Toronto hip-hop scene needs ‘rebrand’ amid Drake-Kendrick beef, say some rappers

TORONTO — Amid the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, Toronto rapper Sean Leon finds himself conflicted over a recurring question on social media: Why haven’t more local artists stood up for the 6 God? While hip-hop stars rise and fall on their allies, Drake has largely stood alone since the high-profile rap battle exploded in May with a flurry of diss tracks. Lamar landed the ultimate death blow with “Not Like Us,” which soared up the charts. Lamar’s lyrical tirade quickly morphed from a summer banger into a catch-all caustic attack anthem. It was used to troll Canadian athletes and even landed on Kamala Harris’ playlist, when it was played at a recent rally for the likely nominee for the U.S. Democratic party. In the meantime, it put Drake’s hometown in the crosshairs, with many in Toronto’s hip-hop community suggesting the rivalry has unfairly ensnared them in harsh scrutiny of the city’s musical sound. Leon, an independent Toronto rapper and producer, says he’s frustrated the clash has challenged his city’s place in hip-hop culture. At the same time, he feels no strong urge to defend Drake when he says the superstar could do more for the city. “What...