They Not Like Us: Kendrick Lamar, Drake & The Commodification of a Rap Beef

In this discussion, Dr. Rhonda Matthews delves into the intersection of music, identity, and culture through the lens of one of the most compelling rivalries in contemporary hip-hop. This lecture unpacks the dynamics of rap beefs as more than lyrical sparring—they are reflections of societal stratification, identity politics, and capitalism’s influence on artistic expression. Exploring Kendrick Lamar and Drake as cultural icons, this talk reveals how their rivalry encapsulates broader conversations about race, authenticity, and the commodification of Black creativity in a hyper-commercialized music industry. Engaging and thought-provoking, this event is a must for anyone interested in music, culture, and the power dynamics shaping our world or anyone who wants to understand it.

This event is part of the Pop Culture Lecture Series in partnership with Erie’s Black Wall Street.