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By Sam Moore

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Published on May 20, 2024, 8:30 AM PDT

Kendrick Lamar, widely regarded as the victor in his feud with Drake, has come under scrutiny from cultural critic Michael Eric Dyson. Dyson expressed disapproval of the way Lamar used Drizzy’s racial identity against him during their rap battle.

In an article for The Philadelphia Citizen, Dyson criticized the rapid labeling of Drake as “inauthentically Black.” He attributed this reaction to the narrow boundaries of Blackness enforced by certain identity-focused groups. According to Dyson, Kendrick’s portrayal of Drake as a cultural carpetbagger diminishes the 6 God’s status as a brilliant embodiment of rap genius.

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During an interview with Stephen A. Smith, Dyson further elaborated on his views. He expressed frustration that Drake, who has been a prominent figure in the industry for 15 years, is suddenly dismissed. Dyson questioned why Drake’s racial identity is challenged, especially considering his impact on Hip Hop.

Dyson defended Drake’s authenticity, emphasizing that being from outside the U.S. should not raise suspicions. He compared Drake’s mixed-race background to former president Barack Obama’s and called for a broader perspective on Blackness.

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Kendrick Lamar’s diss tracks targeted Drake’s ethnicity, including references to the use of racial slurs. Despite the feud, Dyson recognizes both rappers’ contributions to the genre and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of Black identity.