Drake Fires Back at Kendrick Lamar with ‘Knife Talk’ Lyric Change Post-Super Bowl

Drake and Kendrick Lamar have long been at odds, trading subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) jabs in their lyrics over the years. But in the wake of Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying Super Bowl halftime show, the feud appears to be heating up again.

During his performance in Melbourne, Australia, Drake made a notable change to the lyrics of his song “Knife Talk.” Originally, the line reads: “Beef is live, spoiler alert, this n*** dies.”* However, on this particular night, Drake tweaked it to: “Beef is live, spoiler alert, I never die.” This seemingly minor change sent fans into a frenzy, as many saw it as a direct response to Lamar’s Super Bowl set, in which he performed “Not Like Us”—a song widely speculated to contain subliminal shots at Drake.

For those following the ongoing tension between the two rap titans, this move wasn’t surprising. The rivalry has simmered for years, with both artists taking their own approach to addressing conflict in hip-hop. While Kendrick has built his reputation as a meticulous lyricist who carefully curates when and how he delivers his barbs, Drake is known for his ability to blend subliminal disses into mainstream hits.

The timing of Drake’s lyrical adjustment couldn’t be more telling. Lamar’s Super Bowl performance not only solidified his cultural dominance but also reminded everyone why he’s regarded as one of the most elite rappers in the game. By tweaking “Knife Talk” just days after the performance, Drake made it clear that he’s still in the fight, reinforcing the idea that he remains a major force in hip-hop, no matter what his rivals might throw his way.

Fans of both artists have taken to social media to debate the significance of the lyric change. Some believe it’s a clever response, reinforcing Drake’s longevity in the rap game, while others see it as a defensive move—an acknowledgment that Lamar’s halftime show left an impact.

With hip-hop history showing that feuds often push artists to new creative heights, this latest development leaves fans wondering: will Kendrick respond? And if so, how? For now, the rap world remains on high alert, watching and waiting to see how this battle unfolds next.