When someone who’s lived through rap’s most destructive rivalries speaks, hip-hop should listen. Ja Rule’s recent appearance on Carmelo Anthony’s 7PM in Brooklyn podcast delivered raw perspective on the Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud—and his words carry weight earned through decades of personal beef fallout.
Table of Contents
Ja Rule Key Interview Highlights
| Topic | Ja Rule’s Take |
|---|---|
| Drake vs Kendrick | “Nothing good is coming out of any of these things” |
| Drake’s Status | Compared to Michael Jackson’s “unprecedented run” |
| His 50 Cent Beef | Admits it “f*cked up New York hip-hop” |
| Drake Advice? | “Drake don’t need no advice. Drake is rich, got a big a** plane” |
| Competition Philosophy | “Celebrate artistry over allegiance” |
| Podcast Platform | Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube |
The Veteran’s Warning
Ja Rule didn’t mince words when discussing the Drake-Kendrick rivalry during the November 10 podcast. Drawing parallels to his own decades-long conflict with 50 Cent, he acknowledged the destructive nature of hip-hop beefs that never end.
His most sobering admission? His 50 Cent feud “f*cked up New York hip-hop.” That’s not just humility—it’s recognition that personal battles sometimes damage the culture that created them. When two titans clash, the entire ecosystem suffers collateral damage.
The Drake-Kendrick situation mirrors that trajectory. While both artists have delivered incredible diss tracks and cultural moments, Ja Rule questions whether the net impact benefits hip-hop or merely divides fanbases into warring camps.
Why Drake Gets a Pass
When asked if he’d advise Drake, Ja Rule’s response revealed unexpected admiration. Rather than offering unsolicited wisdom, he flipped the script: “Why I gotta advice Drake? Why can’t I advise Kendrick?”
His reasoning cuts through the noise. Drake’s massive success—the private plane, the commercial dominance, the unprecedented run he compared to Michael Jackson—suggests the Toronto rapper needs zero guidance. He’s already won by most measurable standards.
This perspective contrasts sharply with narratives suggesting Drake “lost” the beef. Ja Rule’s pragmatic view acknowledges that chart success and cultural influence matter as much as lyrical victories in modern hip-hop rivalries.
The 50 Cent Parallel
While preaching unity, Ja Rule couldn’t resist doubling down on his own beef. He claims he outraps 50 Cent, makes better records, and his catalog aged better. Yet in the same breath, he admits promoting negativity contradicts the message he wants to send.
This contradiction reveals hip-hop’s central tension: competition drives excellence, but unchecked rivalries become destructive. Ja Rule wishes 50 Cent “luck” while simultaneously wanting him to stop attacking other Black artists—a nuanced position that acknowledges complexity rather than demanding simplistic peace.
Notably, he ruled out collaboration with 50 Cent, stating they were never friends and he’s confused why fans push for reconciliation. Some beefs don’t get happy endings.
The Bigger Cultural Message
Ja Rule’s call to “celebrate artistry over allegiance” challenges how fans consume rap beef. Instead of choosing sides, why not appreciate both Drake’s melodic innovation and Kendrick’s lyrical mastery?
This perspective feels especially relevant as hip-hop continues fragmenting into tribal camps. Every major beef now triggers social media warfare that often overshadows the actual music. Ja Rule’s lived experience suggests this approach ultimately harms everyone involved.
His Michael Jackson comparison for Drake wasn’t casual praise—it positioned the Toronto superstar among all-time greats regardless of who “won” specific battles. That’s the mature perspective that comes from watching your own beef become cautionary tale.
Check the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast for the full conversation exploring these themes in depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Has Ja Rule ever officially ended his beef with 50 Cent?
A: No, their rivalry continues after decades, though Ja Rule now acknowledges it damaged New York hip-hop. While he wishes 50 Cent “luck” and promotes moving past negativity, he’s ruled out collaboration and still claims he’s the better rapper, showing the beef remains unresolved despite his more mature perspective.
Q: Does Ja Rule think Drake or Kendrick Lamar won their rap battle?
A: Ja Rule didn’t explicitly declare a winner in the interview. Instead, he focused on Drake’s undeniable commercial success (comparing him to Michael Jackson) while warning that “nothing good is coming out of” the feud. His perspective suggests both artists have different strengths, and fans should appreciate their respective contributions rather than picking sides.
