Charleston White criticizes Kendrick Lamar’s gang video, praises Drake’s prowess

In a recent interview with Say Cheese!, Charleston White offered his thoughts on the ongoing debate between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, providing a critical perspective on Lamar's latest video while praising Drake's artistic approach.

White criticized Kendrick Lamar’s new music video, which features LA gang imagery, describing it as lacking realness and substance. He commented, “It seemed like Kendrick just brought the gangs together for the video, not for any real cause.” White felt that Lamar missed an opportunity to explore the deeper issues related to gang culture and its impact on communities.

In the interview, White also addressed Lamar’s recent “Pop Out” concert series, where several up-and-coming Los Angeles artists performed. He expressed his disinterest, saying, “Ain’t nobody finna listen to no bunch of up-and-coming L.A. artists but L.A. people in their neighborhood. Don’t nobody want to hear that s**t.”

Conversely, White had high praise for Drake, highlighting his ability to engage audiences and create impactful visuals. “Drake knows how to engage his audience,” White said. “His videos are impactful; they make you feel something. That’s what art is about.” He further emphasized Drake’s widespread appeal by noting, “I ain’t never heard a na in Texas pull up bumping Kendrick’s s**t, nothing!”

White’s remarks have sparked significant debate among hip-hop fans and critics. Some agree with his assessment that Kendrick’s recent work lacks substance, while others defend Lamar's history of creating deep and socially conscious music. This discussion underscores the broader discourse in hip-hop about authenticity, artistic expression, and commercial success.

Kendrick Lamar and Drake have a well-documented rivalry, often sparking discussions about their respective contributions to the genre. Tracks like Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” have aimed subtle shots at Drake, adding to the competitive dynamic between the two.