(ThyBlackMan.com) In the world of entertainment, Drake’s recent Instagram activity has set the internet abuzz. Known for being one of the most followed celebrities on the platform, the Canadian rapper and global superstar seemingly cleaned house on October 1, shocking fans and followers alike. It’s not unusual for public figures to reassess their online presence, but the decision to unfollow some of the biggest names in music, sports, and entertainment—namely Playboi Carti, LeBron James, and Kendrick Lamar—has raised more than a few eyebrows. Was this a case of streamlining his social circle, or is there something deeper brewing beneath the surface? Let’s dive into the details and try to decode what could be going on with Drake’s latest move and how it might affect his career.
The Unfollowing Spree: Who Made the List?
Fans who keep a close eye on Drake’s social media were quick to notice that the OVO founder had unfollowed several big names all in one day. Among those Drake cut from his Instagram following list were rapper Kendrick Lamar, basketball legend LeBron James, and fellow artist Playboi Carti. But it didn’t stop there—Metro Boomin, Joe Budden, and DeMar DeRozan also found themselves removed from Drake’s coveted following list. Given that Drake is as much a master of PR as he is of hit-making, such a bold social media move is unlikely to be random.
Let’s unpack why each of these unfollows matters and how it plays into a bigger narrative, starting with the most obvious one—Kendrick Lamar.
Kendrick Lamar: An Unfollow Long Overdue?
The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar is no secret in the world of hip-hop. Their rivalry has been bubbling under the surface for years, though it rarely erupts into public altercations. Kendrick’s “Control” verse in 2013, where he claimed he was trying to “murder” his competition, including Drake, sparked an underlying tension between the two. Since then, there have been subliminal jabs on both sides, with fans often playing detective to pick apart their verses for potential shots at each other.
Drake and Kendrick’s beef escalated with Lamar’s release of “Not Like Us,” a diss track aimed directly at Drake, essentially questioning his authenticity in the rap game. With Kendrick Lamar growing into an even more formidable figure in music—winning Grammys, a Pulitzer Prize, and amassing critical acclaim—it’s possible that Drake saw this as the final straw in their rivalry. Perhaps Drake unfollowing Kendrick was a long-overdue move to signify that the two were done playing nice for the public. After all, why follow someone you’re feuding with, especially after a direct diss?
Fans were quick to connect the dots, suggesting that Drake’s unfollowing spree could be part of a broader reaction to Kendrick’s recent jabs. If this is indeed the case, could Drake be setting himself up for another round of lyrical warfare with K. Dot? Historically, rap beefs have always fueled careers, but in an era where social media matters just as much as music, could unfollowing be the new diss track?
LeBron James: No Longer King of Drake’s Inner Circle?
The next name that stood out in Drake’s unfollow spree is none other than NBA superstar LeBron James. Drake and LeBron have had a close relationship over the years, often spotted hanging out together and supporting each other’s careers. LeBron has been known to show love to Drake’s music, and Drake has been equally supportive of LeBron’s legacy in the NBA.
So, what went wrong? It’s possible that LeBron’s friendship with Kendrick Lamar could have played a role. LeBron was famously seen at Kendrick’s “Pop Out” show on Juneteenth, visibly enjoying himself and even talking on camera about how much he liked Lamar’s “Not Like Us” diss track. While this could have been harmless admiration for good music, in the world of celebrity relationships, loyalties run deep, and perhaps Drake felt slighted by LeBron’s apparent support for someone who publicly dissed him.
Another theory is that Drake might be feeling the pressure to streamline his circle in the wake of growing tensions with several people in the industry. It’s worth noting that Drake has always been calculated about his alliances, and his unfollowing of LeBron could signify a desire to distance himself from anyone associated with his rivals, especially Kendrick.
That said, cutting ties with LeBron James, one of the most influential figures not only in sports but in popular culture, could have long-term consequences. For years, Drake has benefited from rubbing shoulders with the King, and their relationship has been mutually beneficial. It begs the question: Was unfollowing LeBron a smart move, or will Drake regret it later?
Playboi Carti: The Most Surprising Unfollow
Out of all the names Drake unfollowed, the one that has puzzled fans the most is Playboi Carti. Unlike Kendrick and LeBron, Drake and Carti have appeared to be on good terms, collaborating on several tracks and even recently releasing the song “No Face” together. However, things might not be as smooth behind the scenes as they appear.
One possible explanation is that Playboi Carti’s association with certain individuals could have rubbed Drake the wrong way. Carti, for instance, has a strong connection with The Weeknd, one of Drake’s long-time rivals. Their beef stems from personal issues and professional competition, especially considering their history with Toronto’s music scene. Could Carti’s friendship with The Weeknd have triggered Drake to unfollow him?
Additionally, there’s speculation that Carti’s decision to publicly clown popular streamer Adin Ross, who shares a good relationship with Drake, may have contributed to the unfollow. Drake’s loyalty to those in his inner circle, including someone like Adin, might have made Carti’s actions a point of contention between the two.
Or perhaps the unfollow was more strategic than personal. Could Drake be trying to create buzz ahead of a new album or project? After all, nothing gets fans talking like a good old-fashioned social media purge. Unfollowing someone as popular as Playboi Carti could easily generate the kind of chatter that leads to heightened anticipation for whatever Drake does next.
Metro Boomin, Joe Budden, and DeMar DeRozan: Collateral Damage?
In addition to Kendrick, LeBron, and Carti, Drake also unfollowed Metro Boomin, Joe Budden, and DeMar DeRozan. These unfollows seem to be part of the wider fallout from his feud with Kendrick Lamar.
Metro Boomin, one of the top producers in the game, has been involved in the feud since the release of “Like That,” the track that first reignited the tensions between Drake and Kendrick. Joe Budden, on the other hand, has been a vocal critic of Drake’s career for years, constantly calling him out on his podcast and social media. It’s likely that Drake finally had enough of Budden’s critiques and decided to cut ties altogether.
As for DeMar DeRozan, the NBA player and former Toronto Raptor has long been a part of Drake’s circle. However, he was seen dancing on stage at Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out” show and even made a cameo in the “Not Like Us” music video. It’s hard to ignore the possibility that DeRozan’s public support of Kendrick’s diss track may have been the final straw for Drake.
Is This Good for Drake’s Career?
Drake’s unfollow spree has left fans wondering if this is the beginning of a more aggressive phase in his career. Historically, Drake has maintained a carefully curated image—someone who collaborates with everyone, stays relatively drama-free, and doesn’t get involved in public feuds unless absolutely necessary. However, his recent actions suggest a shift in that strategy.
Unfollowing such big names all at once could be seen as a bold move, signaling that Drake is no longer interested in playing nice. But is that a good thing for his career?
On one hand, rap beefs and celebrity drama have always fueled attention in the entertainment industry. Drake has previously benefited from feuds—his beef with Meek Mill, for example, resulted in one of his most iconic diss tracks, “Back to Back.” If Drake is positioning himself for another round of public confrontations, it could keep his name in the headlines and fuel anticipation for new music.
On the other hand, alienating powerful figures like LeBron James and Playboi Carti could have long-term consequences. Drake’s success has always been built on his ability to collaborate with a wide range of artists, and burning bridges with people like Carti could limit those opportunities in the future. Moreover, cutting ties with someone as influential as LeBron could have ramifications beyond music, affecting Drake’s ability to maintain his cultural relevance in other arenas like sports and entertainment.
What’s Next for Drake?
As of now, it’s unclear whether Drake’s unfollow spree was a calculated move to distance himself from those who have publicly aligned with his rivals or whether it was just a personal decision to cleanse his social media of negative energy. Either way, it’s clear that something is brewing in the world of Drake, and fans will be watching closely to see what happens next.
Could we be on the brink of another public feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar? Will Drake address these unfollows in his music, potentially releasing a diss track of his own? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain—Drake knows how to keep people talking, and his latest Instagram purge is just another example of that.
As for Playboi Carti, LeBron James, and Kendrick Lamar, only time will tell if their relationships with Drake are truly over, or if this is just another chapter in the ongoing saga of celebrity feuds. Either way, fans will be eagerly waiting to see how this plays out, both on social media and in the music industry.
Stay tuned for more updates, because in the world of Drake, nothing is ever as simple as it seems.
