It’s no mystery that Adin Ross is Team Drake. During a press conference for his Brand Risk event over the weekend, the popular streamer didn’t hold back when asked about a hypothetical boxing match between the two rap titans: “Drake would beat the fck out of Kendrick,” Ross declared with the sort of bravado that has become his trademark.
Ross, who has built a massive online following through his high-energy streams and celebrity collaborations, was speaking at an event that showcased his growing influence in combat sports. Brand Risk Promotions, launched in 2024, aims to “revolutionize combat sports by bringing the energy and audience of streaming culture into the ring.” The most recent card featured a bizarre but entertaining lineup: Supa Hot Fire versus Ray J, NBA veterans Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley squaring off, and former Heisman winner Johnny Manziel fighting Bob Menery.
The Drake-Kendrick Lamar Rivalry: A Brief History
To understand why Ross’s comments made headlines, one must appreciate the deep and often acrimonious history between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The two have traded subliminal shots for years, but the feud escalated dramatically in 2024 with a series of explosive diss tracks. Kendrick’s “The Heart Part 4” and “Control” (featuring a memorable verse aimed at Drake) set the stage, while Drake responded with “Push Ups” and “Family Matters.” Kendrick fired back with “Meet the Grahams” and the viral smash “Not Like Us,” which accused Drake of various personal transgressions. The beef reignited fan debates about lyrical prowess, authenticity, and legacy—and now Adin Ross has added a physical dimension to the hypothetical.
Ross, who considers Drake a close friend and collaborator, has often shown his allegiance. The Canadian rapper even name-dropped the streamer on the track “Make Them Pay” from his Iceman album: “Dawg, I was aidin’ Ross with streams before Adin Ross had ever streamed.” That line also took a jab at fellow rapper Rick Ross, further cementing Adin’s place in Drake’s inner circle.
Adin Ross’s Relationship with Drake: More Than Music
The bond between the 25-year-old streamer and the 37-year-old superstar runs deeper than a mere business connection. During a livestream earlier this month, Ross shared a heartbreaking story: “I had a family member who passed. And they were waiting on Iceman. … Drake had sent me songs a while back. So what I’m saying is that at least that person could at least hear something, you know what I’m saying?” The gesture—sending unreleased tracks so a dying relative could enjoy them—shows a personal side to Drake that fans rarely see. It also explains why Ross would so confidently back Drake in any arena, whether lyrical or physical.
Ross has also been a vocal supporter of Drake’s boxing potential, citing the rapper’s size, athleticism, and competitive nature. At 6 feet tall and with a frame that has bulked up over the years, Drake cuts an imposing figure. He has been spotted training with professional boxers, including a session with former world champion Adrien Broner. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar is known for his slight build—he stands around 5’6” and weighs significantly less. In a boxing match, weight classes matter, and the size disparity alone would give Drake a major advantage.
Brand Risk: Where Streaming and Combat Sports Collide
Adin Ross’s foray into boxing promotion is part of a larger trend: internet personalities leveraging their audiences to create live events that blur the lines between entertainment, sports, and social media. Brand Risk Promotions has already staged several events, with the most recent one drawing attention for its mix of athletes, influencers, and former reality stars. The event’s success was bolstered by Ross’s ability to generate buzz on platforms like Kick and YouTube, where he commands millions of viewers.
Ross’s confidence in Drake beating Kendrick may seem like typical trash talk, but it actually fits a pattern: he is positioning himself as a tastemaker who can bridge the gap between hip-hop and the fight game. He has also expressed interest in promoting a celebrity boxing match between the two rappers, though neither has taken the bait. The logistics would be daunting: both are at the peak of their powers in the music industry, with tour schedules, recording commitments, and legacies to protect. But stranger things have happened in the world of celebrity boxing—remember when Mike Tyson fought Jake Paul?
Could a Drake-Kendrick Boxing Match Actually Happen?
The idea may sound far-fetched, but the precedent is there. Boxing has long been a venue for settling scores—from Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier to Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor. In the social media age, trash talk between celebrities often translates into pay-per-view events. Drake and Kendrick’s feud is as heated as any in modern music, and both have the financial incentive to step into the ring. Drake’s net worth is estimated at over $250 million, while Kendrick’s sits around $75 million. A boxing match could generate hundreds of millions in revenue, especially if promoted by someone like Adin Ross, who knows how to mobilize the online masses.
However, there are obstacles. Both rappers are in their late 30s, and neither has formal boxing training. Kendrick, in particular, has avoided the spotlight in physical contexts, preferring to let his lyrics speak. Drake, on the other hand, has shown a willingness to engage in public sparring—literally. He posted a video in 2023 hitting pads with a trainer, looking surprisingly sharp. Still, the leap from pad work to a real fight is monumental.
Ross, for his part, remains bullish. “Drake has the reach, the power, and the mindset,” he said in a follow-up stream after the press conference. “Kendrick is a genius on the mic, but in the ring? Come on, let’s be real.” His comments sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with fans of both artists debating endlessly. Some pointed out that Kendrick’s agility and quickness might surprise people, while others insisted Drake’s physical advantages would prevail.
Broader Implications for Hip-Hop and Combat Sports
The intersection of rap beef and boxing is nothing new. From Jay-Z and Nas to 50 Cent and The Game, rivalries have often escalated beyond the booth. But the modern era, fueled by streaming platforms and influencer culture, has accelerated the trend. Adin Ross’s Brand Risk is at the forefront, capitalizing on viral moments to produce live events that feel both authentic and absurd. His declaration about Drake and Kendrick is part of that formula: generate controversy, drive engagement, and ultimately sell tickets.
Beyond the hypothetical match, Ross’s career trajectory is worth noting. He started as a commentator and streamer, gained notoriety through controversial guests like Andrew Tate, and now finds himself running a boxing promotion that includes former NFL stars and NBA players. His relationship with Drake legitimizes him in the eyes of the hip-hop community, while his streaming prowess ensures a steady pipeline of young, engaged viewers. Brand Risk is not just a promotion—it’s a media company that understands the power of cross-platform storytelling.
In the end, Ross’s bold claim may never be tested. But for now, it has accomplished exactly what he wanted: it got people talking. Whether Drake would actually “beat the fck” out of Kendrick remains a matter of opinion, but in the court of public opinion—and on Adin Ross’s streams—the debate will rage on.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News