Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s legendary feud has captured the attention of fans and critics alike, with a timeline spanning over a decade. The two artists, who once had a close friendship, are now embroiled in a bitter rivalry that has culminated in award-winning diss tracks, public shade-throwing, and even legal battles. Let’s delve into the intricate details of this ongoing saga between Drizzy Drake and K-Dot.
Drake and Kendrick: A Friendship Turned Feud
The roots of this epic feud go back to November 2011, when Kendrick Lamar featured on Drake’s “Take Care” album. This collaboration marked the beginning of a friendship that would later sour into animosity. Despite the initial camaraderie, tensions simmered as Lamar’s star rose and Drake’s dominance was challenged.
A pivotal moment in their relationship occurred in August 2013 when Kendrick Lamar’s fiery verse on Big Sean’s “Control” ignited the flames of conflict. Lamar called out Drake, among other rappers, asserting his supremacy in the hip-hop realm. The subsequent fallout saw Drake responding with his track “The Language,” a move that hinted at underlying tensions.
As the years progressed, the feud intensified, with both artists taking veiled shots at each other through their music. Kendrick Lamar’s subtle digs at Drake’s authenticity and artistry in songs like “King Kunta” and “6:16 in LA” kept the feud alive and fueled speculation among fans.
The Feud Intensifies: Diss Tracks and Legal Battles
The feud reached a boiling point in April 2024 when Drake released the Lamar diss track “Push Ups,” followed by “Taylor Made Freestyle.” These scathing songs targeted Lamar’s personal life, height, and relationships, escalating the conflict to new heights.
Kendrick Lamar retaliated with his own diss tracks, notably “Euphoria” and “Not Like Us,” which accused Drake of unspeakable acts and pedophilia. The release of Lamar’s music video for “Not Like Us” added visual elements that intensified the narrative and underscored the depth of their rift.
Legal battles ensued, with Drake filing lawsuits against his record label for defamation and harassment related to Lamar’s accusations. The legal wrangling further exposed the deep-seated animosity and personal attacks that had come to define the feud.
Culmination and Recognition: Grammys and Super Bowl
The feud took a turn when Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” won five Grammys, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The accolades served as a public validation of Lamar’s artistry and the impact of his music in the ongoing feud with Drake.
As the feud continued to play out, Kendrick Lamar was announced as the headlining performer at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. The stage was set for a high-profile performance that promised to bring the feud to a global audience, amplifying the drama and tension between the two artists.
In conclusion, the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has evolved into a complex narrative of personal and professional rivalry. What began as a friendship has transformed into a bitter conflict, marked by diss tracks, legal battles, and public scrutiny. As the saga continues to unfold, fans and critics alike are left to wonder about the future of this epic feud and the impact it will have on the music industry.
