LeBron James sided with Kendrick Lamar during the historical rap beef
Drake has dropped a fiery diss track, Fighting Irish Freestyle, sparking speculation among fans that it takes aim at NBA legend LeBron James. The release follows a summer marked by tension between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, with LeBron seemingly caught in the crossfire.
Though Drake has previously referred to LeBron as his “brother” and even has a tattoo dedicated to the four-time NBA champion, their relationship appeared strained this summer. LeBron attended a Lamar concert and was seen enthusiastically rapping along to Not Like Us, a diss track with big accusations.
The Fighting Irish Freestyle, which surfaced on social media Friday, has left listeners convinced that Drake is responding directly to LeBron’s apparent shift in allegiance. Fans are dissecting every lyric, searching for subtle—and not-so-subtle—references to the basketball icon.
What did Drake say
In Fighting Irish Freestyle, Drake delivers scathing bars that many believe are aimed at former allies LeBron James and DeMar DeRozan, referencing their attendance at Kendrick Lamar’s show earlier this summer.
“The world fell in love with the gimmicks, even my brothers got tickets; Seemed like they loved every minute; Just know this s*** is personal to us, and it wasn’t just business,” Drake raps, appearing to address the perceived betrayal by James and DeRozan.
Continuing with the tension, he adds, “I guess now you boys got to abandon your summer tradition. Cold shoulders I gave in the Hamptons, it come with the distance; Figured we was always gon’ be close, like ovens and kitchens.“
Drake and James share a history that dates back to James’ first tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers. During those years, James often visited Toronto, further cementing their bond. However, these latest lyrics suggest a significant rift, with fans wondering if the friendship can be repaired.
