Tony Rodriguez
Each rapper brings something to the hip hop scene.
The relationship between Drake and Kendrick Lamar began in 2011 when Lamar appeared on Drake’s “Buried Alive Interlude” from his album Take Care. This collaboration showcased mutual respect, with Lamar even referencing “Mr. OVOXO” in his verse. The partnership continued when Drake invited Kendrick to open for his Club Paradise Tour in February 2012, alongside A$AP Rocky. The two rappers collaborated again on A$AP Rocky’s “F*****’ Problems” and Kendrick’s “Poetic Justice” in October 2012.
The relationship began deteriorating in August 2013 when Kendrick released his verse on Big Sean’s “Control,” calling out Drake and several other rappers lyrically. Drake responded in a Billboard interview, dismissing Kendrick’s verse as “an ambitious thought.”
The feud reignited in October 2023 when Drake and J. Cole released “First Person Shooter,” where Cole referred to himself, Drake, and Kendrick as “the big three.” Kendrick then attacked both Drake and J. Cole on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That,” directly attacking both Drake and J. Cole.
The ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has sparked debates in the music industry, with some arguing it’s about rap dominance and others revealing real-life issues. Junior Matthew Ramirez noted a TikTok clip where Kendrick rapped, “F*** the big three, it’s
just big me,” suggesting a shift in dynamic power. Junior Jayden Gonzalez argued that the feud is personal, as their callouts are nothing that can be forgotten about. The feud has also influenced how fans listen
to their music, with some feeling more authority or disgust. Despite mixed feelings about their latest tracks, Kendrick’s impact has only grown, with people seeing him as a villain or genius, while Drake faces backlash over allegations.
Junior Joaquin Dera’s and Junior Victor Gomez, two listeners who have closely followed the feud, agree that the battle is not just about music but also personal. They believe the beef initially started as a musical rivalry and went from musical to personal, with Kendrick’s quick response
showing deep tension and frustration. Junior Hector Barbera, who first heard about the Kendrick and Drake beef through social media, believes that Drake’s reputation has taken a major hit, and that Kendrick is his “king.” The beef has changed Barbera’s listening habits, with him now listening to Kendrick and dismissing Drake’s latest music.
The feud grew substantially in April 2024 when Drake released “Push Ups,” mocking Kendrick’s height and his deal with Top Dawg Entertainment. Drake followed with “Taylor Made Freestyle,” controversially using AI-generated voices of Tupac and Snoop Dogg, leading to legal threats from Tupac’s estate. Kendrick then released “Euphoria,” questioning Drake’s authenticity and use of the N-word as he a mixed race (white and black).
Drake responded with “Family Matters,” targeting Kendrick’s relationship with his fiancée Whitney Alford and alleging infidelity. Kendrick countered with “Meet the Grahams,” accusing Drake of being a “deadbeat” father and hiding another child besides Adonis. Less than 24 hours later, Kendrick released “Not Like Us,” accusing Drake and his team of inappropriate behavior with minors.
Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” topped the Billboard Hot 100 on May 13, giving him his fourth No. 1 hit and first solo chart-topper since 2017’s “HUMBLE.” On June 19, Kendrick performed “Not Like Us” five times at his Los Angeles concert, symbolically uniting West Coast gang members and celebrating his victory. He later released the video for “Not Like Us” on July 4, featuring subliminal shots at Drake with owl imagery.
Kendrick was named the 2025 Super Bowl halftime performer on September 8, a decision that drew criticism from Drake’s Young Money teammate Nicki Minaj, who suggested Jay-Z had chosen Kendrick over Lil Wayne for personal reasons. In November 2024, Kendrick released his album GNX, including the track “Wacced Out Murals,” where he rejects any future reconciliation with Drake. Two days later, Drake appeared on streamer xQc’s live stream, seemingly referencing the feud by saying, “I’m here, as you can see, fully intact. In case you are wondering, right? You need facts to take me out. Fairytales won’t do it,” adding more tension to the feud. The media is going semi-crazy about it because Drake’s comment is seen as a direct response to those trying to spread rumors about him, and it only adds more fuel to the ongoing tension surrounding the feud.