DJ Akademiks claims Jay-Z plotted Kendrick Lamar against Drake

DJ Akademiks alleges Jay-Z orchestrated industry feuds, using Kendrick Lamar to challenge Drake's dominance in music.

In a recent video shared on December 26, DJ Akademiks claimed that Jay-Z has strategically influenced rivalries in the rap industry, particularly between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Akademiks suggested that Jay-Z, whom he described as “too powerful,” has long been involved in subtle industry feuds to maintain his dominance.

Akademiks alleged that Jay-Z has been covertly competing with Drake for years, positioning Kendrick Lamar as a rival to the Canadian rapper. “He’s a good businessman,” Akademiks noted, while also referring to Jay-Z as a “snake” for his calculated moves. He suggested this rivalry reflects Jay-Z’s broader strategy of influencing industry dynamics to his advantage, including allowing artists’ popularity to wane over time.

One notable example Akademiks provided was Jay-Z’s alleged role in selecting Kendrick Lamar to headline the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show over Drake, describing it as a deliberate move to undermine Drake’s position. “Jay done played the smartest game,” he remarked, comparing the Roc Nation founder to Marvel’s Thanos, known for his strategic dominance. Akademiks also claimed Jay-Z has previously “waited out” the popularity of artists like 50 Cent to solidify his influence.

Expanding on current tensions, Akademiks mentioned Drake’s recent petition against Universal Music Group and Spotify. The rapper accused the companies of manipulating streaming numbers to favor Kendrick Lamar’s releases, signaling a shift in how Drake addresses industry challenges.

Notably, Akademiks issued a public apology to Jay-Z and Roc Nation earlier this month, acknowledging their immense influence. “This is why I want no smoke with Roc Nation,” Akademiks said, emphasizing his intent to avoid conflict with such a powerful entity. The apology underscores the delicate balance of power in the rap industry and Akademiks’ awareness of its intricacies.