Carl Lamar breaks down the Kendrick and Drake feud as the hottest battle since Jay-Z and Nas.
The episode begins with host Lisa Evers introducing the panel for a hip-hop year in review of 2024. Guests include DJ Drewski from Hot 97, Carl Lamar from Billboard, and debut guest Scarlett, a rising hip-hop artist. Scarlett shares her experience of being named to the XXL Freshman Class and her successful year with singles and performances. Carl Lamar highlights the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud as a major event, comparing it to historic rap battles and noting seven diss records in two weeks. DJ Drewski adds that the feud inspired other artists to step up their game. The panel then shifts to discuss the dominance of female rappers in 2024, with Carl mentioning Glorilla's comeback and Nicki Minaj's record-breaking tour. Scarlett expresses how female success opens doors for her. Uncle Murda joins later, listing other 2024 headlines like Diddy's legal issues and Young Thug's release. The conversation explores trends in competitive rap, including feuds between Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion. Social media's role in keeping artists like Cardi B relevant is analyzed, with Carl noting her ability to stay in conversation without new music. Scarlett discusses using TikTok to build her following and the emotional challenges of fame. DJ Drewski talks about the loss of DJ legends like Mr. C and Fat Man Scoop, and the evolving role of DJs in breaking new artists. Carl Lamar explains Billboard's efforts to discover new talent beyond chart numbers. The episode concludes with future outlooks, including artists going independent and Uncle Murda's upcoming projects, and a call for male rappers to catch up to female dominance.
