Did Kendrick Lamar Take Shots at Comedians? Breaking Down the Drama

Posted: Nov 28th, 2024

Kendrick Lamar’s Surprise Album Sparks Debate in the Comedy World

Kendrick Lamar’s latest surprise album has ignited a wave of speculation, particularly over a lyric in the opening track. In the song, Kendrick declares:

“Knock them all, don’t let no white comedian talk about no Black woman as law.”

The line has left the comedy community buzzing. With no specific names mentioned, fans and commentators have been quick to connect the dots, pointing fingers at comedians like Gary Owen and Andrew Schultz. Here’s how the drama unfolded.


Gary Owen Responds to Kendrick’s Lyric

Gary Owen, a comedian known for performing for predominantly Black audiences and joking about his Black ex-wife, was one of the first to address the lyric. Hours after the album dropped, Owen tweeted:

“Did Kendrick just come for me? LOL.”

Later, he quipped, “If that’s the law, that makes me a criminal.”

Many fans questioned whether Owen was the intended target, arguing that his material hardly justifies such a direct critique. Others saw his quick reaction as an attempt to seize a trending moment.


Andrew Schultz and the “Shxts and Gigs” Podcast Connection

While some assumed Kendrick might be referencing Owen, others pointed to Andrew Schultz. Genius, the lyric annotation platform, suggested Kendrick’s lyric referred to a specific joke Schultz made on his podcast Flagrant, alongside the UK-based comedians from the Shxts and Gigs podcast.

In the episode, Schultz joked about interracial relationships, leading to a backlash months later. Critics claimed the joke perpetuated racial stereotypes, sparking drama primarily for the Shxts and Gigs hosts. They were later dragged by fans for laughing at Schultz’s jokes and even issued a half-hearted apology, which only added fuel to the fire.

Schultz dismissed the idea that Kendrick was referencing him, reportedly telling DJ Akademiks, “Is this guy too woke to understand a joke?”


Vulture’s Speculation: Matt Rife in the Crosshairs?

If the speculation wasn’t wild enough, Vulture suggested that the lyric could also be a shot at Matt Rife. The reasoning? Rife’s recent viral fame and his mainstream comedy appeal might make him an easy target for controversy. Fans, however, widely dismissed this theory, calling it a “reach” by journalists eager to create headlines.


Was Kendrick Lamar Addressing Comedy Culture as a Whole?

Amid the finger-pointing, many believe Kendrick’s line wasn’t aimed at any single comedian but instead at a broader cultural issue. With comedy becoming more mainstream, millions of people—many unfamiliar with stand-up’s nuances—are consuming content daily. This exposure often leads to misunderstandings about comedians’ intent, as jokes are taken out of context and scrutinized by audiences unfamiliar with the art form.


Katt Williams and Other Notable Mentions

Interestingly, Kendrick did call out another comedian by name—Katt Williams—in the same song. He referenced Williams’ infamous interview on Club Shay Shay, hinting that the track’s broader focus was on the complexities of comedy and cultural critique.


Comedy’s Rising Profile and Growing Pains

The drama underscores how much comedy’s influence has grown in recent years. Once a niche art form, stand-up now dominates podcasts, YouTube, and streaming platforms. However, with this growth comes more scrutiny, particularly from audiences who may not understand the unwritten rules comedians follow in their pursuit of laughter.


Final Thoughts: A General Statement, Not a Personal Attack

It’s unlikely that Kendrick aimed his lyric at any one comedian. Instead, the line reflects a growing tension between comedy and cultural criticism. While some used it as a chance to settle old scores, the uproar highlights the challenges comedians face in navigating their expanding audience.

As the comedy world reacts, one thing is clear—this won’t be the last time comedians and musicians collide in cultural debates.