Drake found himself at the center of online discussions once again, following a recent interview with Bobbi Althoff. The conversation spanned various topics, including light-hearted remarks about his appearance and serious discussions regarding his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar. A particularly intense moment arose when Althoff brought up the “culture vulture” label that Drake has faced throughout his career.
This criticism has been echoed in previous exchanges between Drake and Lamar, particularly in Lamar’s lyrics that question Drake’s authenticity as a rap artist. In the track “euphoria,” Lamar asserts, “You not a rap artist, you a scam artist with the hopes of being accepted,” while in “Not Like Us,” he refers to Drake as a “colonizer.” During the interview, Drake expressed his frustration over the perception that his collaborations with artists, especially those from Georgia, are disingenuous. He pointedly referenced several artists, including Future and Lil Baby, stating, “You called Future when you didn’t see the club / Lil Baby helped you get your lingo up.”
Drake elaborated on his feelings, stating, “My intentions are pure. People will describe the collaborative efforts that I have put forth as me taking. They’ll put a negative spin on it and try and tell me it’s a self-serving thing, and I think I get real sensitive about that.”
In response to Drake’s defensive stance, legendary rapper Ghostface Killah offered a different perspective. In an interview clip shared by XXL, the Wu-Tang Clan member suggested that Drake should take the criticism in stride. “Oh. Hey, listen, I’ve been called worse than that. You need to chill out,” he advised.
The implication behind Ghostface Killah’s comments remains open to interpretation, especially considering the ongoing scrutiny Drake faces from his peers in the industry. Despite the criticism, many fans and followers continue to support Drake, although his recent ICEMAN livestream series has drawn mixed reviews. The third episode, intended to build anticipation for his upcoming album, has been labeled disappointing by some viewers, including close friend Kai Cenat. Cenat expressed his discontent, stating, “I can’t fake it. That was so a*s. Biggest waste of my f*ckin’ time.”
As Drake navigates the complexities of his public image and artistic integrity, Ghostface Killah’s advice serves as a reminder for artists to maintain resilience in the face of criticism. The evolving dynamics within the rap community continue to shape the narratives surrounding prominent figures like Drake.
