On November 22, 2024, Kendrick Lamar unveiled his much-anticipated album GNX. The 12-track release featured collaborations with renowned artists such as SZA and Kamasi Washington. It explored themes like competition, loyalty, and social dynamics. Tracks like “Heart Pt. 6” and “Squabble Up” garnered significant attention. He also released a video a few days later. Critics and fans dissected it for its symbolism. The best dissection I’ve seen thus far is here on Twitter (X.com).
The Rivalry Reignites
Kendrick’s GNX poured gasoline on the long-standing rivalry with Drake. Their feud started in 2013 and reignited earlier in 2024 with Lamar’s diss track, “Like That.” The track aimed at both Drake and J. Cole. The beef escalated with response tracks from both sides, including Drake’s rebuttals and Lamar’s searing track, “Not Like Us.” The battle wasn’t confined to lyrics; legal disputes soon followed. Drake took action against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, alleging shady practices that unfairly boosted streams for Kendrick’s music. Now that I think about it…didn’t he put a Cease and Desist on ‘Like That’?
Drake’s Tour Announcement
As tensions simmered, Drake announced his first Australian tour in eight years, kicking off on February 9, 2025. The date was no coincidence—it clashed directly with Kendrick Lamar’s highly publicized Super Bowl halftime performance in New Orleans. Drake’s tour itinerary includes performances in Melbourne, Sydney, and the Gold Coast, extending into March. The announcement, made during a livestream, fueled speculation that Drake intended to overshadow Kendrick’s big moment. It also seemed like he was throwing a shot at Kendrick Lamar. A text thread from someone in Lamar’s camp had a response to the interview.
Back to Back Lawsuits
Manipulated Streams
Drake’s initial lawsuit against UMG and Spotify focused on accusations of streaming fraud. He alleged that Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” received artificially inflated numbers through bots. Pay-for-play schemes also positioned Kendrick’s music unfairly ahead in charts and playlists. Drake’s legal team claimed these manipulations cost him significant opportunities and revenue.
Defamation Claims
Shortly after, Drake filed a second lawsuit, this time accusing Lamar of defamation. The lyrics in “Not Like Us” made damning accusations against Drake. They included claims of misconduct and personal attacks. Drake argued these claims were baseless and damaging to his public image. Drake’s camp called the lyrics “recklessly defamatory” and sought legal remedies to protect his reputation. But Drake…you’re the same one who paid for information and location on Kendrick and his family. Let’s not forget the line from his (trash) version of ‘The Heart Pt. 6’…
“We plotted for a week, and then we fed you the information.”
Final Thoughts
Kendrick Lamar’s GNX has not only solidified his place in music history but also intensified one of hip-hop’s most high-profile feuds. With diss tracks, lawsuits, and career milestones like tours and Super Bowl performances, the rivalry between Lamar and Drake has evolved into a multifaceted battle. Fans and industry insiders alike continue to watch closely, as this saga shows no signs of ending anytime soon. Kendrick said there are no Round 2’s, so between he and UMG, it looks like Drake is arguing with himself.
Stay tuned to my YouTube Community Wall for quick updates!