The tension between Drake and Kendrick Lamar is heating up again, and everyone’s talking about it. This time, the drama feels bigger. Diss tracks, live performances, and even lawsuits have made 2025 one of the most dramatic years in hip-hop history.
The crazy part? Neither one is backing down. Both Drake and Kendrick are playing smart. Get the full story that fans, critics, and even the artists themselves can’t stop watching.
Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar: Hip-Hop’s Biggest Rivalry Heating Up Again
Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar is back in 2025, and this time, it feels real. The tension started rising again after Kendrick performed “Not Like Us” at the Super Bowl halftime show. The surprise appearance of Serena Williams made it feel even more personal.
Right after that, fans started talking non-stop. Social media is filled up with posts that break down the lyrics. Many believed Kendrick was sending a clear message to Drake without saying his name. It was not confirmed, but nothing about that show felt random or casual.
Drake has not yet released a direct response. But his recent verse on a Lil Baby feature included lines that many say were aimed at Kendrick. He used sharp words and a confident tone that caught attention. The timing of that verse made people think it was not a coincidence.
This back-and-forth has made the hip-hop world pay close attention again.
A Brief History of the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar Beef
Drake and Kendrick didn’t start as rivals. In the beginning, there was respect. They worked together but stayed in their own lanes. But over time, small things started to build up.
The Early Years: Mutual Respect (2010 to 2012)
In the early 2010s, Drake had already made a name with his debut album.
He selected Kendrick to open his “Club Paradise” concert tour as the supporting act in 2011. At that time, they spoke positively about each other.
The “Control” Verse: Shots Fired (2013)
Things shifted in 2013. Big Sean dropped a track called “Control,” and Kendrick had the standout verse. He called out almost every rapper from his era, including Drake.
The line that hit hardest was when Kendrick said, “I got love for you all, but I’m tryna murder you.” That one stuck. Some saw it as healthy competition. Others thought it crossed a line. Drake didn’t like it.
Drake didn’t respond with a diss track, but his interviews said a lot. He downplayed the verse. Said it wasn’t that impressive.
2014 to 2017 – Cold Silence and Sneaky Shots
After “Control,” things went quiet—but not peaceful. In 2015, Drake dropped If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. Songs like “6 PM in New York” had bars that fans said were aimed at Kendrick. Nothing too direct. Just enough to keep people guessing.
Kendrick answered without using names. On “King Kunta,” he talked about rappers using ghostwriters. Around the same time, people started questioning Drake’s writing.
Then came The Heart Part 4 in 2017. Kendrick warned an unnamed rapper not to test him. Everyone assumed it was Drake.
2023 to 2024 – The Real War Starts
During an interview, J. Cole told everyone that he and Kendrick Lamar, along with Drake, are the three leading forces in the rap world. Kendrick Lamar did not appreciate being included in this category. In March 2024, he released his response through “Like That.” He said there’s no big three. There’s just one, “Him.”
That line lit the match. Drake dropped “Push Ups” in April. He didn’t hold back. He mocked Kendrick’s size, called him out, and took shots at Metro Boomin and The Weeknd, too. Then came “Taylor Made Freestyle,” where Drake used AI versions of Tupac and Snoop Dogg. That track got pulled after Tupac’s estate sent legal threats.
Kendrick answered with “Euphoria.” It was sharp, clear, and personal. Then he dropped “6:16 in LA” with more direct hits. In response, Drake attacked Kendrick Lamar in “Family Matters” by targeting his personal life.
Hours later, Kendrick dropped “Meet the Grahams.” He followed that with “Not Like Us.” That track crushed everything.
2025 – Legal Moves and Super Bowl Madness
The lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar’s music label was filed by Drake shortly after the release of “Not Like Us.” Then came the Super Bowl in February 2025. Kendrick performed at halftime, ended the set with “Not Like Us,” and brought out Serena Williams.
Serena had a history with Drake. Her being there made it personal, not just lyrical. However, more than one hundred people contacted the FCC to express their complaints about the performance.
As of April 2025, fans are expecting something “spicy.”
Bottom Line
The rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar is still very much alive. Kendrick made waves with “Not Like Us” and followed it up with a standout Super Bowl performance. Drake responded, not with music, but by taking things to court.
Both are too smart to let it end quietly, so let’s see what’s next in this story.
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