The long-standing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar took center stage once again following Lamar’s record-breaking Super Bowl LIX halftime show. With surprise appearances from SZA and Serena Williams—both of whom have past romantic ties to Drake—many saw the move as a direct challenge to the Canadian rapper. And, as expected, Drake didn’t let the moment pass without a response.
Kendrick’s Halftime Performance: A Strategic Move?
On February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar delivered one of the most-watched halftime shows in history at Super Bowl LIX, held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Alongside his electrifying setlist, which included hits like HUMBLE., DNA., and Not Like Us, it was the guest appearances that truly set the internet on fire.
- SZA joined Lamar for a powerful duet of All the Stars, their collaboration from Black Panther: The Album.
- Serena Williams made a surprise entrance during Lamar’s performance of Not Like Us—a track speculated to be a diss aimed at Drake.
Given the history between these figures, many fans interpreted their presence as Lamar strategically stacking his halftime lineup against Drake. The move only intensified the ongoing tension between the two artists, leaving social media ablaze with speculation.
Drake Responds from Across the Globe
Drake, who was in Melbourne, Australia, on tour at the time, wasted no time addressing the situation. During his performance, he spoke to the crowd about investing in people who end up wasting his time—a statement that many took as a jab at SZA and Serena Williams for teaming up with Lamar.
- Before launching into You Broke My Heart, Drake told fans: “You ever give your time and energy to somebody just to watch them move on like you never mattered?”
- He then led the crowd in a fiery rendition of the song, amplifying the emotions surrounding his reaction.
- Additionally, Drake altered the lyrics of Knife Talk, changing the line “Beef is live, spoiler alert – this n—a dies” to “Beef is live, spoiler alert – I never died,” in what appeared to be a subtle dig at Lamar’s diss track.
A Feud That Won’t Die
The bad blood between Drake and Kendrick Lamar isn’t new. Their rivalry dates back to 2013 and has escalated through numerous lyrical jabs, cryptic social media posts, and industry politics.
- Lamar’s track Not Like Us—which took home Song of the Year at the 2025 Grammys—is widely seen as a direct attack on Drake.
- Drake previously filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group in late 2024, alleging defamation and harassment related to alleged lyrical attacks from Lamar.
What’s Next?
While fans eagerly await the next move in this increasingly public battle, one thing is clear: Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s feud is far from over. With Drake now taking lyrical shots back at Lamar during his tour performances, many wonder if he’s gearing up for a full-on diss track aimed at his West Coast rival.
As the dust settles from Super Bowl LIX, all eyes are on these two titans of hip-hop. Will Drake escalate the feud, or will Lamar strike again?
Stay locked in with Exposed Vocals for the latest updates on this hip-hop heavyweight showdown.
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