The ongoing feud between rap icons Kendrick Lamar and Drake has captivated the music world, escalating with each diss track released. In Kendrick Lamar’s scathing track, “Not Like Us,” he repeatedly refers to Drake as a “69 God.” This provocative label has left many fans questioning its meaning. What exactly did Lamar intend to convey by calling Drake a “69 God”?
Kendrick Lamar performing on SNL October 2022
To understand “69 God,” it’s crucial to break down the layers of meaning embedded within the phrase. Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is a direct assault on Drake, primarily accusing him of predatory behavior. The lyrics are laced with accusations, suggesting a disturbing pattern, highlighted by the alteration of Drake’s album title to “Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles.” Further intensifying the allegations, Lamar raps about Drake liking them “young” and warns others to protect their younger siblings from him.
Within this barrage of accusations, the recurring phrase “he a 69 God” takes on a multifaceted significance. Firstly, it’s essential to consider Drake’s established moniker, “6 God.” Drake has long associated himself with “6 God,” a reference to his hometown of Toronto, often nicknamed “the 6ix.” By declaring himself the “6 God,” Drake positioned himself as a dominant figure, a deity within his city’s rap scene.
Kendrick Lamar cleverly twists this self-proclaimed title into “69 God.” On the surface, “69” can be interpreted as a reference to the sexual position. However, in the context of the diss track’s themes, it goes much deeper. The number “69” could be a deliberate and derisive comparison to the controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine. Tekashi 6ix9ine, known for his rainbow-colored hair and legal troubles, has faced serious accusations and imprisonment, which aligns with the negative connotations Kendrick aims to associate with Drake.
Therefore, “69 God” is likely a calculated double entendre. It not only mocks Drake’s “6 God” persona but also insinuates a connection to Tekashi 6ix9ine, a figure embroiled in controversy. This comparison, coupled with the pedophilia accusations woven throughout “Not Like Us,” amplifies the diss, painting Drake in a highly unfavorable and damaging light within the rap feud. Kendrick Lamar’s “69 God” is a potent and multi-layered insult designed to dismantle Drake’s carefully constructed image and dominance in the rap world.
