(Photo By TheMaskedGorilla.Com)
Big Sean F/ Kendrick Lamar & Jay Electronica – “Control”
More Responses:
Fred The Godson – “Say My Name”
King Los – “Control (Remix)”
Kendrick Lamar had the internet buzzing these last couple of days as fans and artists took to social media in response to his verse on Big Sean’s newly released single “Control (HOF).” This particular song did not make the cut on Big Sean’s upcoming album Hall Of Fame which is due to be released on the 27th, but after it dropped Monday night, I’m sure no one will be able to forget about it. The song is seven minutes long, three in which K.Dot murdered the beat. Some are even calling it the ‘verse of the year.’
In the song Lamar name drops several big artists, showing no mercy to his fellow rappers. Not even those he shared the track with, Big Sean and Jay Electronica. The controversy stirs around these lyrics: “I’m usually homeboys with the same n—as I’m rhyming with. But this is Hip-Hop and them n—as should know what time it is. And that goes for Jermaine Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Wale, Pusha T, Meek Mill, A$AP Rocky, Drake, Big Sean, Jay Electron‘, Tyler, Mac Miller. I got love for you all but I’m trying to murder you n—as. Trying to make sure your core fans never heard of you n—as. They don’t wanna hear not one more noun or verb from you n—as. What is competition? I’m trying raise the bar high. Who trying to jump and get it?”
Some people are taking this as a diss. Others feel it’s a friendly reminder of what the Hip-Hop game is … a battle of words and this is fair warning to the competition to step their game up. So far none of the artists have taken a serious issue with the song. Several have even made light responses via Twitter. Pusha T tweeted: “I hear u loud and clear my n***a … @kendricklamar.” Mac Miller tweeted: “If I can’t do no more nouns or verbs I’m a start coming with the wildest adjective bars that anyone has ever heard.”
Ironically, those artists whose names didn’t get mentioned did seem to feel some kind of way. Their upset was mostly over the fact that Kendrick Lamar deemed himself the ruler of New York although he is from Compton, California. He spits: “I’m Makaveli’s offspring. I’m the king of New York. King of the coast. One hand, I juggle ‘em both.” Joe Budden expressed his grievance on Twitter: “A Cali n—a just said he’s the King of NY & u n—as so f–king worried about your relationships, y’all make me sick.” And Joell Ortiz takes it straight back to the mic as he responds to Kendrick Lamar’s verse on the track “Outta Conrol.” He declares: “I ain’t even gotta give this too much thought. Joell Ortiz won every war that he ever fought. This ain’t no different. I’m listening, you the king of New York? Little homie you ain’t the king of New York. You the next thing on my fork.” He was the first to respond musically and is the fan favorite thus far.
So take a listen to the song and tell us what you think in the comments section below. Did Kendrick Lamar take it too far or are the fans right in saying that this wake-up call was past due and much needed in the Hip-Hop community? -Treba
6 comments
Kendrick is just showing these rappers that its all competition at the end of the day and if you feel some type of way about the verse or comments come back with your best bars and respond! Rap needs this because you got a whole lot of artist out hear that can’t even spit. -EZ Money
I like the verse for the sport of hip hop. I think it brings a competitiveness needed to brace the creativity all the artists mentioned in the verse have. Not saying that they are without it, but it make that competition direct and blatant for the audience listening. Dope read. Although I wouldn’t call it verse of the year it is probably one of the most attention grabbing
This verse is making cats step up and start making real music again, not this pop commercial sh!t. His Tupac reference, to me, is him saying he like Pac. Pac was from New York but had Cali buzzing. He had both coast loving his music. The same to what Kendrick is saying. This is what hip hop needed. Maybe ninjas (Drake) will stop singing on tracks and get back to the bars.
Kendrick Lamar is very talented and in my opinion as an artist has the liberty to say what he feels. It clearly has gained alot of attention and hopefully will force other artists in the industry to wake up. At the end of the day you are not a true artist if you don’t express yourself, but censor yourself. Hats off to Kendrick Lamar.
Being an MC myself and student of the game since grade school hip-hop has always been a battle of supremacy. Kendrick is only embracing the core fundamentals which the game was founded on (BARS!!!) Spitting hot lyrics over dope beats is usually fuel for the average lyricist to step there game up. Those he name dropped on his verse shouldn’t feel threatened but inspired to push the culture further with there next entry to the game. (Personal Spit) -my versus/they validate ya purchase/ claim ya go hard but barely scratch the surface/ I ride tracks like title waves to surfers/ and my turf is the circumference earth is. Case an point. Mitchblack out!!!!!
Kendrick expressed how he felt. It was disrespect to for him to call him out on his on track as not being one of the greats.. Kendrick calling everybody out as I see it. Go Hard or go home. Im tired of hearing these artist who jump on the track and talk about nothing. So Kendrick is saying its time for a new age in hip hop. Come hard or weed off like the rest. He is Hungry and will ON for a Long time coming!