Drake is kicking off 2025 with drama as a newly released freestyle titled “Fighting Irish” briefly surfaced on producer Conductor Williams’ YouTube page on January 3. Although swiftly taken down, fans wasted no time circulating the track on social media, ensuring it didn’t go unnoticed.
The freestyle, captured through a grainy TV screen, features the Toronto rapper reflecting on his challenging 2024 and taking veiled shots at those who, in his view, betrayed him during his high-profile feud with Kendrick Lamar.
Lyrical Jabs and Introspection
Over Conductor’s shimmering production, Drake spits:
“The world fell in love with the gimmicks, even my brothers got tickets, seemed like they loved every minute/ Just know the s–t is personal to us and wasn’t just business/ Analyzing behavioral patterns is somewhat suspicious.”
Many fans believe these lines are directed at NBA stars DeMar DeRozan and LeBron James, who attended Kendrick’s Pop Out concert amid the feud. The “Fighting Irish” mascot also alludes to LeBron’s high school alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary.
Drake also dismisses Kendrick’s claims of a drinking problem, made in the fiery diss track “Meet the Grahams,” rapping:
“I don’t have a drinkin’ problem, I got a subtle addiction/ I got my father’s habits and I got my mother’s permission.”
Additionally, the freestyle seemingly takes aim at Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the label of boosting Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us. Drake raps:
“I hate to see their empire crumble on judges’ convictions.”
UMG previously denied these allegations, calling them “offensive and untrue” in a November 2024 statement to Billboard.
Past Collaborations with Conductor Williams
“Fighting Irish” isn’t the first time Drake and Conductor Williams have teamed up. The producer previously worked on tracks like “8am in Charlotte” and “Stories About My Brother” from Drake’s For All The Dogs album.
What’s Next for Drake?
With the leaked freestyle sparking widespread discussion, fans are left wondering if it will officially see the light of day. As of now, neither Drake nor Conductor Williams has commented on the track or its removal.
For Drake, “Fighting Irish” signals a readiness to confront his recent controversies head-on, setting the tone for a potentially explosive 2025.
