In a move reminiscent of Eminem’s boldness, Kendrick Lamar unleashed a fiery verse on the track “Like That,” featured on Metro Boomin and Future’s collaborative album “WE DON’T TRUST YOU.” Released on Friday, Lamar’s verse ignited social media with its provocative lyrics, taking aim at fellow rap heavyweights J. Cole and Drake.

Kendrick didn’t hold back as he delivered lines that seemed to directly target Cole and Drake’s previous collaborations and perceived status in the rap game. Referencing a song where Cole boasted about the “big three” status alongside Drake and himself, Kendrick dismissively raps, “‘Fore all your dogs gettin’ buried, that’s a K with all these nines, he gon’ see Pet Sematary.” The reference to Drake’s album title and the ominous imagery suggest a scathing critique of his peers’ perceived dominance.

However, amidst the verbal onslaught, Kendrick also paid homage to Eminem’s confrontational style by referencing a notable moment in rap history. Drawing parallels to Eminem’s beef with Melle Mel, Kendrick raps, “I crash out, like, ‘F–k rap,’ diss Melle Mel if I had to.” This reference to Eminem’s willingness to engage in controversy and take on established figures in the industry demonstrates Kendrick’s fearlessness and willingness to challenge the status quo.

The beef between Eminem and Melle Mel, which erupted in 2023, serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of questioning rap legends. After Melle Mel suggested Eminem’s ranking on a top rappers list was due to his race, Eminem responded with a scathing diss track, sparking a feud that quickly escalated. Kendrick’s inclusion of this reference in his verse adds layers to his message, emphasizing his readiness to challenge the establishment and assert his own place in hip-hop history.

As Kendrick Lamar’s verse continues to reverberate across the hip-hop landscape, fans are left eagerly anticipating the responses from Drake, J. Cole, and the wider rap community. With echoes of Eminem’s boldness and confrontational spirit, Kendrick’s verse serves as a powerful reminder of his prowess as a lyricist and his willingness to push boundaries in the pursuit of artistic expression.