Kanye West Fires Shots at Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ Diss Track Against Drake

The ever-controversial Kanye West is back in the headlines after making bold statements on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday morning. The rapper and fashion mogul publicly declared his opposition to Kendrick Lamar’s latest diss track, ‘Not Like Us’, which targets fellow rap heavyweight, Drake.

In his series of tweets, Kanye didn’t mince words, calling out Kendrick for his approach and implying that the rap industry has taken a destructive path. However, he didn’t stop there. The multi-award-winning rapper also claimed he has influenced the careers of most of America’s successful rappers, an assertion that is sure to spark debates among fans and music enthusiasts alike.

Kanye wrote, “They know who paved the way. They know who inspired the flow. I’ve been building foundations while they build diss tracks.”

Opinion: Kanye’s Claim to Hip-Hop Royalty – Justified or Arrogant?

Kanye’s declaration of his influence on the rap industry is not entirely unfounded. From his early work with ‘The College Dropout’ to his boundary-pushing creativity in ‘Yeezus’ and the innovative style of ‘Donda’, Kanye has undeniably left his mark on the music world. His production techniques, lyrical storytelling, and fusion of various genres have inspired countless artists, both mainstream and underground.

However, to claim influence over “most of America’s successful rappers” seems like a reach, even for someone of Kanye’s stature. While it’s true that his artistry has shaped the sounds of several generations, rap as a genre thrives on individualism and creative expression. To generalize his influence to such an extent might be perceived as an attempt to assert dominance rather than celebrate creativity.

On the other hand, Kanye’s criticism of Kendrick’s diss track raises an important question: Is the rap industry more focused on beef than art? While rap battles have always been part of hip-hop culture, some argue that the essence of creative competition has been overshadowed by public feuds and drama.

It remains to be seen whether Kendrick or Drake will respond to Kanye’s latest outburst. But one thing is certain — Kanye West has once again managed to stir the pot and get everyone talking.