Drake Reflects On Feud With Kendrick Lamar In Emotional “Fighting Irish” Freestyle

As 2024 draws to a close, Drake has chosen to ring in the new year with a deeply introspective freestyle, "Fighting Irish," produced by Conductor Williams. 

The track, which briefly appeared on YouTube before its removal, offers fans a rare glimpse into Drake’s thoughts on a year defined by high-profile conflicts and personal revelations, particularly his feud with Kendrick Lamar.

In this freestyle, Drake is confronting feelings of betrayal stemming from the fallout of the feud. He has reflected on perceived disloyalties, rapping, “The world fell in love with the gimmicks, even my brothers got tickets, seemed like they loved every minute.”
Many believe this is a pointed reference to former allies, including NBA stars LeBron James and DeMar DeRozan, who were spotted at Lamar’s "The Pop Out" concert in California, in June 2024. 

The title "Fighting Irish" itself adds a personal touch, which nods to LeBron’s high school mascot, weaving layers of meaning into the freestyle.

Addressing Allegations and Public Perception

Drake doesn’t hold back when addressing accusations made by Kendrick Lamar in "Meet the Grahams," a track that touches on Drake’s habits.

In a candid moment, he rapped, "I don’t have a drinkin’ problem, I got a subtle addiction/ I got my father’s habits and I got my mother’s permission." These lines serve as both a refutation to Lamar’s claims and highlight Drake’s confession of his vulnerability amid constant public scrutiny.

The freestyle also takes an indirect swipe at Universal Music Group (UMG), a company Drake has publicly criticized over promotional disputes surrounding Lamar’s “Not Like Us.”

The biting line says, "I hate to see their empire crumble on judges' convictions," accusing UMG of inflating the track’s popularity through dubious means. In response, UMG has dismissed these allegations as “offensive and untrue.”

A Showcase of Artistic Mastery

"Fighting Irish" is a testament to Drake’s lyrical prowess, which gets elevated by the Conductor Williams’ signature production. "8am in Charlotte" from "For All The Dogs," has demonstrated their synergy previously, and this track is no exception to their collaboration.

Although swiftly taken down from YouTube, the freestyle quickly spread across social media, showcasing Drake’s enduring influence and the public’s fascination with his ongoing narrative in the world of hip-hop.

Drake drops a new freestyle produced by Conductor Williams 👀

It was shared in the middle of a 20-minute video uploaded on Conductor's YouTube channelpic.twitter.com/3ypjFXOdOM

— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) January 3, 2025

Looking Ahead: Reflection and Reconciliation

Drake’s freestyle not only reflects on his challenges and conflicts in 2024 but also hints at a desire for growth and reconciliation. As he enters 2025, "Fighting Irish" stands as a raw, unfiltered moment of self-reflection for the American rapper.

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