Nigerian rap icon M.I Abaga has shared his thoughts on the ongoing hip-hop battle between American rapper Kendrick Lamar and Canadian superstar Drake.
Speaking in a recent interview on Afropolitan, M.I compared Drake’s current situation to his own experiences in Nigeria’s rap industry.
According to M.I, the backlash Drake is facing after his lyrical clash with Kendrick is intense. However, he believes Drake has the talent and experience to make a strong comeback.
Drake’s opportunity for redemption
M.I expressed confidence in Drake’s ability to turn things around. He believes that if Drake makes a successful comeback, it will cement his place in hip-hop history.
“If Drake manages to bounce back, he will surpass everyone,” M.I said. “Not just in music—tech guys, social media, everyone joined in celebrating his downfall. But if there’s one artist who can rise from this, it’s Drake. He knows how to craft music that resonates.”
He also noted that this moment could redefine Drake’s career. According to M.I, every great artist has a second chapter, and this could be Drake’s chance to prove himself again.
“The first part of listening to Drake was about his journey to fame,” M.I explained. “Now, life is giving him a new story to tell. And he is the best storyteller we have.”
Kendrick’s rise in the rap rankings
M.I also admitted that he had not considered Kendrick Lamar among his top 10 rappers before this feud. However, the battle changed his perspective.
“Kendrick wasn’t in my top 10 before,” he revealed. “But now, I think he’s at least in the top three. What he has done in this battle is undeniable.”
Despite Kendrick’s strong performance, M.I believes that consistency over time is just as important as skill in rap battles.
“You can’t say Kendrick is greater than Drake just because they were active at the same time,” he argued. “Drake has been dropping hits for 15 years. His influence can’t be ignored.”
M.I relates to Drake’s challenges
The Nigerian rapper also reflected on his personal struggles with criticism in the industry. He revealed that, like Drake, he was once labeled “boring” by rap fans, despite his achievements.
“I felt some sympathy for Drake because I’ve been in that position before,” M.I shared. “At one point, no matter what I did, the Nigerian rap community dismissed it as boring.”
Still, he acknowledged that rivalries are part of hip-hop culture and that competition often pushes artists to be better. He praised both Kendrick and Drake for making the battle entertaining.
The impact of the feud on hip-hop
The rapper sees the Kendrick-Drake feud as an important moment for the hip-hop industry. He believes it has reignited excitement among fans and reminded people of rap’s competitive nature.
“The battle was great for hip-hop,” he said. “Shoutout to both of them for making rap exciting again.”
M.I’s comments have sparked further debate among fans, as the discussion over the feud’s outcome continues. Many are now watching closely to see how Drake will respond and whether he can reclaim his dominance.
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