The Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar feud is a monumental clash in the history of hip-hop. Spanning over ten years, this conflict has morphed from collaborative ventures to a series of scathing diss tracks, legal entanglements, and a defining moment at the Super Bowl. The Drake and Kendrick Lamar story is one of lyrical mastery, personal attacks, and the ever-shifting currents of the music industry.
Early Collaborations and the Spark of Rivalry
Their relationship initially showed promise, with both artists contributing to each other’s tracks early in their careers. Collaborations like Drake’s “Buried Alive Interlude” (2011), Lamar’s “Poetic Justice” (2012), and A$AP Rocky’s “(Expletive) ‘ Problems” (2012) hinted at mutual respect.
However, this period of camaraderie was short-lived. The turning point arrived in 2013 with Lamar’s incendiary verse on Big Sean’s “Control.” His declaration, “I got love for you all, but I’m trying to murder you,” targeted several prominent rappers, including Drake, and ignited the flames of their rivalry.
Escalating Diss Tracks and Personal Attacks
The Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef simmered for years, punctuated by occasional lyrical jabs and veiled threats. While Drake engaged in other high-profile feuds, notably with Pusha T in 2018, the tension with Lamar persisted.
The rivalry reignited in 2023, escalating into a full-blown exchange of diss tracks. Lamar’s appearance on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That” reignited the “Big 3” debate, directly referencing Drake and J. Cole. Drake responded with leaked tracks like “Push Ups” and an AI-assisted diss track featuring simulated verses from Tupac and Snoop Dogg.
Lamar then unleashed a series of powerful responses, including the six-and-a-half-minute “Euphoria,” “6:16 in LA,” “Meet the Grahams,” and the widely popular “Not Like Us.” Drake countered with “Family Matters” and “The Heart Part 6,” each track escalating the personal attacks and accusations. The Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar conflict had become intensely personal.
Legal Battles and Industry Fallout
The Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar saga extended beyond the realm of music and into the legal system. Drake filed lawsuits against Universal Music Group, alleging that the label manipulated streaming numbers for “Not Like Us” and that the song’s lyrics constituted defamation.
These legal actions added another layer of complexity to the already contentious relationship, raising questions about industry practices and artistic expression.
The Super Bowl Halftime Show
The peak of this chapter in the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar narrative arrived at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. As the headlining performer, Lamar delivered a powerful medley of his hits, including a rendition of “Not Like Us.” The performance, which also featured SZA and Serena Williams, served as a symbolic victory lap for Lamar, solidifying his position as a dominant force in hip-hop.
The Drake vs Kendrick Lamar feud offers valuable insights into the dynamics of hip-hop rivalries. It highlights the power of lyrical competition, the role of social media in amplifying conflicts, and the potential for personal disputes to become public spectacles.
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