Even though Jay-Z and Drake worked together during the 2020s, DJ Akademiks believes the real source of their tension dates much further back.
During a recent livestream, DJ Akademiks reacted to Michael Eric Dyson’s comments about a private conversation he had with Jay-Z. According to Dyson, Jay didn’t agree with the writer’s claim that Kendrick Lamar wrongly questioned Drake’s Black identity during their feud. Ak used the moment to speculate about the rumored friction between Drake and Hov.
The speculation is notable considering the two previously teamed up on “Love All” from Drake’s 2021 album Certified Lover Boy. Still, Akademiks believes their relationship has been strained for years, suggesting things started to shift around 2015.
As highlighted by DJ Akademiks TV on Instagram, he argued that Jay-Z’s apparent support for Kendrick could be tied to their connection through the Super Bowl. Akademiks also theorized that tensions began when Drake reportedly passed on a Tidal deal with the Roc Nation boss, instead partnering with Apple Music when the service launched in 2015.
Akademiks also referenced Nicki Minaj’s past criticism of the Tidal arrangement, where she claimed Jay-Z took the bulk of the money. According to Akademiks, Drake wasn’t interested in the deal and chose Apple’s offer instead. He suggested this may have upset Hov and possibly aligned with Jay-Z backing Meek Mill during his high-profile feud with Drake around that same period.
Because of this, Drake allegedly distanced himself from Jay-Z. Still, there are arguments against that idea, especially considering the collaborations the two have shared over the years. DJ Akademiks also suggested that “Charged Up” may have actually been aimed at Hov rather than Meek Mill, noting that Drake’s direct diss toward Meek didn’t arrive until “Back To Back.” According to Ak, Drake might have believed Jay-Z encouraged Meek to go at him, which could be what “Charged Up” was addressing. Akademiks went on to analyze the song’s lyrics, even comparing the situation to Drake’s feud with Pusha T and the shots he took at Kanye West.
Meanwhile, Michael Eric Dyson recently issued an apology over his comments about Jay-Z, admitting he shouldn’t have spoken publicly about a private conversation. As for the rumored tension between Drake and Jay-Z, some point to Jay choosing Kendrick Lamar for last year’s Super Bowl halftime show as the latest sign. Still, nothing has been confirmed, and the situation remains murky. Over the years, the two have traded subliminal shots, made peace at times, and kept fans guessing about where they truly stand.
