Drake, the greedy matador, is baiting the bull again

He got stung hard but recovered, so on his odd “Behind Barz” freestyle, he’s blindly shooting, foolishly hoping to piss someone else off.

  /  07.11.2018

Drake’s “Behind Barz” freestyle for Link Up TV (see below) was…odd, trivial even. Of course, freestyle is an arbitrary term in this case — he’d simply recorded a well-rehearsed verse and then went into the booth to stir some drama up. Hot on the heels of Scorpion, the freestyle was, undoubtedly, to fuck with his opposition. You know — big, bad, Pusha T. Revealer of Children. Taker of Names. But once again, Drake was vague enough to include multiple parties. A news story recently leaked claiming that more than one name in the party is responsible for the set of circumstances that ruined Drake’s impending Adidas campaign. So, with Link Up TV, Drake decided to antagonize the bull again and invite a swipe at his red towel. But behind the towel, there’s no wall — just Drake’s ass.

It’s long been exposed that Drake versus Pusha T was a battle lost long before it started. Drake had been lulled into a false sense of supremacy because of his popularity and the spoils of victory from his previous rapper squabble with Meek Mill. Drizzy had learned that to win rap battles in 2018, actual “rap” didn’t matter. Just bombard your opponent with Instagram quotable punchlines that’ll make people outside of the situation laugh while they themselves are severely unimpressed. Pusha released a verse that contained a subtle jab or two aimed at one of his industry rivals because, hey, that’s what rappers do, and Drake responded with “Duppy (Freestyle),” a full-on onslaught that packed in the laughs while letting it be known that Pusha is his polar opposite; also, that the G.O.O.D. Music camp itself, well, sucks.

Pusha, if recent reports are to believe, had received ammo from Kanye West, the guy that he’s running around behind even though he’s a little older, revealing that Drake has a son that he hasn’t exposed to the world. Pusha went into Pulitzer Prize mode and did his best investigative journalism work and, on “The Story of Adidon,” stripped Drake of his superpower — his celebrity. The weeks following featured Drake-handler J. Prince doing his best clean-up routine in the wake of the massacre, revealing that Drake wouldn’t be coming back because he said so — an even softer move than just not saying anything. J. Prince relayed that Drake’s response would have destroyed more than a career or two, hinting at some serious problems in G.O.O.D. Music’s camp.

Scorpion came on June 29 and—as many had speculated, and as Pusha T himself revealed in his premonition—Drake revealed to the world that, yes, he does have a son, as his antagonist so elegantly put it. His tone sounded defeated, like he’d been exposed, and instead of exclaiming pride in his son’s livelihood, he took every opportunity to criticize the mother of his children and his situation. His yucky moral aptitude was made even worse by the fact that of the 25 songs, only a few bars are dedicated to his child in the first place. For a man that can dedicate albums to his past lady conquests, giving a mention or two to a kid while begging Kiki to reveal if she loves him comes off as abhorrent.

In the wake of Scorpion already going platinum and selling more than 733,000 equivalent album units, along with (aside from his few child-bars) the fiasco with Pusha T largely lost in time, Drake—seldom freestyling or even appearing for public interviews—decided to head on over to the United Kingdom and test the waters of beef again. The freestyle lasts for all of two minutes and, surprisingly, Pusha T isn’t the only focus. Guess who else? With “They wanna link when they got no tunes / They too worried about sellin’ out shoes,” it’s easy to see that Kanye West has entered his crosshairs. So now, Drake’s blindly shooting, hoping to piss someone else off. He hasn’t forgotten last time. He knows that at any moment, a flurry of disses (remember Kanye’s verbal tirade against Wiz Khalifa a few years back?) could be sent his way, then he’d have to crawl tail-between-legs to J. Prince and get a nod of approval before responding. So why would Drake have the audacity to fire off shots if he won’t be able to back them up?

Bullfighting isn’t a sport, like bull-riding programs on television paint the art form to be. It’s a performance art that poor men and women, often in countries like Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Peru, and France, use to amass quick fame and fortune. The constant, looming threat of being impaled scares the participants, but they grow addicted to the thrill and rush of the universal adoration and excitement that comes from taunting and then evading the bull. For as many successful guys that there are, scores of YouTube videos can be found of toreros being impaled for refraining to get out of the way in time. They got greedy and they paid for it; sometimes with their lives.

Drake is, perhaps, the world’s biggest bullfighter. And he’s taunting a huge one, G.O.O.D. Music itself. His teensy-weensy shots are his red cape that he’s dangling in front of the bull, waiting for them to run at him so he can pull a vanishing act. You see, his last wrangle with Meek Mill ended up with him dodging the bullet, multiple times. Each diss saw Meek crash into a wall, only elevating Drizzy to another, intense level of rap fandom. So, he got careless and went after Pusha T— subsequently getting stung, hard. But he got lucky; it was only a flesh wound, and he managed to recover from it. Now that he’s healed, he thinks that he’s invincible, so what does he do? Goes right back in. Awaiting the charge.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand why this is dumb. Considering that J. Prince already forbade him from releasing a diss track (considering that there was ever even one if the first place), what would Drake do if the camp were to respond? Pusha T insinuated that he was ready for whatever comes his way and, if his journalistic skills continue to put the investigative work done by The Boston Globe‘s Spotlight Team to shame, he’s not bluffing. Kanye could even step in and attack his character on social media, a la Wiz. God forbid that Teyana Taylor sings a diss or Cyhi The Prynce goes long on Drake’s lack of social or political commentary in his career, something that Pusha himself touched on in recent interviews. Who’s really going to suffer from Drake’s disses? Pusha’s career or Drake’s ego?

On some level, Drake understands the risks he’s taking, so the effortless charm that he exudes on his albums isn’t the same shtick we get on his “Behind Barz” freestyle. Drake raps in hushed tones and somewhat nervously. He knows he shouldn’t be antagonizing the bull again. But it’s fun, and he’s got time today, so why not. And, like the crowds at bullfighting arenas, we aren’t going to hide behind our hands and watch through the cracks in our fingers when he gets impaled — we’re going to be hysterical because, on many levels, he will deserve it.


More by Trey Alston:

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

Trending

Walmart has the home essentials for everyone on your holiday shopping list

Below, our gift guide highlights some of our favorite Walmart finds for anyone in need of a home refresh.

  /  11.24.2023

Walmart's HBCU Black and Unlimited Tour kicks off at Central State University

On Oct. 10, Walmart unveiled a brand new, state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University.

  /  11.14.2023

The Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour visited Mississippi Valley State University

The Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour made its final stop at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) and left a lasting impact on students and alumni alike.

  /  11.22.2023

5 things you need to know about the 2023 Billboard Music Awards

“REVOLT Black News” correspondent Kennedy Rue counts down the top five moments from the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, including surprising wins, historic firsts, and dope performances. Sponsored by Amazon.

  /  11.20.2023

Walmart's HBCU Black and Unlimited Tour kicked off at Central State University

In October, Walmart unveiled a brand new, state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University. The HBCU located in Wilberforce, OH was the first stop on Walmart’s Black and Unlimited HBCU Tour.

  /  11.28.2023

Walmart continues HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour during lively Virginia State University stop

After unveiling their state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University, Walmart brought the HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour to Virginia State University (VSU) on Oct. 13.

  /  11.14.2023

Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour brings attention and wisdom to North Carolina Central University

On Oct. 17, Walmart brought the third stop of the HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour to North Carolina Central University (NCCU).

  /  11.15.2023

Groovey Lew on hip hop style, Johnell Young's industry secrets, BGS salon's wig mastery and more | 'Black Girl Stuff'

Fashion King Groovey Lew on masterminding hip-hop’s most iconic looks. Actor Johnell Young reveals the secret to breaking into the entertainment industry. Celebrity hairstylist Dontay Savoy and got2B ambassador Tokyo Stylez are in the BGS Salon with the perfect wig install. Plus, comedian Lauren Knight performs.

  /  11.15.2023

Pheelz talks expressing himself through music & his biggest inspirations | 'On In 5'

On this all-new episode of “On In 5,” multitalented Nigerian artist Pheelz opens up about waiting for his opportunity to fully express himself through music, his inspirations and emotions, and the musical icons he grew up admiring. Watch!

  /  07.11.2023

Kareem Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke & networking | 'The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels'

On this all-new episode of “The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels,” the host and REVOLT CEO sits down with Kareem Cook. Throughout the introspective episode, Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke and being nervous to be in the South at the time, network vs. education, taking advantage of your opportunities, and connecting with Debbie Allen. Watch!

  /  07.10.2023

Tiffany Haddish on therapy, wild fan interactions & the upcoming 'Haunted Mansion' movie | 'The Jason Lee Show'

On this all-new episode of “The Jason Lee Show,” the one and only Tiffany Haddish sits for a must-watch conversation about wild interactions with fans, her new movie ‘Haunted Mansion,’ bringing her therapist on dates, and being present. Watch the hilarious interview here.

  /  07.12.2023

BNXN talks leaving IT for music, linking with Wizkid, going viral & new album | 'On In 5'

For this all-new episode of “On In 5,” singer-songwriter BNXN discusses his journey from IT to music, finding his voice and originality, linking up with Wizkid for their hits “Mood” and “Many Ways,” and what fans can expect from him this year — including a new album. Watch the full episode here!

  /  08.08.2023

From city lots to lush gardens: The power of urban farming with Karen Washington

This is the inspiring story of Karen Washington, a pioneering urban farmer who has been revolutionizing urban spaces by transforming them into vibrant community gardens and educational hubs. Sponsored by State Farm.

  /  11.17.2023

Investing in stocks in a recession | 'Maconomics'

Host Ross Mac provides useful advice for preparing your personal finances in the event of a recession. He emphasizes the importance of budgeting properly, building an emergency fund, and maintaining discipline when investing.

  /  11.21.2023

Best chef's kiss | 'Bet on Black'

“Bet on Black” is back with an all-new season! Watch as judges Pinky Cole, Bun B, Van Lathan, and Target’s Melanie Gatewood-Hall meet new contestants and hear pitches from entrepreneurs Saucy D and Chef Diva Dawg.

  /  10.24.2023

Good taste test | 'Bet on Black'

With the help of host Dustin Ross and correspondent Danielle Young, entrepreneurs Diva Dawg, Brooklyn Tea, and The Sable Collective pitch their ideas to the judges. Watch the all-new episode of “Bet on Black” now!

  /  10.31.2023

Lauren London sparks conversation on how Black parents unintentionally give kids negative outlook on money

At the live taping of “Assets Over Liabilities” at REVOLT WORLD, Lauren London opened up about how witnessing the financial decisions adults made during her childhood fueled her outlook on money. 

  /  10.26.2023

Dig In & Drink Up | 'Bet on Black'

In this new episode of ‘Bet on Black,’ food and beverage take center stage as aspiring Black entrepreneurs from It’s Seasoned, Black Farmer Box, and Moors Brewing Co. present their business ideas to judges with mentorship from Melissa Butler. Watch here!

  /  11.15.2023

Madam DA Fani Willis proclaims, “A lie has been told on African American men”

“Every time I’m in trouble, it’s been Black men that have come to my aid,” Madam DA Fani Willis said at REVOLT WORLD while speaking on the stereotype that they are not dependable or worth dating.

  /  10.11.2023

Black media leaders stress the space's importance because we're always antagonists in mainstream's storytelling

“I definitely feel those ‘heavier is the crown’ moments. But I also believe that Black entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to be successful in the future,” Detavio Samuels said at AfroTech.

  /  11.03.2023
View More
Revolt - New Episodes