Terrence “Punch” Henderson, president of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), recently opened up about the making of Kendrick Lamar’s “Euphoria” in a candid conversation with Curtiss King, shedding light on the track’s surgical edits and the deeper layers fueling Kendrick’s long-standing feud with Drake.
Kendrick’s “Euphoria” Response Was More Intense Than Fans Realized
Punch confirmed that Kendrick’s initial response to Drake’s “Push Ups” was much more extensive, with additional lines that would have had a greater impact on the feud. Reflecting on the track’s editing process, Punch revealed that the final version only included a small portion of what was originally recorded.
“I can’t speak to the exact length, but it’s clear that what the audience received was just a fraction of the original piece. A lot of content was left on the cutting room floor,” Punch explained.
Punch’s role in the editing process was crucial, as he carefully assessed the potential long-term effects of the song’s content. After providing his perspective, Kendrick agreed to remove certain lines that Punch believed might not serve him well in the future.
Punch Critiques Drake’s Missteps in the Feud
During the interview, Punch also critiqued Drake’s approach to the feud, highlighting what he saw as missteps that ultimately hurt his position in the rivalry. Reflecting on Drake’s “Push Ups”, Punch stated:
“My first reaction was that it just didn’t hit the mark. It was clever, but it lacked the depth needed to make a real impact. It simply wasn’t enough.”
Punch went on to discuss Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle”, labeling it as a “pivotal error” and suggesting that it mocked the West Coast, which could have potentially united the region. He also criticized “Family Matters”, expressing that it lacked substance and left fans with unmet expectations.
Kendrick’s Strategic Approach to the Feud
When discussing Kendrick’s role in the ongoing lyrical exchanges, Punch emphasized the strategic nature of Kendrick’s references and Easter eggs, noting that many lines were carefully crafted with intention.
“It was meticulously planned. While not every line was a calculated move, the majority were crafted with intention and purpose,” Punch concluded.
Despite the intensity of the feud, Punch reminded listeners that hip-hop is all in good fun, and the energy between the artists was something they had been building up for quite some time.
