It was the shot heard 'round the world—Kendrick Lamar called himself the "King of New York" on Big Sean's "Control (HOF)."
Kendrick's show stealing, Earth shattering verse lead to a response on Twitter from just about every rapper you could think of. Maybe that's why some of New York's finest rappers were tweeting about going into the studio after hearing Kendrick's verse. Clearly, Kendrick had sparked a discussion and inspired a few pens.
But here's the thing: There's a reason why Kendrick is comfortable calling himself the King of New York. Social media has convinced rappers they need to broadcast every little thing they do, which has revealed how little time they spend perfecting their rhymes and how much time they spend bullshitting.
So we checked up on some of our favorite New York rappers—the kingpins of the Big Apple, if you will—to see exactly what they were doing when the song dropped. Granted, there was no word from the likes of Jay Z, A$AP Rocky, Lil Kim, Method Man, and others who simply weren't on any of their social media accounts. However, we did find out Nas was out enjoying a basketball game and Joe Budden was on UStream.
Um, hello. There's a title to be held, and more attention to be paid.
Here's What Other New York Rappers Were Busy Doing While Kendrick Lamar Called Himself "The King of New York."
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Nicki Minaj was out promoting her new fragrance, "Minajesty."
Here's an exclusive look @ the ad for my new fragrance MINAJESTY. It hits stores on 9/15.… http://t.co/UcHaqgN4UG
— Instagram@NickiMinaj (@NICKIMINAJ) August 12, 2013
Joe Budden was playing Truth or Truth on UStream.
We’re playing Truth or Truth live at http://t.co/8qLIstveDj come and check it out!
— Joe Budden (@JoeBudden) August 13, 2013
French Montana was in the studio with Miley Cyrus working on the "Ain't Worried About Nothin'" remix.
#HaaaaaannnnaaaaMontana @FrencHMonTanA
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) August 13, 2013
Nas was playing basketball at Rucker Park.
Huge playoff win for my team @fancy @ebcruckerpark tonight. salute to the whole squad @shopson32 i see u and @coachdee4_ebc we got this!!
— Nasir Jones (@Nas) August 13, 2013
Diddy was relaxing.
This is what we all need to do! http://t.co/hpVtcruo3f
— Diddy (@iamdiddy) August 13, 2013
A$AP Ferg was on Tumblr.
trustnonelovenone asked: Ferg I love you trap lord http://t.co/QHzWQg51Ov
— A$AP F3RG (@ASAPferg) August 12, 2013
Cam'ron was at the club.
Sean Price was reminiscing about the old days.
I remember GOING DOWN SOUTH TO START doing the JESUS PRICE LP AND ALL I LISTENED TO WAS @DJGREENLANTERN /Beanie Siegel mixtape
— BURR REDDING (@SeanPrice) August 13, 2013
Jadakiss was encouraging others to conquer fear.
Haha REAL RAP is ALMOST back and I LOVE it!!! # don't get scared now
— JADAKISS (@Therealkiss) August 13, 2013
Ma$e was making new music.
Papoose was tweeting at DJs about his "Versace" remix.
@djcamilo killing the #rushhour #versace #VersaceVersace
— Papoose (@Papooseonline) August 12, 2013
Fat Joe was keeping his cool.
jealousy and envys are dumb ones too but joey says nothing he keeps his cool.#THERULER
— FAT JOE (@fatjoe) August 12, 2013
El-P was sick, drunk, and also performing in Philly.
PHILLY! GOOD NEWS! I AM DRUNK ENOUGH TO PERFORM WHILE SICK!
— el-p (@therealelp) August 13, 2013
Jim Jones was sleeping.
@OhHELLNawl lol it's just jokes y u ain't laugh when u heard it th king was home sleep he just woke up time to #Vamp
— Jim Jones (@jimjonescapo) August 13, 2013
Hoodie Allen was hitting the top of the iTunes charts... in the UK AND US.
I haven't been able to sleep because the good news seems endless. My first UK #1 makes me even more excited for the European Tour!
— Hoodie Allen (@HoodieAllen) August 13, 2013
50 Cent was listening to Kidd Kidd's new single.
this is heat @ItsKiddKidd http://t.co/8n4gQ6kdAA #SMSAUDIO
— 50cent (@50cent) August 12, 2013
P.A.P.I. (N.O.R.E.) was performing in Memphis.
Memphis slime here
— P.A.P.I. (@noreaga) August 13, 2013
Action Bronson was tweeting rhymes.
Ur Girl look like Derek Harper, I come thru wit Ron Harper
— BON VIVANT (@ActionBronson) August 13, 2013
Theophilus London was debating whether or not to drop a new mixtape.
Joey Bada$$ was searching for beats.
Mad inspired right now can eye just get a dope beat to release it wtf
— oG $wank. (@joeyBADASS_) August 12, 2013
Ransom was promoting his video for "I Ain't Shit."
Video: Ransom (Feat. Stack Bundles) - I Aint Sh*t!! http://t.co/VdMfilfsOY via @worldstar
— WALTER WHITE (@201Ransom) August 13, 2013
Fabolous was announcing a new Ciroc drink called "Black Gold."
NEW DRINK ALERT!! #BLACKGOLD #CIROCAmaretto & Cola!!!! http://t.co/atlmyVyEOR
— Fabolous (@myfabolouslife) August 13, 2013