In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, social media spats and subtle jabs are as much a part of the culture as the music itself. The latest episode features renowned producer Mustard and Drake’s collaborator Gordo, with tensions flaring over an Instagram unfollow and culminating in a pointed response involving a JAY-Z interview clip.
The Unfollow That Sparked a Fire
Gordo, known for his work on Drake’s albums like Honestly, Nevermind and For All the Dogs, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his dismay over Mustard unfollowing him on Instagram. He tweeted:
“omg just noticed mustard unfollowed me on ig…. Sad day,”
He followed up with a sarcastic jab:
“headlining chella must of got to his head.”
These comments quickly caught the attention of fans and industry insiders, igniting speculation about underlying tensions between the two producers.
Mustard’s Subtle Yet Sharp Retort
In response, Mustard didn’t directly address Gordo but instead posted a video on Instagram featuring JAY-Z passionately questioning critics:
“Are you kidding me? Who are you guys talking to? What have you done to even have an opinion on what I been doing? You done nothing to even have an opinion.”
Accompanying the clip was the caption:
“We not the same.”
This move was widely interpreted as a veiled shot at Gordo, suggesting that Mustard views himself on a different level in the industry hierarchy.
Mustard’s relationship with Drake has been fraught with subtle disses and public snubs. During Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in November 2024, Mustard teased the audience by playing the intro to Drake’s “Crew Love” before abruptly switching to Kendrick Lamar’s “Like That,” a track known for its pointed lyrics.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times earlier that year, Mustard expressed his reluctance to collaborate with Drake again, stating:
A History of Tension with Drake
“I don’t think I want to make a song with that dude. He’s a strange guy.”
He further advised artists to focus on their music rather than seeking attention through other means.
Super Bowl LIX: A Statement Performance
Mustard’s alignment with Kendrick Lamar was further solidified during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 9, 2025. The performance, headlined by Lamar, featured guest appearances from SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, and Mustard himself. The show concluded with the track “TV Off,” produced by Mustard, and ended with the words “GAME OVER” displayed through crowd wristband lights—a possible nod to the ongoing feud with Drake.
Serena Williams’ Controversial Cameo
Adding to the spectacle, Serena Williams made a surprise appearance during the halftime show, performing a crip walk during Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” Given her past rumored relationship with Drake, fans speculated about the intent behind her dance. However, Williams clarified in an interview with People that her performance was not meant as a slight towards Drake, emphasizing that she harbors no negative feelings toward him.
The Bigger Picture
This incident underscores the competitive and often personal nature of relationships within the hip-hop industry. Social media has become a battleground where artists and producers exchange barbs, assert dominance, and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
While some view these exchanges as petty, others see them as a reflection of the passion and intensity that drive the genre. As the lines between personal and professional continue to blur, fans remain captivated by the drama that unfolds both on and off the stage.
The spat between Mustard and Gordo, set against the backdrop of Mustard’s history with Drake and his prominent role in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance, highlights the intricate web of relationships in the hip-hop world. As artists continue to use their platforms to express grievances and assert their positions, the genre remains as dynamic and compelling as ever.
