Kendrick Lamar really goes after Drake on “Euphoria,” with most of the bars leaving very little doubt about what exactly he means. There is one portion of the diss track that has raised some uncertain eyebrows, though: At one point, Lamar raps, “Am I battlin’ ghost or AI? N**** feelin’ like Joel Osteen / Funny, he was in a film called AI / And my sixth sense tellin’ me to off him.”
While Joel Osteen is a televangelist, the lyrics seem like they’re really more about similarly named actor Haley Joel Osment, which has left some listeners confused (and dropping Abbott Elementary references).
Meanwhile, Osment himself has subtly weighed in: As some have observed, Osment liked Lamar’s tweet sharing the song. Whether this is Osment taking Lamar’s side or simply giving a quiet nod to his unexpected role in the situation as a whole, who knows. But, we know that he’s at least aware of the fact that he got roped into the big hip-hop beef of the moment.
Perhaps relevant is the fact that in a 2017 interview with Uproxx, Osment said Flying Lotus’ “Massage Situation” was his most-played song at the time. Given that Flying Lotus and Lamar have a history of working together, perhaps Osment’s X (formerly Twitter) like really is a Lamar co-sign.
Haley Joel Osment is iconic. He was nominated for an Academy Award when he was just 11 years old, and is regularly cited as one of the best child actors of all time. He’s continued to work as an adult on shows like The Boys, but the most unexpected development in his career has to be his connection to the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle. Osment isn’t dropping disses on these rappers, but he was a reference point on Lamar’s recent song “Euphoria.” And evidently, he appreciated the shout-out.
There’s been lots of debate over the Osment reference. Some fans think Lamar combined the actor’s name with televangelist Joel Osteen to create an additional layer of others, but others think the rapper simply confused Osment and Osteen. “Am I battlin’ ghost or AI? N**ga feelin’ like Joel Osteen,” he spits. “Funny, he was in a film called AI, and my sixth sense tellin’ me to off him.”
Haley Joel Osment starred in the Steven Spielberg blockbuster A.I. Artificial Intelligence, as well as The Sixth Sense, which earned him the aforementioned Oscar nomination. The line makes complete sense, and is ingenious, but Lamar seemingly just says the wrong name. (For the record, Genius theorizes that the rapper is riffing on Osteen using writers for his sermons).
One social media user put it best when they tweeted: “I don’t think the Joel Osteen line was a mistake solely because he knew Haley Joel Osment was in Artificial Intelligence, and who the f*ck knows that without knowing his correct name.” Osment didn’t issue a statement or comment on Lamar’s confusing mashup of names, though. He simply liked the X (formerly Twitter) link to the song “Euphoria” on the rapper’s profile. Plain and simple.
Osment has proven to be a hip-hop fan based on some of his past remarks. He named Flying Lotus as one of his favorite artists of all time, which is fitting given that Lotus worked on Kendrick Lamar’s masterpiece To Pimp a Butterfly. Haley Joel Osment also starred in the music video for the 2016 Jonwayne song “Minerals & Gems.” The actor rapped the entire song while dressed as Jonwayne.
Haley Joel Osment is once a premier child star of his generation. He has transitioned into a seasoned actor with a net worth estimated at $6 million in 2024, as reported by CelebrityNetWorth. This figure reflects his earnings across various film, television, and voice roles that have spanned several decades. Osment first became a household name following his iconic role in The Sixth Sense (1999), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making him one of the youngest nominees in history.
Breakthrough & Stellar Child Actor Career
25th September 1999: Headshot of American child actor Haley Joel Osment, Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Munawar Hosain/Fotos International/Getty Images)
Born on April 10, 1988, in Los Angeles, California, Haley Joel Osment made an early impression with his ability to convey complex emotions. His performance as Cole Sear in The Sixth Sense, where he delivered the chilling line, “I see dead people,” became a cultural touchstone. This role catapulted him into the limelight and led to a series of successful roles during childhood. Following this, Osment starred in films like A.I. Artificial Intelligence and Pay It Forward. They showcased his range and ability to carry films as a leading actor even at a young age.
Transition Into Adult Roles & Voice Acting
(L – R) Cedric The Entertainer, Haley Joel Osment and John Leguizamo attend the unveiling of “American Buffalo” of Broadway caricatures of Haley Joel Osment and Cedric The Entertainer at Sardi’s on November 11, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bobby Bank/WireImage)
Transitioning from a child actor to adult roles is challenging, but Osment has navigated this path with roles that showcase his depth and versatility. He has appeared in various TV shows and indie films, taking on characters that differ significantly from his earlier roles. Additionally, Osment has become a prominent voice actor, lending his voice to series like Family Guy and the Kingdom Hearts video game series, where he voices Sora, the main character. His ability to adapt to voice acting highlights his diverse talents and helps maintain his relevance in the industry.
Recent Projects & Continued Success
HOLLYWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 12: (L-R) Haley Joel Osment, Josh Hutcherson, and Seth Rogen attend the after party for the screening of “The Disaster Artist” at AFI FEST 2017 Presented By Audi on November 12, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for AFI)
Moreover, Osment has continued to work steadily, appearing in TV series such as The Kominsky Method and Goliath, where his performances have been well received. His choice of roles often leans towards complex characters, allowing him to explore different facets of his acting ability. Aside from acting, Osment’s interests in writing and producing have seen him taking a more creative control in projects, signaling a new phase in his career where he not only acts but also creates.
Haley Joel Osment’s enduring presence in the entertainment industry underscores a career that has smartly evolved from child stardom to mature acting roles. His financial valuation of $6 million in 2024 represents not just past accomplishments but also his ongoing appeal and adaptability in a competitive field. As he continues to take on new challenges, his career trajectory serves as an inspiring example of longevity and versatility in Hollywood.
