The Kendrick Lamar v Drake feud: is it the most heated in recent music history?
Apparently, you can. Musical feuds have a long history, sparking interest even among those not invested in the artists involved.
From rap queens clashing to legendary groups disbanding over business disputes, and even simple call-outs for attention, Spin Genie has analysed search trends to identify the 10 most searched—and thus, most heated—musical feuds.
Where does Kendrick and Drake place on this list after their recent, explosive jabs at one another, culminating in Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance, which some interpreted as a victory lap? Read on to find out where they place and how many searches took place.
The science part
To find the biggest rap beefs, Spin Genie counted how many times people searched for them online. They selected well-known feuds, tracked their respective search numbers, and ranked them accordingly
5. Drake v Meek Mill - 30,870
Ghost-writing accusations and fiery diss tracks: Meek Mill's claims sparked a response from Drake that had the internet buzzing. Originating in 2015, this beef was largely based on twitter accusations, and perceived disrespect. The two rappers have since publicly reconciled. | Getty Images
6. 50 Cent v Ja Rule - 53,140
Early 2000s street wars: 50 Cent's relentless attacks on Ja Rule and Murder Inc. shaped the era's sound. This beef, rooted in street altercations and industry competition, raged from 1999 to the mid 2000's. A beef that spilled beyond the music, it has not been officially resolved. | Getty Images
7. Eminem v Machine Gun Kelly - 112,560
Rap God vs. Rising Star: Eminem's scathing Killshot aimed to silence MGK, but the younger rapper's Rap Devil fired back, making this a modern classic. This 2018 feud, sparked by a tweet from MGK about Eminem's daughter, was a battle for respect in the rap world. The beef has since cooled, but not officially ended. | Getty Images
8. Nicki Minaj v Cardi B - 200,200
Queens of rap, queens of conflict: Social media, music videos, and even a shoe-throwing incident fuelled this ongoing rivalry. This beef, driven by competition and accusations of disrespect, began in 2017 and peaked at a 2018 fashion week event. Still throwing subliminal shots, the beef remains active. | Getty Images