The rap world is no stranger to rumors, and the one about Drake using ghostwriters has been circulating for years. But what if the whispers started much earlier than we thought? Rapper Glasses Malone recently shared a surprising detail: he first heard these allegations over a decade ago, and the source was none other than Kendrick Lamar.
Early Whispers of Ghostwriting
During a recent episode of ‘The Bigger Picture’ podcast, Glasses Malone recalled how Kendrick Lamar, referred to as ‘Dot’ in the conversation, first brought up the idea that Drake might not be writing all his own lyrics. At the time, Malone admitted he didn’t quite grasp the implications, especially given Drake’s early image as a ‘pop approach from a pop artist’ and a ‘well-mannered dude.’
He remembered thinking, ‘Hell nah, man, I’m watching this dude do his thing.’ However, looking back now, Malone understands how those early observations made sense, suggesting the ghostwriting rumors might have been around much earlier than publicly known. He even recalled calling Drake a ‘liar’ when Kendrick first mentioned it, not fully understanding the nuances of the music industry at the time.
Drake’s Defense
Drake himself has addressed these ghostwriter allegations multiple times over the years. In a 2019 interview with Rap Radar, he firmly stated that his strongest talent lies in writing. He explained that people often ask him to write songs for them and that collaborating in the studio is something he excels at.
He defended the practice of co-writing, saying, ‘If it makes a great song and you’re the one that’s voicing it, but it’s you and another person that’s cooking it up, you’re not doing anything wrong.’ This perspective suggests that collaboration is a natural part of the creative process in music.
The Evolving Conversation
The debate over ghostwriting in hip-hop is a complex one, touching on authenticity, artistry, and the business side of music. While some see it as a betrayal of the genre’s lyrical roots, others view it as a standard collaborative practice. Glasses Malone’s recollection adds another layer to this ongoing conversation, suggesting that the seeds of doubt were sown long ago by one of the genre’s most respected voices.
What do you think about the ghostwriter allegations? Is collaboration a sign of weakness or a smart creative strategy in hip-hop? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
