Jay-Z is questioning the role of rap battles in modern hip-hop as he weighs in on the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
In an interview with GQ, the rap icon and business mogul addressed the high-profile clash publicly for the first time, framing the moment as a potential setback for the culture’s global growth.
“Man, this is taking us a couple steps back,” Hov said of his reaction to the scathing war of words between the two hitmakers. He also questioned whether battling amongst rap artists is reflective of hip-hop’s progression.
“We’ve just grown so much that — I guess I’m going to say it — I don’t know if battling needs to be part of the culture anymore.”
However, following those initial thoughts, Hov admitted that his stance on rap battles can be viewed as hypocritical given his own history of rhyme wars, particularly his clash with Nas during the early aughts.
The 56-year-old also addressed speculation that he and Roc Nation played a role in fueling divisions by selecting Kendrick Lamar to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl 2025 halftime show.
He dismissed suggestions that the decision reflected a long-standing bias or rivalry against Drake, whom he’s collaborated with on multiple occasions.
“I chose the guy that was having a monster year,” Hov told the outlet while defending his selection of Lamar as headliner. “I think it was the right choice.”
Going further, he scoffed at the thought that he’s in cahoots with others in an attempt to sabotage and humiliate Drake, pointing to his own reputation and status while insisting such insecurity is beneath him. “What do I care about them two guys battling,” the Brooklyn native added.
“What’s that got to do with me? Have at it. They drag everybody in it, like everyone’s part of this conspiracy to undermine Drake, I guess. But, it’s like, what the fuck? I’m fucking Jay-Z! [Laughs.] All due respect to him. I’m fucking Hov. Respectfully. It doesn’t make any sense.”Despite distancing himself from the conflict, Jay-Z expressed concern about the broader impact of the feud, particularly the backlash directed at Drake following the release of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”
“Now, people that like Kendrick hate Drake, no matter what he makes. It’s like an attack on his character. I don’t know if I love that. I don’t know if it’s helpful to our growth where the fallout lands, especially on social media.”
Jay-Z’s sit-down with GQ comes as he prepares for a slate of live performances in celebration of the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, and the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint. He is currently set to headline the Roots Picnic in May, and will perform two concerts at Yankee Stadium in July.
This story was originally published on VIBE.
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