In a highly charged display during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, Kendrick Lamar took the stage and reignited his long-standing feud with Drake, delivering a performance that has left fans buzzing. The Compton rapper’s set featured a clear nod to his diss track “Not Like Us,” which has become a focal point of tension between the two hip-hop giants over the past decade.
Kendrick’s performance was a spectacle, highlighted by his collaborations with artists like SZA, and was characterized by a mix of fan favorites and pointed jabs at Drake. As he teased the crowd with the possibility of playing their “favorite song,” he cleverly sidestepped legal troubles surrounding “Not Like Us,” instead launching into his hits “HUMBLE.” and “All the Stars.” The Super Bowl audience, numbering in the millions, collectively chanted lyrics that many interpret as direct shots at Drake, creating an electric atmosphere that underscored the rivalry.
The roots of the Drake and Kendrick feud can be traced back to their early collaborations and mutual respect, which gradually soured into competitive animosity. The tipping point seemingly occurred in 2013 when Kendrick’s “Control” verse called out several rappers, including Drake, marking the start of a series of subliminal disses and escalating tensions. The rivalry intensified with Kendrick’s recent releases and his bold assertion that he stands alone at the top of the rap hierarchy, dismissing the notion of a “big three” alongside Drake and J. Cole.
Ahead of the Super Bowl, speculation about whether Kendrick would perform “Not Like Us” had fans on edge, and his eventual decision to do so did not disappoint. The performance was filled with symbolic moments, including Kendrick wearing a minor-shaped chain and directly addressing Drake with lines that left little doubt about whom he was targeting. The crowning moment came when he performed “Not Like Us,” a track that has not only dominated the charts but has also become embroiled in legal disputes, with Drake accusing Universal Music Group of promoting the song in a way that damages his reputation.
While Kendrick basked in the spotlight of his historic Super Bowl performance, Drake was notably absent from the drama, opting to continue his tour in Australia. His response to Kendrick’s musical barbs has been largely muted, with Drake maintaining a seemingly unbothered demeanor. Instead of engaging directly with the feud, he shared clips from his own performances, focusing on his success and the energy of his fans. However, fans couldn’t help but notice the timing of his posts, particularly a close-up shot of his diamond-studded necklace, which some interpreted as a subtle jab back at Kendrick.
The aftermath of Kendrick’s Super Bowl show has left many wondering whether Drake will respond with something more definitive. The rivalry has deepened with legal battles, streaming disputes, and public perceptions that have turned the feud into a cultural phenomenon. Kendrick has emerged victorious in recent months, sweeping the Grammy Awards with five wins, while Drake continues to grapple with the fallout of their ongoing conflict.
As the dust settles from this latest chapter in their rivalry, the question remains: can Drake mount a counter-offensive, or is Kendrick’s dominance in the hip-hop landscape too formidable to challenge? Only time will tell if this battle will see another escalation or if it will transform into a new phase of rivalry between two of rap’s biggest stars.
