Congress Members Declare Kendrick Lamar Victor in Rap Battle with Drake

As the highly publicized rap battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake continues to captivate fans, an unexpected group has weighed in on the feud: members of the US Congress. Representatives Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), and Delia Ramirez (D-IL) have all declared Kendrick Lamar the victor in thelyrical showdownthat has spanned multiple diss tracks over the past few weeks.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman, who started the Congressional Hip Hop Power and Justice Task Force earlier this year, was unequivocal in his assessment of the battle. "There's no question that Kendrick is the victor," Bowman stated. "He's the better artist overall. He's a pillar of the culture." Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first member of Generation Z to join Congress, reaches Bowman's sentiment, saying, "I'm going to back the American, as a congressman."

Why this matters: The congressional attention on the rap battle highlights the growing influence and mainstream acceptance of hip-hop culture, which has significant implications for social and political discourse. This development also underscores the power ofmusic, lyrics as a means of communication and a reflection of societal values.

The feud between Lamar and Drake, which dates back to 2013, reignited in March 2024 when Lamar took aim at Drake and J. Cole on the song "Like That" by Metro Boomin and Future. Drake responded with a series of diss tracks, including "Push Ups" and "Taylor Made Freestyle," even using AI to rap in the voices of Tupac and Snoop Dogg. Lamar fired back with the scathing "Euphoria" on April 30, followed by "Not Like Us," doubling down on sexual abuse allegations against Drake and calling him an "appropriator."

The battle has been seen as a clash of two competing lineages within rap article, with Lamar representing socially conscious hip-hop and Drake representing commercial, pop-leaning rap. Rep. Delia Ramirez highlighted the cultural significance of the feud, stating, "This also reminds us of the power of communication through music and why hip hop is so important right now."

The congressional attention on the rap battle underscores the growing influence and mainstream acceptance of hip-hop culture. Kendrick Lamar, a 17-time Grammy winner and Pulitzer Prize recipient, has been widely praised for his lyrical prowess and socially conscious themes. Drake, while hugely successful commercially with eight studio albums and numerous chart-topping hits, has faced criticism for his perceived lack of authenticity and cultural appropriation.

As the feud continues to unfold, with fans eagerly awaiting the next salvo from either side, the debate over the victor rages on. However, for Reps. Bowman, Frost, and Ramirez, there is no question that Kendrick Lamar has emerged triumphant in thisbattle of hip-hop titans. The congressional recognition of Lamar's lyrical supremacy serves as a testament to his impact and influence, not just within the rap community, but in the broader cultural landscape of America.