Hip-hop fans often debate the most iconic rap battles of all time, and according to Common, the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud deserves a top spot on that list.
During a recent appearance on the Earn Your Leisure podcast, hosted by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, the Grammy-winning rapper opened up about the high-profile lyrical faceoff between Kendrick and Drake. Common, known for his sharp pen and thoughtful insights, didn’t hold back when reflecting on the beef and the impact it had on the culture.
“The battle? I gotta say, initially, I was like, ‘Wow. This is for real,’” Common said. “These dudes are going at it because Drake was delivering, and then Kendrick came. Kendrick kept giving him blows. He did what he had to do and came out the victor. Point blank, he won. But honestly, I think it’s a win for hip-hop as a whole because it made people pay attention to lyrics again.”
The feud, which culminated in Kendrick’s Grammy-nominated diss track “Not Like Us,” had fans dissecting every line and debating who came out on top. For Common, Kendrick’s ability to weave profound messages into his verses set him apart.
“I love that Kendrick, within a battle, is able to give you lessons and spiritual things,” Common said. “I’m like, ‘Damn, that’s crazy.’ This dude is dropping knowledge and still battling. It’s ridiculous.”
That said, Common didn’t downplay Drake’s undeniable talent and influence. He described the OVO frontman as one of the most skilled songwriters of his generation, capable of crafting hits that resonate across decades.
“To be able to make songs at the level he does and to keep delivering hits over and over, that says something,” Common said. “Even pop artists with big records don’t last decades. So, Drake is a super talented dude.”
Still, Common suggested Kendrick’s artistry and cultural impact put him in a league of his own. He praised the Compton rapper for consistently pushing boundaries, from winning a Pulitzer Prize for his album DAMN. to creating unique and revolutionary projects that stand the test of time.
“Each one of his albums is different, unique, and dope,” Common explained. “He’s a revolutionary, and still dangerous. When you think about it, our revolutionaries—Fred Hampton, Malcolm X, Assata Shakur—they were dangerous, but dangerous for the right reasons. Kendrick is like that for his people. I got nothing but love for him.”
The Kendrick vs. Drake drama even brought renewed attention to Common’s own decade-old beef with Drake, a conflict he says is long behind him. Though amused by the comparisons, Common made it clear he wasn’t looking to jump back into any rap battles.
“I’m just watching the battle now. Don’t drag me into this,” he joked. “Let me enjoy it as a fan. But honestly, I’d have to say it’s probably the greatest battle we’ve ever seen.”
The Earn Your Leisure podcast episode, which dives deeper into Common’s thoughts on the state of hip-hop, is available to stream now.
