Drake references BTS on Iceman as online reactions split over lyric
Photo: Arirang/Reuters
Drake has sparked debate online after referencing BTS in a lyric from his new album Iceman, with fans flooding quote reposts and replies to argue over what the line meant.
The rapper released three albums on May 15, titled Iceman, Habibti and Maid of Honour. Attention quickly turned to the song Make Them Cry from Iceman, where Drake raps, “I’m feeling like BTS ‘cause it took the whole career for me to be so discovered.”
After the lyric was shared on X, reactions spread rapidly across social media. Some fans interpreted the comparison as dismissive towards BTS’ career and global success, while others defended the lyric as commentary on how long it can take artists to achieve mainstream recognition worldwide.
Drake mentions BTS in a lyric on his upcoming album ‘ICEMAN’:
“I’m feeling like BTS ‘cause it took the whole career for me to be so discovered” pic.twitter.com/viml9OPkiBSeveral quote reposts accused Drake of downplaying BTS’ achievements, with users pointing out the group’s years of commercial success before breaking further into the Western mainstream with songs such as Dynamite and Butter.
Other fans argued the lyric ignored the scale of BTS’ international fanbase and record-breaking career since debuting in 2013.
One widely shared response claimed BTS had already become one of the world’s biggest music acts long before their English-language singles, while another described the lyric as “backhanded” rather than complimentary. Other users defended Drake, arguing the line referenced longevity and career growth rather than criticism.
The discussion added to online conversation surrounding Drake’s latest releases, which arrived less than two years after his highly publicised feud with Kendrick Lamar in 2024.