Kendrick Lamar Takes Aim at Drake on SZA’s Track "30 for 30"
Kendrick Lamar and SZA have become one of hip-hop’s most talked-about collaborations this year. After SZA delivered two standout features on Lamar’s latest album "GNX", the duo announced their Grand National co-headlining tour set for 2025.
Now, Kendrick is returning the favor with a guest appearance on SZA’s "LANA" (SOS Deluxe), marking the album's sole feature.
Unsurprisingly, his verse on the track “30 for 30” has already ignited speculation of subliminal shots aimed at none other than Drake.
On “30 for 30,” Kendrick delivers cutting lines that appear to mock a figure close to SZA, hinting that this individual is overly concerned with their appearance. One of the standout lines reads:
"You f*ckin' with n**gas that's thinkin' they cuter than you, Say you on your cycle, but he on his period too."
Kendrick Lamar Shades Drake on SZA’s "30 for 30" Track:
Kendrick Lamar dissed Drake on SZA’s “30 for 30” track‼️👀😳
— WhatsOnRap (@WhatsOnRap__) December 20, 2024
“You f*cking with n*ggas that think they cuter than you?
You’re in your cycle while they in their period too.” 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ap1A9WrwjF
Fans quickly connected the dots, recalling Drake’s past romantic ties with SZA and their recent collaborations on chart-topping hits like “Slime You Out” and “Rich Baby Daddy.”
These connections, paired with Drake’s earlier claim on “Push Ups” that SZA had Kendrick “wiped down,” have fueled the theory that Lamar’s lines are a pointed response to the Canadian rapper.
But the apparent jabs don’t stop there. Kendrick weaves additional sharp lines throughout “30 for 30,” potentially referencing Drake’s demeanor and career trajectory. In one biting lyric, he raps:
"The tenderness of 'em, mistaking 'em for some wagyu."
Here, Lamar seems to double down on calling his target soft and overindulgent.
In another line, Kendrick hints at the shifting dynamics of the rap game:
"The tables been turnin' so much, I was thinkin' it’s foosball."
This could be interpreted as a nod to Kendrick’s rising dominance, with many fans and critics viewing him as surpassing Drake’s influence in the industry.
Even the track title, “30 for 30,” feels intentional. Fans noted its similarity to Drake’s 2015 track “30 for 30 Freestyle,” suggesting the title may be an additional layer of shade.While Kendrick has yet to confirm the true target of his verse, it’s clear he’s unapologetically stirring the pot. With SZA backing her "TDE" brother, the rumored Lamar-Drake rivalry continues to provide fresh material for hip-hop enthusiasts worldwide.