The hip-hop world buzzed with renewed tension as Ye, formerly known as Kanye West
, sparked a fresh feud with Kendrick Lamar. Fans speculated wildly about the origins of the clash, especially considering that they had a history of mutual respect and collaboration. With both artists holding monumental influence- Ye as a genre-defying innovator and Lamar as a lyrical powerhouse, their conflict dominated social media, reigniting debates about dominance in the rap game.
Ye dropped a now-viral tweet that sent shockwaves through the rap community: “Yall think Kendrick gonna come turn my TV off
“. The post directly referenced Lamar’s 2024 track ‘tv off’ from his critically acclaimed album ‘GNX’. While Ye avoided naming the track, fans instantly connected the dots, interpreting the tweet as a taunt toward Lamar’s artistry and cultural footprint. The remarks polarized audiences, with critics calling the claims dismissive of Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning impact.
Last year, Lamar’s ‘Like That’ rejected the idea of a shared Big Three throne, prompting Drake, his rap war rival, to retaliate with tracks accusing Lamar of hypocrisy. Ye later inserted himself into the drama, remixing ‘Like That’ and criticizing Drake’s business dealings. The rivalry has now seemingly been ignited by Ye, leaving the hip-hop fans glued to the saga.
Read More: The Complex Saga of Ye, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé: A Journey From Brotherhood to Fallout
As the digital dust settled, one question remained: How did fans react to Ye’s latest outburst and what does it mean for hip-hop’s power balance?
Fans defend Kendrick Lamar amid Ye’s provocations
X erupted as users dissected Ye’s comments, with many mocking his relevance in modern hip-hop. Critics highlighted Kendrick Lamar’s consistent innovation, contrasting it with Ye’s recent experiments with AI-assisted production. Others questioned Ye’s motives, suggesting his custody battles and personal struggles fueled the outburst. Memes flooded platforms, joking about Lamar’s refusal to engage and Ye’s erratic online behavior. Amid the chaos, Ye’s recent X rant about his custody dispute with Kim Kardashian
added fuel to the fire. Followers linked his frustration to the Lamar-directed posts, painting the rapper as a figure grappling with both personal and professional pressures.
lol ye still think kendrick is on his level ye been irrelevant since 2016 kendrick been pushing boundaries while ye still trying to make trap beats with AI assistance 💔👎
— mapler (@maplermapler) March 21, 2025
Kendrick walking to your TV like: pic.twitter.com/bI8VQiBR1V
— Alpha (@AlphaWhitti) March 21, 2025
— AQUATIC_TV (@AquaticNebulae1) March 21, 2025
The lines between artistry and animosity blurred further and fans could not look away.
Kendrick probably feel the same but he gotta abide by the little hats too
— Hollywood Houngan (@DonRubix) March 21, 2025
I think you’re going to release “Never see me again” soon 🤷🏽♂️
— Migs (@Migs_17) March 21, 2025
Ye’s latest clash with Kendrick Lamar underscored hip-hop’s obsession with legacy and competition. While some viewed his remarks as desperate, others saw them as a reminder of his knack for controversy. For Lamar, silence remained his sharpest rebuttal. As the genre evolves, this rivalry and its fan-driven narratives will likely shape conversations for years to come.
Read More: Amidst the Playboi Carti-Kim Kardashian Attacks, Ye Finally Breaks Silence on What Touched a Nerve
Where do you stand in the Ye vs. Kendrick Lamar debate? Share your thoughts in the comments!