Drake’s recent appearance at Michael Rubin’s swanky Fourth of July White Party has sparked conversation for all the wrong reasons. The rapper mingled with A-listers like Lil Wayne, Travis Scott, and Kim Kardashian, yet fans couldn’t help but notice something off about him.
A photo shared by Michael Rubin himself showed Drake looking noticeably older and ‘stressed,’ igniting a flurry of online jokes. This comes at a time when Drake is embroiled in a high-profile feud with Kendrick Lamar, making the timing of his appearance and the photo even more significant.
Drake Attends Michael Rubin’s White Party
Drake attended billionaire Michael Rubin’s annual Fourth of July White Party in the Hamptons. The event had numerous A-listers, including Lil Wayne, Tom Brady, Travis Scott, Megan Thee Stallion, Kim Kardashian, and Jake Paul. Drake was seen mingling and even performed some of his hits like “Sticky” and “Wants and Needs” with Lil Baby.
However, a particular photo from the event caught attention. Shared on Instagram by Michael Rubin, it showed Drake looking visibly older and, according to fans, “stressed.” This image led to a wave of jokes and comments from fans, many referencing Drake’s ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar. One user joked, “Drake aged like 20 years since the beef.“
A-List Guests and Performances
The Fourth of July White Party hosted by Michael Rubin is renowned for its guest list of high-profile celebrities. This year, the party was no different. Besides Drake, Lil Wayne, and Travis Scott, several other stars like Megan Thee Stallion and Kim Kardashian graced the event.
Drake’s performance added to the evening’s energy, especially his collaboration with Lil Baby. Yet, despite the festivities, the photo of Drake appearing older than usual became the highlight for many online.
Fans couldn’t help but link Drake’s look to his rivalry with Kendrick Lamar, igniting a slew of memes and jokes on social media. One comment read, “Drake look like he been through the ringer.“
Kendrick Lamar’s Video Release
While Drake was at the party, Kendrick Lamar was preparing to release the video for his hit diss track “Not Like Us.” Released on the same night, the video contains several hidden messages aimed at Drake.
In one scene, Kendrick breaks open an owl-shaped piñata, a reference to Drake’s OVO logo. Another part of the video features Kendrick menacingly staring at an owl in a cage, further hinting at their rivalry.
Kendrick also included his family in the video, dancing alongside his fiancée Whitney Alford and their two children. This move added another layer to the feud as Drake had previously mentioned Kendrick’s family in their beef.
Direct Digs at Drake
Apart from the piñata and owl cage scenes, the video featured other subtle jabs at Drake. The co-director and cameo appearance of Kendrick’s longtime manager Dave Free is particularly noteworthy.
Dave Free was previously accused of fathering one of his pgLang partner’s children, adding more fuel to the ongoing feud. Kendrick’s decision to include him in the video is another calculated move.
The video begins with a snippet of an unreleased song in which Kendrick raps cryptic lines. These lines likely include more hidden disses directed at Drake, making the video a multi-layered attack on his rival.
Fan Reactions and Online Commentary
The release of “Not Like Us” and the photo of Drake at the party generated significant buzz on social media. Fans of Kendrick Lamar wasted no time in poking fun at Drake’s “stressed” appearance, adding a new chapter to their rivalry.
Comments such as “Is it me or buddy looking stressed out [crying face emoji]” flooded social media, showing how engaged fans were in this ongoing beef.
This fan interaction underscores the competitive nature of the hip-hop industry, where appearances and public perception can play a significant role.
The History of Drake and Kendrick’s Feud
Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s rivalry is not new; it has been simmering for years. The two artists have traded bars and disses through their music and public appearances.
Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” is only the latest in a series of shots fired between the two. The song and its video keep igniting discussions and debates among their fan bases.
Each new development, like the release of a diss track or a viral photo, fuels the competitive spirit that defines their relationship.
Impact on Their Careers
Feuds like this one between Drake and Kendrick Lamar often have far-reaching impacts on their careers. They draw public interest and media attention, which can boost streams and sales.
However, the personal toll can be significant, as suggested by the comments on Drake’s appearance. Being in the public eye constantly exposes them to scrutiny and judgment.
Despite the challenges, both artists continue to thrive, pushing boundaries and contributing significantly to the hip-hop genre.
As the dust settles from Kendrick Lamar’s video release, the focus remains on the intense rivalry between him and Drake. This ongoing feud captures the fascination of fans and observers alike, showcasing the competitive dynamics within the hip-hop world. Drake’s ‘stressed’ appearance adds another layer to this captivating narrative, which continues to unfold both on stage and online.
In the world of hip-hop, rivalries like this one bring out raw emotions and create compelling stories. As fans eagerly await the next moves from both Drake and Kendrick, it’s clear that their battle, filled with memorable moments and sharp disses, isn’t ending anytime soon.
