The internet was filled with excitement and controversy earlier this year when Kendrick Lamar and Drake, the biggest names in modern music, collided. A series of diss tracks that ablaze social media revived a long-simmering rivalry. Channel 4 is diving deep into the feud in its latest documentary, Public Enemies: Kendrick vs. Drake. Acme Films and GroupM Motion Entertainment are producing a documentary that promises to be insightful about the beef that gripped the music world and the cultural impact of two megastar rappers.

Kendrick and Drake’s public enemies are a complex story. The promise is to untangle the journeys of Kendrick Lamar, the poetic and contemplative visionary from Compton, and Drake, the chart-topping former child actor from Toronto. Who has achieved notable commercial success in music history? The documentary will combine archival footage and exclusive interviews with key figures who have known or worked with the rappers to present a comprehensive depiction of their meteoric rise by contrasting their different paths to global superstardom.

A Cultural Snapshot

Shaminder Nahal, the Head of Specialist Factual at Channel 4, states that the documentary is not just a biography but a cultural exploration.

The film will contextualize Lamar and Drake’s careers within the broader scope of contemporary history, unpacking how their backgrounds, cities, and personal experiences have shaped their careers and the modern music landscape. Kendrick and Drake have become synonymous with defining a new era in rap through their socio-political commentary and emotionally introspective lyrics.

However, while Public Enemies will highlight their musical genius, it will also delve into the cultural tensions and societal changes that have influenced their art and rivalry. The diverse cultures that brought these two titans of hip-hop together are highlighted.

The documentary aims to answer one fundamental question: how did Lamar and Drake come to represent and clash with each other so drastically?

The Feud That Shook Hip-Hop

Naturally, the documentary’s focal point is the legendary dispute that culminated earlier this year in a high-stakes exchange of diss tracks. Kendrick Lamar’s scathing track, Not Like Us, ignited the flames when he subtly accused Drake of inappropriate behavior and disrespecting the rap community. Lamar’s subtle and cutting accusations pointed to issues that have been discussed in certain circles for a while, raising questions about Drake’s authenticity and position in hip-hop.

Drake didn’t stay silent for a long time. He clapped back with The Heart Part 6, strongly denying the accusations and directly attacking Kendrick’s poetic integrity, portraying him as overly self-righteous. This lyrical back-and-forth has shaken the music world, with fans and media pundits weighing in on who had the upper hand. Lamar was declared the victor in this round of the long-standing rivalry thanks to the support of several major music publications.

Beef in the Age of Social Media

The rivalry between Kendrick and Drake in Public Enemies: Kendrick vs. Drake highlights how beef has taken on a life of its own in today’s digital age. In a world where fans are enamored with Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, a single diss track can spark thousands of memes, hot takes, and reaction videos within minutes. This documentary will explore how this new era of internet culture has raised the stakes for artists and how Kendrick and Drake have navigated these dangerous waters.

“This feels like a story that takes place in a time when all the rules have changed, and beef is all around us,” says D’Cruz, alluding to the new dynamics brought about by social media and the 24-hour news cycle.

Following in the Footsteps of a Legacy

Public Enemies: Kendrick vs Drake is Channel 4’s second foray into documenting high-profile rapper beefs. In 2017, the network created Public Enemies: Jay-Z vs Kanye, a sequel to Acme Films that examined the conflict between two once-close collaborators and friends. Channel 4’s new installment continues its tradition of providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the stories behind the headlines, providing a rich context and historical perspective on rivalries that have shaped music history.