Azealia Banks has once again sparked controversy by taking aim at both Kendrick Lamar and JAY-Z while praising Drake in a lengthy social media rant. The outspoken rapper weighed in on Drake’s ongoing legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” stirring debate with her unfiltered opinions.

Responding to criticism over Drake’s decision to pursue legal action, Banks not only defended the Toronto rapper but also declared him the greatest rapper of all time, surpassing even JAY-Z. She justified her stance by arguing that Drake is more fearless than the “street” rappers he has clashed with.

SO CALLED GANGSTA RAPPERS?

“Well, the fact that all these so-called gangsta rappers—who have been exploited by the industry in every way and discarded—would never have the financial resources, leverage, or courage to sue UMG for fear of retaliation, but have no problem attacking each other, ultimately makes Drake the best rapper of all time,” Banks wrote.

Well, the fact that all the rest of the so called gangsta niggas who have been fucked by the industry in every hole and tossed off a bridge would never have the financial resources, leverage or balls to sue UMG for fear of being killed, but have no problem killing one another.… https://t.co/WIq6a1huwm

— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig) February 18, 2025

She emphasized that even JAY-Z, known for his legal prowess, has never taken such a bold step despite facing industry challenges of his own.

“Not even JAY-Z is brave enough to sue UMG/SONY, and I’m sure he’s had his share of struggles,” she stated.

Banks further claimed that JAY-Z lacks the courage to voice his true opinions, instead relying on Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar to do so on his behalf.

“JAY-Z isn’t bold enough to tell the NFL executives how he really feels, so he sends Beyoncé in Black Panther outfits and Kendrick with his usual ‘angry Black struggle’ messaging to do it for him,” she asserted.

JAY-Z SEEKS VALIDATION STATES BANKS

According to Banks, JAY-Z seeks validation from the industry, whereas Drake, being of both Jewish and Black descent, is not concerned with elite approval.

“On this day, February 18, 2025, I hereby declare Sir Aubrey ‘Drake’ Graham the greatest rapper of all time,” she proclaimed. “He’s fighting the real enemy, not tearing down other Black artists during Black History Month.”

Banks also criticized Kendrick Lamar, suggesting that he was manipulated by industry forces into engaging in the feud with Drake.

“Kendrick got used as a pawn, turned what should have been an artist’s biggest moment into a spectacle about another rapper, and will forever be remembered as ‘the guy who beefed with Drake,’” she wrote.

KENDRICK LAMAR’S LEGACY

She argued that Kendrick Lamar’s involvement in the feud has negatively impacted his long-term legacy, particularly in the digital space.

“A century from now, because of how ‘Drake’ is tied to Kendrick in online search results, Kendrick and everyone involved have permanently damaged his digital footprint,” she claimed.

Banks also dismissed the allegations Kendrick made against Drake in “Not Like Us,” particularly any implications regarding inappropriate behavior.

“If there were actual evidence, Drake would be investigated,” she stated. “If Kendrick, as the father figure and ‘Black messiah’ he portrays himself to be, truly had proof, he should have gone to the authorities. Making jokes about such serious allegations is completely inappropriate.”

KENDRICK IS THE ONE UNDER CONTROL?

She went on to question Kendrick’s independence as an artist, asserting that despite his branding, he remains under major label control.

“pgLang isn’t a real thing,” she wrote. “If Kendrick were truly independent, he would have released ‘Not Like Us’ through pgLang. Instead, he went through Interscope because he knows pgLang doesn’t have the financial backing.”

Banks concluded her tirade by suggesting that Kendrick’s legacy is being overshadowed by Drake’s cultural dominance.

“They are only damaging Kendrick, erasing decades of his work, and reducing him to a mere side character in Drake’s narrative,” she wrote, before signing off with, “Keep it up, guys.”

Banks’ latest remarks follow her recent heated exchange with Top Dawg Entertainment President Terrence “Punch” Henderson over Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance.

Who cares about 0.00097 cents per stream that Kendrick has to split with Interscope, UMG, management, legal, PRO’s, doesn’t *really* own the master to…..

When Drake has so much leverage he can sue UMG for a few billion take that money , pair up with a few other billionaires,…

— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig) February 18, 2025