Drake has kicked off 2025 with his first release of the year, unveiling a fresh freestyle titled "Fighting Irish." The track debuted as part of a 20-minute YouTube video from Conductor Williams’ latest "Signature Blends" series. Clocking in at three minutes, the freestyle showcases Drake’s signature lyrical precision and introspection.
While the exact timing of the track’s creation remains unknown, fans noticed that shortly after the video’s release, Conductor Williams’ Instagram post promoting it was mysteriously taken down. The freestyle features standout lines that delve into Drake’s personal and professional reflections:
“The world fell in love with the gimmicks, even my brothers got tickets / Seemed like they loved every minute, just know this sht is personal to us, and it wasn’t just business,” he raps. “Analyzin’ behavioral patterns is somewhat suspicious / Nggas was never happy for me when I run up the digits / Or when I’m breakin’ world records, still as I guzzle the Guinness / Or when I get my fifth Maybach ’cause the color is different.”
Adding intrigue to the track, many fans are speculating that "Fighting Irish" contains veiled references to NBA legend LeBron James. The theory stems from lyrics about trading watches and the implied close relationship that has since faded. Drake’s line about trading an Arabic dial watch for a numbered edition has been interpreted as a nod to his previous camaraderie with James.
Perhaps the strongest evidence for this theory is the title itself. The Fighting Irish is the team name for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, where LeBron attended before entering the 2003 NBA Draft as the No. 1 overall pick.
Social media erupted with theories, with fans linking the potential diss to LeBron’s presence at Kendrick Lamar’s Pop Out concert in June 2024. During the show, Lamar performed his diss track "Not Like Us," which takes aim at Drake, while LeBron was seen enjoying the performance. Fellow NBA stars DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook even joined Lamar on stage, further fueling the narrative of LeBron’s alignment in the Kendrick-Drake rivalry.
LeBron, who recently turned 40 and is in his 22nd NBA season, has yet to comment on the speculation. As the first NBA player to appear in a game as both a teenager and a 40-year-old, his storied career continues to make history, even as off-court dynamics add complexity to his public image.
Conductor Williams’ collaboration with Drake is no surprise, as the producer previously contributed to For All The Dogs, lending his talents to tracks like "8AM in Charlotte" and "Stories About My Brother." Rumors have also swirled since August about the pair working on a joint album, further heightening anticipation among fans.
As of now, "Fighting Irish" is exclusively available in the YouTube video, but fans are eagerly awaiting its release on digital streaming platforms. Whether the LeBron James references are intentional or not, the buzz surrounding the track has only added to its allure. Stay tuned for updates on when the freestyle will make its way to DSPs.
FIGHTING IRISH LYRICS
Intro
I love you more
Conductor
Yeah
Verse 1
The summer is over, I missed it
Barrel with smoke, and I kissed it
Ferris showed us the renders for Texas, it's unrealistic
Cut 'em the check 'cause I hate reviewin' the budgets and limits
Just pay the man
The world fell in love with the gimmicks, even my brothers got tickets
Seemed like they loved every minute
Just know this sht is personal to us, and it wasn't just business
Analyzin' behavioral patterns is somewhat suspicious
N**s was never happy for me when I run up the digits
Or when I'm breakin' world records still, as I guzzle a Guinness
Or when I get my fifth Maybach 'cause the color is different
Remember we tradin' watches?
I gave you that Arabic dial, you gave me a numbered edition
You would even check up on my son like a pediatrician
Sure convinced the gang this sht was rooted in love when it isn't
Show me how different we are, there's blessings in juxtaposition
I guess now you boys gotta abandon your summer tradition
Cold shoulders I gave in the Hamptons, it come with the distance
Figured we was always gon' be close, like ovens and kitchens
I was sadly mistaken, the loyalty wasn't a given
Break
It's all good
Conductor
Verse 2
And ns cried the blues for you, sayin' it wasn't malicious
Talkin' 'bout we family, well, I'm not the cousin to visit
God forbid we ever got to tarnish your public image
All that brother talk as if I really discovered a sibling
Six degrees, my memory's retrivin' our humble beginnings
Ns wanted trouble, grabbed the shovel and dug up some ditches
Cover my body in dirt but that wasn't me (That wasn't me)
That was a body double and we've done dozens of switches
N**s tried to light the front gate up, it wasn't for Christmas
I said a prayer that morning for Sean, and it wasn't religious
It came from a place of desperation and utter submission
Rappin' was over for now, it came like a sudden decision
I don't give a f* about you snakes or these other musicians
N**s started fin' with my family, I'm goin' to prison
And we all crashin' out together, my brothers complicit
Who put a pipe bomb in your trunk? It wasn't Xzibit
I'm tryna blow the doors off that btch when you touch the ignition
But then I gotta remember who made this sh*t come to fruition
Break
Conductor
It's me
Verse 3
Who's got the most to lose and who's in that other position?
Signal conversations, boy, I hope they got double encryption
I hate to see the empire crumble on judge's convictions
This na pulled a rabbit out the hat, and y'all love a magician
It's funny to see you all rejoicin' and huggin' and kissin'
What are we celebratin'? I'll rent out the club in addition
Nothing was the same with all you btches and nothing's forgiven
But next time, bury me in gold, my blood is Egyptian
The Dennis James come out when the vodka is floodin' my system
I don't have a drinkin' problem, I got a subtle addiction
I got my father's habits and I got my mother's permission
My dad has another child, I told him that wasn't my sister
Grew up with dozens of Jews, churches with dozens of Christians
Also, developed a deep respect for the Muslim religion
I'm starin' at my daddy while y'all tell me I wasn't that n*a
Outro
That's f***in' crazy
That's-