Big Sean Talks Kendrick Lamar’s Apology Over Diss Track, Admits He Had a Diss Ready
Big Sean has shed light on his long-standing rivalry with Kendrick Lamar during a recent chat with Charlamagne tha God.
The Detroit rapper tackled misconceptions concerning a leaked verse from Kendrick’s original take on the track “Element,” which allegedly calls out Sean.
First revealed in 2019, the whole song finally dropped in September 2022, reigniting interest in their contentious history.
The discussion arose in the context of Sean’s forthcoming album, "Better Me Than You."
In one of the tracks, “Apologize,” he tackles themes surrounding his personal life and relationships, particularly the perception that he exclusively dates singers like Jhené Aiko and Ariana Grande.
Kendrick’s leaked verse further fueled this narrative, with lines hinting at Sean's dating choices overshadowing his musical merit.
Kendrick raps:
"I think his false confidence got him inspired/I can't make them respect you, baby. It's not my job, You Finally Famous for who you date, not how you rhyme/Cute ass bars get your subliminals up."
Big Sean Reveals Kendrick Lamar Apologized for Leaked Diss Verse, Says He Had a Response Ready:
Kendrick Lamar apologized to Big Sean for dissing him on his leaked unreleased verse on 'ELEMENT.'
— WhatsOnRap (@WhatsOnRap__) August 2, 2024
"He apologized in a sense for that sh*t coming out and going that far"
pic.twitter.com/7bEZGnaqEY
When asked if he had a response prepared for Kendrick’s barbs, Sean didn’t shy away. He confirmed he was ready for smoke, stating:
“I definitely was not running from or ducking no type smoke at all. So when I heard that there might be some remnants of something, I did have something prepared, I’m not gonna lie.”
He recounted their friendship, noting Kendrick's previous invitations to his home and a time when they were closer, a stark contrast to their current distance.
Big Sean also revisited some historical context, recalling the 2016 track “No More Interviews.” Many believed he directed some of his verses toward Lamar, criticizing rappers who focus solely on speed.
Sean rapped:
"And I'm just not impressed by you n***as rapping fast/Who sound like one big asthma attack but trash when I’m rapping it back/Who you put in your top five and claim they the savior of rap."In the years that followed, both artists released critically acclaimed albums: Sean’s "I Decided" in February 2017 and Kendrick’s "DAMN." a couple of months later.
Sean pointed out how media narratives, especially those fueled by figures like Joe Budden, intensified their feud, causing him to contemplate whether there was indeed tension between them.
“It really did become a thing,” he acknowledged, reflecting the complicated nature of friendship and rivalry in the competitive world of hip-hop.