The Lyrics That Sparked the Speculation

In “National Treasure,” Drake raps:

“We used to be plannin’ our Mexico trip in the spring / We must’ve been dealin’ in the spur of the moment / ‘Cause why did we think you could get us a ring?”

The phrase *“spur of the moment”* has fans drawing direct parallels to the 2018 trade that sent DeRozan to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard. The trade was executed with what many perceived as rushed timing—just days before the NBA trade deadline—and ultimately reshaped the Raptors’ championship run.

Further fueling the theory, some listeners note Drake’s pronunciation of *“cause why”* sounding like *“Kawhi,”* seemingly referencing Leonard directly. While Drake has never explicitly confirmed the diss, the lyrics—combined with his history of public jabs at DeRozan—have led to widespread speculation.

A Beef Years in the Making

The tension between Drake and DeRozan has simmered for years, with both men having deep ties to Toronto. Drake, a native of the city, has long been a vocal supporter of the Raptors, while DeRozan was the franchise’s face for over a decade. However, their friendship appeared to sour in recent years, particularly after DeRozan made a controversial appearance in the music video for Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”, a widely interpreted diss track aimed at Drake.

Drake’s public comments have only added fuel to the fire. During Vince Carter’s jersey retirement ceremony in Toronto last November, Drake reportedly told the crowd: *“If they ever put up a banner for DeRozan, I’ll go up there and pull it down myself.”* The remark was seen as a direct shot at DeRozan’s legacy with the franchise.

While some argue “National Treasure” could simply be Drake reflecting on Toronto’s basketball history—or even a broader critique of former friends—others believe the lyrics are too specific to be coincidental. The timing of the album’s release, just months after DeRozan’s appearance in Lamar’s video, has only intensified the speculation.

Is This a Diss Track—or Just a Song?

Drake has a history of blending personal narratives with public feuds in his music. Songs like *“Push Ups”* (a diss at Pusha T) and *“Fire & Desire”* (a response to Future) have cemented his reputation as a rapper willing to engage in rap battles. However, “National Treasure” lacks the overt aggression of those tracks, leaving room for interpretation.

NBA analyst Shams Charania suggested the song may be more about Drake’s relationship with Toronto than a direct attack on DeRozan: *“Drake has always had a complicated love-hate relationship with his hometown. This could be him processing that—whether it’s about DeRozan, the trade, or just the city’s changing identity.”*

Still, the wordplay in the lyrics—particularly the *“spur”* reference—feels too deliberate to ignore. If this is indeed a diss, it’s a subtle one, leaving fans to debate whether Drake is sending a message or simply dropping bread for the culture.

What’s Next for the Beef?

DeRozan has yet to publicly respond to “National Treasure,” but given his history of engaging with Drake’s jabs—most notably his appearance in Lamar’s video—it wouldn’t be surprising if he fires back. Whether through social media, another music video, or even a direct interview, the NBA and hip-hop worlds are bracing for the next chapter.

For now, the question remains: Is “National Treasure” a diss track, a nostalgic reflection, or something else entirely? One thing is certain—Drake’s latest move has reignited conversations about loyalty, legacy, and the blurred lines between sports and entertainment.