Drake and Murda Mook have spent almost a year talking about squaring off in battle rap.

It almost happened in February at the rap battle event KODT Blackout 5.

Drake was asked about Mook at the Smack/URL's "Night of Main Events 5" last night in NYC. This is how he responded:

"You gotta beat Surf 1st b4 you get to me" -Drake #NOME5 @champagnepapi

A video posted by ITSBIZKIT (@its_bizkit) on May 9, 2015 at 7:21pm PDT

Tsu Surf is an up-and-coming battle rapper.

Do you think Drake's trying to avoid Murda Mook, or is he building anticipation for an inevitable showdown?