Who is Hakeem Prime? Singer drops a diss against Kendrick Lamar, claims Drake should have responded like him

Who is Hakeem Prime? Singer drops a diss against Kendrick Lamar, claims Drake should have responded like him (Image via Instagram/@hakeemprime)
Who is Hakeem Prime? Singer drops a diss against Kendrick Lamar, claims Drake should have responded like him (Image via Instagram/@hakeemprime)

Hakeem Prime is a rapper and singer-songwriter from Smyrna, Georgia. He started getting attention with songs like SlipUp and Try It Again. These early hits helped him work with big names like YMCMB. He later released The Mixtape 3: Apex and a debut album titled Forthcoming.

As his music style changed, Hakeem moved toward R&B. His track Imma Let You Go has over 4 million streams on Apple Music. Many listeners say he brings real emotion into his music. During a personal legal battle, he wrote an album called DÈTOUR 2. He also began making films and writing books.

On April 7, 2025, Hakeem released a new diss track called Boise Distortion | CTRL+C. The song is aimed at Kendrick Lamar. It brings up topics like hip-hop style copying, Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance, and the feud between Kendrick and Drake.


What is Hakeem Prime’s style and music background?

Hakeem Prime started with a mix of soulful singing and sharp rap verses. His sound is often described as emotional and direct. His first hits were self-released online, where he built a fan base. The track SlipUp helped him go viral. After that, Try It Again kept the momentum going.

He then worked with artists linked to the YMCMB group. His project, The Mixtape 3: Apex, showed his lyrical skills and creative sound. His debut album, Forthcoming, showed a more personal side. Hakeem sings about pain, love, and loss.

His move into R&B was a turning point. Songs like Imma Let You Go became popular for their slow, heartfelt sound. These tracks helped him reach a wider audience. He started to mix singing with rap even more. His music now often focuses on emotion and real-life stories.

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What did Hakeem Prime say about Kendrick Lamar?

In Boise Distortion | CTRL+C, Hakeem calls out Kendrick Lamar. He says Kendrick copies from Bay Area hip-hop and does not give credit. He uses the phrase “CTRL+C” to suggest Kendrick is copying without adding anything new. Hakeem also brings up Kendrick’s Super Bowl show, calling it empty and without “classics.”

He also mentions Kendrick’s wife, Whitney Alford, though not in detail. Hakeem uses this to show that Kendrick talks about real life but might not live it. He also touches on the current feud between Drake and Kendrick.

Hakeem Prime suggests Kendrick is not helping the culture, only using it. He wants bigger artists to work with smaller voices in hip-hop. Hakeem sees himself as someone standing up for those voices. He wants listeners to think about who they support and why.

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How did Hakeem Prime compare his track to Drake’s?

Drake and Kendrick Lamar have been trading diss tracks in 2025. Drake released The Heart Part 6 as a reply to Kendrick. But Hakeem says Drake’s response was not strong enough. In his view, it lacked direct bars and real pushback.

In his song, Hakeem Prime says, “This how Drake should have responded.” He suggests that if he had Drake’s fame and platform, he would have challenged Kendrick more directly. He also said, “If I had Drake bag, Kendrick I’d body you daily.” That line shows he believes he has the skills to take on Kendrick.

His comments have sparked online discussions. Some fans agree with him. Others think he is just looking for attention. But Hakeem says his track was not just for beef. He says it’s about protecting hip-hop’s roots. He wants to call out artists who take but don’t give back.

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Hakeem Prime is building a career with honest music and bold messages. From his breakout tracks to his emotional R&B shift, he has shown range. His recent diss track against Kendrick Lamar put him in the middle of a big music conversation.

Hakeem says he wants to stand up for voices that get ignored in hip-hop. His message is about more than fame. He wants to push for real change. Whether you agree with his take or not, he’s made people talk—and that’s what hip-hop has always been about.

Edited by Zainab Shaikh