Recently, a different version of “Element” emerged on Twitter, recorded by Lamar six years prior. And Kendrick Lamar Element leak presents a stark contrast to the original, with a more intense beat and direct disses aimed at fellow emcees.
Kendrick Lamar’s fourth studio album, DAMN., released in April 2017, featured the track “Element” as the fourth song on the list. This Grammy-winning album showcased Lamar’s confidence in his abilities, emphasizing that no one could “take him out of his element.”
The original version of Kendrick Lamar’s ELEMENT. has leaked, including a scrapped verse in which he takes direct shots at the likes of Drake, Big Sean, French Montana, Meek Mill and Jay Electronica 🤯 pic.twitter.com/z17z48U34C
— RRT 🧊 (@SaVichTakes) September 7, 2023
Kendrick Lamar Element leak shows a much braver version of the song
Compared to the DAMN. version’s subdued instrumental, the Kendrick Lamar Element leak features him rapping over the fiery beat from “Paramedic!” – his 2018 collaboration with California rap group SOB X RBE that was part of the Black Panther soundtrack. This shift in instrumental style adds a new dynamic to the track, giving fans a different perspective on Lamar’s artistry. For better context, here are the lyrics:
Goin’ digital and physical on all y’all
Fuck subliminals, I put you on that roll call
French Montana speakin’ on me in interviews
Very cynical, dry hatin’ somethin’ I don’t approve
Jay Electronica put silencers on my Grammy night
Another dead prophet hopin’ the God’ll give him lifeBig Sean keep sneak dissin’, I let it slide
I think his false confidence got him inspired
I can’t make them respect you baby, it’s not my job
You’re finally famous for who you date, not how you rhyme
Cute ass raps, get your puberty up
Then make you a classic album before you come at us
Drake and Meek Mill beef might got you gassed up
But I’m a whole ‘nother beast, I’d really fuck you up
Disses to Big Sean, French Montana, and Jay Electronica
In the Kendrick Lamar Element leak, he doesn’t hold back. He directly calls out fellow emcees like Big Sean, French Montana, and Jay Electronica. The verses are sharp and unambiguous, reflecting a more confrontational tone compared to the original “Element.” These direct disses provide a glimpse into the competitive nature of the rap industry and Lamar’s willingness to address rivalries head-on.
Lamar’s disses come with context. He addresses specific incidents, like French Montana’s 2016 song “Wave Gods (Intro),” where Montana questioned why street rap wasn’t selling as well as Kendrick’s. The jabs at Jay Electronica and Big Sean delve deeper into history, stemming from their collaboration on the 2013 track “Control,” where Lamar famously took shots at multiple artists in the industry.
And I’m just not impressed by you n****s rapping fast
Who sound like one big asthma attack but trash when I’m rapping it back
Who you put in your top five and claim they the savior of rap
The feud between Lamar and Big Sean traces back to Sean’s verses on tracks like “No More Interviews” and DJ Khaled’s “On Everything,” where he suggested that Lamar was overrated. Lamar’s response in “The Heart Part 4” further fueled the fire, with Lamar asserting that Sean wouldn’t back up his words.
I’m on track to a billi’, I got Khaled fuckin’ with me
That mean I got the Holy Key and got the key to the city, lil n***a
While the feud between Lamar and Big Sean captured the hip-hop world’s attention, it eventually came to an end. In Sean’s 2020 single “Deep Reverence,” he confirmed that the rift was largely due to a “lack of communication.” This revelation sheds light on the complexities of maintaining relationships in the competitive music industry.
After what happened to Nipsey, I reached out to Kendrick
It wasn’t even no real issues there to begin with
Lack of communication and wrong information
From people fueled by their ego, it’s like mixin’ flames with diesel
The Kendrick Lamar Element leak offers fans a fresh perspective on the artist’s creativity and a glimpse into the world of rap rivalries. This alternate take serves as a reminder that even in the highly competitive realm of hip-hop, communication and understanding play pivotal roles in resolving conflicts.
On other controversial news regarding the music industry, check out why X lifted Kanye West’s Twitter ban months after the removal.
Featured image credit: YouTube
