Snoop Dogg on Kendrick-Drake Feud: Staying Neutral While 'Not Like Us' United the West Coast
Snoop Dogg recalls the great feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. He mentions that staying neutral between both camps led to 'Not Like Us.' This collaboration became unifying for West Coast hip-hop.
Longtime rapper Snoop Dogg, who has been instrumental in West Coast hip-hop, shed light into where he stands on the discussed Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud. Snoop made it clear that he had "no side" and that he focused his efforts on promoting unity within the community during the publicized feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The Kendrick-Drake beef, defined by the now-famous lyrical exchange back in the early 2010s, split fans and raised very heated debates about artistry and dominance in the rap world. And yet, Snoop, a neutral figure, stayed well out of this entire feud, never finding himself caught in the middle and working with both artists through all these years.
"I love both of them," Snoop said. "Kendrick is like my nephew, straight outta Compton, carrying the torch for the West Coast. And Drake? That's my guy, one of the coldest in the game. I wasn't about to pick sides when they had their thing. I just wanted to see them both shine.Despite his own neutrality, Snoop played a great role in bringing the energy of Kendrick and Drake together on "Not Like Us", a track that most consider a turning point in West Coast rap. The song, produced collaboratively with Snoop, boasted powerful verses from both artists, underpinning both rappers' utmost respect for the foundations of hip-hop.
Snoop spills the beans on how the track came about. "It wasn't about squashing beef or making headlines," he said. "It was about the West Coast. We've always been stronger when we're together. I pitched the idea to both of them separately, and they were down. That's all I needed to hear."Not Like Us" succeeded beyond the charts. This song had captivated the hearts of listeners and critics alike, marking a change in hip-hop-hood: a new future of coexistence and mutual respect. For many, the moment encapsulated artistic difference giving way to something bigger: a unified front for West Coast rap.
"Kendrick and Drake, they're icons, but they're also human," Snoop reflected. "Sometimes you just need somebody to remind you what really matters. For us, it's culture, the community, and the music.Snoop Dogg's leadership and commitment to the West Coast ethos have always made him different. He bridges generational gaps by taking the leading artists back in time with his music, mentorship, or iconic presence.
As for the future, Snoop expressed optimism about hip-hop’s evolving landscape. “The game changes, but the love for the craft stays the same. Kendrick, Drake—they’re both shaping this culture in their own way, and I’m proud to have been a part of that journey.While the story of the Kendrick-Drake feud is now but a memory, "Not Like Us" becomes proof of the strength to be found in unity. It's a reminder that even in an industry fueled by competition, collaboration is the only way to truly and permanently make art.
