Drake’s ‘Fighting Irish’ Sparks Controversy with Kendrick Lamar Feud

Drake’s latest freestyle, “Fighting Irish,” has been at the center of recent controversies, both musically and legally. Released on January 3, 2025, through producer Conductor Williams’ YouTube channel, the track was swiftly removed, allegedly due to actions by Universal Music Group (UMG).

Drake Addresses Kendrick Lamar Feud in “Fighting Irish”

In “Fighting Irish,” Drake addresses his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar, a rivalry that reignited in March 2024. The track includes lines that critique industry practices and hint at betrayals within his circle. Notably, Drake raps: “The world fell in love with the gimmicks, even my brothers got tickets / Seemed like they loved every minute, just know this sh*t is personal to us, and it wasn’t just business.”

Was UMG Behind the Removal of “Fighting Irish”?

The removal of the freestyle from YouTube has led to speculation about UMG’s involvement. This incident follows Drake’s legal actions against UMG and Spotify in late 2024. He accused them of artificially inflating streams for Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us.” UMG denied these allegations, stating they would “never do anything to undermine” their artists.

The timing of the freestyle’s release and subsequent removal is particularly notable, given Drake’s legal confrontations with UMG. One line, “I hate to see their empire crumble on judges’ convictions,” has been interpreted by some as a direct jab at UMG, suggesting an ongoing narrative of conflict between Drake and his label.

Despite the takedown, snippets of “Fighting Irish” have circulated widely on social media, with fans dissecting its lyrics and implications. Some interpret the title as a subtle reference to NBA star LeBron James, whose high school mascot was the Fighting Irish. This was called out considering James attended a Kendrick Lamar concert during Drake’s feud with Lamar.

The swift removal of “Fighting Irish” has sparked discussions about artistic freedom and label control in the music industry. There’s been no official word from either Drake or UMG about the takedown. However, this incident has certainly stirred the pot, highlighting the often tumultuous relationship between artists and their labels.

With Drake teasing new music and ongoing projects, fans are all ears, waiting for the next move in this saga.

As the situation unfolds, fans eagerly await an official release of “Fighting Irish” and any forthcoming projects from Drake. The ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar also continues to be a focal point in the hip-hop community. Will both artists reconcile and put their differences aside? That’s an answer time will tell.