Mal From New Rory & Mal Sides With Drake Over Jay-Z in Rap Battle

During a recent episode of the New Rory & Mal podcast, commentator Mal sparked conversation by declaring his loyalty in a hypothetical rap battle between Drake and JAŸ-Z. Despite his well-known personal ties to the Roc-A-Fella family, Mal stated that he would support the Toronto artist in such a contest.

Did You Know? Mal is the younger brother of Kareem “Biggs” Burke, who co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records alongside JAŸ-Z.

Loyalty and Lyrical Competition

Mal acknowledged the significance of his connection to the Brooklyn rap icon, referring to him as “big bro” and family. However, he maintained that his personal rapport with Drake would dictate his stance in a potential feud.

The commentator emphasized that any hypothetical battle between the two artists should remain focused on lyrical skill. He expressed a clear preference for professional competition over the personal, often chaotic, disputes that have characterized other recent conflicts in the hip-hop industry.

Expert Insight: The tension between historical industry affiliations and modern personal alliances highlights how shifting loyalties in hip-hop can influence public discourse. Mal’s preference for “respectful” lyrical competition suggests a desire for the culture to prioritize artistry over the personal animosity seen in recent years.

The Roots Picnic Freestyle

The discussion also touched upon JAŸ-Z’s appearance at the 2026 Roots Picnic. Mal revealed he was initially unaware of the performance because he was focused on watching the NBA playoffs.

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It was Drake who brought the freestyle to Mal’s attention. According to Mal, Drake sent him messages inquiring about JAŸ-Z’s appearance during the set, specifically joking about the rapper’s hair. This exchange underscores the ongoing, complex relationship between the artists and those within their inner circles.

Future Implications

While the prospect of a Drake versus JAŸ-Z battle remains speculative, the public nature of these comments may continue to fuel debates among fans. Observers note that such discussions often serve to keep the spotlight on the artists’ respective legacies, though it remains to be seen if these tensions will ever manifest as a formal musical confrontation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Mal say he would side with Drake?

Mal stated that while he considers JAŸ-Z family, he considers Drake “my man” and would choose to ride with him in a hypothetical rap battle.

What conditions does Mal have for a rap battle?

Mal stressed that any potential battle between the two must remain centered on lyrical competition and be handled respectfully, rather than involving the personal attacks seen in previous years.

How did Mal find out about JAŸ-Z’s 2026 Roots Picnic freestyle?

Mal revealed that he was watching the NBA playoffs at the time and was unaware of the performance until Drake messaged him to discuss it.

Do you believe that personal friendships in the music industry should take precedence over long-standing professional or historical affiliations?

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