The rap world was taken by storm after Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying performance at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 10, 2025. The event not only showcased his musical talent but also spotlighted the ongoing feud between him and fellow rapper Drake that has been simmering for quite some time. With provocative lyrics and subtle digs aimed at Drake, Lamar made headlines and left fans buzzing about what the future holds for this heated rivalry.
Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef: What’s the latest?
The tension between Kendrick Lamar and Drake kicked off back in March 2023, when Kendrick dropped a verse that sparked a back-and-forth exchange. Their feud reached new heights as both rappers released multiple diss songs aimed at one another. The conflict became a significant topic in the music world, and it’s only gotten more intense with recent events. Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance has brought the conflict to the forefront once again.
‘The Big Three’
The feud’s roots can be traced back to Kendrick’s verse on Metro Boomin and Future’s track “Like That,” where he challenged a statement made by J. Cole, claiming they were the “big three” in hip-hop. This verse unintentionally poked at Drake, setting off a series of competitive and fiery exchanges that have been hard to ignore.
Three Become Two
As the rivalry escalated, the once-close friendship between the two stars seemed to crumble. Kendrick’s verse not only drew lines between them but also left fans wondering if they would ever collaborate again. Both rappers began releasing diss tracks, solidifying their positions in this high-stakes musical battle.
Boiling Point
The breaking point came when Kendrick’s song “Not Like Us” dropped, which featured scathing lyrics aimed directly at Drake. This song became a major hit and earned multiple Grammy awards, further fueling the feud. In response, Drake released his own diss tracks, including “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle,” adding more fuel to the fire.
Kendrick Comes Out Fighting
At the Super Bowl halftime show, Kendrick took the stage with a powerful performance that underlined the ongoing feud. Notably, he performed segments from “Not Like Us” and deliberately omitted the harshest lyrics targeting Drake. This seemed to show respect but also highlighted just how intense their rivalry has become.
Families Embroiled
The feud didn’t just affect the rappers but also embroiled their families. Tensions escalated as various family members expressed their opinions online. Social media became a battleground for fans to weigh in on the conflict, with many taking sides and analyzing every word that surfaced.
Club Hit
“Not Like Us” quickly became a club anthem following Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance. The song’s popularity surged, resulting in streams skyrocketing on platforms like Spotify. Fans eagerly replayed Kendrick’s diss, which was riddled with references to his ongoing conflict with Drake, solidifying its place in party playlists everywhere.
Drake Sues Record Label
Amidst all the drama, there was a significant twist: Drake filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group, Lamar’s label, accusing them of defamation and harassment regarding the release of “Not Like Us.” The lawsuit claims that the song’s lyrics harm Drake’s reputation. UMG has denied these allegations, claiming no wrongdoing, and suggesting that Drake is trying to silence Lamar instead.
Super Bowl Show
Kendrick’s halftime show was more than just a performance; it was a statement. The finale featured the words “GAME OVER” projected behind him, clearly signaling not only a victory in the entertainment world but also a moment of triumph in the ongoing feud. With guest appearances by SZA and Serena Williams, Kendrick’s performance resonated with audiences and sparked a 175% surge in his music streams shortly after.
As fans and industry enthusiasts soak in the aftermath of Kendrick Lamar’s iconic Super Bowl performance, one thing remains clear: the clash between him and Drake is far from over. With a lawsuit in the mix and both artists poised to release new music, the rap world is sure to be captivated by their next moves.