Hey Dana Jane

Category: Music

  • Kendrick vs. Drake: Hip-Hop’s Modern-Day Tupac and Biggie Feud?

    Hip-hop feuds are nothing new. They’ve been around as long as the genre itself, but every once in a while, a rivalry comes along that feels bigger than just a couple of rappers trading bars—it feels cultural. That’s exactly what’s happening with Kendrick Lamar and Drake. If you’ve been paying attention, you know this isn’t just some petty social media squabble; it’s one of the most significant rap beefs of the past decade.

    And if it’s giving you déjà vu, you’re not alone. Many fans can’t help but compare it to the legendary feud between Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. Of course, there are some key differences (for one, let’s hope this one doesn’t end in tragedy), but the parallels are impossible to ignore.

    West Coast vs. East Coast 2.0?

    One of the biggest reasons this feels like a spiritual successor to Pac and Biggie’s feud is the geography. Tupac repped the West Coast, signed to Death Row Records, and became the face of California hip-hop in the ‘90s. Biggie, meanwhile, was the king of New York, holding it down for the East Coast under Bad Boy Records. Their beef wasn’t just personal—it became a full-blown coastal war that divided the hip-hop world.

    Now, fast forward to today. Kendrick Lamar, Compton’s lyrical son, has long been hailed as the modern torchbearer for West Coast hip-hop. On the other side, Drake—while technically Canadian—has been the most dominant rapper on the charts for over a decade and is closely tied to the industry powerhouses of New York and the East Coast. Their clash is not just about their egos; it’s about two different philosophies of hip-hop.

    The Pen vs. The Pop Star

    Tupac and Biggie’s beef wasn’t just about where they were from; it was also about their styles. Pac was raw, emotional, and confrontational—more of a poet than a technician. Biggie, on the other hand, was smooth, calculated, and had a storytelling ability that made him one of the greatest to ever do it.

    Now, look at Kendrick and Drake. Kendrick is a purist’s rapper—deeply lyrical, poetic, and razor-sharp with his pen. He’s the type to make you rewind a verse three times just to catch all the layers. Drake, meanwhile, has mastered the art of blending hip-hop and pop, making him a global superstar. He can rap, but he can also sing, and he’s got a formula that keeps him topping the charts.

    Much like Biggie, Drake often leans into a more commercial and melodic approach, while Kendrick—like Tupac—seems more concerned with making music that challenges and provokes. Their differences in style fuel their rivalry, making it more than just a battle of words—it’s a battle of what hip-hop should be.

    The Subliminals, The Shots, and the Fallout

    The Tupac and Biggie feud escalated through subliminal (and not-so-subliminal) shots in their music. Pac’s Hit ‘Em Up is still one of the most aggressive diss tracks of all time, while Biggie’s Who Shot Ya? (whether or not it was actually aimed at Pac) fanned the flames of an already volatile situation.

    Kendrick and Drake have been at this cold war for years. The tension goes all the way back to Control, when Kendrick name-dropped Drake (along with several others) in his now-iconic verse. Since then, both have sent subtle (and not-so-subtle) shots at each other in their music. Drake’s The Heart Part 6 and Kendrick’s Euphoria have only intensified things, turning whispers of a beef into an all-out lyrical war.

    The biggest difference? Today’s feuds play out in real time, dissected on social media within minutes of a song dropping. Fans choose sides instantly, memes fly, and conspiracy theories about ghostwriters and industry plants run rampant.

    Will This End Differently?

    The Tupac and Biggie feud ended in tragedy, with both artists losing their lives before they could reconcile. Their deaths left a permanent scar on hip-hop and serve as a cautionary tale of how beef can spiral out of control.

    Thankfully, the music industry is different now. While things can get ugly, the odds of this feud leading to real violence are much lower. This is a battle being fought with beats and bars, not bullets. Still, the rivalry is reshaping modern hip-hop, making fans pick sides and debate who the real king of the game is.

    Whether you’re Team Kendrick or Team Drake, one thing is clear: this is the most exciting rap battle we’ve seen in years. Let’s just hope it stays on wax.

  • Rise Above: Why Supporting Todd Ashbeck Is the Right Thing to Do

    Betrayal is a harsh tune, and unfortunately, Todd Ashbeck knows it all too well. After pouring 12 years of heart, soul, and pure grit into Rising Phoenix—a band he founded—Todd was blindsided by the ultimate betrayal. His so-called “bandmates” unceremoniously ousted him from the very group he created. What’s worse? They’ve tried to carry on without him, as if Rising Phoenix wasn’t Todd’s brainchild from the start.

    Let’s get one thing clear: Rising Phoenix without Todd Ashbeck is no Rising Phoenix at all.

    Todd’s story is one of passion, dedication, and relentless drive. He didn’t just start a band; he built a legacy. He handpicked members, made connections with venues, and kept the band alive even when others faltered. And how was this loyalty repaid? By a coup orchestrated behind his back, led by individuals who couldn’t even respect the man who gave them their platform.

    Let’s break it down:

    • The Undeniable Truth: Todd founded Rising Phoenix in 2012, long before his former bandmates joined the fold.
    • The Backstabbing: Key decisions, including the firing of another member, were made without Todd’s knowledge.
    • The Smear Campaign: They’re now trying to paint Todd as the bad guy, twisting his words and actions to suit their narrative.

    But Todd’s passion and integrity can’t be erased with a few petty lies.

    What kind of “friends” plot to push someone out of their own creation? Todd’s account exposes the lack of respect, underhanded tactics, and toxic dynamics that led to this fallout. From rejecting great show opportunities to griping about money and venues, these former members clearly lacked the dedication Todd demanded.

    And let’s not even get started on band member, Josh. By Todd’s account, “The New Guy” had been scheming from the start, undermining Todd’s leadership at every turn. If this is how they treat a leader and founder, what’s stopping them from betraying others?

    Venues, take note: booking the so-called “Rising Phoenix” without Todd is supporting theft—plain and simple. This isn’t just a matter of band politics; it’s about integrity. Venues that respect artistry and the hard work it takes to build something from the ground up should refuse to support Todd’s former bandmates.

    Instead, we encourage venues and fans alike to stand with Todd as he rebuilds under a new band name. This new chapter promises the same passion, talent, and energy that Todd has always delivered—this time with a team that truly values him.

    Todd Ashbeck is a fighter, and he deserves our support. After 50 years in music, he’s not about to let a group of backstabbers silence his voice. His resilience and commitment to his craft are qualities we should all admire and support.

    To the venues considering booking “Rising Phoenix” without Todd: Don’t. There’s only one true Rising Phoenix, and it’s the one with Todd at the helm.

    To the fans: Let’s rally behind Todd and make sure the world knows the real story. Follow him, support his upcoming shows, and let’s help him rise above this betrayal.

    Todd, we’ve got your back.

    Stay tuned for updates as Todd reclaims his rightful place in the music world—because legends don’t lay down; they rise.

  • Elvis Presley: The King Lives On

    Today, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll would have turned 90. Ninety. Let that sink in for a moment. Elvis Presley—hip-swiveling, velvet-voiced, heartthrob of the universe—would be blowing out candles on his 90th birthday cake if life had dealt a different hand. The thought feels surreal, doesn’t it? Can you even picture Elvis at 90? Because I can’t. His timeless persona exists forever in the glitz of his Vegas jumpsuits, the smolder of his early leather jackets, and that iconic lip curl. Elvis might have left the building 47 years ago, but let me tell you, he still occupies a penthouse suite in my heart.

    It’s almost laughable to think of Elvis as an old man. The man was pure energy, a lightning bolt in human form. Could he have even slowed down? I imagine him still strutting around, hips defying gravity, probably managing to make orthotic shoes and bifocals look sexy. Maybe he’d trade in his gold Cadillac for a Tesla. But let’s be real—he’d have it custom-wrapped in rhinestones.

    The thing about Elvis is that his magic doesn’t age. His music, his movies, his charisma—they’re as fresh today as they were when they first lit up living rooms and jukeboxes across America. “Jailhouse Rock” still makes me want to dance like no one’s watching, and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” still makes me swoon. (And if you don’t get goosebumps during that scene in Blue Hawaii, you might need to check your pulse.)

    What blows my mind is the devotion of his fans. We’ve been loving this man for decades, through thick and thin (and yes, even through those infamous peanut butter and banana sandwiches). For 47 years, we’ve kept him alive in our playlists, our hearts, and, let’s be honest, in our Elvis-themed kitchen towels. Because when you love Elvis, it’s not just fandom—it’s a lifelong commitment.

    So today, let’s raise a glass (or a peanut butter and banana sandwich) to the King. Here’s to 90 years of Elvis Presley, the man who redefined cool, who brought rock ‘n’ roll to the forefront, and who taught the world that a little hip action could go a long way.

    Happy Birthday, Elvis. Thank you very much.