Kendrick Lamar calls out Drake at Juneteenth concert: "Give me Tupac's ring back"

On Juneteenth, the Kia Forum in Los Angeles was alive with energy as Kendrick Lamar took the stage at "The Pop Out: Ken & Friends" concert, making waves not just with his performance but also with his ongoing lyrical feud against Drake. 

The night was charged with star appearances including Dr. Dre, Westside Boogie, Jay Rock, Tyler, The Creator, YG, Baby Keem, ScHoolBoy Q, Mustard, and Roddy Rich, turning the event into a trending topic on Twitter (X).

Kendrick made headlines by modifying lyrics from his controversial diss track “euphoria,” where he directly addressed Drake's purchase of 2Pac's iconic ring. 

In the revamped version performed live, Kendrick stated, “Give me 2Pac’s ring back and I might give you a lil respect.” 

Adding to the tribute, Kendrick's wardrobe mirrored 2Pac's attire from the 1994 Source Awards, complete with a red sweatshirt, white t-shirt, cross pendant, and baggy blue jeans. 

The concert also featured a performance of "California Love" where Dr. Dre and Kendrick teamed up, thrilling the audience as Kendrick took on 2Pac’s verses.

The backdrop to this clash is Drake’s purchase of 2Pac’s gold, ruby, and diamond crown ring in July 2023 at a Sotheby’s auction for $1 million—a piece 2Pac designed during his time in prison, symbolizing self-coronation. 

The feud extends beyond just lyrics. Kendrick has previously criticized Drake's acquisitions of iconic items from other artists as well, such as Pharrell's jewelry which Drake flaunted in his "Family Matters" video. 

Kendrick’s disdain for Drake’s use of artificial intelligence to mimic 2Pac’s voice in his "Taylor Made Freestyle" was also palpable as he performed “Not Like Us” repeatedly, emphasizing his protective stance over 2Pac’s legacy.

As the dust settles on this monumental event, it's clear that Kendrick Lamar’s respect for 2Pac isn’t just about nostalgia—it's a statement on the ethics and legacy of hip-hop culture.