The Gloves Are Off: Decoding Drake’s “Push Ups” and Its Targets

Drake’s diss track, “Push Ups,” arrived like a sonic grenade lobbed directly into the heart of the hip-hop landscape. The central, undeniable target of “Push Ups” is Kendrick Lamar. However, the song’s shrapnel also hits at Future, Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, Rick Ross, and industry figures perceived as siding against Drake in the escalating feud. It’s a complex web of disses, layered with personal jabs and industry commentary.

Who is Kendrick Lamar in This Beef? The Primary Target

Let’s be crystal clear: Kendrick Lamar is the bullseye on Drake’s dartboard in “Push Ups.” The entire track is a direct response to Kendrick’s verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That,” where Kendrick takes pointed shots at both Drake and J. Cole, effectively shattering the perceived “Big 3” camaraderie. Drake doesn’t mince words, attacking Kendrick’s height (“You are not a hater / You just tall enough to see me”), his record label (Top Dawg Entertainment), and even his perceived authenticity. He questions Kendrick’s street credibility and his ability to sell records, making this much more than a simple lyrical spar. He also mocks Kendrick’s “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” album.

Beyond Kendrick: A Wider Net of Diss

While Kendrick is the main course, Drake serves up a side dish of disses aimed at other figures he deems complicit or opportunistic in the evolving drama.

Future and Metro Boomin: Collateral Damage?

Future and Metro Boomin, while not explicitly targeted for their own actions, get caught in the crossfire due to the inclusion of Kendrick’s verse on their track “Like That.” Drake essentially holds them accountable for providing Kendrick with the platform to launch his initial attack. The line “Metro, shut your ho up and make some drums” is a particularly stinging rebuke, targeting Metro Boomin’s production prowess and perceived control over his collaborators.

The Weeknd: A Subtle Jab at Loyalty?

The mention of The Weeknd is more subtle but carries significant weight due to their shared Toronto roots and previous collaborations. The lyric “Claim the 6ix and you boys ain’t even from it” seems to question The Weeknd’s allegiance, suggesting that he’s siding with Kendrick despite his ties to Drake and Toronto. This feels like a personal betrayal, amplified by their history.

Rick Ross: From Ally to Adversary

Rick Ross is perhaps the most surprising target. Previously considered an ally, with numerous collaborations under their belt, Drake directly addresses Ross and accuses him of clout-chasing and superficiality. The reason could be that Ross released a diss track aimed at Drake the day after “Push Ups” called “Champagne Moments” and questioned Drake’s heritage and cosmetic surgeries. Drake’s attack feels personal and tinged with disappointment.

Decoding the Lyrics: Key Diss Lines and Their Meanings

To fully understand the breadth of the diss, let’s break down some of the most impactful lines:

• “You are not a hater / You just tall enough to see me”: A blatant jab at Kendrick’s height, intended to belittle and diminish him.
• “Metro, shut your ho up and make some drums”: Dismisses Metro Boomin’s influence and implies he should focus on production rather than fueling the beef.
• “Claim the 6ix and you boys ain’t even from it”: Questions The Weeknd’s loyalty and Toronto credentials.
• “I’m anti-social, unlike y’all clout demons”: Accuses his targets, including Rick Ross, of chasing fame and attention through the beef.
• “Pipsqueak, pipe down / You ain’t in no big three, SZA got you wiped down”: Denies Kendrick a spot in the “Big 3” and highlights SZA’s commercial success over Kendrick’s most recent album.

The Aftermath: Where Does the Beef Go From Here?

The release of “Push Ups” ignited a firestorm of responses, counter-disses, and social media commentary. The hip-hop world held its breath as the back-and-forth escalated. While the immediate furor may have subsided, the underlying tensions remain. The long-term impact on the relationships between these artists and the landscape of hip-hop rivalries is yet to be seen. This beef served as a reminder of the competitive spirit that still drives the genre, and the power of diss tracks to capture attention and shape narratives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did Drake release “Push Ups”?

Drake released “Push Ups” as a direct response to Kendrick Lamar’s diss verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s song “Like That.” He felt directly challenged and sought to defend his position in the hip-hop hierarchy.

2. Is “Push Ups” a good diss track?

Whether “Push Ups” is considered “good” is subjective, but it undeniably sparked a massive reaction. It’s packed with pointed disses, catchy lines, and a clear intent to provoke a response, all hallmarks of an effective diss track.

3. Did Kendrick Lamar respond to “Push Ups”?

Yes, Kendrick Lamar responded with multiple diss tracks including “Euphoria,” “6:16 in LA,” and “Meet the Grahams,” further escalating the feud.

4. Why is the beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar so significant?

The beef is significant because Drake and Kendrick Lamar are two of the most successful and influential rappers of their generation. Their clash represents a battle for dominance and a challenge to the established order in hip-hop.

5. What is the “Big 3” that Drake refers to?

The “Big 3” is a term used to describe the perceived top three rappers in the game, often including Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole. Kendrick’s initial diss on “Like That” aimed to dismantle this notion.

6. What is the significance of Drake mentioning SZA in “Push Ups”?

Drake’s mention of SZA highlights her commercial success and subtly undermines Kendrick Lamar’s recent album sales, suggesting he’s losing relevance in the mainstream.

7. Why did Drake target Future and Metro Boomin in “Push Ups”?

Drake targeted Future and Metro Boomin because they provided the platform for Kendrick Lamar to launch his initial diss on their song “Like That.”

8. What does Drake mean by “the 6ix” in “Push Ups”?

“The 6ix” is a reference to Toronto, Drake’s hometown. He uses it to question The Weeknd’s loyalty to Toronto and suggest he’s siding with outsiders.

9. Is the beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar real, or is it just for publicity?

While the promotional aspect of hip-hop beefs can’t be ignored, the animosity between Drake and Kendrick Lamar appears genuine, stemming from years of perceived competition and simmering tensions.

10. What are some other notable diss tracks in hip-hop history?

Some other notable diss tracks include: “No Vaseline” by Ice Cube, “Hit ‘Em Up” by 2Pac, “Ether” by Nas, “The Bridge Is Over” by Boogie Down Productions, and “Real Muthaphuckkin G’s” by Eazy-E.

11. What is the current status of the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef?

The beef has seemingly cooled down, at least for now. Both artists have released multiple diss tracks, and the initial intensity has subsided. However, the underlying tensions likely remain. Only time will tell if the beef will reignite.

12. Where can I listen to “Push Ups” and the response tracks?

“Push Ups” and the subsequent response tracks can be found on all major music streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and others.