake’s Cryptic Response to Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Track: “Push Ups”
In response to Kendrick Lamar’s diss track targeting Drake and J. Cole on Metro Boomin and Future’s “Like That,” Drake has seemingly fired back with a diss track that surfaced on social media. Although there is no official confirmation, a leaked song attributed to Drake appeared on social media, initially raising doubts about its authenticity and sparking speculation that it was an AI-generated record. The original version sounded like an unmixed demo with an interpolation of Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Get Money,” while a high-quality version with a different beat emerged later in the day. Power 105 claimed the diss track was legitimate and even unveiled the official artwork featuring Lamar doing push-ups, although Drake’s team did not immediately confirm its authenticity when contacted by Variety.
After a day of intense online discussions, Drake appeared to confirm the track’s legitimacy by posting a photo on Instagram featuring Uma Thurman as the Bride in “Kill Bill,” wielding a samurai sword while surrounded by attackers. Power 105 and iHeartRadio, the country’s largest radio network, have also posted the song, further supporting its authenticity.
Drake’s song, seemingly titled “Push Ups,” takes shots at various targets. He starts by jabbing at Lamar, questioning his status and referencing a failed project. He then mocks Lamar’s guest appearances on mainstream pop songs and suggests that Lamar’s former label, Top Dawg Entertainment, demanded a large portion of his earnings. Drake also appears to take aim at J. Cole, referencing a previous collaboration and implying that Cole’s response to Lamar’s diss track was weak. The Weeknd, another longtime collaborator, faces scrutiny due to his appearance on Future and Metro Boomin’s album, and Drake accuses him of not being true to his roots. Metro Boomin also catches a bar from Drake, with a dismissive line about making drums.
Rick Ross, who appeared on “We Don’t Trust You” and unfollowed Drake on Instagram, also becomes a target on “Push Ups.” Drake references Ross’ history as a correctional officer and suggests that he might steal Ross’ romantic interest. Ross quickly responded with a song called “Champagne Moments,” alleging that Drake got a nose job and stole his flow from Lil Wayne.
I like Drake but I'm sorry you can't win a diss when Kendrick Lamar can just randomly come address multiple people like this pic.twitter.com/QeljmUshFS
— Nkosana Mthembu (@nkaymthembu) April 14, 2024
This series of events began on March 25 when Kendrick Lamar delivered an uncredited verse on Metro Boomin and Future’s “Like That,” targeting Drake and Cole. Lamar’s verse was a direct response to Cole’s “First Person Shooter,” where he referred to himself, Drake, and Lamar as “the big three.” Cole retaliated with his diss track “7 Minute Drill,” included on his surprise album “Might Delete Later,” but later expressed regret and removed the track from streaming services.
