Denzel Rae Don Curry (born February 16, 1995, in Miami Gardens, Florida) emerged as a pioneering figure in hip-hop, helping establish the SoundCloud rap movement while developing a versatile artistic identity. His career began in 2011 with "King Remembered Underground Tape 1991–1995," which caught SpaceGhostPurrp's attention, leading to Curry joining Raider Klan before departing in 2013 to release his debut album "[Nostalgic 64](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/denzel-curry-releases-album-nostalgic-64-558)" while still attending high school. His trajectory accelerated with the 2015 viral hit "[Ultimate](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/denzel-curry-releases-ultimate-552)" from "32 Zel/Planet Shrooms" (amassing over 200 million Spotify streams and 65 million YouTube views), his selection for XXL's 2016 Freshman Class (where [his cypher performance](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/denzel-curry-2016-xxl-freshman-cypher-530) has garnered over 221 million views), and critically acclaimed albums including "[Imperial](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/denzel-curry-releases-album-imperial-559)" (2016), "[Ta13oo](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/denzel-curry-releases-album-ta13oo-560)" (2018, #28 on Billboard 200), "[Zuu](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/denzel-curry-releases-album-zuu-561)" (2019, #32), and "[Melt My Eyez See Your Future](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/denzel-curry-releases-album-melt-my-eyez-see-your-future-562)" (2022, debuted at #51 but later reached #17 following its extended edition). Throughout his career, Curry has developed multiple artistic personas while blending southern hip-hop, trap metal, punk rap, and conscious hip-hop elements.

Curry's musical evolution demonstrates exceptional range across his discography. His 2015 double EP "32 Zel/Planet Shrooms" established his energetic style, while his collaboration with Kenny Beats, "Unlocked" (2020), showcased his adaptability. Curry gained widespread attention with his 2019 Triple J cover of Rage Against the Machine's "Bulls on Parade," which placed 5th on Australia's Triple J Hottest 100 countdown. His 2022 album "Melt My Eyez See Your Future" represented significant artistic growth, incorporating traditional hip-hop, drum and bass, trap, poetry, and jazz influences with collaborations featuring T-Pain, Slowthai, Rico Nasty, JID, and Thundercat. In September 2022, Curry released an extended edition featuring reimagined versions with live instrumentation performed by the Cold Blooded Soul Band, followed by "Live At Electric Lady" in May 2023, which included new versions of songs from "Melt My Eyez" and a rendition of Erykah Badu's "Didn't Cha Know" with Bilal.

Curry's artistic inspiration comes from diverse sources including MF Doom, André 3000, DMX, Kanye West, the Roots, Kid Cudi, Nirvana, Trick Daddy, anime, video games, and martial arts. Personal experiences profoundly influence his music, particularly the 2014 death of his brother Treon Johnson following a police incident, which has inspired lyrics addressing police brutality in songs like "The Last." Beyond music, Curry has taken political stances, signing the Musicians For Palestine pledge in 2022 and an [open letter calling for a ceasefire in the 2023 Israel–Hamas war](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/denzel-curry-statement-on-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict-557) and an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip, demonstrating his commitment to using his platform for social commentary while maintaining artistic integrity.

In 2024, Curry returned to his roots with "[King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/denzel-curry-releases-album-king-of-the-mischievous-south-563)" (July 19), a sequel to his 2012 mixtape featuring singles "Hot One" with TiaCorine and ASAP Ferg, and "Black Flag Freestyle." The project was expanded and re-released as an album titled "King of the Mischievous South" on November 15 with five additional tracks including "Still in the Paint" featuring Lazer Dim 700 and Bktherula, and "Got Me Geeked." Curry's extensive touring history includes headlining the Bow Down Tour (2014), 2055: The U.L.T Experience (2015), Black Metal Terrorist Tour (2016), Ta13oo Tour (2018), Melt My Eyez Tour (2022), Greyday (2024), and the upcoming Mischievous South Tour (2025), as well as supporting acts for Joey Bada$$, Run the Jewels, A$AP Ferg, $uicideboy$, Billie Eilish, and Kid Cudi. Through his raw sound, "gritty" lyricism, high-energy performances, and artistic evolution, Curry has established himself as a boundary-pushing force in contemporary hip-hop whose influence extends far beyond his Florida origins.

Denzel Curry

Aubrey Drake Graham (born October 24, 1986), known professionally as Drake, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur. Initially gaining recognition as Jimmy Brooks on "Degrassi: The Next Generation" (2001-2008), Drake transitioned to music with mixtapes "Room for Improvement" (2006), "[Comeback Season](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-comeback-season-707)" (2007), and "[So Far Gone](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-so-far-gone-710)" (2009), which led to signing with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment. His studio albums—"[Thank Me Later](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-thank-me-later-609)" (2010), Grammy-winning "[Take Care](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-take-care-610)" (2011), "[Nothing Was the Same](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-nothing-was-the-same-611)" (2013), "[Views](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-views-612)" (2016), "[Scorpion](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-scorpion-613)" (2018), "[Certified Lover Boy](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-certified-lover-boy-614)" (2021), "[Honestly, Nevermind](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-honestly-nevermind-615)" (2022), "[For All the Dogs](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-for-all-the-dogs-617)" (2023), and collaborative albums "[Her Loss](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-and-21-savage-release-her-loss-616)" (with 21 Savage, 2022) and "Some Sexy Songs 4 U" (with PartyNextDoor, 2025)—have consistently topped charts, establishing him as one of music's most influential figures.

Drake's signature sound blends melodic singing with technical rapping, emotional vulnerability with braggadocio, drawing from hip-hop, R&B, pop, trap, dancehall, and UK drill influences. Billboard named him among the greatest rappers of all time, crediting him with popularizing R&B sensibilities in hip-hop. His hit singles—including "Hotline Bling," "God's Plan," "One Dance," "Started from the Bottom," "[In My Feelings](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-in-my-feelings-738)," and "Nice for What"—showcase his versatility and have earned him numerous Billboard records: most Hot 100 entries (358), most top 10 hits (80), most consecutive weeks on the chart (431), and most number-one singles for a rapper (13). The Recording Industry Association of America recognizes Drake as the highest-certified digital singles artist in U.S. history, with over 200 million units sold worldwide.

Drake's business ventures span multiple industries. In 2012, he co-founded OVO Sound record label with Noah "40" Shebib, representing artists including PartyNextDoor, Majid Jordan, and dvsn. Since 2013, he has served as global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors, with naming rights to their practice facility (OVO Athletic Centre). Other ventures include Virginia Black bourbon whiskey (2016), Better World fragrance house, Nocta sub-label with Nike (2020), and production company DreamCrew, which produces series like HBO's "Euphoria" and "Top Boy." He has investments in Players' Lounge, AC Milan soccer club, Luna Luna art exhibition, and partnerships with Stake.com and 100 Thieves gaming organization.

Born in Toronto to musician Dennis Graham and Canadian teacher Sandra Graham (née Sher), Drake was raised with dual Canadian-American citizenship. His parents divorced when he was five, after which he lived with his mother in Toronto while visiting his father in Memphis during summers. Drake attended Jewish day school and became a bar mitzvah, reflecting his Jewish heritage through his mother. After dropping out of high school to pursue acting and music, he eventually earned his diploma in 2012 at age 25. His personal life includes relationships with Rihanna (2009-2016) and fatherhood to a son born in October 2017 to French painter Sophie Brussaux, which became public knowledge during his feud with [Pusha T](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/pusha-t) from the diss track "[The Story Of Adidon](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/pusha-t-disses-drake-on-the-story-of-adidon-602)," and was later confirmed on his album "Scorpion" on the song "[March 14th](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-march-14th-894)."

Drake's accolades include five Grammy Awards (from 47 nominations), six American Music Awards, a record 29 Billboard Music Awards (including Artist of the Decade for 2010-2020), two Brit Awards, and three Juno Awards. He holds numerous chart records, including most number-one albums on the Billboard 200 (11, tying him with Jay-Z and Taylor Swift for most number one albums by a solo artist), most simultaneous entries on the Hot 100, and most top 40 singles (217). In 2021, he became the first artist to surpass 50 billion combined Spotify streams, and was named IFPI Global Recording Artist in 2016 and 2018.

Drake's career has featured several high-profile feuds that have shaped hip-hop culture. Notable conflicts include those with Chris Brown, Meek Mill (over ghostwriting allegations involving Quentin Miller), Pusha T, [Kanye West](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/kanye-west), and most recently, [his 2024 battle with Kendrick Lamar](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/kendrick-drake-feud). This rap feud produced tracks including Drake's "[Push Ups](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-push-ups-kendrick-lamar-diss-118)," "[Taylor Made Freestyle](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-drops-taylor-made-freestyle-kendrick-diss-121)," and "[The Heart Part 6](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-drops-the-heart-part-6-584)" against [Lamar](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/kendrick-lamar)'s "[Not Like Us](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-drops-not-like-us-585)," "[Meet the Grahams](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-drops-meet-the-grahams-against-drake-116)," and "[Euphoria](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-drops-euphoria-drake-diss-111)," featuring serious allegations from both artists and even incorporating artificial intelligence technology when Drake used AI to imitate Tupac Shakur's voice.

Drake's cultural impact extends beyond music. He popularized phrases like "YOLO" ("The Motto") and "The Six" (referring to Toronto), while his lyrics frequently become social media captions. The "Drake curse"—a phenomenon where teams or athletes lose after Drake supports them—became a recognized superstition. His luxury lifestyle includes a 35,000-square-foot Toronto mansion nicknamed "The Embassy," properties in Beverly Hills, and a Boeing 767 airplane. Drake's philanthropy includes giving money to Toronto residents, advocating for WNBA expansion in Toronto, and signing a letter calling for ceasefire in the 2023 Israel–Hamas war. In 2022, Toronto Metropolitan University began teaching courses analyzing his cultural impact.

Drake's legacy as one of the 21st century's most commercially successful and culturally significant artists continues expanding through his music innovation, business ventures, and cultural influence. His trademark sound—characterized by vulnerable lyricism, technical ability, and integration of singing into rap—has influenced countless artists and expanded hip-hop's emotional range. Described as "the definitive pop star of his generation" by The Guardian and credited with leading the "Canadian Invasion" of American charts alongside Justin Bieber and The Weeknd, Drake has transformed from Canadian child actor to global superstar, reshaping hip-hop's sound and business model while maintaining his position at the forefront of music and popular culture.

Sources: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drake_(musician)), [Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Drake)

Drake

Jermaine Lamarr Cole (born January 28, 1985), known professionally as J. Cole, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur. Born in Frankfurt, West Germany, to a military father and postal worker mother, Cole was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina after his father abandoned the family. His musical journey began at age 12 when he started rapping, later receiving an ASR-X musical sampler as a Christmas gift, which launched his production career under the pseudonym "Therapist." After graduating high school with a 4.2 GPA, Cole attended St. John's University on scholarship, graduating magna cum laude in 2007 with a communications degree while developing his musical skills.

Cole gained recognition with his debut mixtape "The Come Up" (2007), which caught the attention of Jay-Z, leading to his signing with Roc Nation in 2009 as the label's first artist. He released two additional mixtapes—"The Warm Up" (2009) and "Friday Night Lights" (2010)—before his debut studio album "[Cole World: The Sideline Story](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/j-cole-releases-cole-world-the-sideline-story-623)" (2011) debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling 218,000 copies in its first week. His sophomore album "[Born Sinner](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/j-cole-releases-born-sinner-624)" (2013) was notably released on the same day as [Kanye West](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/kanye-west)'s "[Yeezus](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-releases-album-yeezus-285)" after Cole moved up his release date to compete directly, demonstrating his ambition within the industry.

Cole's artistic evolution became evident with "[2014 Forest Hills Drive](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/j-cole-releases-2014-forest-hills-drive-625)" (2014), which achieved platinum status with no features and minimal promotion, shifting away from pop-oriented sounds toward more conscious themes. This direction continued with "[4 Your Eyez Only](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/j-cole-releases-4-your-eyez-only-626)" (2016), which sold an estimated 500,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, and "[KOD](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/j-cole-releases-kod-627)" (2018), which made history when Cole became the first artist since The Beatles to simultaneously place six songs in the Billboard Hot 100's top 20. His sixth album, "[The Off-Season](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/j-cole-releases-the-off-season-628)" (2021), further cemented his commercial success, with "My Life" featuring 21 Savage and Morray peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

Cole achieved his first #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 with Drake's "[First Person Shooter](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-j-cole-drop-first-person-shooter-diss-200)" in 2023. His discography includes the recent mixtape "[Might Delete Later](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/j-cole-releases-might-delete-later-629)" (2024), with "The Fall Off" announced as an upcoming studio album. Throughout his career, Cole has cited Tupac Shakur, Jay-Z, Eminem, Nas, and André 3000 as his primary influences, developing a style characterized by introspective lyrics and social consciousness. His work has earned him two Grammy Awards from seventeen nominations, a Billboard Music Award for Top Rap Album, three Soul Train Music Awards, and eight BET Hip Hop Awards.

In 2007, Cole founded Dreamville Records with Ibrahim Hamad, developing a roster that includes JID, Ari Lennox, Bas, and EarthGang. The label's compilation album "Revenge of the Dreamers III" (2019) debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. As a self-taught producer, Cole has created beats for artists including [Kendrick Lamar](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/kendrick-lamar), Janet Jackson, Young Thug, and Mac Miller, while handling much of the production for his own projects, demonstrating versatility across all aspects of music creation.

Cole's business ventures include becoming a minority shareholder in Jay-Z's streaming service Tidal in 2015 and partnering with Puma in 2020 to release his signature basketball shoe "RS-Dreamer." His philanthropic efforts through The Dreamville Foundation, established in 2011, provide school supplies to children and sponsor community events in Fayetteville. In 2014, he purchased his childhood home and converted it into rent-free housing for single mothers. The annual Dreamville Festival, launched in 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina, has become a significant cultural event featuring established artists and emerging talent while supporting local communities.

Cole briefly pursued a professional basketball career, playing for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League in 2021 (averaging 1.7 points in 3 games) and the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League in 2022 (averaging 2.4 points in 4 games). In 2022, he was named the cover athlete for NBA 2K23's Dreamer Edition. In his personal life, Cole married his college sweetheart Melissa Heholt in 2015, who serves as Executive Director of the Dreamville Foundation, and the couple has two children. In November 2024, Cole launched "Inevitable," a limited podcast series featuring conversations with his manager Ibrahim Hamad and collaborator Scott Lazer, coinciding with the release of his early mixtapes on streaming platforms.

Throughout his career, J. Cole has maintained an authentic artistic voice while achieving remarkable commercial success. Each of his studio albums has received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His commitment to meaningful storytelling, social consciousness, and artistic integrity has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted global fanbase, establishing him as one of the most influential and respected figures in contemporary hip-hop. Cole's ability to balance commercial viability with artistic vision continues to shape the landscape of popular music and culture.

Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Cole)

J. Cole

Kanye Omari West (born June 8, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia), [legally known as Ye](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-officially-changes-his-name-to-ye-1126) since October 2021, is an American rapper, record producer, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. Recognized as one of the most influential and controversial figures in hip-hop and popular culture, West has built a multifaceted career spanning music, fashion, and business ventures, earning 24 Grammy Awards and selling over 160 million records worldwide.

Born to Ray West, a former Black Panther and photojournalist, and Donda West, an English professor, Kanye's parents divorced when he was three years old. He was primarily raised in Chicago's middle-class South Shore neighborhood by his mother, though [he briefly lived in Nanjing, China](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-moves-to-china-329), at age 10 when his mother taught at Nanjing University as a Fulbright Scholar. West attended Polaris School for Individual Education in Oak Lawn, Illinois, before studying at the American Academy of Art and Chicago State University, [dropping out at age 20](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-drops-out-of-college-at-age-20-331) to pursue music full-time.

West began his music career in the mid-1990s producing for local Chicago artists like Grav, whose 1996 album "[Down to Earth](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-produces-for-down-to-earth-by-grav-1145)" featured eight tracks produced by West. After becoming an in-house producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, [West's production work on Jay-Z's critically acclaimed album "The Blueprint" (2001)](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-produced-the-blueprint-by-jay-z-338) established his reputation through soul-sampling techniques that revitalized Jay-Z's career. Despite his production success, West struggled to launch his career as a rapper until Damon Dash reluctantly [signed him to Roc-A-Fella Records](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-signs-with-roc-a-fella-339) as a recording artist.

After surviving a [near-fatal car accident](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-gets-into-a-car-crash-274) in October 2002 that left his jaw shattered, West recorded "[Through the Wire](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-through-the-wire-649)" with his jaw wired shut, which became a breakthrough single. His debut album "[The College Dropout](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-releases-the-college-dropout-278)" (2004) reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200, sold over 3 million copies, and earned widespread critical acclaim, winning the [Grammy Award for Best Rap Album](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-wins-grammy-best-rap-album-277). The album featured hit singles "Through the Wire," "[Jesus Walks](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-jesus-walks-902)," "[All Falls Down](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-all-falls-down-647)," and "[Slow Jamz](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-slow-jamz-907)," establishing West as a major artistic voice challenging gangsta rap stereotypes with themes of faith, social issues, and personal struggles.

West's sophomore album "[Late Registration](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-releases-late-registration-294)" (2005) incorporated orchestral arrangements with collaborator Jon Brion and featured hits like "[Gold Digger](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-gold-digger-915)" featuring Jamie Foxx and "[Diamonds from Sierra Leone](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-diamonds-from-sierra-leone-947)." "[Graduation](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-releases-album-graduation-280)" (2007) won in a highly publicized sales competition against 50 Cent's "Curtis," selling 957,000 copies in its first week and reaching number one on the Billboard 200 with singles like "[Stronger](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-stronger-979)," "[Good Life](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-good-life-1038)," and "[Flashing Lights](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-flashing-lights-1041)." Following the [death of his mother](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-wests-mother-dies-283) in November 2007, West released "[808s & Heartbreak](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-releases-808s-and-heartbreak-281)" (2008), a stylistic departure featuring Auto-Tune vocals and minimalist electronic production that influenced artists like [Drake](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/drake), Frank Ocean, and The Weeknd.

Throughout his career, West has been known for controversial statements and behavior. During a Hurricane Katrina telethon in 2005, he famously declared that "[George Bush doesn't care about black people](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/george-bush-doesnt-care-about-black-people-637)." At the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, he [interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-interrupts-taylor-swift-vma-award-275), an incident that damaged his public image but preceded what many consider his creative peak with "[My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-releases-my-beautiful-dark-twisted-fantasy-282)" (2010). This album, featuring collaborations with Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, [Pusha T](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/pusha-t), and Bon Iver, received universal acclaim and is frequently ranked among the greatest albums of all time.

West continued his musical evolution with "[Yeezus](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-releases-album-yeezus-285)" (2013), featuring a minimalist, industrial sound influenced by Chicago drill, dancehall, and acid house, and "[The Life of Pablo](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-releases-the-life-of-pablo-286)" (2016), which he described as "a living breathing changing creative expression" as he continued to update the album after its release. His 2018 albums included the seven-track "[ye](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-releases-album-ye-287)," on which he addressed his [bipolar disorder diagnosis](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-reveals-he-is-bipolar-953), and "[Kids See Ghosts](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-and-kid-cudi-releases-kids-see-ghosts-296)," a collaboration with Kid Cudi. West's shift to gospel music produced "[Jesus Is King](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-releases-jesus-is-king-289)" (2019) and "[Donda](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-releases-album-donda-290)" (2021), named after his late mother.

As a fashion designer, West has collaborated with brands including Nike on Air Yeezy sneakers, Louis Vuitton, and A Bathing Ape. His [Yeezy partnership with Adidas](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-announces-partnership-with-adidas-982), launched in 2013, revolutionized footwear design and became a billion-dollar enterprise until [Adidas terminated the deal](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/adidas-terminates-partnership-with-kanye-west-988) in October 2022 following his [antisemitic remarks](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-tweets-antisemitic-remarks-295). West also [founded the creative content company Donda](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-founds-company-donda-1207) in 2012 and established his record label GOOD Music in 2004, which has represented artists including John Legend, Big Sean, and Pusha T.

West married reality television star Kim Kardashian in May 2014 in Florence, Italy. They have four children together—North (born 2013), Saint (born 2015), Chicago (born 2018 via surrogate), and Psalm (born 2019 via surrogate)—before divorcing in 2022, with West ordered to pay $200,000 monthly in child support. In January 2023, West reportedly married Bianca Censori, an Australian architect who works for his Yeezy brand, in a ceremony without legal standing.

West has spoken openly about his mental health struggles, confirming his bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2018 on his album "ye." He has also discussed struggles with opioid addiction following liposuction in 2016 and has admitted to having suicidal thoughts. In 2022, he [suggested he might be autistic](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/ye-says-he-is-not-bipolar-959), later claiming in February 2025 that he had received a professional diagnosis.

His political activities have included an unsuccessful [presidential run in 2020](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-announces-2020-presidential-bid-886) as an independent under the "Birthday Party" banner, with Wyoming preacher Michelle Tidball as his running mate. He garnered about 66,365 votes across 12 states, approximately 0.04% of the national vote. West has expressed support for former President Donald Trump, [meeting with him at Trump Tower](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-meets-donald-trump-at-trump-towers-350) in 2016 and [visiting the White House](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-meets-with-donald-trump-298) in 2018.

In late 2022, West faced significant backlash for antisemitic statements on social media and in [interviews](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-appears-on-drink-champs-after-antisemitism-324), including [praising Adolf Hitler, identifying himself as a Nazi on Infowars](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-goes-on-infowars-with-alex-jones-310), and posting swastika imagery on Twitter. These controversies resulted in the termination of numerous business partnerships with Vogue, Universal Music Group, CAA, Balenciaga, Gap, and Adidas, significantly [reducing his net worth](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-no-longer-a-billionaire-688) from an estimated $1.8 billion to approximately $400 million according to Forbes.

Despite these controversies, West has continued making music. In 2024, he formed the duo ¥$ with Ty Dolla $ign, releasing "[Vultures 1](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-and-ty-dolla-sign-release-vultures-1-292)" in February, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, and "[Vultures 2](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-and-ty-dolla-sign-release-vultures-2-293)" in August. During a concert in Haikou, China, in September 2024, [West announced "Bully," and debuted the track "Beauty and the Beast"](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-announces-bully-reveals-beauty-and-the-beast-356).

As a musical innovator and cultural icon, Kanye West has significantly influenced contemporary hip-hop through his production techniques, fashion sense, and artistic vision. Rolling Stone named him one of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time, and his first six solo albums were included in their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list in 2020. Despite the controversies that have sometimes overshadowed his work, West's impact on music, fashion, and popular culture remains undeniable, cementing his status as one of the most significant artists of the 21st century.

Sources: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanye_West), [Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kanye-West), and [Kanye West Wiki](https://kanyewest.fandom.com/wiki/Kanye_West)

Kanye West

The feud between [Kanye West](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/kanye-west) and [Drake](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/drake) represents one of hip-hop's most significant and enduring conflicts, spanning over 15 years of alternating collaboration and confrontation between two of rap's biggest titans. What began as a mentor-mentee relationship evolved into a complex rivalry characterized by public disses, collaborative projects, brief reconciliations, and renewed hostilities that continues to impact the hip-hop landscape.

The relationship originated in 2009 when West directed the music video for Drake's debut single "[Best I Ever Had](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-best-i-ever-had-music-video-715)." During this early period, Drake openly admired West, even calling him ["the most influential person" on his sound](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-says-kanye-is-the-most-influential-person-on-his-sound-712) in a May 2009 interview with MTV. The two collaborated on various projects, with West producing "[Find Your Love](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-find-your-love-single-releases-716)" for Drake's 2010 debut album "[Thank Me Later](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-thank-me-later-609)" and [Drake providing vocals](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/all-of-the-lights-removed-drake-717) for West's "[All of the Lights](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-all-of-the-lights-718)" from "[My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-releases-my-beautiful-dark-twisted-fantasy-282)." They also appeared together on the star-studded 2009 track "[Forever](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-kanye-eminem-lil-wayne-forever-714)" alongside Eminem and Lil Wayne, cementing Drake's arrival among rap's elite.

The first signs of tension emerged in 2011 when Drake appeared to take subtle jabs at West and Jay-Z's "[Watch the Throne](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-and-jay-z-release-watch-the-throne-284)" project while teasing a joint album with Lil Wayne. On DJ Khaled's "I'm On One," Drake rapped, "[I'm just feeling like the throne is for the taking](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-says-he-will-take-the-throne-578) (watch me take it)," a clear reference to West and Jay-Z's upcoming album. By October 2011, Drake told The Source magazine that [his goal was to "surpass" West's accomplishments](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-says-he-will-surpass-kanye-577), stating, "I don't want to be as good as Kanye — I want to be better."

Despite these competitive undertones, their relationship remained largely cordial through mid-2016, with [West making appearances at Drake's OVO Fest](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-says-drake-pushed-him-and-jay-z-to-be-better-579) in Toronto in 2013 and 2016. West teased a potential collaborative album during a [Breakfast Club Interview](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-says-collab-album-with-drake-possible-721), which was further hinted at by mysterious billboards appearing in various cities [displaying the logos of OVO and West's G.O.O.D. Music](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/good-music-hints-drake-and-kanye-joint-album-728). However, this highly anticipated joint project never materialized.

The relationship deteriorated significantly in 2018 when West produced [Pusha T](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/pusha-t)'s album "[Daytona](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/pusha-t-releases-daytona-with-kanye-west-522)," which included "[Infrared](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/pusha-t-disses-drake-on-the-song-infrared-594)," a track containing shots at Drake's alleged use of ghostwriters like Quentin Miller. Drake responded swiftly with "[Duppy Freestyle](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-disses-pusha-t-on-duppy-freestyle-600)," targeting both Pusha T and West, calling the latter a "leech and serpent" for allegedly resenting former collaborator Virgil Abloh who had left West's Yeezy brand to become creative director at Louis Vuitton. This exchange escalated dramatically when Pusha T released "[The Story of Adidon](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/pusha-t-disses-drake-on-the-story-of-adidon-602)," revealing Drake had a previously undisclosed son with former adult film star Sophie Brussaux and mocking Drake's alleged insecurities about his race.

This period saw additional complications, including [Drake's allegation that West manipulated him](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-talks-about-kanye-leaking-info-about-his-son-564) during a [Wyoming studio session](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-and-kanye-work-on-music-in-wyoming-735) where Drake shared personal information, including details about his son and played unreleased music like "[March 14](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-march-14th-894)" which referenced his child. Drake also claimed West deliberately [scheduled his album releases](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-announces-2-new-albums-361) to interfere with Drake's "[Scorpion](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-scorpion-613)" rollout. Another point of contention was the "[Lift Yourself](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-releases-lift-yourself-365)" beat, which Drake claimed West had promised to him for $3 million before releasing it himself with nonsensical lyrics about "poopity scoop."

For his part, West took issue with perceived subliminal disses on Travis Scott's "[Sicko Mode](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/travis-scott-drake-sicko-mode-740)" featuring Drake, even [demanding an apology](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-disses-drake-and-travis-scott-twitter-741) from Scott and claiming Drake had threatened his family, prompting West's then-wife Kim Kardashian to defend him publicly. The conflict intensified in August 2021 when Drake explicitly dissed West on Trippie Redd's "[Betrayal](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-takes-aim-at-kanye-west-and-pusha-t-566)," rapping, "Ye ain't changin' shit for me, it's set in stone." In response, [West posted Drake's Toronto address on Instagram](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-leaks-drakes-home-address-568).

Their album rivalry reached its peak in late August/early September 2021 when West's "[Donda](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-releases-album-donda-290)" and Drake's "[Certified Lover Boy](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-certified-lover-boy-614)" were released just days apart. West's album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 with 309,000 album-equivalent units but was quickly displaced by Drake's "Certified Lover Boy," which sold 613,000 units in its first week.

A surprising reconciliation occurred in December 2021 when [J. Prince brokered a truce](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-to-end-the-beef-with-drake-573) for the "[Free Larry Hoover Benefit Concert](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-and-drake-perform-at-larry-hoover-concert-525)" at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The event, attended by 70,000 fans and livestreamed via Amazon Prime Video, featured both rappers performing together, with Drake calling it "surreal" to be "on stage with my idol." However, this peace proved temporary. By November 2022, Drake referenced the concert on his collaboration with 21 Savage, "[Circo Loco](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-21-savage-circo-loco-748)," with the line "linking with the opps, bitch, I did that shit for J Prince," suggesting the reconciliation was merely for show.

Subsequent provocations included Drake's April 2023 track "[Search and Rescue](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-search-and-rescue-744)," which sampled a conversation between West's ex-wife Kim Kardashian and her mother Kris Jenner discussing Kim's divorce, with Kardashian saying, "I didn't come this far, just to come this far and not be happy." Drake further escalated tensions with his November 2023 track "[Red Button](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-red-button-746)," where he accused West of being insincere about their truces: "Every time that Yeezy called a truce, he had my head inflated/ Thinkin' we gon' finally peace it up and get to levitatin'/ Realize that everything premeditated."

The feud reignited in April 2024 when West inserted himself into Drake's ongoing conflict with Kendrick Lamar by releasing ["Like That" remix](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-drops-like-that-remix-587), a track originally featuring Future, Metro Boomin, and Lamar. On the remix, West targeted Drake with lines referencing his licensing deal with Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge. West later [appeared on Justin LaBoy's podcast](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-justin-laboy-interview-702) "The Message," where he credited the "elimination of Drake" as his inspiration for creating the remix, adding, "Drake has a rich baby daddy named Lucian and Universal... My daddy control the spins. My daddy got the DSPs."

Despite numerous opportunities for reconciliation over the years, the Drake-West feud continues to evolve as one of hip-hop's most prominent rivalries, reflecting the complicated dynamics of competition, respect, and conflict that often characterize relationships between top artists in hip-hop culture. Their ongoing tension has significantly influenced the landscape of contemporary rap music, inspiring countless discussions among fans and critics alike about loyalty, artistry, and the personal nature of hip-hop competition.

Sources: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drake%E2%80%93Kendrick_Lamar_feud) and [Billboard](https://www.billboard.com/lists/drake-kendrick-lamar-beef-timeline/)

Kanye-Drake Feud

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987, in Compton, California) has established himself as one of the most influential and critically acclaimed hip-hop artists of the 21st century. Often cited as the greatest rapper of his generation, Lamar has revolutionized contemporary music through his profound storytelling, technical virtuosity, and cultural impact.

Growing up in Section 8 housing in Compton, Lamar experienced firsthand the challenges of poverty, gang violence, and systemic inequality. His [parents had relocated from Chicago's South Side to escape gang activity](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-billboard-interview-2015-195), but found similar struggles in their new environment. Despite these obstacles, Lamar demonstrated academic promise and developed a passion for writing after his first-grade teacher recognized his vocabulary skills. By seventh grade, he was introduced to poetry by his English teacher, Regis Inge, which profoundly influenced his approach to lyricism and songwriting.

Lamar began his musical journey as a teenager under the moniker K.Dot, releasing his first mixtape, [Y.H.N.I.C (Hub City Threat: Minor of the Year)](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-releases-yhnic-818), in 2003. This early work caught the attention of Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith, who signed him to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2005. At TDE, Lamar formed the hip-hop supergroup Black Hippy alongside Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q, creating a foundation for his artistic development.

After releasing several mixtapes, including [Training Day](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-training-day-mixtape-releases-782) (2005) and [C4](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-releases-c4-mixtape-821) (2009), [Lamar adopted his birth name professionally](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-talks-about-name-change-783) and released the critically noted [Overly Dedicated mixtape](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/overly-dedicated-releases-184) (2010). His debut studio album, [Section.80](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-releases-section80-60) (2011), explored alternative hip-hop styles with jazz-influenced production, addressing issues affecting the millennial generation. This independent release established him as a formidable voice in conscious rap.

Lamar's commercial breakthrough came with [Good Kid, M.A.A.D City](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/good-kid-maad-city-53) (2012), his major-label debut under TDE, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records. Subtitled "A Short Film by Kendrick Lamar," the album presented a cinematic narrative of his adolescence in Compton, featuring hit singles "[Swimming Pools (Drank)](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-swimming-pools-drank-1097)," "[Poetic Justice](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-poetic-justice-feat-drake-798)," and "[Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-bitch-dont-kill-my-vibe-1092)." The album's nonlinear storytelling and atmospheric production received universal acclaim, with Rolling Stone later naming it the greatest concept album of all time. Its commercial longevity is unprecedented, becoming the first hip-hop studio album to spend over ten consecutive years on the Billboard 200.

In 2015, Lamar released [To Pimp a Butterfly](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-releases-to-pimp-a-butterfly-175), a groundbreaking work that fused hip-hop with jazz, funk, and soul. The album explored racial inequality, institutional discrimination, and Black empowerment during Barack Obama's presidency. Singles like "[The Blacker the Berry](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-blacker-the-berry-840)," "[King Kunta](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-king-kunta-802)," and particularly "[Alright](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-alright-837)" became anthems for the Black Lives Matter movement. The album won five Grammy Awards and broke Spotify's streaming record upon release. Music critics have consistently ranked it among the greatest albums of the 2010s decade, with Pitchfork noting it "forced critics to think deeply about music."

Lamar followed with [Untitled Unmastered](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-releases-untitled-unmastered-177) (2016), a compilation of unreleased tracks from the To Pimp a Butterfly sessions, maintaining his artistic momentum while showcasing his prolific output. His fourth album, [DAMN](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-releases-damn-176). (2017), marked a stylistic shift toward more accessible R&B and pop elements while maintaining his lyrical depth. The album's lead single, "[HUMBLE.](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-humble-1080)," became his first solo number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. DAMN. earned Lamar the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music—a historic achievement as the first non-classical or jazz work to receive this honor—and eventually had every song certified gold or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America.

In 2018, Lamar curated and produced [Black Panther: The Album](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-and-other-artists-black-panther-the-album-863) for Marvel's film, featuring collaborations with SZA, The Weeknd, and others. The soundtrack topped the Billboard 200 for two consecutive weeks and produced hits like "All the Stars." After a four-year recording hiatus, during which he [co-founded the creative company PGLang](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/pglang-is-founded-186) with longtime collaborator Dave Free, Lamar returned with [Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-mr-morale-and-the-big-steppers-178) (2022), a double album exploring his personal journey through therapy. The introspective work addressed controversial topics including toxic relationships, gender identity, and generational trauma.

Lamar's most recent album, [GNX](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-releases-gnx-643) (2024), released as a surprise in November, represents a return to his West Coast roots with g-funk influences and features from underground Los Angeles rappers. The album followed his highly publicized [feud with Drake](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/kendrick-drake-feud), which produced the record-breaking single "[Not Like Us](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-drops-not-like-us-585)." This track won five Grammy Awards in 2025, [including Record of the Year](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-not-like-us-wins-grammy-769).

Throughout his career, Lamar has developed a distinctive artistic approach characterized by his versatile vocal delivery, narrative complexity, and thematic ambition. His tenor vocal range and ability to modulate his voice to represent different characters such as in [Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-sing-about-me-im-dying-of-thirst-1098), and emotions have drawn comparisons to musical innovators like James Brown and Prince. His songwriting often incorporates literary and cinematic techniques, weaving personal experiences with social commentary and spiritual reflection.

Lamar's extensive accolades include 22 Grammy Awards (the third-most by any rapper), a Primetime Emmy Award for his [Super Bowl LVI halftime performance with Dr. Dre and others](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-performs-at-superbowl-2022-199), a Brit Award, 37 BET Hip Hop Awards (the most by any artist), and inclusion on Time's list of the 100 most influential people in 2016. His [Super Bowl LIX halftime show in February 2025](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-superbowl-2025-817) broke viewership records with 133.5 million viewers, featuring guest appearances from SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, and Mustard.

Beyond music, Lamar maintains a relatively private personal life with his fiancée Whitney Alford and their two children. He is known for his philanthropic work supporting education in Compton, including a $50,000 donation to his alma mater, Centennial High School. His impact on hip-hop culture, social justice movements, and contemporary art has secured his legacy as not just a musician, but a cultural icon whose work transcends genre boundaries and continues to influence generations of artists.

Sources: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendrick_Lamar) and [Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kendrick-Lamar)

Kendrick Lamar

The feud between [Kendrick Lamar](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/kendrick-lamar) and [Drake](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/drake) stands as one of hip-hop's most consequential rivalries, evolving over a decade from collaborative partnership to an explosive conflict that dominated music headlines throughout 2024. This battle between two of rap's biggest superstars—Drake (Aubrey Graham) and Kendrick Lamar (Kendrick Lamar Duckworth)—culminated in a series of increasingly personal diss tracks that captivated audiences worldwide and reshuffled hip-hop's power dynamics.

Their relationship began positively in 2011 when Lamar appeared on "[Buried Alive Interlude](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-buried-alive-interlude-feat-kendrick-794)" from Drake's acclaimed album "[Take Care](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-releases-take-care-610)." This collaboration led to [Lamar opening for Drake's Club Paradise Tour](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-asap-rocky-as-opening-act-for-drake-796) in 2012, alongside A$AP Rocky. The two artists also collaborated on A$AP Rocky's hit "[Fuckin' Problems](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/asap-rocky-fuckin-problems-drake-kendrick-797)" and Lamar's "[Poetic Justice](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-poetic-justice-feat-drake-798)," both commercial successes that peaked on the Billboard Hot 100.

The first signs of tension emerged in August 2013 when Lamar named Drake among several rappers he aimed to "murder" lyrically on Big Sean's "[Control](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-calls-out-drake-among-other-rappers-61)," though he characterized it as "friendly competition." [Drake dismissed the verse in a Billboard interview](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-responds-to-control-kendrick-lamar-648), saying: "It just sounded like an ambitious thought to me. That's all it was. I know good and well that [Lamar]'s not murdering me, at all, in any platform."

From 2015 to 2022, the rivalry continued through subtle "sneak disses" in tracks like Lamar's "[King Kunta](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-king-kunta-802)" and "[The Heart Part 4](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/the-heart-part-4-releases-187)," though both artists publicly denied any serious beef. The situation dramatically escalated in October 2023 when [J. Cole](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/j-cole)'s verse on Drake's "[First Person Shooter](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-j-cole-drop-first-person-shooter-diss-200)" (which topped the Billboard Hot 100) described himself, Drake, and Lamar as the "Big Three" of modern hip-hop. Lamar emphatically rejected this notion on Future and Metro Boomin's March 2024 track "[Like That](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-disses-drake-on-like-that-117)."

The conflict erupted into full-scale warfare in April 2024. Drake diss track "[Push Ups](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-push-ups-kendrick-diss-leaked-754)" leaked on April 13, mocking Lamar's 5'5" height and criticizing his pop collaborations with artists like Taylor Swift. Six days later, Drake dropped "[Taylor Made Freestyle](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-drops-taylor-made-freestyle-kendrick-diss-121)," controversially using AI-generated vocals of Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg—a move that [drew criticism from Shakur's estate](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/2pac-estate-threatens-drake-with-legal-action-766), which threatened legal action and prompted Drake to remove the track.

Lamar countered on April 30 with "[Euphoria](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-drops-euphoria-drake-diss-111)," a six-minute diss criticizing Drake's parenting abilities and claiming his abs were achieved through plastic surgery. The title referenced the TV show executive-produced by Drake, creating another layer of pointed criticism.

The feud reached unprecedented levels of personal attacks in early May. On May 3, Lamar released "[6:16 in LA](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-drops-616-drake-diss-120)," suggesting Drake's inner circle was leaking information to him. Hours later, Drake responded with "[Family Matters](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-drops-family-matters-against-kendrick-265)," accusing Lamar of domestic abuse and claiming Lamar's collaborator Dave Free had fathered Lamar's child. Less than an hour after this bombshell, Lamar released "[Meet the Grahams](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-drops-meet-the-grahams-against-drake-116)," accusing Drake of sexual predation, hiding a second child, and running a sex trafficking ring from his mansion.

The most popular diss came on May 4, when Lamar released "[Not Like Us](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-drops-not-like-us-585)," produced by DJ Mustard, explicitly accusing Drake of pedophilia with lines like "Say Drake, I hear you like 'em young" and calling Drake and his OVO crew "certified pedophiles." The track's cover art featured a satellite image of Drake's mansion marked with sex offender symbols. Drake countered with "[The Heart Part 6](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-drops-the-heart-part-6-584)" on May 5, denying these accusations and claiming his team had deliberately fed Lamar false information about a supposed second child.

"Not Like Us" became a cultural phenomenon, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining in heavy rotation throughout summer 2024. On June 19, 2024, Lamar's "[The Pop Out](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-pop-out-concert-192)" concert in Los Angeles featured him performing the song five times with local artists and rival gang members united on stage, widely interpreted as a victory celebration. The [music video](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-drops-not-like-us-music-video-586) released on July 4 garnered over 13 million views within 24 hours and featured Lamar's family dancing happily together, contradicting Drake's allegations about his home life.

Drake's response included legal maneuvers rather than musical ones. In late November 2024, he filed petitions against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, [alleging they violated the RICO Act](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-sues-spotify-for-inflating-not-like-us-streams-812) by artificially boosting streams for "Not Like Us." UMG responded swiftly, stating that "no amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear." [Drake later sued UMG for defamation](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/drake-once-again-sues-label-for-defamation-815) on January 15, 2025, though notably did not name Lamar as a defendant.

Lamar's triumph continued as "Not Like Us" reached one billion Spotify streams and won five Grammy Awards in February 2025, [including Record of the Year](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-not-like-us-wins-grammy-769). Lamar appeared at the ceremony wearing a "Canadian tuxedo" (denim-on-denim outfit), widely interpreted as a subtle jab at the Canadian-born Drake.

The feud's cultural impact culminated during [Lamar's Super Bowl LIX halftime](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kendrick-lamar-superbowl-2025-817) performance on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Lamar performed both "Euphoria" and "Not Like Us."

Drake briefly addressed the feud on his February 14, 2025 collaborative album with PartyNextDoor, "$ome $exy $ongs 4 U," particularly on the track "Gimme a Hug," saying "Fuck a rap beef, I'm tryna get the party lit" and mocking Lamar's cerebral style by suggesting girls would be "twerking with a dictionary." Around this time, Drake was photographed in Australia wearing a shirt with bullet holes, symbolizing his resilience.

The conflict drew widespread commentary from artists and celebrities. Drake received support from Birdman, Azealia Banks, 50 Cent, and The Game, while Lamar was backed by Metro Boomin, Future, [Pusha T](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/pusha-t), [Kanye West](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/kanye-west), The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky, and Rick Ross. Metro Boomin played a significant role, launching a contest called "[BBL Drizzy](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/metro-boomin-drops-bbl-drizzy-588)" offering $10,000 for the best Drake diss track over his instrumental, which generated millions of streams across platforms.

Multiple publications, including Pitchfork, The Ringer, and Rolling Stone, declared Lamar the definitive victor. Charles Holmes of The Ringer called it "the last great rap beef," noting: "In terms of size, scale, and capital, we're witnessing the last rap beef of this magnitude." The conflict has been compared to the East Coast-West Coast rivalry of the 1990s, though thankfully without the violence that marked that earlier feud.

On March 17, 2025, UMG filed a motion to dismiss Drake's lawsuit, arguing he was attempting to "save face" after losing the rap battle.

This historic feud, now widely considered resolved with Lamar's victory, has firmly established itself as one of hip-hop's defining conflicts, reshaping the perceived hierarchy of modern rap and demonstrating the continued cultural power of battle rap in the streaming era.

Sources: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drake%E2%80%93Kendrick_Lamar_feud) and [Billboard](https://www.billboard.com/lists/drake-kendrick-lamar-beef-timeline/)

Kendrick-Drake feud

The 2024 United States presidential election, held on November 5, 2024, resulted in Republican [Donald Trump defeating Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/donald-trump-speech-after-winning-2024-election-414) in a historic comeback. Trump secured 312 electoral votes to Harris's 226 and won the popular vote with 77.3 million votes (49.8%) to Harris's 75 million (48.3%). This victory made Trump the first president since Grover Cleveland to win non-consecutive terms, the first convicted felon to become president, and the oldest person elected to the office at age 78.

The election unfolded against a backdrop of unprecedented legal challenges for Trump, who faced four criminal indictments totaling 86 felony counts. On May 30, 2024, Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts for falsifying business records related to hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels, making him the first former president convicted of a crime. His sentencing was repeatedly delayed, ultimately resulting in an "unconditional discharge" in January 2025 that formalized his status as a convicted felon without imprisonment, probation, or fines.

A pivotal moment came during the June 27, 2024 [CNN-hosted debate](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/biden-and-trump-debate-in-the-first-presidential-debate-425) when President Biden's poor performance, marked by stumbling responses and apparent confusion, intensified concerns about his age and ability to serve another term. After weeks of [mounting pressure from prominent Democrats](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/democrats-call-on-joe-biden-to-drop-out-of-2024-race-450), [Biden withdrew from the race](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/joe-biden-drops-out-of-presidential-race-446) on July 21, 2024, [endorsing Vice President Harris](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/joe-biden-endorses-kamala-harris-1124) as his successor. [Harris quickly secured the necessary delegate endorsements](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kamala-harris-becomes-the-democratic-presidential-nominee-492), becoming the first Black woman and first Asian American to receive a major party's presidential nomination.

Trump's campaign faced dramatic moments, including surviving two assassination attempts. The [first assassination attempt](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/trump-assassination-attempt-436) was on July 13, 2024, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump was grazed by a bullet when Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire, killing one attendee before being shot by Secret Service. On September 15, 2024, Trump evaded [another apparent assassination attempt](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/a-second-assassination-attempt-made-against-trump-442) at his West Palm Beach golf club.

The candidates offered starkly contrasting visions. Harris campaigned on "freedom" and "the future," emphasizing her prosecutorial background while positioning herself as a moderate Democrat focused on economic issues like affordable housing and grocery costs. She selected Minnesota Governor [Tim Walz as her running mate](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kamala-harris-chooses-tim-walz-as-her-running-mate-463) on August 6, 2024.

Trump's campaign, centered on "retribution," featured apocalyptic rhetoric about America's condition. His platform included mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, expanded presidential powers, increased tariffs, and environmental regulation rollbacks. Trump's campaign language about immigrants was particularly inflammatory, calling them "not people" and claiming they were "poisoning the blood of our country." He [chose Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/donald-trump-chooses-jd-vance-as-his-running-mate-464) on July 15, 2024.

Key issues included abortion rights following the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs decision, immigration enforcement, economic concerns (particularly inflation), democracy preservation, and climate change. Despite improving economic indicators under Biden-Harris—including declining inflation (from 9.1% in June 2022 to 2.4% by September 2024) and strong job growth—many voters remained dissatisfied with the economy.

Trump swept all seven battleground states (Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin), representing a significant rightward shift across the country. All 50 states and DC moved toward Trump compared to 2020, the first such uniform national swing since 1976. Trump improved his performance among working-class voters, young men, and Hispanic voters, while Harris maintained strong support among Black voters and college-educated white voters.

The 2024 election results aligned with a global anti-incumbent wave observed in elections worldwide that year. Trump's victory—despite his criminal conviction, inflammatory rhetoric, and authoritarian tendencies—demonstrated the resilience of his political appeal and positioned him to implement his agenda with Republican support in his second term beginning January 20, 2025.

Sources: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_United_States_presidential_election) and [Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/topic/electoral-college/U-S-election-results)

Presidential Election 2024

Terrence LeVarr Thornton (born May 13, 1977), widely known as Pusha T, has evolved from street-savvy rapper to influential hip-hop executive and cultural icon. Beginning his career alongside brother Gene "Malice" Thornton in the duo Clipse, Pusha gained recognition through their seminal albums "[Lord Willin](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/clipse-releases-lord-willin-631)'" (2002) and "[Hell Hath No Fury](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/clipse-releases-hell-hath-no-fury-632)" (2006). These Neptunes-produced classics featuring hit singles "[Grindin'](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/clipse-grindin-1132)" and "[When the Last Time](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/clipse-when-the-last-time-single-1133)" established Pusha's distinctive wordplay and sharp delivery that would become his trademark across multiple decades in the competitive rap landscape.

Pusha T's solo career blossomed following his 2010 signing to [Kanye West](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/kanye-west)'s GOOD Music, where he delivered standout performances on West's "[My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-releases-my-beautiful-dark-twisted-fantasy-282)" before releasing his critically acclaimed solo projects. His studio albums—"[My Name Is My Name](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/pusha-t-releases-my-name-is-my-name-635)" (2013), "[King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/pusha-t-releases-king-push-darkest-before-dawn-the-prelude-636)" (2015), "[Daytona](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/pusha-t-releases-daytona-with-kanye-west-522)" (2018), and his first Billboard 200 chart-topper "[It's Almost Dry](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/pusha-t-releases-its-almost-dry-589)" (2022)—showcase his artistic consistency while earning five Grammy nominations. These releases feature collaborations with industry titans including Jay-Z, [Kendrick Lamar](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/kendrick-lamar), Rick Ross, and Pharrell Williams, demonstrating Pusha's respected position among hip-hop's elite artists.

Beyond recording, Pusha T has demonstrated significant business acumen as GOOD Music president (2015-2022) before establishing Heir Wave Music Group in 2020 to develop Virginia-based talent. His entrepreneurial ventures extend to high-profile brand partnerships, including [alleged involvement with McDonald's "I'm lovin' it" campaign](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/pusha-t-reveals-he-made-the-mcdonalds-jingle-im-lovin-it-591) (a claim disputed by advertising executives) and a subsequent Arby's collaboration in 2022 targeting his former employer.

Pusha T's legacy includes several notable hip-hop feuds that have shaped the genre's competitive landscape. His 2018 battle with [Drake](https://www.forgedbytime.com/timeline/drake) produced "[The Story of Adidon](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/pusha-t-disses-drake-on-the-story-of-adidon-602)," ranked by Billboard as the second "Most Scathing Hip-Hop Diss of All Time." This confrontation, alongside earlier tensions with Lil Wayne and Consequence, demonstrates Pusha's tactical approach to lyrical warfare while elevating his status as one of rap's most formidable competitors. More recently, in 2023, he entered into a dispute with Jim Jones after the latter claimed he "couldn't name any top five Pusha T songs."

From Virginia streets to mainstream success, Pusha T has maintained artistic integrity while evolving into a multifaceted cultural force. His departure from GOOD Music in 2022 followed founder [Kanye West's anitsemitic statements](https://www.forgedbytime.com/post/kanye-west-tweets-antisemitic-remarks-295), marking a new chapter in his career. Personal milestones include his marriage to Virginia Williams in 2018 and the birth of their son Nigel Brixx Thornton in 2020. Whether performing at Coachella, collaborating with diverse artists from Linkin Park to Gorillaz, or developing the next generation of Virginia talent, Pusha T continues to expand his influence while remaining true to his artistic vision. His journey from underground phenomenon to respected industry veteran exemplifies hip-hop's potential for artistic expression without compromise, cementing his position as an essential figure in contemporary music.

Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pusha_T)

Timelines