Drake and Kendrick Lamar, two of the most influential figures in contemporary hip-hop, have been making headlines not just for their music but also for their subtle yet heated rivalry. As the world of entertainment gears up for the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show, fans are buzzing with excitement, and so are the artists involved. Kendrick Lamar is set to take the stage on Sunday evening, delivering what promises to be an unforgettable performance. Meanwhile, Drake, his longtime nemesis, will be miles away, performing in Melbourne, Australia, as part of his “Anita Max Win Tour.” The timing of their respective engagements has sparked speculation among fans, as the two rappers have been embroiled in a high-profile feud that continues to unfold in both their music and public appearances.
Drake’s tour kicked off in Perth, Australia, just days after Kendrick Lamar made history at the Grammy Awards. Lamar took home five Grammys for his track “Not Like Us,” a song widely interpreted as a diss aimed at Drake. The 38-year-old rapper, known for hits like “God’s Plan” and “Passionfruit,” wasted no time in responding to the perceived jabs. During the opening night of his tour, Drake addressed the crowd with a message that many saw as a direct nod to the ongoing feud. “My name is Drake. I started in 2008, I came all the way from Toronto, Canada. The year is now 2025, and Drizzy Drake is very much still alive,” he declared, emphasizing his resilience and longevity in the industry. The statement was met with cheers from the audience, many of whom interpreted it as a response to Lamar’s recent Grammy victory and the lyrical shots fired in “Not Like Us.”
The drama didn’t stop there. Drake’s performance also featured a striking visual element: he wore a black hoodie adorned with bullet holes. The imagery was stark and unmissable, leaving fans to wonder if it was another thinly veiled reference to his rivalry with Lamar. The bullet holes could symbolize his ability to withstand metaphorical attacks, but they also added a layer of intensity to the narrative surrounding the two rappers. While Drake hasn’t explicitly named Lamar in his recent statements, the timing and context of his words and actions have only fueled the speculation. It’s clear that the feud between these two hip-hop giants is far from over.
Kendrick Lamar, on the other hand, has been using his platform to celebrate his roots and address larger issues. During his Grammy acceptance speech on February 2, he paid tribute to his hometown of Los Angeles, which has recently faced challenges such as wildfires. “This is my neck of the woods that held me down since a young pup … since I was in the studio scrapping to write the best raps and all that you know in order to do records like these,” he said, dedicating his award to the city and its people. Lamar’s speech was a heartfelt ode to the community that raised him, and it served as a reminder of his commitment to using his voice for more than just personal accolades. However, his choice of outfit for the event didn’t go unnoticed either. He wore a Canadian tuxedo, a bold fashion choice that some interpreted as a jab at Drake, who hails from Toronto, Canada. While Lamar hasn’t confirmed the intent behind his outfit, the symbolism was hard to ignore, given the context of their rivalry.
The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar dates back to 2013 when Lamar first aimed at Drake on Big Sean’s track “Control.” Over the years, the tension has ebbed and flowed, with moments of relative calm punctuated by fiery diss tracks. Last summer, the rivalry reignited in dramatic fashion as the two artists exchanged barbs in their music. The conflict seemingly reached a boiling point when Lamar accused Drake of being a “pedophile” in his Grammy-winning single, a claim that sparked widespread controversy and debate. While the two rappers have since shifted their focus to their respective tours and projects, the lingering animosity between them remains a hot topic among fans and media alike.
As the music world continues to buzz with the latest developments in this high-stakes rivalry, one thing is certain: Drake and Kendrick Lamar are two artists who refuse to back down. Whether through lyrics, performances, or even fashion choices, they continue to push boundaries and challenge each other in ways that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Love them or hate them, there’s no denying the impact these two have had on hip-hop culture. Their ongoing feud is a testament to the competitive spirit that drives them, and it’s a reminder that in the world of music, sometimes the best art comes from the tension between two greats. As Drake and Kendrick Lamar carve out their respective paths in 2025, one thing is clear: this is a rivalry that will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
