M.I Abaga Weighs in on Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar Feud, Relates to the Rap Struggles
Iconic Nigerian rapper, M.I Abaga, has shared his thoughts on the ongoing rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, highlighting how he personally relates to the situation.
Speaking on Afropolitan, M.I noted that Drake’s current struggles mirror his own experience in the Nigerian rap scene. He recalled a period when, despite his contributions to hip-hop, he was unfairly labeled as “boring” by some within the industry.
"I felt a little bit of sympathy for Drake because I have had a similar experience. At a certain point, no matter what I did, the ‘rap community’ in Nigeria would say it was boring."
Drake’s Opportunity for a Comeback
M.I emphasized that if Drake manages to bounce back from the current backlash, it will elevate him even further in the rap hierarchy.
“If Drake is able to make a comeback, it will elevate him above everyone. Because not just the music industry, but also tech boys—everybody came and danced on his ‘grave.’”
He acknowledged Drake’s ability to craft powerful narratives and believes the Canadian rapper has the skill to turn this moment into a legendary comeback.
"If the first part of listening to Drake’s music was about his journey to becoming a rap star, now life is giving him a second story. And he is the best storyteller there is."
Kendrick’s Rise in the Debate
Interestingly, M.I also admitted that while he never ranked Kendrick Lamar in his personal top 10, the current rap battle has changed his perspective. He now considers Kendrick as a top 3 rapper based on his performance in this feud.
“Kendrick wasn’t in my top 10 before this moment. But I think this has put Kendrick, at the very least, in the top 3.”
However, he still holds firm that Drake’s legacy cannot be ignored.
"I don’t see how, objectively, you can place Kendrick above Drake just because they were active at the same time. Drake was consistently dropping hits for 15 years. You can’t deny what Drake has done."
Opinion: The Similarities Between M.I and Drake’s Rap Journey
M.I’s comparison between Drake’s struggle and his own experience in Nigerian hip-hop is a valid one. Like Drake, M.I dominated his rap scene for years, dropping classics and influencing the next generation. Yet, at some point, critics began to question his relevance, calling his sound repetitive.
This is a common trend in rap culture—fans often demand constant reinvention, and even the most successful artists face phases of public doubt. The challenge is in proving one’s resilience, something both Drake and M.I have done before.
The ongoing Kendrick-Drake feud has ignited conversations beyond American rap. As M.I rightly pointed out, it’s not just about music—it’s about legacy, narrative, and survival in an industry that loves to see comebacks.
What do you think? Can Drake make a legendary return, or has Kendrick sealed the debate?
