The reception to Hakeem Prime's diss track "Boise Distortion | CTRL+C" aimed at Kendrick Lamar was mixed, based on available sentiment from fans and observers. Released on April 7, 2025, the track garnered significant attention, racking up over 100,000 views shortly after its drop, as noted by Raphouse TV on X. This suggests it resonated enough to spark curiosity and discussion, particularly given its timing amidst the Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud.
Some fans appreciated Hakeem's boldness and lyrical content. For instance, a comment highlighted on X praised the track, with one user stating, “Hakeem Prime calling Kendrick out for copying the Bay Area sound is spot on—those bars hit hard,” indicating that certain listeners found the critique valid and the delivery impactful. The track’s raw production and Hakeem’s aggressive style were also seen as strengths by those who vibed with its energy, aligning with his goal of representing "overlooked voices" and challenging Kendrick’s authenticity.
However, not everyone was impressed. Critics on X dismissed it as opportunistic or lackluster. One user called it “ass and sounded nothing like Kendrick’s song,” suggesting it failed to match the quality or style of its target, while another felt it was “forced” and “lame,” arguing that Hakeem was chasing clout by jumping into a beef that had already cooled off from its 2024 peak. Skeptics viewed it as a calculated move to gain traction rather than a genuine artistic statement, with one X post labeling Hakeem a “no name” trying to ride the wave of a bigger narrative.
Overall, the track polarized listeners. It found a niche audience that respected its intent and execution—enough to drive early viewership and buzz—but faced pushback from those who saw it as derivative or poorly timed. Hakeem himself acknowledged the mixed response on X, noting that while some laughed it off, “it’s doing numbers,” hinting that even negative attention contributed to its visibility. Whether it was broadly "liked" depends on who you ask: it clicked for some hip-hop fans open to an underdog’s swing, but others shrugged it off as a miss.
