A Complete Track-by-Track Timeline of Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s Feud

Key Takeaways:

• The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar reignited with Kendrick’s verse on “Like That.”
• Drake responded with “Push Ups,” initiating a series of diss tracks between the two.
• The use of AI technology and ensuing legal actions added complexity to the feud.
• Both artists released multiple tracks targeting each other, involving other artists and references.
• Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming Super Bowl performance suggests the feud may continue on larger stages.

A Feud Reignited: Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s Ongoing Battle

The simmering rivalry between hip-hop heavyweights Drake and Kendrick Lamar has escalated into one of rap’s most intense feuds in recent memory. What began as subtle jabs and competitive spirit has evolved into a full-blown battle, played out through a series of diss tracks and public exchanges.

The Spark: Kendrick’s Provocative Verse on “Like That”

The latest chapter of this feud ignited in March with the release of “Like That,” a collaboration between Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar. On the track, Lamar dismisses the notion of being part of a “Big Three” with Drake and J. Cole, boldly declaring, “It’s just big me.” He doesn’t stop there, comparing himself and Drake to Prince and Michael Jackson, respectively: “Prince outlived Mike Jack.”

Drake’s Counterattack with “Push Ups”

After several weeks of anticipation, Drake broke his silence by leaking the track “Push Ups.” In it, he directly addresses Lamar, rapping: “You ain’t in no Big Three, SZA got you wiped down, Travis got you wiped down, Savage got you wiped down.” The song sparked significant attention, signaling that Drake was ready to engage openly in the feud.

AI and Legal Ramifications: “Taylor Made Freestyle”

Elevating the conflict further, Drake released the since-deleted “Taylor Made Freestyle,” utilizing AI-generated voices of Lamar’s idols Tupac and Snoop Dogg. This move prompted a cease and desist from Tupac Shakur’s estate, highlighting the legal and ethical complexities introduced by artificial intelligence in music production. Drake’s lyrics touched on sensitive industry relationships, creating ripples beyond the immediate feud.

Kendrick’s Retaliation: “Euphoria”

Lamar responded fiercely with “Euphoria,” a track sharing its title with the HBO series that Drake produces. In this song, Kendrick delivers scathing verses that critique various aspects of Drake’s career and personal life. The intensity of the lyrics underscored the escalating tension between the two artists.

Subsequent Exchanges and Intensifying Tensions

The exchanges didn’t stop there. Kendrick released “6:16 in LA,” produced by Jack Antonoff, where he claims to have insiders within Drake’s circle: “Have you ever thought that OVO was working for me?” Drake answered with “Family Matters,” a nearly eight-minute track that delves deeper into the rivalry.

Kendrick continued the momentum with tracks like “Meet the Grahams” and “Not Like Us,” each time adding new layers to the feud. In “Not Like Us,” he alludes to previous incidents involving AI technology, rapping, “You think the Bay gon’ let you disrespect Pac, nigga?”

Performances and Symbolism: From Juneteenth to the Super Bowl

Kendrick leveraged high-profile performances to further his message. At his Juneteenth show, he debuted new lyrics in “Euphoria” while sporting an outfit reminiscent of Tupac, signaling homage and perhaps staking a claim to a legacy. He altered lyrics to reflect real-time details, showing meticulous attention to the feud’s narrative.

Looking ahead, Lamar announced that he will be performing at the 59th Super Bowl halftime show next February. “You know it’s only one opportunity to win a championship—no round twos,” he exclaimed, a statement that could be perceived as a nod to the ongoing rivalry and a platform to continue expressing his stance.

Conclusion: The Feud’s Impact and Future Outlook

As both artists continue to release music and make public appearances, the feud shows no signs of abating. Their exchanges have not only captivated fans but have also sparked discussions about the nature of competition, artistry, and the use of technology in music. With Kendrick’s upcoming Super Bowl performance on the horizon, the world will be watching to see how this rivalry unfolds on one of the largest stages in entertainment.