The Kendrick Lamar and Drake Drama, Explained

The day after “Not Like Us” was released, Drake countered with “The Heart Part 6.” The public reaction to it was so negative that Drake silently deleted an Instagram post promoting it. He ultimately sued Universal Music Group—which releases both Lamar’s music as well as his own—last month. Drake’s legal team insisted that “Not Like Us” “intended to convey the…false factual allegation that Drake is a criminal pedophile” and that UMG decided to “monetize allegations that it understood were not only false, but dangerous.”

A UMG spokesperson addressed Drake’s suit by stating, “Not only are these claims untrue, but the notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist—let alone Drake—is illogical.” They also explained how the company has “invested massively in his music” and worked endlessly to help the star achieve financial success.

The feud has died down—for now—but as Kendrick prepares for his Super Bowl performance, Drake is starting his Australian tour (“The Anitta Max Wynn Tour”). It’s possible it could start up again if Kendrick chooses to be petty on one of the biggest stages in the world. We’ll have to wait and see.

Who will perform with Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl?

Of course, the internet is also speculating on who will appear alongside K.Dot at the Super Bowl, and his choice of guests could possibly play into the feud with Drake.

SZA is the only special guest officially announced for the show, but many fans have speculated that Tyler, The Creator might grace the coveted stage. Tyler appeared at Kendrick’s 2024 Juneteenth “Pop Out” concert—you know, the one where he performed “Not Like Us” five times—and released a viral freestyle over Lamar’s song “Hey Now” on Christmas Day. However, don’t hold out too much hope for an appearance from Tyler, The Creator: The “Chromakopia” artist is currently on tour.

Other “Pop Out” stars could be tentative guests, including Kendrick’s Black Hippy collective that consists of Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q. Mustard also produced “Not Like Us” and seems likely be in New Orleans.

Dr. Dre may also emerge on Sunday, considering he is Kendrick’s mentor, was at the “Pop Out” show, and has performed at the Super Bowl in the past. Artists like Rihanna, Future, and The Weeknd also have massive hits with Kendrick and could possibly appear on Sunday.

One person we definitely won’t see on the lineup? Aubrey Drake Graham.