The rivalry between two of hip-hop’s biggest names, Kendrick Lamar and Drake, has reached new heights following a dramatic Super Bowl performance. This ongoing feud, which has been simmering since March 2023, took an explosive turn during Kendrick’s halftime show, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike.
Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud: What’s the latest?
Kendrick Lamar’s recent Super Bowl LIX performance on February 10, 2025, highlighted the tensions between him and Drake. There, Kendrick performed his hit track “Not Like Us,” which many believe contains indirect jabs at Drake. Just when you thought the beef couldn’t get any bigger, Kendrick’s choice of song and the context surrounding it has made headlines, fueling discussions about their high-profile disagreement.
‘The big three’
The feud initially began with Kendrick Lamar’s verse on a song featuring Metro Boomin and Future in March 2023, where he seemed to assert himself as one of the top three rappers, challenging Drake and J. Cole’s status. This claim led to a flurry of diss tracks, with both artists exchanging verbal blows that now involve personal digs and some serious accusations.
Three become two
As the dispute escalated, Drake retaliated with diss tracks aimed at Lamar, including the assertive “Push Ups” and the cleverly crafted “Taylor Made Freestyle,” where he made fun of Lamar for his height and career decisions. In a way, it felt like high school drama, with each rapper taking turns at the mic, voicing their feelings. What started as a rivalry among three artists has shifted, leaving Kendrick and Drake in the spotlight.
Boiling point
The feud has reached its boiling point with accusations flying from both sides. Kendrick’s “Euphoria” and “6:16 in LA” called into question Drake’s personality and even alleged leaks from Drake’s team. The personal nature of these tracks has turned the rivalry from a musical disagreement into a more serious confrontation. The conflict really began heating up when Drake had his creative expression challenged by Kendrick’s pointed lyrics.
Kendrick comes out fighting
During the Super Bowl show, Kendrick didn’t shy away from making his stance clear. As mentioned, he included a censored version of “Not Like Us” during his performance, which still hinted at the ongoing drama with Drake—it was like he was saying, “I shouldn’t have to hold back!” Even a pause in the performance seemingly referenced Drake’s recent defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, adding yet another layer to this complex feud.
Families embroiled
The situation isn’t just about the artists; it’s also involving their families. Drake’s recent claims about Lamar’s lyrics affecting his family have made this personal. The sparks are not just flying between the two rappers, but their families are getting caught in the crossfire. Fans can’t help but wonder how far this rivalry will go; will it remain just music and words, or will it escalate further?
Club hit
Kendrick’s performance wasn’t just a moment to air grievances; it also resulted in a huge spike in streaming numbers, indicating that fans fully support the drama. His song “Not Like Us” saw a remarkable increase in streams, showing that listeners are fascinated by the conflict behind the music. When Kendrick performs, people listen, and it’s clear they have strong opinions about this ongoing feud.
Drake sues record label
The situation took a legal turn when Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group in early 2024. The lawsuit claims that Kendrick’s lyrics in “Not Like Us” promote false allegations about his personal life, particularly focusing on relationships he claims are out of context. This legal drama has only added fuel to the fire, as both sides continue to defend their actions through music and legal channels.
Super Bowl show
Kendrick’s halftime show may have been a celebration of his artistry, but it also served as a battleground where he could address the feud publicly. The performance was a remarkable display of talent, featuring guest appearances by stars like SZA and Serena Williams. With Kendrick’s continued success in the industry, it’s hard to ignore the questions surrounding the fallout from this major performance—how will Drake respond next?
| Event | Date | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Kendrick’s Super Bowl Performance | February 10, 2025 | Performance of “Not Like Us” with reference to Drake |
| Drake’s Lawsuit against UMG | January 2024 | Claims of defamation over Kendrick’s lyrics |
| Initial Feud Start | March 2023 | Kendrick airs grievances in a verse |
