Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR have joined forces once again, officially releasing their highly anticipated joint album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, on February 14, 2025. The 21-track project blends sensual R&B melodies with hard-hitting rap bars, but beyond the vibes, Drake uses the album as a platform to subtly revive old tensions—particularly with Kendrick Lamar and Joe Budden.
Drake Hints at Kendrick Lamar Feud Without Saying His Name
While Kendrick’s name isn’t explicitly mentioned, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U contains veiled shots at the Compton rapper, hinting at the bitter lyrical war that unfolded in 2024. Their feud, which pulled in heavyweights like Rick Ross, Metro Boomin, and The Weeknd, saw Drake and Kendrick trade jabs over multiple diss tracks. Now, on Gimme a Hug, a track that leaked months ago, Drake appears to address his rivals head-on.
Kicking off the song with a confident, self-reflective verse, he raps:
“Drake elimination, fake intimidation / Take a minute, take a deep breath, have a little bit of patience / ‘Drizzy, you amazing, you the inspiration / You set the bar for the next generation / You Neo in The Matrix, these n-ggas just Nemo in the ocean / Small fish, making kids feel emotion / Using you for promotion,’ truer words have never been spoken.”
Drake’s bars suggest that many of his critics are merely using his name for clout—an argument he’s made throughout his career. He continues with a stark reflection on his mortality and industry enemies:
“N-ggas want to see ‘RIP me’ on a t-shirt like I’m Hulk Hogan / I appreciate the fans rocking with me, this is really just a small token / Really fucking with a visionary / Only reason I ain’t got a girl and I ain’t getting marriеd / ‘Cause I’m really out herе, filling up the itinerary ’til I’m six feet in a cemetery.”
His next verse intensifies the attack, with a possible dig at Kendrick’s lyrical approach:
“Bulletproof doors so heavy, got me rolling ’round like a dignitary / Funny how it’s only bitch n-ggas that are waiting on The Boy’s obituary / ‘Cause if I die, it’s these n-ggas that become the sole beneficiary / And what the fuck are they gon’ do with it? / Have the girls up at 29 on stage twerking with a dictionary?”
Fans believe this last line is a direct jab at Kendrick, referencing the dictionary screenshot featured on the cover of Euphoria, one of Kendrick’s most scathing diss tracks from their battle.
Drake Swerves from Rap Beef to Party Vibes
Despite the tension-laden verses, Gimme a Hug undergoes an upbeat beat switch, where Drake dismisses feuds in favor of turning up:
“They be dropping shit, but we be dropping harder shit / Fuck a rap beef, I’m tryna get the party lit / Tryna get the party lit for the bitches / Them Nike tights is hugging on that ass like they missed it.”
The track, built around a second beat switch sampling Aaron Hall’s 1993 R&B classic I Miss You, then shifts to a more subtle shot at Joe Budden.
Drake Fires at Joe Budden with a Clever Wordplay
Budden, a longtime Drake critic, finds himself in the crosshairs yet again. Drizzy raps:
“Broski just hit me, said, ‘Put all the beef on the side,’ I can’t / Mm-hmm, I’m heated now, yeah / N-ggas want meet up, talk about shit, I’m vegan now / Evil eyes were staring at me and I see it now.”
The “vegan” line could hint at a refusal to entertain beefs, while the “evil eyes” reference suggests he recognizes betrayal from former supporters.
A Calculated Release Amid Legal Drama
Arriving on Valentine’s Day, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U stretches across 21 tracks and features guest appearances from Yebba, Chino Pacas, and Houston newcomer Pim. The album’s release strategy is also intriguing—it surfaces via Universal Music Group in collaboration with OVO Sound, Republic, and Santa Anna. This move comes as Drake remains embroiled in a legal dispute with Universal, adding another layer of complexity to the project’s rollout.
Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR’s History & What’s Next
$ome $exy $ongs 4 U marks the first full-length collaboration between Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR, a pairing that previously delivered fan-favorites like Recognize, Over Here, and Come and See Me. Their chemistry is evident throughout the project, with Party’s signature melodies balancing Drake’s introspective verses.
Following last year’s bruising rap clash with Kendrick—a battle many judged in Lamar’s favor—this album serves as both a return to form and a statement of resilience for Drake.
As fans dissect every lyric and speculate on the fallout, one thing is clear: $ome $exy $ongs 4 U isn’t just an R&B-inspired collab—it’s another strategic move in Drake’s ongoing chess game with the rap industry.
Stream the Album & Join the Conversation
$ome $exy $ongs 4 U is now available on all major streaming platforms. Which tracks are your favorites? Do you think Drake’s subliminals will reignite old feuds? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
