In a recent revelation, Punch, the president of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), shed light on the origins of A$AP Rocky’s iconic track “F**kin’ Problems,” which features collaborations from 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake. The song, a standout from Rocky’s 2013 album *LONG.LIVE.A$AP*, has sparked discussions due to conflicting accounts of its creation.
The debate resurfaced after Ray Daniels claimed in a YouTube video that the track was originally Kendrick Lamar’s, suggesting that Kendrick gave it to A$AP Rocky because it didn’t align with his brand. This assertion prompted HipHopDX’s Jeremy Hecht to seek clarification on Twitter, leading to Punch’s response.
According to Punch, the story unfolds differently. He stated, “From what I remember, Drake had the record first with the 2 Chainz hook. He wanted Dot [Kendrick] to use it for his album and was going to put a verse on it, instead of doing ‘Poetic Justice.’ He also wanted to put Rocky on it.” Punch explained that Kendrick did record a verse for the track but ultimately advised Drake to give it to Rocky, allowing Kendrick to proceed with “Poetic Justice.” This collaboration reportedly benefited all artists involved.
As fans engage with this narrative, it’s interesting to note the backdrop of tension between Kendrick and Drake, which became more pronounced after Kendrick’s infamous “Control” verse in 2013. This verse called out several rappers, including Drake, leading to a well-documented rivalry.
Adding to the intrigue, producer Nineteen85, known for his work with Drake, presented a contrasting account. He claimed that Drake was the original creator of the song, stating, “The ACTUAL story is that Drake made the song and gave it to Rocky,” and highlighted that this was the first instance Drake used the name “Champagne Papi.”
The varied perspectives on the origins of “F**kin’ Problems” not only reflect the complexities of collaborations in the music industry but also underscore the evolving dynamics between some of hip-hop’s biggest names. As discussions continue, fans remain captivated by the history behind one of A$AP Rocky’s most celebrated tracks.
