Before they were sitting comfortably at the upper echelon of the hip-hop-hierarchy, A$AP Rocky, Drake & Kendrick Lamar were solidifying their reputations as formidable competitors. By the time A$AP Rocky's anticipated studio debut dropped, Drake would be in the process of preparing Nothing Was The Same, and Kendrick Lamar would still be relishing in the success of Aftermath debut good Kid, M.A.AD city. Their godlike reign at the top may very well have been hypothesized, but in 2013, each rapper still had something to prove.
It only made sense that they joined forces on the 40 produced "Fuckin' Problems," which found each rapper spitting a verse about a unified theme - their respective sexual prowess. It's a tried and true hip-hop thematic staple, so it's no surprise that these three separate competitors were able to find common ground. Remember, "Control" was still months away, and "Fuckin' Problems," was less about competition and more about unity. These were three of the strongest draft picks entering their prime, and they clearly knew it.
If that weren't enough, why not throw veteran hit-maker 2 Chainz in the mix for an ear-catching chorus? Tity Boi is one of the most respected artists in hip-hop, and his name alone was enough to add a touch of Atlanta flavor this the already geographically diverse collaboration. With Drake & 40 from Toronto, Kendrick from Compton, 2 Chainz from Atlanta and Rocky from Harlem, "Fuckin' Problems" holds it down for some of hip-hop's most essential world corners.
While it was initially difficult to decide whether or not this track or "1Train" should earn the coveted TBT spot, in the end, the high profile trifecta was simply too fun to pass up. Especially when half the current discussion inevitably turns to a Kendrick vs. Drake discourse. Honestly, I don't think anybody would say that either emcee came through with their best verse, but they definitely kept the swagger on high. And sometimes that's all you need.
Quotable Lyrics
You should print the lyrics out and have a fuckin' read-along
Ain't a fuckin' sing-along 'less you brought the weed along
Then ju… (Okay, I got it)
Then just drop down and get yo' eagle on
Or we can stare up at the stars and put the Beatles on