Drake Deserves The Smoke | It's All Happening w/ Justin Hunte

I've been working on this piece all week and today K.Dot drops "Euphoria" today. So now I'm working on the Kendrick episode of this saga. Either way, hope you enjoy.
Big thank you to EDI Mean (‪@EDIMeanTV‬ ) Mark Batson (‪@markbatson3958‬ and J.E. Gamble ‪@eugeniusgmbl‬ motivation and inspiration.
If somehow you missed it, punch yourself in the face, because rap has run amok. Years of tension, sneak dissing and outright disrespect has finally spilled over into Rap Battle World-a dystopian present cluttered with chart topping diss tracks, polarizing apologies, an avalanche of uproarious memes, mommy texts making racism accusations and a.i. advertorial.
During a conversation on The Download Podcast, host Justin Laboy asked Ye the question at the forefront of many minds after witnessing Kendrick Lamar, Future, Metro Boomin’, The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky, Rick Ross-all cultural titans-unleash bars and quips aimed at the Canadian MC. That question: Why?
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Life Through The Lens of Hip Hop.
Justin Hunte is a music and culture critic and curator. During his career he served as Director of Content & Strategic Marketing for EMPIRE as well as Editor-in-Chief of HipHopDX. Hunte is the architect behind DX's video platform and creator of popular series, DXBreakdown. Along with championing Ambrosia For Head's video strategy, Hunte is also a weekly contributor to Shade45's All Out Show on SiriusXM and has been featured on Revolt TV’s “Revolt Live," Cheddar's "Cheddar Music," as well as in Billboard magazine.
In 2017 Justin Hunte moderated the Recording Academy's panel on The Health Of Hip Hop which featured Dr. Reef Karim, psychiatrist and human behavior expert; Shanti Das, urban music executive and founder of Silence the Shame; GRAMMY nominees Vic Mensa and Charlie Wilson, and five-time GRAMMY winner Lalah Hathaway. Later that year, he participated in a debate at the prestigious Oxford Union on whether Kanye West is more relevant than William Shakespeare.
Hunte has been the centerpiece of digital campaigns for Lexus, Honda, Brisk, and Simple Mobile and has hosted concerts and panels nationwide.
A graduate of Wofford College, Hunte spent 5 years working in investment banking at Banc Of America/Merrill Lynch and has covered music, politics, and culture for numerous publications.
He is currently based in Los Angeles, California. Follow @TheCompanyMan on all socials.
#JustinHunte #TheCompanyMan

[@Selva_313]

You know hip hop is an interesting state when Justin comes back with a KZbin upload after 9 months

[@jaytea22]

Facts lol we needed this though💯

[@EVandMe]

I came here to say this.

[@sexualchocolate10]

Lmao

[@jacksampsonforever]

You stole my thought! Glad Mr. Hunte (the e is silent) is back for this

[@TheCompanyMan]

Feels' good to be home.

[@carlliddelow8163]

Drake is not Thanos... He's Syndrome from the Increadibles; a villain who's villainy is born solely from the need of validation from the heros he looks up to.

[@HughEMC]

So mf hella not Thanos😂

[@ginofrancejr555]

Facts

[@artheals8869]

THANK YOU I’m so sick of people treating Drake like he’s the victim, he incited most of these beefs.

[@chandambao4751]

I don’t think anyone thinks he’s a victim. The culture is against him specifically because he’s not one. The view of him is the ‘unfair winner.’

[@artheals8869]

@@chandambao4751 there are many people that are taking the angle that Drake is being “unreasonably ganged up on” when this is just the pot spilling over.

[@superdupeninja8149]

@@artheals8869he did make too many enemies but it’s telling that it’s takes all these people to take Drake out

[@artheals8869]

@@superdupeninja8149 nothing is gonna take Drake out, his fan base doesn’t care about any of this. The only way he could actually be taken out is if there was truly damning accusations levied against him that were proven to be true. I don’t think the team up has to do with trying to take Drake out, I think it’s more so just being petty and piling on him.

[@melanatedgod7604]

​@@artheals8869FACTS

[@wemajor7260]

Great breakdown your voice has been missed in this climate of Akademiks and social media Drake stans. Can’t wait for the Euphoria breakdown

[@Tre24466]

You are still the best hip hop commentator in the world! Literally brings intellectual clarity within your commentary whereas everyone else gives opinions (stupid ones most of the time) but you bring in facts.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you brother.

[@t-god2439]

And he does it all from a seemingly neutral position

[@tlamelokgosimalebe3119]

​@@t-god2439him and Murs

[@vdotme]

And he doesn't even have the answers. 😅

[@Unpackaged_Vinyl]

Drake vs Kendrick is hip hop industry vs hip hop culture at it's purest form.

[@libraalibaba]

Kendrick is also industry

[@kimberlylewis9792]

Nicely worded 🔥🔥

[@kimberlylewis9792]

@@libraalibaba no, your confusing Drake with Kendrick. Kendrick is on a different frequency.✨ Never industry. Kendrick is Whole Foods Drake is Walmart. Period!

[@celestialnubian]

@@kimberlylewis9792 If you know anything about Whole Foods then you'd know you just invalidated your whole premise. LOL! 🤣 Also, when it comes to "frequency", none of these guys got anything on Lupe.

[@kimberlylewis9792]

@@celestialnubian facts!

[@CurtissKingTV]

Babe, wake up! Justin just uploaded another Hip Hop classic 🥹🔥 LOVED your breakdown on this.

[@salvadorlopez3058]

When Michael Jordan said stop it get some help 🤣🤣🤣

[@Dr.JudeAEMasonMD]

We don’t wanna hear you say ni***a no more…STOP.

[@Jimmyjones151]

Kendrick bout to smoke this man and Justin is back. What a day

[@Goval400]

He did. Drake’s fans have been coping

[@grizznardo1382]

Mannnn, this aged like fine 🍷

[@DionMcVey]

Left ear loved this

[@TheCompanyMan]

Ha!

[@tellmesomething2412]

😂😂😂

[@RyHarrington]

Thought my AirPods broke

[@RodneyQuarcoo]

Hahahahaha

[@davidh7779]

Honestly makes it hard to listen to

[@AdolphSaxOfficial]

That BBL Drizzy melody is gonna be in my head all day now 😂

[@tone901]

😅💯

[@kevinalford]

I lost track of you after DX and I'm super happy this brought you back in my timeline. You're the champ, Justin.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks, Kevin!

[@t-god2439]

🤣 🤣 all that marvel avengers talk only for you to have a post credit scene lol that was so clever

[@benmwaba2735]

One issue I have with Drake (and Eminem, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj and other rap megastars) is his stardom transcends rap so many of his fans aren't really hip hop fans like that. However, their love for their artist pushes them to have strong voices on aspects of the culture they may not fully appreciate or even understand. I used to think Drake was immune to that mentality but all this fiasco has shown me that he is exhibiting it.

[@isaacdebeila8085]

From day 3 he showed it after what he did to weekend publicly, he showed behind closed doors when he snaked Lil Wayne the guy who built him up. (he slept with Wayne's fiance at the time mind you while Wayne was in jail)

[@TRAVXIZ614]

I had NO CLUE about that casino news. I forgot about that 530k settlement he had too. Best thing about it...a lot of his fans are just learning about it too.

[@isaacdebeila8085]

😂😂😂 so true

[@nicholasdicienzo6150]

The fact that you have this dropped already shows undefeated commitment to the craft

[@Sasukeluvzme13]

Bro got our BOY COMING FROM HIS HIATUS TO ADDRESS THE MESS

[@djbingham5451]

To Pimp A Butterfly is a work of ART!!! Out of all 3 of them that album stands alone in MUSIC HISTORY! #RealHipHop🎧💯👑

[@imdankarlin]

Juvenile called me "white boy" when I approached him for an interview, and it's one of my favorite stories. Do better, Drake 😅

[@TheCompanyMan]

HAHAHAHAHAHA

[@ReedMySole]

The body guard line goes back to the pop star song as well. They been shooting at each other for years. Love this HipHop Stuff. Glad your back brother. Your videos are on my walls like albums.

[@conanfletcher891]

The white drake on the screen I'm the back is meticulous villainy 😂😂😂

[@MrCrowjones]

I was wondering what Justin had to say 🤣🙌🏾

[@its_kumar_babyyy]

Justin, love your work. Interesting breakdown. I don’t understand why your channel isn’t crazy poppin with views. You do a great job of connecting everything. Don’t let numbers deter you from continuing the great job you do.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you brother. I needed to hear that. I appreciate you.

[@TwoH.Q]

Justin Hunte really loves hip hop!!! He came back to provide clear thinking, on why Drake/Lucien are bad for hip hop. This contribution to the discussion matters!

[@ob1shinobi618]

So I’m the #3 Drake hater behind Kendrick and DMX - that being said… push-ups was a great track. I hated the antics around the “leak” but he had some nice jabs. Very solid, I think I gave it like an 8 /10 when I heard it. Euphoria has more of what I want in a song. A lot of people want to make this about who has more tea/gossip. It ain’t about that for me. I loved the energy and the surgical breakdown of Drakes character in Euphoria. The beats were fire, I loved the buildup of the intro. Every time I play the song catch a new layer. Everything from the date he dropped, the bars, the title… there’s so much intention and precision. I loved how Kendrick lists his hates and then says it’s not just me, it’s “we” I’m what the culture feeling. I couldn’t have felt this more. I feel like Drake from outside the culture, he doesn’t respect it, just capitalizes on it. When he said I even hate when you say nigga I went crazy. I have Kendrick up so far. And Finally!!! Ak had the countdown for the Kdot response, I’ve had one for TCM. Good to see you back Justin, love this channel, hope you’ve been well.

[@barnfrmdabury1]

Good to hear from you G💯💪

[@djbingham5451]

Just play the DMX interview. That should've been the voice we listened to!!! #Dog4LIFE

[@ihateflatbunz]

Had he not changed his tune after views it would of been cool.

[@djbingham5451]

@@ihateflatbunz blame Lucien

[@ihateflatbunz]

@@djbingham5451 He made X do that?

[@keshawestmoreland5535]

Exactly! Real recognizes real. DMX and I both never liked that little soft wheelchair boy from Canada 😂😂

[@ihateflatbunz]

@@keshawestmoreland5535 Then X took it back after Views had he stood on it i could respect it.

[@Theory8sixty]

Easily the best journalist ever Respect Justin 🙏

[@mstaz1688]

Kendrick dropped his Drake diss today, and we get an upload. Let’s goooo!!!

[@youngchief31]

I see you with the Bone Thugs n Harmony shirt, Justin

[@TheCompanyMan]

My first favorite group of all time.

[@youngchief31]

@@TheCompanyMan a sentiment that i echo, good sir! Glad to have you back

[@rickmarron6775]

I was really happy when I found Rob Markman, his channel, and his thoughts and takes on everything going on, a real important voice for sure. But i gotta be honest, i was looking and waiting on you Company Man! You have always been that source for stylized truth with a razor sharp prospective. You are what I hoped Livingston (AK for all you uninitiated folks) would end up being, but we all know what time it is on that. For now, like everyone else in the comments, I'm just glad you're still here! Salute!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you, Rick.

[@Tre24466]

You finally returned!!!!

[@EayuProuxm]

15:22 Having Taylor Swift lording over 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem and Kendrick is some WILD WORK.

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's the visual of how I see how Drake presented the TaylorMade Freestyle.

[@getTheSchmack]

We need you to do a breakdown of the Crazy Kendrick diss. There’s layers and nuances that Aubrey’s Angels aren’t catching. Take your time with it!

[@rakeemkoroma2398]

You’re Back!! i’m young but i’ve been watching you since 2016/2017 all your breakdown vids since HipHopDX days, hyped to see you weigh in on this beef! Salute OG! 🫡

[@Grimstone]

The hardest thing about hip hop battles is that fans will always rewrite rules, pad stats, and part-time fans muddy the culture.

[@standardbrah]

especially with this one since so much of it is online

[@theandroids]

Drake mentions other peoples women because he thinks it will hurt their feelings as much as it would hurt him. Because Drake is sensitive about women.

[@BuddyCorp]

Company man is like your cousin who used to know hip hop better than you and just shared it. Nothing makes me happier than seeing Below the Heavens on the wall behind you.

[@MikeyBizzle]

Between Rob markman Justin coming back and fd signifier these breakdowns finally feel like hip hop culture

[@studiorose11]

YT be messing around. Haven’t gotten a noti in a while. Happy I got one for this thooo. Excited to watch

[@YouCallThataKnife253]

Naw, Justin hasn't released a vid in 9 months

[@CarterKeither]

IT'S ALL HAPPENING!!! I'm punching myself in the face while typing thiv

[@mrmischievous]

Love this man’s content - as an old hip head, I ain’t got time to keep up with all this social media drama. Justin breaks it down so incredibly well - thanks for sharing

[@RODNEYSTHOUGHTS]

I know hip hop back now justin hunte resurrected the company man channel S/O to rap beef

[@Tre24466]

“Oh, you thought the money, the power or fame would make you go away? Have you ever played have-you-ever? Okay, nigga, let's play Have you ever walked your enemy down like with a poker face? Have you ever paid five hundred thou' like to an open case? Well, I have, and I failed at both, but I came out straight” Kendrick says he stayed on his feet despite past legal and feud issues. Also a play on straight, a pretty strong combination of cards in poker. Kendrick is also talking about Drake and his sexuality. TRIPLE ENTENDRE!!! - Genius 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@victoriawallace3955]

😳

[@kmc1994]

Drake is a 🍌 boi

[@serv5000]

A lot of people don't listen to whats being said by Kendrick, this man is putting on a lyrical clinic and picking Drake apart.

[@veeayeveee]

You calling Serena by Venus with Serena's name on the screen is craaaaazy 😂

[@foefafee]

I’m so glad someone else noticed

[@truthtorpedo4068]

It is neither crazy nor weird. Since those are y'all two fave words on here. It's called an error.

[@BlowWord.]

the nickname “the boy” makes so much sense now 😮

[@lc4u412]

They don't come often but I always tune in when you drop stuff we appreciate you in this space

[@SolomonRasputin]

Thanks for breaking it down, I only had cursory knowledge from people talking about it and euphoria was the first song I heard in the beef.

[@OGNICKMARSH]

So glad to hear your thoughts on what's happening. Very exciting times.

[@xiinomadia4923]

You da best dawg. Made me miss true hiphop journalism from the 90's

[@Rolandeee]

I was literally thinking about how much your analysis would be needed….and here you are! It’s a great day and great to see this upload! 🎉

[@ethanmiles20]

Just want to say love you bro I'm so glad to still see you making updates and videos no matter what the format is. You have always been my favorite commentator on rap music and the culture in general 🙏🏻

[@joeymccashland4420]

Always excited for a Justin Hunte video drop. I went to sleep being texted a link to Euphoria (I work overnights), woke up to the news that the DEA is gonna reschedule Cannabis and then a Justin Hunte video drops. What a day. I loved the deep analysis on Drake and his side of things because I’m not invested in learning about him until I need to lol. I was not aware of his deal until watching this. That’s super interesting to me. I’ve long been a fan of Tech N9ne and his independency, so it always kind of astounds me when people still take those type of deals. Speaking of Tech, I felt like that, “Fuck The Industry” line on Euphoria wasn’t meant as a reference but it made me smile as a Technician either way 😝. The whole track is just bananas but for me personally the craziest part is that for the first time in his whole career, I’m anxious to hear Drakes next release. I don’t know what the hell he can even say, but I think it’s just incredible that Kendrick actually has me wanting to hear the next Drake song 😂😂😂. I’ve been sitting here listening to classic Beef tracks. (Which I suspect Kendrick might have done before releasing this, it definitely feels like he took careful steps to not make the mistakes others have made but also took best ideas from the best songs), I had to go with Ether first and the themes of the attacks feel very similar on certain bars. I’d love to hear this rumored 17 minute version but I went and listened to 300 Bars and Runnin again and see why he probably feels a diss doesn’t need to be that long. I love 300 bars but it’s definitely not as focused as a shorter song would have been and ends up having too many references to feel wholly original. In closing, as always I loved your analysis Justin, I look forward to a full breakdown of Euphoria, but it’s good to see you back on KZbin, we have missed you over here ❤

[@PotatoCheese]

Justin bringing a video out is the best thing to happen from this beef!

[@1stBlood]

Good to see you back mate watching and appreciating you big love from Nottingham England 🎉 ps when you here Lucian you know you mean business

[@milesdiallo564]

Your commentaries are legendary. Really enjoyed it. But FYI: I’m listening with headphones and your audio only recorded left. Your interview insert of Idi Amine and other vids were fine. So I think it’s your mic.

[@CuddyTG]

I was *just* thinking about how i been missing the Breakdown on Saturday mornings. This was a great surprise

[@franknoneofya9585]

This was really well put together, informatively and on the presentation. Euphoria is hot on a few levels, you go through 6:16 in LA, meet the Grahams, not like us and Drakes disses. Kendrick had a game plan, well put together and flawlessly executed. Took his rooks, bishops and knights left King ( Lucien Grange) sacrificing his queen, Drake.

[@TheCompanyMan]

I picked up chess as a hobby this year. Great analogy

[@THENBASTORYTELLER]

somehow this feels just as insightful, encompassing and relevant AFTER euphoria as it would have before. you knew exactly what should happen next and you presented that expertly.

[@icecactus11]

“Yes I condemn Hamas….Now Drizzy you’re a deadbeat dad” 😂

[@EayuProuxm]

0:00 into the video THE GOAT HAS COME BACK! KENDRICK DONE AWAKENED THE BEAST COMING IN WITH THE GREATEST ANALYSIS ON KZbin! But thanks for coming back man. Get your health up once this saga is over EDIT: Or during this saga. You know, take breaks w/e necessary.

[@HurtblessingsTV]

The best breakdown of the beef on KZbin🔥

[@TreFKennedy]

We bike , dope vid Justin, 1 time for the comic book reference too lol

[@FarFigSchitter]

Man that ai section really added some unseen weight to this beef

[@WayneFellows-j1b]

Love your VERY insightful rants! Keep it up!

[@KniteSparxx]

Love your content, keep doing the thing King 🤜🏾⭐️

[@EHeroClayman]

Welcome back my brother. Excellent video. It's good to be a rap fan with all this drama. Plus gotta comment so folks know that my brother is back.

[@truthtorpedo4068]

"Stop it! Get some help". - Kendrick 'THE GOAT' Lamar (Jackson) 😂

[@dorianvick8932]

Glad you back Playa!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 👍🏿

[@DiceB]

This is the best analysis of these industries game playing

[@_Solmega]

So glad you're back to making videos

[@noirczar5280]

Was waiting on this breakdown! Welcome back Justin

[@dannyavila910]

My favorite hip-hop analyst is back! Can’t wait to see your follow up to this video! This battle feels like man vs machine. I’ve always called Drake “the algorithm”, cold and calculated for hit-making, so him being referred to as part of the machine feels appropriate. I’m rooting for Kendrick, the human/artist in this battle, but also happy as a rap fan in general, kicking back with popcorn and enjoying all the responses. Appreciate your journalism, passion for hip-hop, and objectivity.

[@brandongordon2392]

Oh my god!!! Justin Hunte!!! I am so happy to find your channel again!!!

[@bushidobot8251]

You’re back!!! Hope you’re doing great!

[@samwiseshanti]

The only thing this moment in hip-hop history was missing- a Justin video ✅️

[@miskito19]

Nice shirt man! Bone Fan 4 the culture. 💯🔊🔥

[@TheCompanyMan]

It's battle mode. Gotta put on for art of war.

[@GJones712]

Always good to see a new upload

[@WallyZamwa]

Gotta be good if Justin is back! Nice to see you again!

[@DazzOne2012]

This was good and VERY informative. Always good to see The Company Man.

[@anthonymoronez3328]

I feel like the Thanos comparison is relatable, because in the comic book version, thanos' whole point behind snappin away half the world was to please death, who is personified as a woman, this could be drake trying to please Lucian. Something to think on

[@RyanBooks]

Super glad to see you back! The streets need you now more than ever.

[@bobbybrays007]

THE FACT THAT JUSTIN IS BACK IS CRAZY THIS MADE MADE ME STUDY AT OXFORD AFTER SEEING HIS DEBATE AST THE OXFORD UNION

[@MichaelBrown-ti1un]

This was well done. Looking forward to your "Euphoria" breakdown. In it, can you give some background on the Pharrell/Drake issue Kendrick made reference to? So far, that's the only part I'm totally lost on.

[@scarletdawnmusic]

Hope you're doing good, man. Your vids and insights are always appreciated and awaited.

[@young_raymond47]

It’s always a good day when Justin is inspired to make a new video 👏👏

[@Katkayz]

Welcome back Sir, you have been gone for a min. Always look forward to your content

[@ifourgat2966]

This was an amazing breakdown and summary. Keep these coming!! Subbed. 🫡

[@M1G2]

My right ear felt lonely this whole video

[@xandertrejo]

I was wondering where you were at. Glad you back to help us sort our way to the answers to all these questions

[@MichaelKuwa]

It really is all happening!

[@drizzyfreckles]

Justin back with a vengeance like X-Men 97. Welcome back king!!!

[@TheCompanyMan]

XMen 97 SOOOOOO DOPE

[@VibesAndNotes]

Considering recent events... Waiting to hear the part two 😂 It's all happening!

[@desmondstallworth2934]

We are talking about Lee Atwater, and Drake in the same conversation. This is nuts. It’s a crazy time to be a hip-hop fan right now. I just heard Euphoria Drake ain’t ready for this smoke

[@vidsantoro]

Back after 9 months! Lets go!

[@tornado649]

Euphoria was fire from start to finish

[@valtteri.hirvonen]

glad to see you back big fella

[@floopedyfloop5112]

Thank you for making this, just watch your audio mixing, it's mixed in monno and not stereo

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks man. It'll be better for the next episode. using new audio equipment.

[@jaydenfleming9227]

THE VOICE WE BEEN WAITING FOR!!

[@ffwlpe]

justin hip hop journalism needs you more than ever