Music

Kendrick Lamar calls out Drake, A$AP Rocky, Pusha-T and more on new guest verse

by Tyler Munro

“Control (HOF)” is an interesting song because, as scrapped track off Big Sean’s upcoming album Hall of Fame, it’s not something we’d normally be into writing about. But as you’ve no doubt heard since Funkmaster Flex premiered the song last night, this one’s not your average B-Side. For that, you can thank Kendrick Lamar.

Pitchfork calls Kendricks’ verse “Nicki-Minaj-on-‘Monster'” big, and we’re inclined to agree. In it, the Compton born MC spits pure fire, calling out his peers with what we can only call friendly vitriol. After comparing himself to Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem and Andre 3000, Kendrick angrily calls out his closest competition.

Here’s what hip-hop heads are going nuts over this morning:

I’m usually homeboys with the same niggas I’m rhymin’ with but this is Hip Hop and them niggas should know what time it is. That goes for Jermaine Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Wale, Pusha T, Meek Mill, A$AP Rocky, Drake, Big Sean, Jay Electron[ica], Tyler[, the Creator], Mac Miller. I got love for you all but I’m tryin’ to murder you niggas. Trying to make sure your core fans never heard of you niggas ‘n they don’t want to hear not one more noun or verb from you niggas. What is competition? I’m trying to raise the bar high.

Yes, he called out Jay Electronica on a song that features Jay Electronica.

As you’d expect, there’s already a reaction brewing amongst other MCs. And according to tweets linked on HipHopDX, most of them have collaborated with Kendrick in the past, and for the most part, they’re down with these words. The spirit of competition is alive in hip-hop. It’s an exciting time to be a fan. Check out the song below.