Introduction: A Mellow and Reflective Track
"Fighting Irish Freestyle" by Drake, leaked through Conductor William’s ‘Signature Blends’ series, is a slow and mellow track that finds the rapper rapping introspectively over a haunting piano and Wurlitzer-style beat. The track opens with a laid-back vibe, setting the tone for a freestyle that feels much more personal than aggressive. As the beat gently sways beneath him, Drake’s delivery is soft, contemplative, and devoid of the usual energy he’s known for. However, the song's restrained pace and sparse production leave the listener craving more dynamic energy.
Lyrical Themes: Betrayal, Loyalty, and Reflection
Lyrically, "Fighting Irish Freestyle" is a subdued response to the ongoing tensions between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. While some listeners may expect a fiery retort, Drake's approach is far more reserved. He addresses the beef indirectly, retreating from any bold confrontation and instead focusing on a more reflective stance. The references to loyalty, family, and betrayal are layered throughout, with Drake taking subtle jabs at those who have wronged him, while also acknowledging his own role in the tensions that have developed. The low-key nature of the freestyle makes these bars feel more like introspection than a battle cry.
A Personal Revelation: Drake’s Raw Honesty
One of the song's most compelling aspects is the honesty embedded in the lyrics. Drake pulls back the curtain on his personal life, touching on issues of loyalty, family dynamics, and even his complicated relationships with both his friends and his father. The mention of "covering my body in dirt" and the metaphorical use of a body double reflects the deeper themes of deception and self-preservation that run throughout the track. As Drake meditates on these betrayals, the song transforms into a moment of catharsis rather than a direct confrontation.
The Energy: Low-Key and Subdued
However, the overall energy of "Fighting Irish Freestyle" is undeniably low, with its slow tempo and subtle beat choices making it feel more like a reflective demo than a polished release. The freestyle doesn't feel like a standout moment in Drake's career, but rather like a release of pent-up emotion that doesn't quite hit as hard as it could. His choice to not lean into the Kendrick beef more aggressively may disappoint fans expecting a high-energy diss track, but it also suggests a more mature, measured approach to conflict.
Fighting Irish Freestyle Review: A Track Best Left Behind
"Fighting Irish Freestyle" is a track that will appeal to listeners who appreciate Drake's introspective side, but it doesn't offer much for those seeking a fiery confrontation or an anthemic banger. It feels like an artifact of a moment in time—a leaked freestyle that, while raw and personal, doesn’t necessarily hold up as a strong contender for the public’s attention. Ultimately, this is a track better left in the vault, never making its way to streaming platforms.
Listen to Fighting Irish Freestyle by Drake
Drake Fighting Irish Freestyle Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of Fighting Irish Freestyle by Drake is a reflection of his disillusionment with the people around him, the complexities of fame, and the intense personal conflicts that arise as a result of his status. The track delves into themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the weight of public perception, as Drake dissects the superficial relationships in his life and the ways in which his success has been met with envy and criticism. Through references to high-profile feuds, personal struggles, and the pressures of maintaining an image, Drake uses this freestyle to expose the emotional toll that comes with living in the public eye, while also hinting at the deeper motivations behind his actions and the choices he's had to make.
Drake’s Disillusionment with the End of Summer
In the opening verse, Drake begins by acknowledging the end of summer, saying, "The summer is over, I missed it." This implies that something significant or celebratory was lost, perhaps alluding to the absence of a time for reflection or enjoyment during a tense period. He continues with "Barrel with smoke, and I kissed it," a line likely symbolizing his involvement in a lyrical battle, with the "barrel with smoke" alluding to a metaphorical shootout or conflict, while "kissing it" suggests he was involved but might have lost control or been caught in a situation beyond his command.
Extravagance and Frustration
"Ferris showed us the renders for Texas, it's unrealistic" references Drake’s home designer, Ferris, who presented plans for a Texas residence, with the line implying that the designs are unrealistic or extravagant. Drake’s reference to money and business follows, saying "Cut 'em the check 'cause I hate reviewin' the budgets and limits," which reflects his frustration with the corporate aspects of his career, preferring instead to focus on creative endeavors without the constraints of financial limitations.
Public Perception and Superficial Support
Drake then touches on the public's fascination with the spectacle of his success, singing, "The world fell in love with the gimmicks, even my brothers got tickets." This lyric hints at the idea that people, including those close to him, were enamored with the superficial aspects of his life. Despite the apparent support, he clarifies, "Just know this shit is personal to us, and it wasn't just business," stressing that his actions were rooted in deeper motivations beyond mere professional gain. His next line, "Analyzin' behavioral patterns is somewhat suspicious," could be aimed at Kendrick Lamar, who has been known to scrutinize others closely, making Drake question the necessity or motives behind such intense analysis.
Betrayal and Success
In the following lines, Drake reflects on the challenges he faced from people who were never truly supportive, singing, "Niggas was never happy for me when I run up the digits / Or when I'm breakin' world records still, as I guzzle a Guinness." Here, Drake uses the image of "guzzling a Guinness" as a metaphor for celebrating his world-record-breaking achievements, but he underscores that, despite his success, others seemed to be discontented with his victories. He then adds, "Or when I get my fifth Maybach 'cause the color is different," illustrating his financial success with luxury purchases, yet the subtlety of the line suggests he may feel this only fueled envy and false admiration from people around him.
The Gift Exchange with LeBron James
The line, "I gave you that Arabic dial, you gave me a numbered edition," references an expensive gift exchange between Drake and LeBron James, where Drake gifted a luxury watch, and LeBron reciprocated with a different but similarly valuable item, further hinting at their complex, transactional relationship. This line transitions into a more personal jab, "You would even check up on my son like a pediatrician," which is a reference to Kendrick Lamar's previous comments about Drake’s son, Adonis. It appears as if Drake is calling out Kendrick for taking a more personal, invasive interest in his family.
Loyalty and Disillusionment
As the verse continues, Drake reflects on the loyalty of those around him. He states, "Sure convinced the gang this shit was rooted in love when it isn't," signaling his disillusionment with individuals who falsely presented their actions as rooted in genuine care. He continues, "Show me how different we are, there's blessings in juxtaposition," acknowledging the contrast between how he expected loyalty versus the reality of betrayal, while finding value in these painful lessons. Drake then addresses a potential shift in traditions, stating, "I guess now you boys gotta abandon your summer tradition," which is likely directed at LeBron’s usual participation in Caribana and OVO Fest, implying that their relationship has reached a point where such events will no longer occur as in the past.
Reflecting on the Past and Betrayal
The lyrics "Cold shoulders I gave in the Hamptons, it come with the distance" reference a social distancing moment, likely during a high-profile party like the Michael Rubin event in the Hamptons, where rumors of tension between Drake and Lil Wayne arose. "I was sadly mistaken, the loyalty wasn't a given" follows as Drake reflects on his misguided assumptions about his friendships, feeling disappointed in how others turned out. His reflection continues with "Six degrees, my memory's retrivin' our humble beginnings / Niggas wanted trouble, grabbed the shovel and dug up some ditches," where he alludes to the past, possibly referencing past beefs or issues, suggesting that certain individuals chose to cause conflict when things were going well.
Criticism and Personal Attacks
"Cover my body in dirt but that wasn't me (That wasn't me)" presents a metaphor about being publicly criticized or ‘buried’ in the court of public opinion, particularly during his feud with Kendrick Lamar. The line plays with the idiom "put dirt on my name," suggesting that Drake was unjustly criticized but is distancing himself from the accusations, claiming that the "dirt" used to bury him wasn’t truly reflective of his character. He continues, "That was a body double and we've done dozens of switches," using a reference to body doubles in film to imply that the version of himself being criticized is not the real Drake, and that misinformation was spread to harm his reputation. This could also refer to fake rumors he believes Kendrick may have perpetuated about his personal life, specifically the alleged existence of a secret daughter.
A Close Call with Violence
Drake then recalls a traumatic event, saying, "Niggas tried to light the front gate up, it wasn't for Christmas," referencing a shooting at his home. The timing of this event, coming shortly after the escalation of his feud with Kendrick Lamar, is used to underscore the dangerous reality of their conflict. "Rappin' was over for now, it came like a sudden decision" follows, illustrating Drake’s desire to step back from the ongoing feud and focus on personal safety.
Protecting Family and Potential Consequences
In the latter part of the verse, Drake expresses his readiness to protect his family, saying, "Niggas started fuckin' with my family, I'm goin' to prison," signaling that he would retaliate against anyone who threatens his loved ones, regardless of the consequences. He also references a line from Xzibit’s song “Concrete,” "Who put a pipe bomb in your trunk? It wasn't Xzibit," a possible hint at past tensions and violent metaphors in hip-hop battles.
Facing the Stakes of the Feud
Drake closes the verse with a reflection on the precariousness of his position, saying, "I'm tryna blow the doors off that bitch when you touch the ignition / But then I gotta remember who made this shit come to fruition," acknowledging the impulse to retaliate but also the understanding that his status and career could be jeopardized by such actions, as he has much more to lose than others. This line echoes sentiments from his past tracks like “4PM in Calabasas,” where Drake has spoken about the responsibility and awareness that comes with being a major figure in the music industry.
Legal Ramifications and the Music Industry
In the final verse, Drake tackles the broader ramifications of the ongoing conflict, referencing a lawsuit and the stakes involved with both his career and that of UMG. "Who's got the most to lose and who's in that other position? / Signal conversations, boy, I hope they got double encryption," Drake hints at his legal battles and the privacy concerns surrounding them. His line, "I hate to see the empire crumble on judge's convictions," reflects his fear of the larger implications of the lawsuit, as a ruling could significantly affect both his career and the music industry as a whole.
Public Reactions and Kendrick's Persona
Drake also takes aim at Kendrick's public persona and his accusations, stating, "This nigga pulled a rabbit out the hat, and y'all love a magician," a metaphor for Kendrick's dramatic, illusionary claims against him. He mocks the public’s reaction, saying, "It's funny to see you all rejoicin' and huggin' and kissin'," showing his disdain for how people have reacted to the feud. The phrase "What are we celebratin'?" further criticizes the misguided celebration of Kendrick’s accusations, especially when they were unfounded.
Final Reflections on Loyalty and Legacy
Drake finishes the verse with a nod to his album Nothing Was the Same, saying, "Nothing was the same with all you bitches and nothing's forgiven," which implies that the people who turned against him during the feud are now irreparably distanced. He closes with, "But next time, bury me in gold, my blood is Egyptian," using imagery of Egyptian burial practices to convey his desire for more respect and recognition, even in death, as he feels his worth is undervalued.
Is Fighting Irish Freestyle About Kendrick?
Fighting Irish Freestyle by Drake is speculated to be about Kendrick Lamar, though Drake never explicitly names him. Throughout the track, Drake references tensions and subtle jabs at an unnamed rival, which many listeners interpret as a continuation of the long-standing back-and-forth between the two rappers. The line "Had a fight with the devil, now I'm hand in hand with God" could be seen as a metaphor for Drake's struggle with his own inner demons and the competitive nature of the rap game. The mention of the “Fighting Irish” reference, tied to a symbolic rivalry, aligns with the publicized tension between Drake and Kendrick, especially considering Kendrick’s critical take on Drake in songs like The Heart Part 4, Not Like Us and Meet The Grahams. This context, along with Drake’s aggressive tone and lyrical complexity, leads to the belief that he may be addressing Kendrick in this freestyle, even if he doesn't directly name him.
Drake Fighting Irish Freestyle Lyrics
[Intro]
I love you more
Conductor
Yeah
[Verse 1]
The summer is over, I missed it
Barrel with smoke, and I kissed it
Ferris showed us the renders for Texas, it's unrealistic
Cut 'em the check 'cause I hate reviewin' the budgets and limits
Just pay the man
The world fell in love with the gimmicks, even my brothers got tickets
Seemed like they loved every minute
Just know this shit is personal to us, and it wasn't just business
Analyzin' behavioral patterns is somewhat suspicious
Niggas was never happy for me when I run up the digits
Or when I'm breakin' world records still, as I guzzle a Guinness
Or when I get my fifth Maybach 'cause the color is different
Remember we tradin' watches?
I gave you that Arabic dial, you gave me a numbered edition
You would even check up on my son like a pediatrician
Sure convinced the gang this shit was rooted in love when it isn't
Show me how different we are, there's blessings in juxtaposition
I guess now you boys gotta abandon your summer tradition
Cold shoulders I gave in the Hamptons, it come with the distance
Figured we was always gon' be close, like ovens and kitchens
I was sadly mistaken, the loyalty wasn't a given
[Break]
It's all good
Conductor
[Verse 2]
And niggas cried the blues for you, sayin' it wasn't malicious
Talkin' 'bout we family, well, I'm not the cousin to visit
God forbid we ever got to tarnish your public image
All that brother talk as if I really discovered a sibling
Six degrees, my memory's retrivin' our humble beginnings
Niggas wanted trouble, grabbed the shovel and dug up some ditches
Cover my body in dirt but that wasn't me (That wasn't me)
That was a body double and we've done dozens of switches
Niggas tried to light the front gate up, it wasn't for Christmas
I said a prayer that morning for Sean, and it wasn't religious
It came from a place of desperation and utter submission
Rappin' was over for now, it came like a sudden decision
I don't give a fuck about you snakes or these other musicians
Niggas started fuckin' with my family, I'm goin' to prison
And we all crashin' out together, my brothers complicit
Who put a pipe bomb in your trunk? It wasn't Xzibit
I'm tryna blow the doors off that bitch when you touch the ignition
But then I gotta remember who made this shit come to fruition
[Break]
Conductor
It's me
[Verse 3]
Who's got the most to lose and who's in that other position?
Signal conversations, boy, I hope they got double encryption
I hate to see the empire crumble on judge's convictions
This nigga pulled a rabbit out the hat, and y'all love a magician
It's funny to see you all rejoicin' and huggin' and kissin'
What are we celebratin'? I'll rent out the club in addition
Nothing was the same with all you bitches and nothing's forgiven
But next time, bury me in gold, my blood is Egyptian
The Dennis James come out when the vodka is floodin' my system
I don't have a drinkin' problem, I got a subtle addiction
I got my father's habits and I got my mother's permission
My dad has another child, I told him that wasn't my sister
Grew up with dozens of Jews, churches with dozens of Christians
Also, developed a deep respect for the Muslim religion
I'm starin' at my daddy while y'all tell me I wasn't that nigga
[Outro]
That's fuckin' crazy
That's-