Lane Kujawski

The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has evolved into one of the most intense and publicized rivalries in modern hip-hop. Here's a comprehensive overview of their ongoing conflict:​ 🧱 Origins of the Rivalry Their relationship began with mutual respect. Drake featured Kendrick on his 2011 album Take Care and included him in the Club Paradise tour. However, tensions surfaced in 2013 when Kendrick's verse on Big Sean's "Control" called out several rappers, including Drake. Drake responded with subtle jabs, and the competitive tension between them became evident. ​ GQ 🔥 Escalation in 2024 The feud reignited in 2024 with the release of Kendrick's diss track "Not Like Us," which included lyrics insinuating that Drake had inappropriate relationships with underage women. The song gained significant attention, topping charts and winning multiple Grammy Awards. Drake responded with his own diss track, "Family Matters," accusing Kendrick of domestic abuse and infidelity. The back-and-forth continued with Kendrick releasing "Euphoria" and "6:16 in LA," both containing pointed references to Drake. ​ GQ +3 Latest news & breaking headlines +3 The Guardian +3 GQ ⚖️ Legal Actions and Public Fallout In early 2025, Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging that they promoted Kendrick's song to boost profits at his expense. He claimed that Kendrick's Super Bowl halftime performance, which included suggestive lyrics from "Not Like Us," further defamed him and led to increased threats against him and his family. UMG denied the allegations, asserting that Drake was misled by his legal counsel. ​ Latest news & breaking headlines +2 Reuters +2 The Guardian +2 The Guardian +1 Reuters +1 🎤 Cultural Impact The rivalry has had a significant impact on the hip-hop community and beyond. Kendrick's releases during this period saw a surge in streaming numbers, while Drake's popularity reportedly declined. The feud has sparked widespread discussion about artistry, authenticity, and the role of the music industry in shaping public perception. ​ Latest news & breaking headlines 🕊️ Current Status As of April 2025, the feud remains unresolved. Both artists continue to release music, but the personal attacks have subsided. The legal battle is ongoing, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled to address the defamation lawsuit. ​ Latest news & breaking headlines