The rivalry between Canadian rapper Drake and American rapper Kendrick Lamar has evolved into one of the most notable feuds in contemporary hip-hop. Their relationship, which began with mutual respect and collaboration, has deteriorated over time, leading to a series of public diss tracks, legal battles, and significant cultural moments.
Early Collaborations and Initial Tensions
Drake and Kendrick Lamar first collaborated in the early 2010s, with Lamar opening for Drake’s 2012 “Club Paradise Tour.” Their professional relationship appeared amicable, with both artists expressing admiration for each other’s work. However, tensions surfaced in 2013 when Lamar’s verse on Big Sean’s “Control” called out several rappers, including Drake, which Lamar later described as “friendly competition.” Despite this, rumors of a brewing rivalry persisted, though both artists publicly downplayed any animosity.
The “Big Three” and Escalation
In October 2023, Drake and J. Cole released “First Person Shooter,” wherein Cole referred to himself, Drake, and Lamar as the “Big Three” of modern hip-hop. Lamar responded in March 2024 with the track “Like That,” featuring Metro Boomin and Future, dismissing the “Big Three” notion with the line, “motherfuck the big three, nigga, it’s just big me.” This track marked a clear escalation in their rivalry, prompting J. Cole to release “7 Minute Drill,” criticizing Lamar’s acclaimed album “To Pimp a Butterfly.” Cole later apologized and removed the track from streaming platforms, but the tension between Drake and Lamar continued to build.
Exchange of Diss Tracks
The feud intensified with a series of diss tracks exchanged between the two artists. Drake released “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle” in April 2024, the latter featuring AI-generated vocals imitating Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg. The use of AI-generated vocals led to legal threats from Shakur’s estate, resulting in Drake removing the track from circulation. In response, Lamar released “Euphoria” and “6:16 in LA,” further criticizing Drake’s personal life and artistic integrity.
“Not Like Us” and Legal Battles
On May 4, 2024, Lamar released “Not Like Us,” a scathing diss track accusing Drake and his associates of inappropriate behavior, including allegations of pedophilia. The track’s cover art featured a satellite image of Drake’s mansion labeled with pins representing sexual predators. Drake responded with “The Heart Part 6,” denying the allegations and claiming that Lamar’s accusations stemmed from his own trauma. The severity of the claims led Drake to file a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) in October 2024, alleging that the label failed to prevent the release of “Not Like Us” and used illegal tactics to inflate its popularity. UMG denied these allegations, asserting that the song’s success was driven by genuine fan support.
Grammy Awards and Cultural Impact
Despite the controversy, “Not Like Us” achieved critical acclaim and commercial success. At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2025, the track won five awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, making it the most decorated rap song in Grammy history. Lamar accepted the awards wearing a Canadian tuxedo, a possible nod to Drake’s Canadian heritage, which fans interpreted as a subtle jab. The feud has been compared to historic hip-hop rivalries, with some commentators praising its impact on the genre, while others criticize the personal nature of the attacks.
Super Bowl Halftime Show and Ongoing Tensions
In February 2025, Lamar was announced as the headliner for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show. Speculation arose about whether he would perform “Not Like Us” during the event, given its controversial content and the ongoing legal disputes with Drake. Lamar hinted at incorporating storytelling into his performance, emphasizing his passion for narrative-driven artistry. The NFL and Fox, the event’s broadcaster, faced decisions regarding potential censorship due to the song’s contentious lyrics.
Conclusion
The Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud has evolved from subtle competitive tensions to a full-blown rivalry marked by personal attacks, legal battles, and significant cultural moments. As both artists continue to shape the hip-hop landscape, their conflict underscores the complexities of artistic competition and the impact of personal disputes on public perception.
