Childish Gambino’s “Yoshinoya” Sparks Speculation of Diss Track Aimed at Drake
4 min read
Nicholas Hunt/VF18/WireImage
Childish Gambino’s new track “Yoshinoya” from his album hints at a potential diss towards Drake, stirring fan speculation.
Childish Gambino, the alter ego of Donald Glover, has sparked significant conversation with his latest track “Yoshinoya” from his newly released album, Bando Stone and the New World. The song stands out as a rare instance where Gambino opts for aggressive rhymes over his usual blend of sonic experiments and electronic elements. Fans and listeners have been quick to speculate that the undisclosed target of Childish Gambino’s sharp lyrics is none other than Drake.
Clues Pointing to Drake
The speculation that “Yoshinoya” targets Drake primarily stems from specific lines in the first verse. Gambino raps, “I put your boy in the seat. You got your biz’ in the streets,” and “I wash my hands when I eat. I never hand her the key.” The term “Boy” is closely associated with Drake, who has used the nickname throughout his career. Additionally, the line about a “BD” or “baby daddy” could reference Drake, who became a father in 2018 and had a hit song titled “Rich Baby Daddy” in 2023.
I’m like half way through with the new Childish Gambino album and it’s pretty dope so far ngl
But the Drake influence on this album is craaaazy.
It legit sounds like Drake could’ve written these. pic.twitter.com/PoToCYflLV— elbirdleaf (@elbirdleaf) July 19, 2024Advertisement
Background on the Track and Album
“Yoshinoya” is one of the standout tracks from Gambino’s sixth studio album, Bando Stone and the New World, released via RCA Records. The album blends various musical styles, showcasing Gambino’s versatility. Notably, this album is Gambino’s final project under his current imprint. Alongside “Yoshinoya,” the album features other tracks like “In The Night” featuring Jorja Smith and Amaarae, “Hearts Are Meant To Fly” co-written with Amaarae, and collaborations with artists like Steve Lacy, Fousheé, and Flo Milli.
Past Issues Between Gambino and Drake
Childish Gambino and Drake have had a fraught relationship over the years. In 2018, Drake criticized Childish Gambino’s hit song “This Is America” during a concert, suggesting it was originally intended as a diss track against him. This history of tension adds weight to the theory that “Yoshinoya” contains veiled jabs at the Toronto rapper.
Drake calls Childish Gambino's ‘This Is America’ “overrated and over-awarded” in his tour visuals:
— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 6, 2023
“The overrated and over-awarded hit song ‘This Is America’ was originally a Drake diss record.” pic.twitter.com/2CWPBbrGxi
Lyrical Analysis and Fan Reactions
Throughout “Yoshinoya,” Gambino drops numerous lines that could be interpreted as digs at Drake. He mentions finding a house “on the app,” which some fans believe references Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” diss. Gambino also hints at distrust within his target’s inner circle, rapping, “They plottin’ hard when you slatt. They got a gun in your back. This who you trust when you sleepin’ at night.” Additionally, a line involving an “AK” might allude to DJ Akademiks, known for his close association with Drake.
He is trolling Drake. His This is America song was a shot at Drake.
— Wespaul1 (@CorneredCircCEO) July 19, 2024Advertisement
He’s showing he can do everything Drake does and better from rapping to singing….. even directing shows
— Hip Hop Talk (@TalkThatHipHop) July 19, 2024
The New World Tour and Album Promotion
Childish Gambino’s new album has been accompanied by significant promotional efforts, including a cinematic trailer premiered at the 2024 BET Awards and a high-energy performance during Usher’s Lifetime Achievement Tribute. He is set to embark on The New World Tour, produced by AEG Presents, starting in August 2024. The tour will cover North America, Europe, the UK, and Australia/New Zealand, with support acts WILLOW and Amaarae.
While Childish Gambino has not explicitly confirmed that “Yoshinoya” is a diss track aimed at Drake, the lyrical content and past tensions between the two artists have fueled fan speculation. The song, along with the rest of Bando Stone and the New World, continues to showcase Gambino’s ability to blend diverse musical styles and deliver thought-provoking lyrics. Whether or not the track is a direct attack on Drake, it certainly adds another layer of intrigue to Gambino’s latest musical venture.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
