Drake issues official statement after Kendrick Lamar called him a “Pedo” at Super Bowl halftime performance

The world of hip-hop has always thrived on competition. From Tupac vs. Biggie to Jay-Z vs. Nas, rap battles have fueled the culture, pushing artists to sharpen their skills and elevate their music. But in recent years, one of the most intense rivalries has been between Drake and Kendrick Lamar—two of the biggest artists of their generation.

This feud reached an explosive peak during Super Bowl LIX, when Kendrick Lamar delivered a halftime performance that sent shockwaves through the industry. Not only did he perform his Grammy-winning Drake diss track, Not Like Us, but he also doubled down on his message in front of millions of viewers.

Drake, who has been locked in a long-running dispute with Lamar, responded with a legal battle against Universal Music Group (UMG) and a public statement addressing the controversy. This latest chapter in their feud has sparked intense debate—where is the line between artistic expression and defamation? And how will this impact the future of battle rap?

Let’s break down everything that happened—from the origins of the beef to the legal war that could change hip-hop forever.

The Beginning of Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar

Drake and Kendrick Lamar didn’t start off as rivals. In fact, they were once collaborators, with Lamar featuring on Drake’s 2011 album Take Care. However, over the years, their competitive tension grew.

• 2013: Lamar called out Drake (and several other rappers) in his verse on Control, declaring himself the “King of New York” and challenging his peers.
• 2015-2017: Lamar took multiple subliminal shots at Drake in songs like King Kunta and The Heart Part IV.
• 2018: Drake responded with Duppy Freestyle, a diss aimed at both Lamar and Pusha T.
• 2023: The feud reignited when Lamar released Euphoria, another diss that many believed was directed at Drake.

Tensions continued to simmer, but everything changed when Kendrick Lamar dropped Not Like Us in 2024.

The Impact of “Not Like Us”

In May 2024, Kendrick Lamar released Not Like Us, a scathing diss track that accused Drake of disturbing behavior. The song quickly went viral, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating social media.

The track didn’t just call out Drake—it painted a damaging picture of him. Fans dissected the lyrics, memes flooded the internet, and industry insiders took sides. Even worse for Drake, the song became an anthem, playing in clubs, at parties, and during sporting events.

At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Lamar won five Grammys, including Record of the Year for Not Like Us. His victory lap continued at the Super Bowl, where he delivered the performance that put everything on blast.

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance

Kendrick Lamar took the stage at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, performing for an audience of over 120 million viewers. It was a moment of hip-hop history—the first time a solo rapper headlined the halftime show.

• The Setup: Lamar’s performance opened with legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson, dressed in an Uncle Sam outfit, standing on a podium. He shouted, “America, are you watching?” before Lamar launched into his set.
• The Tease: Lamar performed several of his biggest hits, including HUMBLE. and Alright, but he kept teasing “Not Like Us” throughout the show.
• The Final Blow: At the very end, Lamar finally performed “Not Like Us,” making it clear that he wasn’t backing down from the controversy.

Social media erupted, with reactions ranging from admiration to outrage.

Drake’s Legal Battle with UMG

Before the Super Bowl performance even took place, Drake took legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing them of defamation.

His legal team released a statement:

“UMG is masquerading as a champion of artistic freedom by calling its actions merely ‘entertainment,’ but there is nothing entertaining about pedophilia or child abuse in the real world. We are confident that the evidence we will ultimately present at trial—including information we’ve already learned and continue to receive since filing the lawsuit—will expose UMG’s gross prioritization of its own corporate profits and executive bonuses over its exclusively signed artists’ well-being and the truth.”

This lawsuit is unprecedented in hip-hop history. Diss tracks have always been a part of rap, but taking a label to court over song lyrics is a bold new move.

How the Public Reacted

The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has divided fans, the media, and even fellow artists.

• Lamar’s fans believe he exposed Drake and proved his dominance in the rap game.
• Drake’s supporters argue that Lamar crossed the line, turning rap beef into something too personal and damaging.
• Industry experts are debating what this means for hip-hop’s future—will artists now start taking each other to court instead of battling on wax?

Meanwhile, the internet had a field day. Twitter (now X) exploded with memes, reactions, and debates. Some fans even joked that Drake should retire after the Super Bowl embarrassment.

What’s Next for Drake?

Despite all the drama, Drake is still one of the biggest artists in the world. He is currently on his “Anita Max Win Tour” in Australia, but many are wondering—what’s next?

• Will he respond with another diss track? Some fans are hoping Drake fires back at Lamar through music instead of lawsuits.
• Will he settle the lawsuit with UMG? Industry insiders speculate that Drake might drop the case if it causes too much backlash.
• Could this hurt his career long-term? While Drake has survived controversies before, this one feels different. Some believe it could tarnish his legacy if not handled properly.

What’s Next for Kendrick Lamar?

After his Super Bowl victory lap, Kendrick Lamar is riding high.

• A new album? Some rumors suggest he could release a follow-up to Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers later this year.
• More performances? With his Super Bowl set being so well-received, Lamar might plan more live shows or festival appearances.
• Another diss track? It’s unclear if he will continue taking shots at Drake or if he feels he’s already won the battle.

Final Thoughts: The Feud That Changed Hip-Hop

The Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar feud has officially become one of the biggest in rap history. It’s no longer just about music—it’s about lawsuits, public perception, and the boundaries of artistic freedom.

Is this the end of their war? Or is it just the beginning of something even bigger?

Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: hip-hop will never be the same after this.