By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

The Kendrick vs. Drake battle is a battle that keeps giving us cultural moments. On November 2, 2024 the Sacramento Kings faced the Toronto Raptors in Toronto. The night started off with the Raptors legend Vince Carter having his jersey retired. Many a celebrity was on hand to witness this moment but none bigger that the Toronto native Drake.

Drake has been popping up more and more since losing his most recent battle. This battle has caused rifts between Drake and many who he considered friends. DeMar DeRozen, once one of Drakes closest friends was the target of a few bitter remarks from the Canadian rapper. It hasn’t always been like this.

From 2009 to 2018 Drake and DeRozan’s friendship was a cornerstone of Toronto basketball culture. Drake consistently championed DeRozen from his court-side seats and the pair appeared on the cover of SLAM magazine. This relationship seemingly crumbled as a result of DeRozen appearing at Kendrick Lamar’s “The Pop Out” concert in June of 2024 and followed it up with a cameo in the “Not Like Us” music video. Drake unfollowed DeRozen and others and his recent actions at the Raptors game demonstrate a certain level of disdain.

At the game Drake is seen on video mouthing “F-k outta here p–y” as DeRozen passed by. And, during the Raptors broadcast Drake mentioned that if they were to ever retire DeRozen’s jersey he would personally “go up there and take it down” DeRozen responded with a laugh saying “He gonna have along way to climb to take it down. So, tell him good luck”

The way that this is happening is in classic Drake form. He does these types of things in public forums and always uses an element of humor to soften the blow. He has mastered the art of creating viral moments and being a troll. The idea of Drake being a tough guy is hard to digest when we take his content and music into consideration. However; the fact that this conversation is on everybody’s mind shows that he has succeeded in being the most talked about rapper yet again.

Do you think this battle is real or is Drake being a troll? Share in the comments.

Timeline: Drake and DeRozan’s Evolution from Friends to Foes

2009: DeRozan drafted by Toronto Raptors, marking the beginning of his relationship with Drake

2010-2018: Drake and DeRozan develop close friendship during DeRozan’s tenure with the Raptors

2016: The duo appears on SLAM Magazine’s “6 Gods” issue cover

2018: DeRozan traded to San Antonio Spurs; Drake posts emotional tribute: “To my brother @demar_derozan I want to say 10 million thank you’s on behalf of YOUR city”

2021: DeRozan joins Chicago Bulls

June 2024: DeRozan appears at Kendrick Lamar’s “The Pop Out” concert in Los Angeles

July 2024: DeRozan makes cameo in Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” music video; maintains “Drake’s still my man”

October 2024: Drake addresses loyalty at Toronto’s Nostalgia Party, unfollows DeRozan on Instagram

Nov. 2, 2024: Drake caught on video making hostile remarks as DeRozan passes by; later threatens to remove DeRozan’s jersey if retired