Who said that beef was bad for business?
Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s high-profile beef, which has been a focal point in hip-hop this year, undoubtedly shaped the genre’s trajectory. It brought an influx of Kendrick Lamar tracks, disrupted potential collaborations, and sparked widespread (and often questionable) commentary.
On a brighter note, the feud wasn’t just about rivalry—it also proved to be incredibly lucrative. Billboard reports that the Kendrick-Drake beef generated a staggering $15 million in revenue. This figure stems from the publishing earnings of the diss tracks the two artists released, highlighting just how profitable lyrical sparring can be. Notably, “Not Like Us” generated $7.6 million, “Like That” generated $4.6 million, and “Family Matters” generated $981.3 thousand.
It’s hard to deny, but this is exactly why beefs in hip-hop are so enticing for artists: they can be incredibly lucrative. The Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud is a prime example of how a high-profile clash can transcend the genre, reaching traditional media platforms and resonating with audiences across demographics.
That said, not every beef will capture this level of attention or financial success. If you’re an artist, it’s worth remembering that picking fights with random peers in the hopes of a payday might not yield the same results. Choose your battles wisely.
Damn, can I hold some of that “Not Like Us” money?
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
