Conflicts in the rap industry often attract attention, but sometimes the reasons behind them are deeper than diss tracks or public spats. Recently, Ferg opened up about why he believes A$AP Rocky and Kendrick Lamar’s ongoing issues with Drake come down to growth, evolution, and the natural desire to stand on their own as hip-hop superstars.
For context, Rocky and Kendrick were once supporting acts on Drake’s 2012 Club Paradise Tour, following the release of his hit album Take Care. Since then, the dynamics between them have changed, with public diss tracks and tensions surfacing over the years. Ferg’s insights provide an inside look at why relationships in rap evolve as artists become stars in their own right.
Let's explore Ferg’s perspective on these conflicts, how growth in the music industry can impact friendships, and why the personal and professional evolution of artists like Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, and Drake often leads to shifting alliances in hip-hop. This story sheds light on the realities of life at the top of the rap game.
A$AP Ferg breaks down Rocky and Kendrick’s issues with Drake
During a recent episode of The Bootleg Kev Podcast, Ferg reflected on the history between Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and A$AP Rocky. Around the 9:40 mark, Bootleg Kev noted, “everyone who was on that [Club Paradise Tour] together is now at odds with each other.” Ferg explained that this shift is a natural part of growing in the rap industry.
"I feel like that's kind of natural though because even when you think about the family dynamic and like little brother-big brother things, you know, a lot of the times a little brother want to grow up and prove himself and don't want to be under the wing of the big brother," Ferg said. He added that growth in hip-hop often means evolving beyond the relationships formed early in one’s career. "So that happens a lot, like, people grow into individuals and a lot of the times where we start is not who we really are. We still growing into the person we are, right?"
Ferg also noted how much all three artists have developed since opening for Drake. "We were still learning ourselves during that time. So when you grow, you can't expect the relationship to be the same," he concluded.
Over the years, Kendrick Lamar has become one of the most decorated rappers in history with 22 Grammys, while A$AP Rocky has expanded his career into design and acting. Meanwhile, past conflicts have manifested in diss tracks, including Kendrick and Drake exchanging songs last year and Rocky calling out Drake on Metro Boomin-produced "Feel The Fiyaaaah."
Drake has responded to these conflicts, specifically taking issue with Kendrick’s hit "Not Like Us" and even filing a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over lyrics alleging pedophilia. Ferg’s perspective reminds fans that growth, independence, and evolution often play a bigger role in hip-hop conflicts than the public sees.