Kendrick vs. Lil Wayne: Brewing storm in the rap world

The rap world is heated once again. It's all due to the track "Wacced Out Murals" from Kendrick Lamar's latest album "GNX". In the second verse, Lamar references Lil Wayne, mentioning his influence during Kendrick's youth and also how Wayne's impact on his own idol might be seen as "unfavourable".

These verses suggest that Kendrick grew up listening to the iconic "Tha Carter III" album, proudly wearing a luxury chain. However, he ironically notes that his own success may have disappointed or even overshadowed Lil Wayne. The reference to disappointment might relate to Kendrick being chosen as the main star for Super Bowl 53, which held special significance for Wayne, who dreamed of performing at this event in his hometown of New Orleans.

Joe Budden brought the whole matter to light on his podcast. He claims that Lil Wayne tried to contact Lamar to find out what the artist meant, but he didn't get a response: "I heard someone called, trying to find out what’s up. Apparently, Kendrick didn't answer. If I call you as a rapper to a rapper, and you don't answer..."

According to Budden, Kendrick's lack of response only intensified the situation. Wayne reportedly immediately went to the recording studio, which may suggest he is preparing a track directed at the rapper from Compton: "I'm heading to the studio now. You have time until I get into the booth to call me back," Budden quoted, adding: "I heard that Wayne hit the booth."

Lil Wayne didn't hide his disappointment when he learned that Kendrick would perform at Super Bowl 53 in his hometown. In an emotional recording, he admitted: "That really hurt. I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for the disappointment... I thought nothing would be better than this place, this stage, and this platform in my city, so it hurt."

After the single's release, Wayne also posted a warning message on X, which fans interpreted as a threat: "Man, what did I do?! I'm just chilling, and they're still on my case. Don't mistake kindness for weakness. Let this giant sleep. I'm asking y'all. Nobody really wants destruction, not even me, but if you bother me, I'll destroy. Seriously. Love."

This post suggests that Wayne felt unfairly attacked. He asks for peace but also warns that if provoked, he will respond with full force. The words "let this giant sleep" clearly indicate readiness for confrontation if the situation escalates.

A Polish rap scene commentator, turtlehype, noted that the whole conflict might be artificially fuelled, especially since the primary source of information is Budden's speculation:

"Weezy is totally overreacting because Kendrick didn't say anything bad, but obviously, it hit him too hard. [...] Nevertheless, American portals have already started buzzing about it, so who knows if some artificial pressure won't build on Carter."

The situation between Kendrick and Wayne resembles the tension accompanying former rap conflicts. Many fans wonder if this could escalate into something bigger, especially since both artists have a history of collaboration, including on "Mona Lisa". As turtlehype noted: "This would be a much bigger beef than the one with Drake."