The highly anticipated showdown between Kendrick Lamar and Drake is set to unfold in a pivotal category at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMA). This event is crucial not just for the artists, but for the entire hip hop community as it highlights the diverse talents present in the industry.
The recently revealed nominations for this year’s awards showcase Kendrick’s impressive tally of 10 nominations, while Drake has earned a single nomination. This stark contrast underscores Kendrick’s strong presence in the current music landscape.
Despite Drake’s new track $ome $exy $ong 4 U being largely overlooked this year, the two artists will compete fiercely for the title of Best Hip Hop. Kendrick’s nomination comes from his track “Not Like Us,” while Drake is vying for the award with “Nokia.” The competition in this category promises to be intense, reflecting the dynamic nature of their artistry.
Adding to Kendrick’s accolades, he is also nominated for other prestigious categories, including Artist of the Year, Video of the Year, and Best Album. His collaborative effort in co-directing the video for “Not Like Us” alongside Dave Free has earned him a nomination for Best Direction, highlighting his multifaceted contributions to music and visual storytelling.
In addition to his VMA nominations, Kendrick recently garnered multiple Emmy nominations for his groundbreaking performance at the Super Bowl halftime show in February. This performance has set a new standard in live entertainment and showcases his ability to blend music with powerful visuals and cultural commentary.
This iconic halftime show, which featured surprise appearances from stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, and Mustard, is recognized in categories such as Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special, Outstanding Music Direction, and Outstanding Choreography (Variety/Reality). Kendrick’s previous win for his role in the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show, where he shared the stage with legends like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, and Mary J. Blige, further solidifies his status in the entertainment industry.
Samuel L. Jackson has praised Kendrick’s performance, describing it as “revolutionary.” In his appearance on Paloma Faith’s podcast, Mad Sad Bad, he recounted his initial confusion during the rehearsal, eventually realizing the groundbreaking nature of the performance. He expressed his surprise as he recognized the artistic statements being made on stage.
Jackson’s portrayal of Uncle Sam during the halftime show added a unique layer, serving as a narrative device that amplified Kendrick’s message. Beyond artistic expression, Kendrick’s performance sparked discussions for its pointed remarks directed at Drake. During the live rendition of “Not Like Us,” Kendrick made a notable choice to self-censor the controversial “certified pedophile” line, yet he still managed to convey a pointed message with a smile as he rapped: “Say Drake, I hear you like ’em young / You better not ever go to cell block one / To any [bitch] that talk to him and they in love / Just make sure you hide your lil’ sister from him.” This moment exemplifies Kendrick’s ability to blend entertainment with social commentary, making his performances not just musical events, but essential cultural critiques.
