Kendrick Lamar and SZA have been making waves together recently, particularly following SZA’s standout contributions to Lamar’s album, GNX, and their announcement of a co-headlining tour for 2025. Now, Kendrick has made his mark on SZA’s new project, LANA (SOS Deluxe), by delivering a guest verse on the track “30 for 30.” This collaboration marks the only feature on the album and is packed with subliminal jabs, hinting at a familiar rivalry.
In his verse on “30 for 30,” Kendrick appears to take a shot at someone SZA is close to, with many speculating that the target is none other than Drake. He raps, “You fckin’ with n*gas that’s thinkin’ they cuter than you,” and follows up with, “Say you on your cycle but he on his period too.” This reference raises eyebrows, especially considering Drake’s past romantic involvement with SZA. The two collaborated on major hits in 2023, including “Slime You Out” and “Rich Baby Daddy.” Notably, Drake previously suggested that SZA had Kendrick “wiped down” in his diss track “Push Ups,” indicating a potential rift.
The tension doesn’t stop there. Kendrick’s verse also includes lines that could be interpreted as directed at Drake, such as “the tenderness of ’em, mistaking ’em for some waygu” and “the tables been turnin’ so much, I was thinkin’ it’s foosball.” These lyrics resonate with ongoing discussions about their rivalry, particularly as some fans suggest that Kendrick has eclipsed Drake in terms of popularity.
Additionally, the song title “30 for 30” is a nod to a track by Drake from 2015, further hinting at Kendrick’s intention to stir the pot. While Drake’s version includes the word “freestyle,” the overlap in titles seems too coincidental to ignore.
Kendrick’s veiled references gain even more context when considering Drake’s current legal battles with UMG and Spotify, where he alleges that the streaming success of Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” was artificially inflated. Given this backdrop, it’s clear that Kendrick’s barbs about being “cute” and “tender” could be aimed squarely at Drake.
For the latest updates on Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and the evolving landscape of hip-hop, keep checking in with hiphopraisedmetheblog.com.
