Hip-hop fans are once again expressing frustration over how certain media outlets judge the genre. This time, however, there seems to be a strong group of dedicated supporters for a particular Canadian star who aren’t voicing complaints. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar's fans are upset because Billboard did not name his diss track "Not Like Us" as the "song of the summer" for 2024. Instead, the title went to "I Had Some Help" by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen. Billboard has a specific method for determining these rankings, explaining that their list of the top summer songs is based on the most popular tracks as measured by streaming, airplay, and sales from Memorial Day to Labor Day, covering charts dated from June 8 to September 7. The early May release of Kendrick's track likely affected its performance. However, in the broader context of hip-hop, music, and pop culture, it's hard to ignore the major impact of the summer-long Kendrick and Drake rivalry. Although we may be overlooking contributions from artists like Sabrina Carpenter, the clash between Kendrick and Drake clearly shaped the season. As we witness further developments, including new music from the Toronto rapper and hints about a possible "Game 2," there's an air of uncertainty about what Kendrick will do next. Could the track that missed out on the summer title eventually become the song of the year if this feud continues? Regardless, it seems odd that people place so much importance on Billboard's assessment of Kendrick's work. Even as summer ends, this ongoing battle shows no signs of slowing down.
Some discussions are more reflective, like Adam22 suggesting that the Compton artist should show more support for his peers. Yet, as we anticipate how this saga will unfold, all we can do is eagerly wait. Keep it locked to 103.5 The Beat for more!