![How a Newfoundlander became the internet's go-to expert on the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7256411.1720292884!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/matthew-smith.jpg)
How a Newfoundlander became the internet's go-to expert on the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake
CBC
For one Newfoundlander, commenting on the ongoing feud between two hip-hop stars has spiralled him to internet fame.
Matthew Smith, originally from Chapel Arm in Trinity Bay, says the success of what started out as a hobby has been unexpected.
"I come from a place in Newfoundland with a population of less than 500 people ... and yet I have videos getting recognized all over the world. It's been crazy," said Smith, reflecting on the success of the videos he's been creating.
Smith runs a YouTube channel called "What's The Dirt," which focuses on in-depth breakdowns of hidden meanings in hip-hop lyrics. This past spring, a feud between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar exploded across streaming charts, with both artists volleying lyrical insults back and forth for weeks.
Similarly, Smith's YouTube channel blew-up. His video, "Drake Vs Kendrick Lamar - The 100% Full Story Explained" has amassed 7.8 million views so far. Similarly, his other videos on the rap battle have also been attracting millions of viewers, with people across the globe eagerly awaiting Smith's next explanation of the barbed meanings to the lyrics in both rappers' songs.
"People in South Africa, India, Jamaica," Smith said. "It's growing faster than I could have ever expected."
Even the central figures of the beef are waiting to see his breakdowns.
"Drake watches the videos," Smith said, citing sources that are close to the Canadian rapper.
"I'm in the centre of the beef, like I'm dead centre in the middle of it. People are waiting to hear what I have to say and just the feedback from people within the culture of hip-hop is amazing, man."
Smith's videos have even garnered the attention of hip-hop media giants, like Joe Budden and DJ Akademiks, two internet personalities who are well-known commentators on hip-hop culture. Both Budden and Akademiks have referenced Smith's videos — which is particularly interesting as Akademiks has been mentioned in the lyrics of both Drake and Lamar.
"They're the biggest people in hip-hop media," Smith said. "And it's gotten to the point now where I'm talking with them on a first-name basis."
Akademiks, he said, has also invited him to come to New York City to make an appearance on his podcast.
"They're about as big as it gets in hip-hop. So, to be recognized is surreal," said Smith.
While Smith has always loved rap music, he said that isn't necessarily the case for his home community. Then, when he was 12, his family moved to Alberta.