Kendrick Lamar Calls Out Drake’s Alleged Cultural Appropriation in Hip-Hop Industry

Kendrick Lamar‘s latest diss track has reignited conversations about alleged cultural appropriation in the hip-hop industry as he takes aim at fellow rapper Drake.

In his track ‘Not Like Us,’ Lamar accuses Drake of exploiting relationships with artists like Future, Lil Baby, and 21 Savage for credibility, branding him a ‘colonizer’ who runs to Atlanta for financial gain.

Drake has long faced accusations of being a ‘culture vulture,’ with critics like Pusha T and others claiming he mimics sounds and styles of Black artists for personal advancement, dating back years.

One of the prominent controversies involves Drake’s hit ‘Hotline Bling,’ initially resembling DRAM‘s ‘Cha Cha,’ leading to plagiarism allegations that Drake distanced himself from as time went by.

Allegations against Drake range from adopting phony accents to alleged musical theft, collaborations with emerging artists, and stylistic similarities, sparking ongoing debates in the industry.

Amidst the controversy, social media discussions have delved into race dynamics within hip-hop, with Drake’s biracial identity and Canadian nationality being cited by some fans as reasons for industry backlash.

Though Drake has addressed feeling excluded at times due to his mixed heritage, critics like Amara Pope argue that questions about his authenticity stem from societal perceptions of Canadian music and race.

Professor Carson, an expert on hip-hop culture, describes Drake’s actions as ‘cultural tourism,’ accusing him of appropriating and mimicking various identities and sounds without genuine connection.

Drake’s defenders, however, highlight his support for lesser-known artists and claim that his diverse musical interests shouldn’t be misconstrued as exploitation.

As Lamar’s diss track sparks renewed critiques, the hip-hop industry continues to wrestle with issues of race, authenticity, and cultural representation in music.