Drake seems to make fun of Kendrick Lamar in his new song “Circadian Rhythm”

Drake doesn’t mention anyone by name in “Circadian Rhythm.” The rapper’s verses refer to “them” throughout the song, but context is key. Drake is finally talking about the Kendrick Lamar battle on wax again and wants to make it clear that he doesn’t care. “Circadian Rhythm” is dedicated to that concept. The 6 God flips the meaning of the title to point out that he’s still “on top” when his competition is down. Judging by his bars, he hasn’t lost a step. However, there are lines scattered throughout that seem to be directed specifically at K. Dot.

“How many quotes did I write? How much gold did I find? Ayy,” Drake raps during the second verse. “How many funeral dates they scheduled for me and I dodged ’em like the truck? Yeah.” The funeral dates seem to be a pretty clear reference to Kendrick Lamar’s Pop Out show on Juneteenth. The concert was dubbed a funeral for Drake online because of how much Lamar partied onstage. He performed “Not Like Us” a whopping five times to close out the show. Drake’s counterargument? He’s still here, still alive, despite Dot’s best efforts.

Also notable is the use of the phrase “circadian rhythm.” It’s not mentioned once in the song. One song that does feature it, however, is Kendrick Lamar’s “6:16 In LA.” The Compton rapper used those specific words in his second official diss of Drake. “I know that kind of power is gonna cost me,” Dot raps. “But I live in the circadian rhythm of a shooting star.” Drake and Kendrick Lamar aren’t artists who do things randomly. Everything with them is intentional, so it’s hard to imagine this is mere coincidence. The song’s title also proves important in relation to Drake’s past.

The rapper subtitled “Circadian Rhythm” “The Language 2,” an obvious reference to his 2013 song “The Language.” The connection is notable, as the original song was said to be Drake’s response to Kendrick Lamar after the latter dropped the “Control” verse. Drizzy and Kenny were engaged in a cold war in 2013, and the former is clearly sending subs the latter’s way. “I don’t know why they lied, but your sh*t ain’t that inspiring,” he raps. “F*** any n**ga that talk that sh*t just to get a reaction.” Time really is a flat circle.