In a recent episode of the Bootleg Kev podcast, West Coast recording artist JasonMartin, formerly known as Problem, offered intriguing insights into Kendrick Lamar‘s initial reaction to Drake's diss track “Family Matters.” Promoting his upcoming joint album with DJ Quik, JasonMartin shared a revealing conversation he had with Kendrick Lamar when the controversial track was released in May, Hot97 reports.

A Swift Response

According to JasonMartin, upon hearing Drake's “Family Matters,” he wasted no time in reaching out to Kendrick Lamar, urging him to retaliate. Kendrick's response was swift and resolute, as he expressed a readiness to escalate the feud. JasonMartin recounted Kendrick's reaction, highlighting Kendrick's determination to respond decisively to Drake's provocation.

JasonMartin's account provides a glimpse into Kendrick's strategic approach to the feud. Without hesitation, Kendrick swiftly recorded and released “Meet the Grahams” in response to Drake's diss track. This calculated move caught many by surprise, demonstrating Kendrick's tactical acumen and his willingness to engage in the conflict on his own terms.

Drake's “Family Matters” didn't pull any punches, as he aimed barbs at various figures in the hip-hop community, including Kendrick Lamar. The track included allegations against Kendrick, accusing him of assaulting Drake's fiancée and questioning the paternity of one of Kendrick's children. These inflammatory lyrics added fuel to the already intense rivalry between the two artists.

Article Continues Below

Despite Drake's efforts to assert his dominance in the feud, his subsequent track, “The Heart Part 6,” failed to garner the desired response from fans and fellow artists. Drake's decision to delete all of his Kendrick diss tracks from social media further underscored his retreat from the conflict, signaling a shift in the dynamics of their rivalry.

Changing the Tide

JasonMartin's recollection of the events following the release of “Family Matters” and “Meet the Grahams” highlights Kendrick's strategic maneuvering and his ability to seize momentum in the feud. Kendrick's calculated response effectively shifted the narrative in his favor, leaving Drake at a disadvantage and disrupting his momentum.

In addition to his prowess in the realm of rap battles, Kendrick Lamar's talent and creativity as an artist have been widely acclaimed. JasonMartin recalled witnessing Kendrick's remarkable ability to craft music effortlessly during a studio session in 2010. Kendrick's unparalleled skill and dedication to his craft have earned him praise from peers and fans alike, solidifying his status as one of the greatest artists of his generation.

Amidst the ongoing buzz surrounding his musical endeavors, Kendrick Lamar is set to perform a concert at the Crypto Arena in Los Angeles on June 19 to commemorate Juneteenth. The event, which will be streamed live by Amazon, promises to be a celebration of freedom and cultural heritage, underscoring Kendrick's commitment to using his platform for social and cultural empowerment.

In summary, JasonMartin's revelations shed light on Kendrick Lamar's calculated response to Drake's “Family Matters,” offering a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of their rivalry and Kendrick's strategic acumen as an artist.