Unexpected Stardom for New Ho King

Following a shout-out in Kendrick Lamar‘s fiery diss track “Euphoria,” Toronto's New Ho King restaurant has experienced a sudden surge in popularity. The longstanding Chinese eatery, nestled in the heart of Toronto’s Chinatown and known for its late-night dining, found itself at the center of hip-hop buzz after Lamar lyrically visited the locale, Stereogum reports. “I be at New Ho King eatin’ fried rice with a dip sauce and a blammy,” he raps, catapulting the establishment into the global spotlight.

Johnny Lu, the owner of New Ho King, told CityNews that the mention has sparked a flood of interest and patronage. “This morning a lot of people texted me saying that’s your restaurant? I say, ‘Yes.’ They say, ‘Look at the song,'” Lu shared with a laugh. The sudden fame has not only increased customer traffic but also boosted the restaurant's online presence with numerous five-star reviews from Kendrick fans, despite its modest overall rating of 3.9 on Google.

Fans Flock and Speculations Swirl

The lyrical nod has drawn both locals and visitors to New Ho King, eager to taste the fried rice that caught Lamar's favor. One enthusiastic fan traveled from Markham, expressing his motivation: “Kendrick Lamar, man. You gotta pay respect to K. Dot, man. Ever since he dropped the diss track I was like, ‘I gotta visit this place.'”

While the restaurant revels in its newfound fame, some fans have pondered deeper meanings behind Lamar's references, tying them to Drake’s past experiences in Toronto, including a notable 2010 robbery. A fan speculated on X, formerly Twitter, about potential hidden messages in Lamar’s lyrics, linking them to local slang and historical events involving Drake.

Despite the conjectures, the primary impact remains the significant business boost for New Ho King, underscored by a community excited to connect with a site mentioned by a hip-hop giant. As the diss track continues to resonate through the rap world, New Ho King enjoys the unexpected spotlight, serving up the now-famous fried rice and more to an ever-growing clientele captivated by Kendrick Lamar's lyrical endorsement.

As Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s rap feud unfolds, New Ho King stands out as a cultural checkpoint, drawing attention not just for its culinary offerings but as a part of the broader narrative in hip-hop’s latest high-profile clash. The restaurant's connection to this moment in music history underscores the power of celebrity endorsements, even those that come through competitive banter. Fans and foodies alike now flock to New Ho King, proving that in the world of music and marketing, a few well-chosen words can stir more than just controversy—they can stir pots and pans as well.