DJ Hed Responds to Akademiks’ Claims About Kendrick Lamar’s New Project on The Bigger Picture

In the latest episode of The Bigger Picture, DJ Hed addressed recent comments by Akademiks regarding Kendrick Lamar’s rumored new project. Akademiks previously predicted that Lamar would soon release a new album, prompting DJ Hed to respond with a cryptic baseball cap emoji on social media, signaling skepticism.
Earlier this month, Akademiks claimed Kendrick Lamar was on the verge of dropping a new project, sparking debates across the hip-hop community. DJ Hed’s response, “Dot really doesn’t talk to anyone, especially Ak,
” added fuel to the ongoing discussion, suggesting Lamar’s team remains tight-lipped about future releases.
During a live stream, Akademiks reacted to Hed’s remarks, defending his predictions by citing his long-standing reputation in the industry. He touted his influence, pointing out that major artists like Drake had previously reached out to him about leaked content.
In the latest episode of The Bigger Picture, co-host Elliott Wilson joked about DJ Hed being “baited” by Akademiks’ comments, asking directly whether Kendrick Lamar would release an album soon. DJ Hed responded, “Not right now,” but acknowledged that Akademiks often has inside sources.
DJ Hed took the opportunity to question the responsibilities of media figures like Akademiks, asking whether having a large following automatically qualifies one as the greatest in the field. While recognizing Akademiks’ success in building a massive platform, Hed emphasized the importance of journalistic integrity and the value of responsible reporting.
Hed discussed how prominent figures like Joe Budden, Elliott Wilson, and Charlamagne Tha God use their platforms to empower others, contrasting this with Akademiks’ self-focused approach. He highlighted the need for media personalities to leverage their influence for the benefit of the broader community.
Concluding on a surprisingly positive note, DJ Hed acknowledged Akademiks’ achievements but posed a challenge: “What are you going to do with that platform? How many people will you empower with the success and influence you’ve gained?”
DJ Hed’s remarks on The Bigger Picture underscore a larger conversation about accountability and influence in hip-hop media. As debates about Kendrick Lamar’s next move continue, DJ Hed’s call for responsible use of platform and influence resonates, pushing figures like Akademiks to consider their broader impact on the industry.
Catch the full discussion on The Bigger Picture, available now on HipHopDX’s YouTube channel.