Kendrick Lamar really made a statement during his electrifying performance.
On Sunday, February 9, the acclaimed rapper delivered an unforgettable Super Bowl halftime show, marking a historic moment as the first rap artist to headline the event solo. Previously, Lamar had shared the stage in 2022 alongside a powerhouse lineup featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, and Eminem. This solo performance was a significant milestone in his career and a testament to his influence in the music industry.
However, it wasn?t just the star-studded event that had audiences buzzing; it was the intricate execution of the performance, particularly when Kendrick delivered his Grammy-winning track ?Not Like Us.? This notorious diss track, aimed squarely at Drake, showcased Lamar’s lyrical prowess and left fans eager for more insights into their ongoing rivalry.
To gain a deeper understanding of the complex history between these two rap giants, explore the intricacies of the song, and delve into their personal and professional dynamics, keep reading.
Understanding the Timeline of the Kendrick Lamar & Drake Rivalry
Here’s a detailed timeline outlining key events in their feud:
- October 31, 2023: Drake Releases ?First Person Shooter?
- In this collaboration featuring J. Cole, Drake and Cole celebrate their superstar status and dominance in the rap game. During the track, Cole gives a nod to Kendrick, referring to the trio as ?the Big 3,? a mention that Kendrick did not seem to take lightly.
- March 26, 2024: Kendrick Lamar Delivers a Powerful Response with ?Like That? Verse
- Kendrick took the offensive by addressing the mention of the ?Big 3? line from ?First Person Shooter?, asserting, ?Motherf* the big three, n*a, it?s just big me.? This bold statement marked a turning point in their dynamic.
- April 13, 2024: Drake?s Controversial Song ?Push Ups? Leaks
- Drake retaliated by leaking ?Push Ups,? a track that revisited the ?Big 3? reference while also mocking Kendrick?s height and criticizing his association with Top Dawg Entertainment.
- April 19, 2024: Drake Unleashes ?Taylor Made Freestyle?
- In anticipation of Kendrick?s response, Drake dropped the now-deleted track ?Taylor Made Freestyle,? creatively using AI-generated voices of iconic rappers Tupac and Snoop Dogg to throw shade at Kendrick, leading to legal action from Tupac?s estate.
- April 30, 2024: Kendrick Strikes Back with ?euphoria?
- Kendrick unleashed his six-minute track, ?euphoria,? where he took numerous shots at Drake, challenging his credibility and even his parenting skills, rapping, ?I got a son to raise, but I can see you don?t know nothin? ?bout that.?
- May 3, 2024: Kendrick Hits Back Again with ?6:16 in LA?
- In a quick succession reminiscent of Drake?s previous tactics, Kendrick followed up ?euphoria? with ?6:16 in LA,? suggesting that Drake?s team might be leaking information to him, further intensifying their rivalry.
- May 3, 2024: Drake Responds with ?Family Matters?
- On the same day Kendrick released ?6:16 in LA,? Drake dropped ?Family Matters,? accompanied by a music video. In this nearly eight-minute track, he controversially suggested that Kendrick?s child was fathered by his manager, Dave Free, while also taking shots at Kendrick?s relationship with his fiancée, Whitney Alford.
- May 3, 2024: Kendrick Lamar Immediately Hits Back with ?Meet the Grahams?
- Just 20 minutes after Drake’s ?Family Matters? release, Kendrick responded with ?Meet the Grahams,? structured as a series of letters to Drake?s son, Adonis, and others, making bold allegations about Drake having an 11-year-old daughter.
- May 4, 2024: Kendrick Takes Another Jab at Drake with ?Not Like Us?
- The following day, Kendrick dropped ?Not Like Us,? reinforcing his previous claims against Drake, specifically addressing allegations of sexual misconduct involving Drake and his associates.
- May 5, 2024: Drake Responds with ?The Heart Part 6?
- Drake released a five-minute rebuttal, ?The Heart Pt. 6,? cleverly playing off Kendrick?s famed ?Heart? series. In this track, he addresses the daughter rumor and vehemently denies both the sexual allegations and any involvement with underage individuals.
Unpacking the Intent Behind ?Not Like Us? and Its Connection to Drake
The track ?Not Like Us? is unequivocally directed at Drake, serving as a pivotal moment in their ongoing conflict.
This song emerged as part of Kendrick?s escalating back-and-forth with Drake, ultimately positioning Kendrick as the dominant force in their rivalry. The lyrical content is rich with direct references to Drake, including multiple mentions of his name, which underscores the intensity of their feud.
Beyond the obvious jabs, the track is filled with clever wordplay and disguised critiques, which are vividly brought to life in the accompanying music video. These creative visuals amplify the message Kendrick aimed to deliver, making ?Not Like Us? one of the most discussed tracks in the context of their rivalry.
During Kendrick?s halftime performance, he strategically avoided using the term ?pedophile,? yet he still engaged the audience with the memorable line: ?Tryna strike a chord and it?s probably A minorrrrrr.? Notably, tennis superstar Serena Williams, who has a history with Drake, was seen enjoying the performance, adding to the spectacle of the moment.
From Compton to NOLA. @SerenaWilliams @KendrickLamar #AppleMusicHalftime pic.twitter.com/mnzuP7fJ1N
? NFL (@NFL) February 10, 2025
Legal Implications: Is Drake Taking Legal Action Against Kendrick Lamar?
Contrary to popular belief, Drake is not suing Kendrick Lamar. However, the track ?Not Like Us? has become the focal point of a defamation lawsuit filed by Drake against Universal Music Group, the parent company that oversees both artists.
As reported by Billboard, the Canadian rapper initiated legal proceedings against UMG, alleging that the label orchestrated an illegal ?scheme? to boost the visibility of Kendrick?s song. Drake claims this was done to ensure that the diss track received significant attention, despite its controversial references to him.
