It’s another week of KT & Friends, where we review films referenced in the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef.
This week we Pop Out with Andre (Dregeaux) to review the 1989 film, Pet Sematary.
Enjoy A-side: The Pop Out (chat about the rap beef).
B-side: Pet Sematary (film review) will be dropping later this week.
Previous KT & Friends (Pop Out) episodes include
– Juice with Oti
– The Wiz with Jordan & Cameron (White People Won’t Save You)
– The Boogey Man with Brent (Home Video Hustle)
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Welcome, dear readers, to this edition of our blog, where we merge the worlds of hip hop and horror films. Today, we’re taking you through a riveting conversation featuring Katie (“KT”) and her friend Andre, who dissect the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef within the context of their podcast “Katie and Friends.” As we prepare to pivot to the Stephen King classic, Pet Sematary, let’s first delve into the beef that’s been shaking the rap world.
Introduction and Overview
Katie kicks things off by welcoming listeners to another episode of her podcast, marking the show’s exploration of films referenced in the ongoing rap beef. She expresses gratitude to Andre for his choice in reviewing Pet Sematary, setting the stage for a thrilling discussion.
Meet Andre: The Jack of All Trades
Andre introduces himself as a jack-of-all-trades fan, expressing his love for music, movies, and video games. His broad interests set the tone for an eclectic discussion that’s about to unfold.
Assassin’s Creed and Historical Representation
When KT shifts the topic to the representation of Yasuke in the new Assassin’s Creed game, Andre dives into a passionate defense, arguing against naysayers who claim his inclusion in the game is ahistorical.
Rap Beef: Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake
KT steers the conversation toward the much-anticipated topic of the rap beef, asking Andre for his insights. He provides a detailed analysis of the beef’s evolution before delving into Kendrick Lamar’s role. The conversation intensifies as they discuss rap beefs of the past and the cultural significance of these lyrical battles.
Andre’s Journey with Hip Hop
Andre reflects on his personal journey with hip hop, tracing his love for the genre back to his childhood in the ’90s. He shares anecdotes about his dad’s collection of seminal hip hop albums and how mainstream and underground rap have influenced him over the years.
Drake’s Versatility and Criticism
KT and Andre discuss Drake’s multifaceted career, examining his ability to adopt various musical styles. While acknowledging Drake’s impact, they critique his tendency to borrow heavily from other cultures and artists, comparing his adaptability to that of a skilled actor.
Cultural Appropriation and Respect in Hip Hop
They touch on the sensitive issue of cultural appropriation in hip hop, with Andre lamenting the disrespect shown by some new artists toward the genre’s pioneers. They discuss the mass mainstream appeal hip hop has garnered over the years, often at the expense of its roots and original integrity.
The N-Word Debate and Cultural Sensitivity
The conversation becomes personal and candid as KT and Andre discuss the usage of the N-word within different communities. Andre, who is of mixed heritage, offers a unique perspective on the subject, emphasizing the importance of respecting cultural boundaries.
J. Cole and the Importance of Knowledge
KT questions J. Cole’s stance on reading books and acquiring knowledge, expressing disappointment over his dismissive attitude towards reading. They contemplate the importance of continuous learning and staying informed, especially for artists who wield significant cultural influence.
Drake vs. Kendrick: The Beef Breakdown
Returning to the beef, Andre concludes that Kendrick Lamar has consistently been ready for the battle, contrasting his preparedness with Drake’s miscalculation. Andre and KT analyze Drake’s strategic mistakes and Kendrick’s triumphs, emphasizing how Kendrick’s actions and lyrical prowess have given him an edge.
Drake’s Missteps and Kendrick’s Mastery
KT and Andre break down individual tracks, discussing the release of “Euphoria” and “Not Like Us.” They highlight Kendrick’s ability to merge personal authenticity with lyrical excellence, contrasting this with Drake’s perceived superficiality.
Not Like Us: The Victory Anthem
They reflect on the undeniable success of “Not Like Us,” Kendrick’s climatic track that further solidifies his victory in this lyrical feud. This track, along with its music video, is seen as the final nail in the coffin for Drake’s attempts.
Conclusion and Pet Sematary Tease
Finally, they tease the upcoming discussion on Pet Sematary, promising an equally engaging conversation on the B side of the podcast.
In wrapping up their in-depth analysis of the Kendrick vs. Drake beef, KT and Andre invite listeners to join the B side to explore Stephen King’s horror masterpiece.
Stay tuned for more multifaceted discussions where hip hop intersects with other cultural phenomena. Whether you’re here for the rap analysis or eager to dive into movie reviews, “Katie and Friends” promises to deliver compelling content that keeps you coming back for more. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and until next time, stay curious and stay enlightened!