Kendrick Lamar Hints at Young Thug “Snitch” Allegations in Song, Turns Down Feature on Business Is Business

Los Angeles, CA — Hip-hop has always thrived on coded language, sly disses, and unspoken rivalries. But this week, fans believe Kendrick Lamar may have crossed into direct territory, hinting at Young Thug’s alleged cooperation with authorities in his new track Squabble Up. The song, which already has rap circles buzzing, appears to call out rappers who claim street credibility yet turn to federal cooperation when pressure mounts.

The Lyric That Sparked It All

On Squabble Up, Kendrick raps:

“Tell me why the f+ck you niqqas fed, if you crim+nal?
Hey, Dot, can I get a drop?
I’m like, niqqa, nah.”

For many listeners, this wasn’t a generic bar aimed at “industry fakes.” Instead, fans have zeroed in on Young Thug, currently battling RICO charges in Atlanta, as the subject.

The reference to rappers who “end up telling the feds” comes at a time when hip-hop is rife with conversations about loyalty, cooperation, and “snitch culture” — topics amplified by the YSL case.

The Declined Feature

Adding fuel to the fire, insiders close to the industry claim Kendrick turned down an invitation to feature on Thugger’s 2023 album Business Is Business. The project, released while Thug awaited trial, included guest spots from Drake, Future, Travis Scott, and 21 Savage. But noticeably absent was Kendrick Lamar — an omission now rumored to be intentional.

Fans speculate that Kendrick’s refusal wasn’t just a scheduling decision but a deliberate distancing from Thugger’s current controversies.

Why the Tension?

The fallout between the two artists, once seen as innovators in their own lanes, may stem from more than music.

Young Thug, revered for his experimental sound and charismatic delivery, has spent the last two years entangled in a sprawling RICO case. Prosecutors allege his YSL collective functioned as a violent gang. Several of his associates — most notably Gunna (nicknamed “Wunna”) — accepted plea deals that critics within the culture labeled as “snitching.”

Now, with Kendrick’s bars echoing similar accusations, fans wonder whether Lamar is lumping Thugger into that same narrative.

The Culture of Calling Out

Calling someone a “rat” is among the gravest accusations in hip-hop, a culture where loyalty and credibility often define careers as much as lyrical ability. Kendrick, known for his precise and layered wordplay, rarely makes casual statements.

“Dot doesn’t waste words,” said Marcus Harris, a hip-hop analyst. “If he’s saying this on record, it’s intentional. He’s making a point about the contradictions in rap culture — guys claiming gangster credibility while cooperating with the system.”

Thugger’s Reported Anger

Sources close to Young Thug suggest the rapper was furious upon hearing Kendrick’s verse. Already isolated as he prepares for trial, Thugger reportedly felt betrayed that an artist he respected would decline a feature and then air cryptic disses.

“He didn’t expect Kendrick to pile on,” said one insider. “He thought if anything, Kendrick would sit it out quietly. Instead, he went public — in his own way.”

Echoes of Gunna

The comparison to Gunna is impossible to ignore. Gunna, who accepted a plea deal in late 2022, has faced relentless accusations of snitching despite his insistence he remains loyal to YSL. His music since then has carried subtle hints of frustration and defiance.

Now, Kendrick’s lyrics — echoing those same themes — appear to validate what Gunna’s critics have been saying all along.

“Wunna’s been dropping hints, and now Dot’s doubling down,” one fan wrote online. “Thug must feel cornered.”

Fans React

The hip-hop community has been ablaze with debate since Squabble Up dropped. On Twitter (X), hashtags like #KendrickVsThug and #DotSnitchAllegations trended as fans dissected every bar.

“Kendrick calling Thug a snitch without saying his name? That’s chess, not checkers,” one user posted.

Others defended Thug, insisting the lyrics were vague enough to apply to anyone. “Dot never said his name. Y’all are reaching because of the case,” argued another.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the immediate drama, the moment reflects deeper tensions in hip-hop. The YSL case has forced rappers and fans alike to confront the gap between “street” identities and legal realities. For artists like Kendrick, who have built careers on dissecting contradictions in Black America, the topic is fertile ground.

“This isn’t just about Thugger,” said Harris. “It’s about the entire culture wrestling with authenticity. Kendrick is asking: can you claim to be a gangster and still cooperate with the feds?”

What’s Next?

Whether Thugger responds directly remains to be seen. Historically, he has rarely shied away from confrontation. But with his legal future on the line, his options may be limited.

Kendrick, meanwhile, has once again demonstrated his ability to shift the culture with just a few lines. By refusing to appear on Business Is Business and delivering a lyrical jab in Squabble Up, he has positioned himself as both critic and conscience of hip-hop.

For fans, the question is no longer whether the shots were aimed at Thugger. It’s whether Thugger — or anyone else — will fire back.