Kendrick Lamar Unleashes "Euphoria" – A Searing Drake Diss Track
Kendrick Lamar made a surprise return on April 30th, 2024, with "Euphoria," a blistering diss track squarely aimed at Drake. This scathing attack marks a major escalation in their long-simmering feud, fueled by a series of subliminal and not-so-subtle shots exchanged by both rappers.
Sonic Assault: Intensifying Beats, Growing Aggression
"Euphoria" is structured in three distinct parts, each featuring a different beat that grows progressively more aggressive. Lamar's initial flow is measured, almost calm, but with each beat switch, his tone becomes more menacing. The eerie, shifting instrumentals mirror his increasing hostility, perfectly setting the stage for a lyrical assault.
No Holds Barred: Attacks on Image, Authenticity, and Character
Lamar pulls no punches in "Euphoria." He attacks Drake's public image, calling him a "degenerate" and "master manipulator." He accuses Drake of cultural appropriation, suggesting that Drake profits from Black culture without truly understanding or being part of it. Lamar questions Drake's artistic integrity, claiming his music is designed merely to "pacify" listeners, a stark contrast with Lamar's own thought-provoking work. The lyrics even suggest Drake has troubling relationships with younger women, a likely reference to ongoing rumors.
Deep-Cut References and Wordplay
True to his style, Kendrick packs "Euphoria" with intricate references and layered wordplay. He alludes to Drake's past lyrics, industry events, and even broader themes of rivalry and artistic authenticity in hip-hop. These details add extra depth for rap fans eager to dissect every line.
The Verdict: A Complex and Visceral Diss Track
Kendrick Lamar's "Euphoria" is an explosive and multi-faceted diss track. The shifting beats, uncompromising lyrical attacks, and dense wordplay form a powerful combination. This isn't just a musical battle; it's a potential character exposé. The track raises questions about artistic rivalry, the use of personal attacks in art, and the conflicting forces of authenticity and commercialism within hip-hop culture.
Kendrick Lamar Euphoria Lyrics Meaning
The meaning of "Euphoria" by Kendrick Lamar is that of a blistering diss track aimed squarely at Drake. This isn't simply a clash of musical styles; it's a multi-pronged assault on Drake's image, his place in hip-hop culture, and even his character.
Throughout "Euphoria," Lamar relentlessly attacks Drake's perceived inauthenticity. He calls Drake a "degenerate" and a "master manipulator," implying that the carefully crafted public persona Drake projects is nothing but a facade. The line about FUBU versus Tommy Hilfiger highlights what Lamar sees as Drake's opportunistic relationship with Black culture – he benefits from it but doesn't truly represent it. Lamar also criticizes Drake's music, calling it mere pacification compared to his own thought-provoking work.
Lamar's attacks on Drake become increasingly personal as the song progresses. He mocks everything from how Drake dresses to how he uses the n-word, suggesting Drake's attempts to come across as "hard" are fundamentally manufactured. The references to Drake's family and implied threats of violence add a sinister layer to the feud, hinting that this conflict might go beyond just music for Lamar.
Listen to Kendrick Lamar Euphoria
Kendrick Lamar Euphoria Meaning
Underlying Lamar's attacks is the larger theme of identity and authenticity within hip-hop. He questions Drake's biracial identity and how he leverages it for popularity. Lamar consistently positions himself as the true, uncompromising representative of hip-hop, painting Drake as an outsider who only profits from the culture but doesn't understand or embody its core values.
Kendrick Lamar Euphoria Lyrics Explained
PART I
Setting the Stage: The reversed intro ("Everything you say about me is true") foreshadows Lamar's strategy – he'll turn Drake's tactics back on him. The formal definition of "euphoria" sets a mocking tone.
Attacking Drake's Image: Lamar paints Drake as spiraling out of control ("paranoid and now is spiralin'"). He calls him a "degenerate" and a "master manipulator," attacking both Drake's behavior and his public persona.
Culture Clash: The FUBU vs. Tommy Hilfiger reference highlights Drake's perceived inauthenticity. Lamar suggests Drake profits from Black culture but doesn't have a genuine connection to it.
Artistic Superiority: Lamar positions his music as impactful and thought-provoking ("electrify 'em"), while dismissing Drake's as mere pacification. He implies Drake is commercially-driven, not artistically motivated.
PART II
Verse 1
Calculated Violence: Lamar brags about his wealth, then immediately references the Hellcat and the danger it represents. This shows the allure of street life, but also his self-awareness of its destructive potential.
Hypocrisy & Authenticity: He calls out rappers who talk tough but then posture for sympathy or forgiveness when violence occurs. This plays into the larger theme of Drake's perceived inauthenticity.
Tupac's Legacy: The line about buying a ring (possibly Tupac's) to double Drake's fee shows Lamar weaponizing their shared love of Tupac. He implies Drake is disrespecting the legend, and is willing to outspend him to do right by Pac's memory.
The Big Three (G.O.A.T.s): This refers to Lamar, Drake, and J. Cole. The hug onstage could be from a previous award show, suggesting Lamar feels Drake and Cole are too friendly with each other despite their "rivalry."
Drake's Mixed Heritage: The "How many more Black features..." line is a cutting attack on Drake's biracial identity and how he leverages it within the context of hip-hop.
Verse 2
Extortion & Industry Threats: He implies he'll use force if Drake's team tries anything after the song. This reflects the growing hostility and hints that the beef could escalate beyond just music.
Attacking Drake's Persona, Again: Lamar says he hates the way Drake walks, talks, and dresses, driving home his personal disgust. It also suggests a more intimate feud than just a musical one.
Drake's Use of the N-Word: Lamar weaponizes Drake's controversial use of the n-word, framing it as disrespectful. This targets both Drake's perceived 'softness' and his calculated attempts to connect with hip-hop culture.
Vulnerable Admission?: The line about Drake standing next to Sexyy Red could imply one of two things (or both): Drake feels threatened by strong women.
Lamar hints at Drake's rumored preference for younger women (a common criticism Drake faces).
Calling out Ghostwriters: Lamar accuses Drake of being propped up by others, implying he doesn't write his own hits.
The West Coast Angle: Lamar acknowledges how Drake's "East Coast" sound isn't always well-received in California, playing on the historic coastal rivalry within hip-hop, and hinting at willingness to escalate the conflict.
Lyrical Analysis of Euphoria
Unrelenting Attack: Lamar focuses on destroying Drake's image and exposing his perceived hypocrisy, rather than purely musical critique.
Personal Stakes: The references to family, violence on Drake's behalf, and a willingness to take the feud out of music suggest this goes deeper than artistic rivalry for Lamar.
Culture & Identity: A large part of Lamar's attack centers on Drake's race and his place within hip-hop. Lamar questions Drake's authenticity and cultural understanding, making this a battle about more than just music.
Kendrick Lamar Euphoria Lyrics
[Part I]
[Intro]
eurt si em tuoba yas yeht gnihtyrevE
Euphoria
[Verse]
Them super powers gettin' neutralized, I can only watch in silence
The famous actor we once knew is lookin' paranoid and now is spiralin'
You're movin' just like a degenerate, every antic is feelin' distasteful
I calculate you're not as calculated, I can even predict your angle
Fabricatin' stories on the family front 'cause you heard Mr. Morale
A pathetic master manipulator, I can smell the tales on you now
You'rе not a rap artist, you a scam artist with the hopes of being accеpted
Tommy Hilfiger stood out, but FUBU never had been your collection
I make music that electrify 'em, you make music that pacify 'em
I can double down on that line, but spare you this time, that's random acts of kindness
Know you a master manipulator and habitual liar too
But don't tell no lie about me and I won't tell truths 'bout you
[Part II]
[Intro]
Shoo, shoo, shoo
Shoo, shoo, shoo
Bee, bee, bee, bee, bee, bee
[Verse 1]
Yeah, I'm out the way, yeah, I'm low, okay
Yeah, the island right here's remote, okay
I ain't thinkin' about no reaper
Nigga, I'm reapin' what I sow, okay
Got a Benjamin and a Jackson all in my house like I'm Joe, okay
Hellcat, made his homeboys and them type sell they soul, okay
Everybody wanna be demon 'til they get chipped by a throwaway
And I might do a show a day, once a lame, always a lame
Oh, you thought the money, the power or fame would make you go away?
Have you ever played have-you-ever? Okay, nigga, let's play
Have you ever walked your enemy down like with a poker face?
Have you ever paid five hundred thou' like to an open case?
Well, I have, and I failed at both, but I came out straight
I hate when a rapper talk about guns, then somebody die
They turn into nuns, then hop online, like "Pray for my city"
He fakin' for likes and digital hugs
His daddy a killer, he wanna be junior, they must've forgot the shit that they done
Dementia must run in his family, but let it get shaky
I'll park his son
The very first time I shot me a Drac', the homie had told me to aim it this way
I didn't point down enough, today, I'll show you I learned from those mistakes
Somebody had told me that you got a ring, on God, I'm ready to double the wage
I'd rather do that than let a Canadian nigga make Pac turn in his grave
Cutthroat business, you got shit twisted
What is it? The braids?
I hurt your feelings? You don't wanna work with me no more? Okay
It's three G.O.A.T.s left, and I seen two of them kissin' and huggin' on stage
I love 'em to death, and in eight bars, I'll explain that phrase, huh
It's nothin' nobody can tell me, huh
I don't wanna talk on no celly, huh
You know I got language barriers, huh
It's no accent you can sell me, huh
Yeah, Cole and Aubrey know I'm a selfish nigga
The crown is heavy, huh
I pray they my real friends, if not, I'm YNW Melly
I don't like you poppin' shit at Pharrell, for him, I inherit the beef
Yeah, fuck all that pushin' P, let me see you push a T
You better off spinnin' again on him, you think about pushin' me
He's Terrence Thornton, I'm Terence Crawford, yeah, I'm whoopin' feet
We ain't gotta get personal, this a friendly fade, you should keep it that way
I know some shit about niggas that make Gunna Wunna look like a saint
This ain't been about critics, not about gimmicks, not about who the greatest
It's always been about love and hate, now let me say I'm the biggest hater
I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk, I hate the way that you dress
I hate the way that you sneak diss, if I catch flight, it's gon' be direct
We hate the bitches you fuck, 'cause they confuse themself with real women
And notice, I said "we," it's not just me, I'm what the culture feelin'
How many more fairytale stories 'bout your life 'til we had enough?
How many more Black features 'til you finally feel that you're Black enough?
I like Drake with the melodies, I don't like Drake when he act tough
You gon' make a nigga bring back Puff, let me see if Chubbs really crash somethin'
Yeah, my first one like my last one, it's a classic, you don't have one
Let your core audience stomach that, then tell 'em where you get your abs from
V12, it's a fast one, baow-baow-baow, last one
Headshot for the year, you better walk around like Daft Punk
[Verse 2]
Remember?
Ayy, Top Dawg, who the fuck they think they playin' with?
Extortion my middle name as soon as you jump off of that plane, bitch
I'm allergic to the lame shit, only you like bein' famous
Yachty can't give you no swag neither, I don't give a fuck 'bout who you hang with
I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk, I hate the way that you dress
Surprised you wanted that feature request
You know that we got some shit to address
I even hate when you say the word "nigga," but that's just me, I guess
Some shit just cringeworthy, it ain't even gotta be deep, I guess
Still love when you see success, everything with me is blessed
Keep makin' me dance, wavin' my hand, and it won't be no threat
I'm knowin' they call you The Boy, but where is a man? 'Cause I ain't seen him yet
Matter fact, I ain't even bleed him yet, can I bleed him? Bet
When I see you stand by Sexyy Red, I believe you see two bad bitches
I believe you don't like women, it's real competition, you might pop ass with 'em
Let's speak on percentage, show me your splits, I'll make sure I double back with ya
You were signed to a nigga that's signed to a nigga that said he was signed to that nigga
Try cease and desist on the "Like That" record?
Ho, what? You ain't like that record?
"Back To Back," I like that record
I'ma get back to that, for the record
Why would I call around tryna get dirt on niggas? Y'all think all my life is rap?
That's ho shit, I got a son to raise, but I can see you don't know nothin' 'bout that
Wakin' him up, know nothin' 'bout that
Then tell him to pray, know nothin' 'bout that
Then givin' him tools to walk through life like day by day, know nothin' 'bout that
Teachin' him morals, integrity, discipline, listen, man, you don't know nothin' 'bout that
Speakin' the truth and consider what God's considerin', you don't know nothin' 'bout that
Ain't twenty-v-one, it's one-v-twenty if I gotta smack niggas that write with you
Yeah, bring 'em out too, I'll clean 'em out too
Tell BEAM that he better stay right with you
Am I battlin' ghost or AI? Nigga feelin' like Joel Osteen
Funny, he was in a film called "AI"
And my sixth sense tellin' me to off him
I'ma blick niggas all in they coffin
Yeah, OV-ho niggas is dick riders
Tell 'em run to America, they imitate heritage, they can't imitate this violence
What I learned is niggas don't like the West Coast
And I'm fine with it, I'll push the line with it
Pick a nigga off one at a time with it
We can be on a three-hour time difference
Don't speak on the family, crodie
It can get deep in the family, crodie
Talk about me and my family, crodie?
Someone gon' bleed in your family, crodie
I be at New Ho King eatin' fried rice with a dip sauce and a blammy, crodie
Tell me you're cheesin', fam
We can do this right now on the camera, crodie
Ayy, fuck y'all niggas, I don't trust y'all niggas
I wave one finger and thump y'all niggas like mmm
Field goal, punt y'all niggas, they punk y'all niggas, nobody never took my food
Whoever that's fuckin' with him, fuck you niggas, and fuck the industry too
If you take it there, I'm takin' it further
Psst, that's somethin' you don't wanna do
[Outro]
Ooh
We don't wanna hear you say "nigga" no more
We don't wanna hear you say "nigga" no more
Stop