A$AP Rocky on Kendrick vs. Drake, Family Life, and His New Album in Revealing ELLE Interview
A$AP Rocky, the acclaimed rapper and style icon, has offered his considered perspective on the seismic rap battle that recently engulfed two of hip-hop’s biggest titans: Kendrick Lamar and Drake. In a revealing cover story interview with ELLE, published recently, the 36-year-old artist described the intense back-and-forth as “healthy for hip-hop,” even as he distanced himself from the more contentious legal aspects that have emerged.
The “Big Three” Feud and Rocky’s Brief Involvement
The feud, which began simmering in November 2023, ignited following the release of Drake and J. Cole’s collaborative track “First Person Shooter.” The song controversially positioned the trio – Drake, J. Cole, and Lamar – as the undisputed “big three” of contemporary rap. Lamar, however, quickly rejected this notion, making his disdain unequivocally clear in his potent response on Future and Metro Boomin’s track “Like That.”
Interestingly, A$AP Rocky found himself briefly drawn into the escalating conflict. Before the primary feud between Lamar and Drake fully erupted, Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, subtly dissed Drake, 38, on Future and Metro Boomin’s single “Show of Hands.” In a particularly provocative verse, Rocky alluded to a past encounter with Sophie Brussaux, the mother of Drake’s son, Adonis. He rapped: “N—-s swear they bitch the baddest, I just bagged the worst one / N—-s in they feelings over women, what, you hurt or somethin’? / I smashed before you birthed son, Flacko hit it first, son.”
Drake swiftly retaliated. On his own diss track “Family Matters,” aimed primarily at Lamar, Drake also took aim at Rocky. “Rakim talkin’ s— again / Gassed ’cause you hit my BM first, n—-, do the math, who I was hittin’ then?” Drake rhymed, seemingly referencing his past relationship with Rihanna, who is now Rocky’s partner. He further jabbed, “I ain’t even know you rapped still ’cause they only talkin’ ’bout your ‘fit again.”
The Escalation: Allegations and Grammy Glory
The initial verbal jabs escalated into months of relentless diss tracks exchanged between Lamar and Drake, captivating millions of fans and dominating music headlines. The battle seemingly reached its zenith with the May 4, 2024, release of Lamar’s blistering track “Not Like Us.” On the song, Lamar leveled severe and widely publicized allegations against Drake, labeling him both a “pedophile” and a “colonizer.” While Drake’s representatives did not immediately comment on these allegations at the time, the track’s impact was undeniable. “Not Like Us” went on to garner significant critical acclaim and popular success, leading to Lamar receiving an impressive five Grammy Awards in February. He then notably performed the track during his headlining slot at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, cementing its cultural footprint.
Rocky’s Stance: “Healthy for Hip-Hop,” But With Boundaries
Reflecting on his brief foray into the skirmish and the wider implications of the feud, Rocky explained his decision to step back. “The battle was between Kendrick and Drake, not Drake and everybody else who might have said something at that time, and that’s mainly why I fell back,” he told ELLE. While acknowledging the competitive spirit, Rocky expressed discomfort with the legal turn the beef reportedly took. “I just hate the way it’s turning out with [Drake] suing and all that. What part of the game is that? What type of s— is that? That’s none of my business, I guess.” His comments highlight a veteran artist’s perspective on the unwritten rules and boundaries of hip-hop rivalries.
Prioritizing Family and New Album Updates
Beyond the rap theatrics, Rocky also provided an update on his long-awaited fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb. The project, announced earlier this year, has faced delays. Rocky candidly admitted to ELLE that “life was lifeing,” explaining his focus on family. He and global superstar Rihanna, 37, are currently expecting their third child. They are already parents to two sons: RZA, born in 2022, and Riot, who arrived in 2023. “We don’t plan on having children, but when it happens, you gotta adjust and move with it,” he shared. “I gotta be present for my family, because that’s first.”
As the dust settles on one of hip-hop’s most explosive feuds in recent memory, A$AP Rocky’s insights offer a nuanced view. He champions the competitive spirit that drives the genre forward while drawing a line at its potential legal ramifications, all while prioritizing his burgeoning family life away from the spotlight’s glare.
