In the world of rap and hip-hop, loyalty can sometimes turn into a test, especially when two of the genre’s biggest names are at odds. SZA found herself right in the middle of that storm after performing her hit with Drake, “Rich Baby Daddy,” during Kendrick Lamar’s Grand National Tour.
The performance raised eyebrows among fans who questioned whether she was choosing sides in the ongoing feud between the two rap giants.
For those who follow both artists closely, the tension between Kendrick and Drake is no secret. Their viral beef has dominated headlines and shifted conversations across the music world.
SZA fires back at critics for performing her Drake collaboration
And while most fans were picking sides, SZA found herself connected to both, working with Kendrick through her long-standing TDE roots and collaborating with Drake on one of the biggest tracks from his For All the Dogs album.
Despite the online chatter and criticism, SZA made it clear she wasn’t here for the drama. In a new interview with GQ published on November 6, she confidently defended her choice to keep the song in her setlist, reminding everyone that her artistry stands on its own.
SZA didn’t hold back when addressing why she performed “Rich Baby Daddy” during Kendrick Lamar’s tour. “Why wouldn’t I? ‘Poetic Justice’ was in the set list, so why wouldn’t I keep ‘Rich Baby Daddy’?” she asked. “I don’t know why I wouldn’t be celebrating some sh*t that I ate up.”
Her response shows exactly why fans love her: honest, bold, and true to herself. The singer made it clear that her creative decisions are based on her art, not internet opinions or rap politics.
Beyond defending her performance, SZA also opened up about how she handled the feud between the two rap icons. Rather than taking sides, she chose peace and professionalism. “It was something between two grown-ass men, so why would I insert myself between something between two grown-ass men, you know?” she explained.
SZA added that she has genuine love and respect for both artists. “Obviously, I love Kendrick. I’m signed to TDE. That’s my family. Obviously, I’ve known Drake for so long, and we have a beautiful rapport. And, obviously, it’s always unfortunate when the unfortunate occurs.”
Her calm and balanced approach shows her maturity and deep understanding of the rap and hip-hop world. She’s focused on her craft, her fans, and her growth, not the noise.
SZA’s response is a reminder that in today’s rap and hip-hop culture, staying true to yourself matters more than picking sides. She continues to prove that authenticity and artistry can rise above drama, even in a world that thrives on it.