Kendrick’s halftime performance was a firework of a completely different nature. Super Bowl LIX may be best remembered for Kansas City Chiefs victory but Kendrick ignited an entirely new kind during the show. This performance was a chance for Compton’s rapper Kendrick Lamar to reignite the ongoing feud between him and Drake.
The 37-year old Grammy-winning rapper delivered lyrics from the track “Not Like Us,” which is widely perceived as an insult directed at Drake. Lamar’s directness and knowing looks towards the camera made it clear who he was aiming his jabs at.
Drake’s Reaction: Subtle Changes in Lyrics
Drake’s 38-year-old self addressed the issue subtly during his Melbourne show, following Lamar’s Super Bowl appearance. Drake, the artist behind “Hotline Bling,” changed an important lyric while performing “Knife Talk.” The original line, “Beef is live, spoiler alert—this n***a dies,” was changed to, “Beef is live, spoiler alert—I never die.”
Fans and other observers were immediately moved by this lyrical alteration, which was captured and widely shared on social media sites like X, formerly Twitter. It showed the intensity of Kendrick’s rivalry with Drake.
Fans have divided opinions on beef
There were a variety of reactions online to the change in lyric and overall beef. Others praised Lamar’s audacity, but others criticised him for raising the feud. Commentators also had their say, some expressing opinions about each artist’s momentum. Digital commentary reflected hip-hop rivalry’s multifaceted nature and its impact on pop culture.
The Origins of Lamar and Drake’s Feud: A History of Discord
Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s feud dates back to 2013. Lamar’s verse in Big Sean’s song “Control” was the catalyst for their fight. Kendrick lashed out at Drake and other prominent rappers in his “Control” verse, which set the tone for years of lyrical dissing. In 2023, tensions increased when Drake and J. Cole dubbed Lamar and themselves as the “big three,” a claim Lamar disputed in Future and Metro Boomin’s song “Like That.” The track marked the beginning of a new phase for their feud and rekindled it. Some people consider these “beefs”, which are common among famous rappers, to be good for the music industry.
Beyond music: legal disputes and business disputes
Drake is currently involved in a legal case against Universal Music Group. The dispute between Drake and the other artist has gone beyond music. Drake accuses the label of actively supporting “Not Like Us” and profiting from the alleged diss track – an accusation that highlights the intersection of personal disputes and corporate interests within the music industry.
Super Bowl Halftime Show served as public reminders of the complex, dynamic conflict between Kendrick and Drake. It encompassed lyrical wars, changing alliances and high stakes legal disputes. Others are waiting to see whether other hip-hop stars like Metro Boomin or J. Cole will join the feud.