Drake Taking Shots at LeBron James in Leaked Song? 1AM in Albany Lyrics Explained

Drake has allegedly taken a direct shot at LeBron James in a leaked track titled "1AM in Albany," fueling rumors that the once-close friendship has officially soured into a full-blown feud. The leak, which surfaced on May 13, 2026, just 48 hours before his highly anticipated album ICEMAN drops, features lyrics that mock LeBron’s career longevity and his loyalty to teams and friends alike.  

The LeBron James Diss in "1AM in Albany" Explained

The primary "shot" occurs midway through the track, where Drake addresses a former friend's tendency to switch sides. While he doesn't use the name "LeBron," the references to the number 23 and "switching teams" have made the target undeniable to fans.  

The Key Lyrics:

"I shouldn't even be shocked to see you in that arena, because you always made your career off of switching teams up / Please stop asking what's going on with 23 & me, I'm a real n****, and he's not, it's in my DNA."  

Full Breakdown: Why Drake and LeBron Are Feuding

The tension between the two icons isn't new, but "1AM in Albany" marks the most aggressive public stance Drake has taken. Analysts point to three specific "betrayals" that led to this moment.

1. The Kendrick Lamar Factor

The rift began in earnest during the 2024–2025 Kendrick-Drake war. LeBron James was seen enthusiastically rapping along to "Not Like Us"—a track specifically targeting Drake—at Kendrick’s "The Pop Out" concert. Drake reportedly viewed this as a public betrayal after years of loyalty.

2. The "Non-Stop" Lyric Change

Earlier in 2026, during his "Anita Max Wynn" tour, Drake notably stopped saying LeBron's name during performances of his hit song "Non-Stop." He replaced the famous line "How I go from 6 to 23 like I'm LeBron?" with a blank space or generic lyrics, signaling the end of their public association.  

3. The "Fighting Irish" Freestyle

"1AM in Albany" follows a previous 2025 freestyle titled "Fighting Irish" (a reference to LeBron’s high school team), where Drake rapped about "trading watches" and "numbered editions," accusing a former friend of faking love for the "gang."  

Why "1AM in Albany" Matters for the ICEMAN Album

As Drake prepares to release ICEMAN on May 15, 2026, these leaks position the album as a "scorched earth" project. By targeting industry titans like LeBron, Dr. Dre, and Kendrick Lamar in a single track, Drake is pivoting away from his "everyone's friend" persona toward a more isolated, antagonistic era.

Quick Facts

• Track Title: "1AM in Albany" (Leaked)  

  
  

• Album: ICEMAN  

  
  

• Release Date: May 15, 2026  

  
  

• Key Targets: LeBron James, Kendrick Lamar, Joe Budden  

  
  

• Platform: Expected on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube

  
  

• International Availability: Available globally via standard streaming platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Drake dissing LeBron James in his new song?

Yes, in the leaked track "1AM in Albany," Drake references "23" and mocks someone for "switching teams," which fans and analysts have widely interpreted as a shot at LeBron James.  

What did Drake say about LeBron's DNA?

Drake rapped, "Please stop asking what's going on with 23 & me, I'm a real n****, and he's not, it's in my DNA," essentially calling LeBron's character into question.  

Are Drake and LeBron James still friends?

As of May 2026, the two appear to be estranged. Drake has unfollowed LeBron on Instagram and has removed references to him from his live performances.  

When does Drake's new album ICEMAN come out?

The album is officially scheduled for release on Friday, May 15, 2026, following the finale of his theatrical livestream series.