DJ Hed Breaks Down Kendrick vs. Drake, LA Street Politics, and Radio’s Future

The West Coast was in the building for real when DJ Hed pulled up to the Baller Alert Show, joining hosts Ferrari Simmons and BT for one of the most honest, unfiltered conversations of the year. Representing LA to the fullest, Hed gave viewers an eye-opening education on street fashion politics, industry structure, and why he found himself a key voice in the Kendrick Lamar and Drake saga.

Hed kicked things off with a reminder that LA is bigger than just the colors—it’s about energy. He broke down why certain baseball caps can be dangerous to wear in specific neighborhoods, and how what seems like a fashion choice could signal gang affiliations to locals. His advice: when in doubt, stick to the classic black LA hat.

From fashion to function, Hed shared how he transitioned from community college radio to becoming a sought-after DJ. He recounted a pivotal moment when he was thrown into DJing a party mid-chaos after the booked DJ bounced, and from there, his career took off. Taught by legends like DJ Cali, Hed carved a lane for himself, emphasizing that relationships, not industry clout, have fueled his longevity.

Naturally, the topic turned to one of the most talked-about rivalries in hip hop: Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake. DJ Hed, closely connected with Kendrick and TDE, clarified that he never intended to become a spokesperson but found himself speaking up when others stayed silent. “These are my homies,” Hed said. “I ride with my homies.”

He didn’t just offer blind loyalty—Hed dropped real insight on the deeper meanings of West Coast disses and how they differ from other regions. “We diss you over beats you hear in the club. It’s disrespect with rhythm,” he explained. That cultural difference, he argues, is why West Coast beef hits different.

As for Drake? Hed made it clear there’s no hate. He’s still spinning Drizzy records on his show. But when it came to Kendrick’s response track “Euphoria” and the wave of narratives that followed, Hed saw it as an overdue chance for the world to remember that Kendrick isn’t just a lyrical poet—he’s from Compton, with all that entails.

When asked if the beef could’ve been avoided, Hed gave it to us straight: yes, but once family got mentioned, it was too late. “Everybody ain’t playing,” he said. “Once you cross that line, it’s up.”

Hed also unpacked his frustrations with radio’s slow evolution, explaining how it’s lost its place as a leader in culture. “Concerts, records, personalities—radio used to lead in all three. Now it’s just trying to keep up,” he said, adding that without innovation, the format risks dying out.

To wrap up, DJ Hed touched on the future of content, accountability in media, and why he stays away from “street” conversations on air. “Everything ain’t content. Some things are just real life,” he said. A man of principle, DJ Hed reminded us that clout chasing can be costly, especially when you’re really outside.