Jussie Smollett Approves of Kendrick Lamar's 'Heart Part 5' Deepfake: 'I Won't Release a Diss Track'

Kendrick Lamar has long been recognized for his skill in crafting diss tracks, but it seems Jussie Smollett wont be responding with one anytime soon. Over the weekend, during an appearance on Cam Newtons Funky Fridays podcast, Smollett shared his thoughts on Lamars provocative 2022 music video, The Heart Part 5, in which the rapper used deepfake technology to transform into controversial Black male figures, including Smollett, Will Smith, O.J. Simpson, Ye (formerly Kanye West), and Nipsey Hussle.

Maybe Im completely naive, so dont fill me in on anything but I honestly dont know what Kendrick was trying to convey with that video, Smollett admitted with a laugh. I respect him as an artist, and thats really where it ends. You wont see me making a diss track about himI'm not doing that.

Upon its release, The Heart Part 5 became instantly polarizing. Lamar did not offer any formal explanation about the meaning behind the politically charged video. By featuring Black male celebrities who had faced public scandals, many interpreted it as a commentary on fame, hypocrisy, and societal perception. The song ultimately won two 2023 Grammys for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance and received additional nominations for Best Music Video, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. The video also earned two MTV Video Music Award nominations.

The timing of the video was notable, coming three years after Smolletts high-profile legal troubles, including his arrest for allegedly staging a hate crime, a lawsuit filed by the city of Chicago, and a 150-day jail sentence (he served six days before being released on bond and later had his conviction overturned in 2024). These events led to the removal of Smolletts character from the last two episodes of the fifth season of Empire. Despite the controversy, Smollett had prior success on the Billboard Hot 100 with soundtrack singles such as Keep Your Money (No. 99), Youre So Beautiful (No. 47, with Yazz), and Conqueror (No. 42, with Estelle).

Most people have already made up their minds about what they want to believe, Smollett told Newton. Either way is fine. My family knows the truth. My mother has always known. My siblings have always known. My love has always known.

Meanwhile, Lamar continues to dominate the awards circuit. He is nominated for nine Grammys at the 2026 ceremony, including Album of the Year for GNX and Song and Record of the Year for Luther, featuring SZA. At the 2025 Grammys, the Pulitzer Prize-winning artist won five awards for his cutting Drake diss track Not Like Us.

Smolletts full discussion with Cam Newton is available online for those interested in hearing more of his perspective.

Author: Sophia Brooks