Kendrick Lamar Criticized For Inviting Dr. Dre To “The Pop Out” Despite Abuse Allegations

BY Caroline Fisher
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The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty" - Arrivals
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 01: Dr. Dre attends The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue )
Social media users are reminding Kendrick of Dr. Dre's long history of alleged violence against women.

Last night, Kendrick Lamar took over the Forum in LA for his eagerly anticipated "Pop Out" show. He graced the stage alongside several of his celebrity friends, including Dr. Dre. The artist even kicked off "Not Like Us," which fans were waiting to hear all night. Of course, this is the track widely believed to have crowned Kendrick the winner of his viral lyrical battle with Drake. On it, he famously accuses the Toronto hitmaker of being a "certified pedophile," and more.

As reactions to the explosive performance continue to roll in, many are calling Dr. Dre's appearance into question. While he's certainly one of the most successful artists to come out of Compton, he also has a long history of alleged violence against women. Dee Barnes, for example, accuses him of having physically assaulted her at a release party in the early 90s over a Pump It Up segment. His former partner Michel’le also alleges that she was abused throughout their relationship.

Dr. Dre Performs With Kendrick Lamar In LA

Years later, he issued an apology. “I apologize to the women I’ve hurt,” he told the New York Times in 2015. “I deeply regret what I did and know that it has forever impacted all of our lives.” Social media users are now criticizing Kendrick for his decision to invite Dr. Dre onstage, particularly since he calls Drake an alleged abuser on "Not Like Us." Many think this was counterproductive, and are sounding off online.

"Why did Kendrick even bother to call Drake out for being a pedophile who surrounds himself with abusers on 'Not Like Us' if he was just going to call Dr. Dre—King of the Abusers—to introduce it?" one Twitter user wonders. "DR DRE GOT A WEIRD CASE, WHY IS HE AROUND?"" another asks.

Social Media Users Call Out Kendrick Lamar For Bringing Out Dr. Dre

What do you think of Kendrick Lamar facing backlash for his decision to bring out Dr. Dre at his "Pop Out" show in LA? Do you agree that it was a counterproductive move? Share your thoughts in the comments section, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates. Check out some social media users' reactions to his appearance down below.

About The Author
Caroline Fisher is currently a News Editor at HotNewHipHop. Her time at HotNewHipHop began in 2023 when she began writing about music and pop culture full-time. Since then, she has helped cover major stories including the YSL RICO trial, Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s explosive feud, Diddy’s ongoing legal battle, and awards shows such as the BET Awards. Being from Chicago, she also got the opportunity to attend Summer Smash 2024 and review Chief Keef’s historic homecoming show. She additionally covered sets by Flo Milli, Playboi Carti, Bktherula, and more.

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