The Viral Moment: Drake’s Public Spat with DeMar DeRozan
Recently, the internet erupted with laughter and shock when a video of the famous Canadian rapper Drake aired, showing him angrily throwing a DeMar DeRozan jersey on the ground during one of his concerts. Drake, who has been in a longstanding feud with California-born rapper Kendrick Lamar, seemed to be making a clear statement about his former friend, DeRozan. The video quickly went viral, amassing over 800,000 views on X (formerly Twitter), and sparked a wide range of reactions from fans and fellow NBA enthusiasts.
The Kings’ Swift and Witty Response
Without missing a beat, the Sacramento Kings jumped into the fray, delivering a hilariously spot-on parody of Drake’s dramatic moment. The Kings’ social media team, spearheaded by Jordan Latimore (cameraman) and Kenny Reprado (actor), crafted a video that not only mimicked Drake’s actions but also showed their unwavering support for DeRozan. The video, which cleverly poked fun at Drake’s reaction, quickly became a fan favorite, further solidifying the Kings’ reputation for their engaging and often humorous digital content. The response was so well-received that it highlighted the strong bond between the Kings organization and their star player, DeRozan.
A Tale of Two Friends: DeRozan and Drake
DeMar DeRozan and Drake once shared a close friendship, which was prominently displayed during DeRozan’s nine-year tenure with the Toronto Raptors. The pair even graced the cover of Slam 198, and Drake frequently name-dropped DeRozan in his music. One notable instance was in his 2021 hit song, "Lemon Pepper Freestyle," where he sang, “My city love me like DeMar DeRozan.” However, the tides have turned. Since the beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar began, DeRozan has clearly aligned himself with his fellow Compton native, Lamar. This shift in loyalty was evident during a legendary Juneteenth concert in Los Angeles, where DeRozan danced on stage with Lamar and even appeared in Lamar’s iconic "Not Like Us" music video. Lamar’s lyrics, “I’m glad DeRoz’ came home. Y’all didn’t deserve him, neither,” symbolically referenced DeRozan’s move from Toronto to Sacramento.
A History of Mutual Respect
Despite the recent public feud, the relationship between Drake and DeRozan was built on mutual respect and admiration. During his time with the Raptors, DeRozan was a beloved figure in Toronto, and Drake was one of his most vocal supporters. The rapper’s public endorsements and the pair’s visible camaraderie made them a powerful duo in the NBA and music worlds. However, the beef with Lamar has strained their friendship, leading to a series of public exchanges that have captivated fans.
Drake’s Ongoing Feud and DeRozan’s Comeback
The tension between Drake and DeRozan has been simmering for a while. On November 2, during the Raptors’ 131-128 win over the Kings, Drake threatened to pull down any banner honoring DeRozan if it were ever put up, saying, “If you ever put a DeRozan banner up, I’ll go up there and pull it down myself … shoutout to Kyle [Lowry,]” in a moment captured during the game’s broadcast. DeRozan, never one to back down, responded with a confident quip, stating that Drake would have a long way to climb to reach the rafters. This back-and-forth has added a layer of drama to their already complicated relationship, with DeRozan’s new home in Sacramento becoming a focal point.
The Power of Parody and Community Engagement
The Kings’ parody video serves as a brilliant example of how sports organizations can engage with their fans in a fun and memorable way. By humorously addressing the public spat between Drake and DeRozan, the Kings not only showed their support for their star player but also entertained their audience. The video’s viral success underscores the importance of maintaining a strong, positive connection with fans, especially in the digital age. In the end, the Kings’ response was a clever way to humanize the situation and bring a smile to the faces of those following the drama. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to handle a tense situation is with a dose of humor and a nod to the community that stands behind you. Take care, Drake; it seems the Kings have got DeRozan’s back.
