In their history, Drake and Kendrick Lamar have had a tense relationship and frequently engaged in lyrical battles within the realm of music. Kendrick Lamar is renowned for his sharp lyrics and has often taken aim at Drake through those piercing verses.

Their rivalry has spanned several years, with both artists dodging blows in their respective music. This artist feud has become a noteworthy topic for both fans and the media, adding tension to the world of hip-hop.

Drake mentioning Kendrick Lamar in his acceptance speech for the Hip-hop Artist of the Year award at the 2024 ceremony could be seen as an acknowledgment of the ongoing competition between them or perhaps an attempt to quell any remaining tension between the two. However, without further specific context, it’s difficult to ascertain Drake’s exact reason for referencing Kendrick Lamar in his speech.