In a dramatic escalation of their ongoing feud, rapper Kendrick Lamar used the global stage of the Super Bowl halftime show to deliver a scathing performance of his diss track “Not Like Us,” which includes allegations against fellow artist Drake.

The performance, witnessed by millions, has intensified the spotlight on the contentious relationship between the two hip-hop giants.

The Super Bowl Performance

On February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar headlined the Super Bowl halftime show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The performance was marked by high-profile appearances, including actor Samuel L. Jackson portraying Uncle Sam and tennis legend Serena Williams, who danced on stage during “Not Like Us.” Notably, Williams and Drake were rumored to have dated in the mid-2010s, adding another layer of intrigue to her participation.

Lamar’s set featured a medley of hits, but it was “Not Like Us” that captured the most attention. Before launching into the track, Lamar teased the audience, stating, “I want to play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue,” a clear reference to the legal battles stemming from the song’s controversial lyrics. During the performance, Lamar altered some lines, omitting the word “pedophile” and replacing it with a scream, yet he retained other pointed lyrics aimed at Drake.

Drake’s Response

On the same day as Lamar’s Super Bowl performance, Drake was performing in Melbourne, Australia. During his concert, Drake displayed acts of generosity, gifting $45,000 to fans, including $25,000 to a supporter of his son, Adonis, and $20,000 to a birthday celebrant. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his Australian fans, emphasizing their importance to his career.

Drake has not issued a public statement directly addressing Lamar’s Super Bowl performance. However, his legal team has been active in pursuing defamation claims against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging that the company promoted Lamar’s “Not Like Us” despite knowing it contained false accusations. In a statement released before the halftime show, Drake’s legal representatives asserted, “UMG is masquerading as a champion of artist freedom by calling its actions merely ‘entertainment,’ but there is nothing entertaining about pedophilia or child abuse in the real world.”

The Feud’s Origins and Escalation

“UMG is masquerading as a champion of artistic freedom by calling its actions merely ‘entertainment,’ but there is nothing entertaining about pedophilia or child abuse in the real world,” Drake’s legal team stated. “We are confident that the evidence we will ultimately present at trial—including information we’ve already learned and continue to receive since filing the lawsuit—will expose UMG’s gross prioritization of its own corporate profits and executive bonuses over its exclusively signed artists’ well-being and the truth.”

The discord between Drake and Kendrick Lamar dates back to October 2023, when Drake and J. Cole released “First Person Shooter,” in which Cole referred to himself, Drake, and Lamar as the “Big Three” of contemporary hip-hop. Lamar responded in March 2024 with a guest verse on “Like That” by Future and Metro Boomin, dismissing the “Big Three” notion and asserting his individual prominence.

The feud intensified with a series of diss tracks exchanged between the two artists. Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” released in May 2024, accused Drake of inappropriate relationships with underage women, a claim that Drake vehemently denied. Drake retaliated with “The Heart Part 6,” denying the allegations and criticizing Lamar’s approach. The back-and-forth continued, drawing significant public and media attention.

Legal Battles

In January 2025, Drake escalated the conflict by filing a defamation lawsuit against UMG, accusing the label of approving and promoting Lamar’s “Not Like Us” despite its allegedly defamatory content. The lawsuit claims that UMG prioritized corporate profits over the safety and well-being of its artists. UMG has denied these allegations, asserting that the claims are untrue and illogical.

Public and Industry Reactions

Lamar’s Super Bowl performance has elicited mixed reactions from the public and industry observers. Some praised the artistic boldness and the high-profile cameos, while others criticized the choice to air such a contentious track during a widely viewed event. The performance has further polarized fans of both artists, with debates raging on social media platforms.

Conclusion

The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has evolved from lyrical sparring to legal confrontations and public performances that captivate global audiences. As both artists continue to assert their narratives through music and legal avenues, the entertainment industry and fans alike remain engrossed in this high-profile rivalry.