RZA Delivers Comedic Analogy on Drake v. Kendrick Lamar Feud
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Renowned Wu-Tang Clan member, RZA, was recently featured on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he shared his take on the ongoing rap rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The episode, which aired on Feb. 27, saw Colbert delve into what he described as a “dramatic” feud, particularly escalating with Lamar’s electrifying Super Bowl Halftime show earlier this year. In response, RZA drew a humorous parallel, likening the feud to an epic showdown between cinematic giants, “Godzilla vs. King Kong.”
Reflecting on Wu-Tang Clan’s history, RZA acknowledged that the group had never been embroiled in a major beef. However, he outlined the significance of such confrontations in the realm of hip-hop, referring to the genre as a competitive arena where artists challenge each other to push boundaries creatively. RZA emphatically conveyed, “It’s good for the sport when there’s confrontation. It’s healthy, as long as it stays on the record and stays in the music, and it doesn’t spill over to the streets where somebody gets hurt.”
The roots of the Drake and Lamar beef trace back to 2023 when J. Cole and Drake tagged themselves along with Lamar as the “big three” in their track “First Person Shooter.” Disagreeing with the claim, Lamar retaliated by teaming up with Future and Metro Boomin on the diss track “Like That.” This sparked a series of diss tracks exchanged between Drake and Lamar, culminating in Lamar’s cutting release, “Not Like Us,” in 2024, where he controversially addressed Drake as a pedophile and a “colonizer.”
More recently, Lamar clinched five Grammy Awards for his critically acclaimed album GNX on Feb. 2, featuring the contentious track “Not Like Us.” The rapper also made headlines with a show-stopping performance of the controversial track at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime show, which was rife with subtle references and symbolic gestures. RZA’s comments come on the heels of Wu-Tang Clan’s announcement of their final tour, scheduled for the summer months, encompassing dates through June and July before culminating in Philadelphia.
Excitedly discussing the upcoming Final Chamber Tour, RZA underscored the significance of unity within the group, remarking, “Every one of us showing that even through some of the hard times, some of the beefs, and gripes that we had, the unity and the community is what keeps us tight and united.” The tour, he revealed, aims to celebrate the group’s cultural impact and legacy, providing an opportunity to reciprocate the support received from loyal fans over the years.
With a heartfelt acknowledgment of the transformative power of art and culture, RZA emphasised the pivotal role these elements played in shaping the lives of Wu-Tang Clan members. He candidly highlighted the redemptive influence music and the arts had on some members who faced adversities such as dropping out of high school or having felony charges, underscoring the transformative nature of creativity and expression.
The Wu-Tang Clan, comprising iconic members like Inspectah Deck, U-God, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna, continues to resonate with fans worldwide, embodying a distinct ethos and musical legacy. As RZA and his fellow clan members gear up for their final tour, the enduring impact of their artistry and unity serves as a testament to the enduring power of hip-hop culture. News consumers are invited to stay updated on the latest happenings in the music industry by signing up for free daily newsletters from PEOPLE, offering a diverse range of engaging content spanning from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.