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- Kendrick Lamar was underestimated at the start of 2024, but he proved his dominance with a strategic, calculated comeback.
- He made every word count, choosing quality over quantity, which made his diss tracks and music feel like monumental events.
- His unpredictable moves—dropping surprise music, disappearing when least expected, and announcing a stadium tour—kept fans and the industry on edge.
Kendrick Lamar's Unstoppable Year: 2024 Was Just the Beginning
At the start of 2024, hip-hop felt like it was on life support. Country music had taken over the charts, with Morgan Wallen leading the charge. Drake was busy dropping dance albums. J. Cole was teasing The Fall Off for what felt like an eternity. And Kendrick Lamar? Nowhere to be found.
Had he retired? Lost his hunger? Faded into hip-hop history? That’s what people started to believe. Then, out of nowhere, Kendrick emerged—and he didn’t just return, he took over. Every single season of 2024 was his.
By the end of the year, he wasn’t just on top of the game—he had reshaped it. Diss tracks turned into viral anthems, surprise drops turned into culture-defining moments, and when it was all said and done, he closed the year with a historic announcement: Kendrick Lamar was headlining the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
For the first time ever, a solo hip-hop artist would take center stage at the world’s biggest event. And just like everything else Kendrick did in 2024, it would be legendary.
The Underdog Mentality: Kendrick Was Underestimated
When Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers dropped in 2022, it was not the blockbuster return many fans expected. It was introspective, almost like a therapy session, rather than a competitive statement in the rap game. The album made it seem like Kendrick had moved on from trying to be "the best rapper alive"—and for a while, the world believed that.
Drake and J. Cole were seen as the new undisputed kings, with Kendrick’s name starting to fade from the conversation. Fans of the genre—hell, even some of his own fans—began doubting him.
Then, “Like That” happened.
The Metro Boomin-produced track saw Kendrick call out Drake and J. Cole directly, shaking the entire genre in a way no one had expected. His line, “Forget the Big Three, it’s just Big Me,” was a declaration—he wasn’t just back, he was here to dominate.
It wasn’t just a diss. It was a reminder that when Kendrick wants to engage, there’s no one on his level. The energy in hip-hop immediately shifted. Fans, artists, and media scrambled to respond. For the first time in years, rap felt exciting again.
Drake responded. Big mistake.
Making Every Word Count
Kendrick’s genius isn’t just in his lyrics—it’s in his timing.
In an era where artists flood the internet with constant content—tweets, Instagram lives, impulsive diss tracks—Kendrick took the exact opposite approach.
He let people forget about him.
For two weeks after “Like That,” he was silent. Drake taunted him, daring him to respond. Fans debated whether Kendrick had anything left in the tank. Then, the floodgates opened.
From early May onward, it was a relentless storm of music.
- Kendrick dropped.
- Drake responded.
- Kendrick dropped again.
- Then again.
- And again.
Each track was calculated, and every word mattered. Nothing felt rushed or reactionary. It wasn’t just about quantity—it was about quality and impact.
By the time he dropped “Not Like Us”, it was over.
That song wasn’t just a diss track—it was an anthem. It dominated the streets, the clubs, social media, and even mainstream radio. It was the moment that sealed the deal: Kendrick Lamar wasn’t just winning—he had completely outclassed Drake.
Even as a Drake fan, it was painful to watch. Every Kendrick track hit like a knockout punch. Every line felt legendary. Meanwhile, Drake’s responses started to feel weaker and weaker.
Unpredictable Moves That Kept Everyone Guessing
While most rappers follow the traditional album rollout strategy—teasers, singles, a months-long campaign—Kendrick ignored all the rules.
- He dropped music out of nowhere.
- He performed "Not Like Us" five times in a row at concerts.
- He disappeared for months at a time.
- And then, in November, he surprised the world with an entire album—announced just 10 minutes before it dropped.
Nobody saw it coming. Not his label, not the industry, not even his most dedicated fans.
The album was everything fans had been waiting for. Hype tracks. Thoughtful storytelling. Unbelievable collaborations. It was the perfect way to close out the year.
Then, before fans could even recover, he announced a stadium tour and a Super Bowl performance in 2025.
Kendrick wasn’t just playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers—he was playing a completely different game.
The End of 2024: Kendrick on Top Again
This wasn’t just a good year for Kendrick. It was one of the greatest comeback years in hip-hop history.
- He silenced the doubters.
- He crafted every moment with precision.
- He played the long game while everyone else reacted.
Kendrick didn’t just win the Drake battle—he changed the landscape of hip-hop in 2024.
The energy he brought revitalized the genre. Suddenly, people cared again. The stakes felt real again.
Now, the real question is: What’s next?
If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that trying to predict Kendrick Lamar is pointless. He moves when he wants to, how he wants to.
And when he does?
The entire world stops to listen.
Stay locked in for more of hip-hop’s biggest moments, only on Woke Waves Magazine. 🎤🔥
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