Entertainment Endeavor Investigates Presents: The Rivalry of Two Rap Icons Drake and Kendrick Lamar

The feud between two of hip-hop’s most celebrated artists, Drake and Kendrick Lamar, has spanned over a decade, becoming one of the most talked-about rivalries in the music industry. Their clash began in 2013 when Kendrick delivered a provocative verse on Big Sean’s track “Control,” calling out his peers, including Drake, and declaring himself the “king of New York.” This bold declaration marked the beginning of a lyrical battle that would define much of their careers.

In the years following Kendrick’s “Control” verse, the two engaged in subtle, calculated disses. Drake responded through tracks like “Energy” and “Used To,” while Kendrick countered with songs such as “King Kunta” and his 2017 album DAMN., which contained veiled shots at Drake. Despite avoiding direct mentions, their lyrical exchanges revealed a growing tension, with fans eagerly dissecting each track for hidden meanings. Their rivalry extended beyond music, with public jabs and interviews adding fuel to the fire.

By 2024, the rivalry had reignited with Kendrick taking a more aggressive approach. Tracks like “Not Like Us” and “Euphoria” included sharp accusations, with “Not Like Us” accusing Drake of inappropriate behavior. Drake responded with his own diss tracks, sparking widespread debate and escalating the feud to unprecedented levels. The controversy surrounding these releases brought the artists’ personal and professional conflicts into the spotlight, drawing attention from fans and critics alike.

In January 2025, the feud took a legal turn when Drake sued Universal Music Group, alleging that the label promoted Kendrick’s diss track despite knowing it contained false and defamatory claims. Drake argued that the track incited violence against him, citing a shooting incident near his Toronto home. This legal battle has brought new complexity to their rivalry, as it now involves broader questions about the responsibilities of record labels in managing artist conflicts.

2013: The Genesis of the Feud

• August 2013: Kendrick Lamar’s verse on Big Sean’s track “Control” names several contemporaries, including Drake, challenging them directly and asserting his dominance in the rap game. This verse is widely regarded as the catalyst for the ensuing rivalry.

2013–2015: Subtle Disses and Rising Tensions

• October 2013: During the BET Hip Hop Awards, Kendrick delivers a cypher verse perceived as taking shots at Drake, further intensifying the feud.

• 2015: Drake releases tracks like “Energy” and “Used To,” which contain lines interpreted as veiled disses towards Kendrick. Kendrick responds with tracks such as “King Kunta,” adding layers to their lyrical sparring.

2017: Escalation Through Music

• March 2017: Kendrick drops “The Heart Part 4,” with lyrics seemingly aimed at Drake, suggesting he holds the “crown” in rap.

• April 2017: Kendrick’s album “DAMN.” includes tracks like “ELEMENT.” and “GOD.,” which fans and critics speculate contain subliminal messages directed at Drake.

2024: The Feud Reignites

• Early 2024: Kendrick features on Future and Metro Boomin’s track “Like That,” delivering verses that reignite the feud by taking direct aim at Drake.

• Mid-2024: Drake responds with “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle,” the latter controversially utilizing AI-generated vocals of late rappers Tupac and Snoop Dogg, which draws criticism from the hip-hop community.

• Late 2024: Kendrick releases a series of diss tracks, including “Euphoria,” “6:16 in LA,” and “Not Like Us.” In “Not Like Us,” Kendrick accuses Drake of engaging in inappropriate relationships, a claim that escalates the feud to unprecedented levels.

January 2025: Legal Battles and Public Fallout

• January 2025: Drake files a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging that the label promoted Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” despite knowing the accusations were false. Drake claims this led to real-world consequences, including threats to his safety and a shooting incident at his Toronto residence.

• UMG’s Response: Universal Music Group refutes Drake’s allegations, asserting their support for artistic expression and denying any intent to defame or endanger Drake.

The protracted feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has had significant ramifications within the hip-hop community, influencing fan allegiances, shaping musical narratives, and sparking discussions about the ethics of lyrical content and artistic responsibility. As of January 2025, the conflict shows no signs of resolution, with legal proceedings ongoing and both artists continuing to address the feud through their music and public statements.