Kai Cenat Reflects on Drake-Kendrick Feud in Billboard Cover Story

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, one of the most influential figures in digital entertainment, graces the cover of Billboard‘s Power 100 issue, reflecting on his role in the historic Drake–Kendrick Lamar feud that dominated music headlines in May 2024. The 23-year-old content creator, known for his massive following and high-profile collaborations, opened up about the cultural moment in an interview published Monday.

“I loved every second of it,” Cenat told Billboard, recalling the explosive back-and-forth between the two rap titans. “We got bangers right now that’s dropping back to back, and everybody’s talking about them.” Cenat, who boasts over 16 million followers on Twitch, saw his viewership skyrocket during the feud, jumping from 60,000 to nearly 100,000 as fans tuned in to discuss the diss tracks.

While Cenat acknowledged his friendship with Drake, he declared Kendrick Lamar the clear winner of the lyrical battle. “Kendrick won that battle,” he said. Lamar is set to headline the Glastonbury Festival in the U.K. later this year, further cementing his status in the music industry.

Cenat’s influence on the music landscape has grown significantly, with his streams often serving as a platform for artists to connect with younger audiences. His ability to amplify music trends has made him a key player in the industry, rivaling traditional promotional methods. Other streamers, like IShowSpeed, have similarly reshaped how music reaches fans.

The Billboard cover, titled “How Kai Cenat Became King,” highlights his rise to prominence. During a recent Twitch stream, Cenat shared his excitement about the milestone, calling it his “first ever cover to a major magazine.” His mother joined the stream to celebrate, emotionally congratulating him on his success. “Oh my god, Kai, you did it, son. Congratulations!” she said, prompting a playful exchange about her repeated praise.

Cenat’s journey hasn’t been without controversy. He was once publicly mocked by Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, who called him an “internet troll.” However, the two have since reconciled and are reportedly planning a collaboration in Tokyo.

As Cenat continues to break barriers between streaming and mainstream entertainment, his Billboard feature underscores his growing impact on both industries. With his unique ability to engage millions of fans, Cenat has solidified his place as a cultural force to be reckoned with.