It All Started with One Bar: How a Single Line in ‘Control’ Made Drake and Kendrick Enemies for Life?
It began with a single verse—one that changed hip-hop forever. In 2013, when Kendrick Lamar delivered his now-iconic performance on Big Sean’s Control, he openly named a list of contemporary rappers he considered competitors. Among them was Drake, one of the most commercially successful artists of the time.
While Kendrick later claimed it was all “healthy competition,” it was clear the line didn’t sit well with Drake. What followed was a rivalry that slowly escalated over a decade, turning into one of the most public and deeply personal conflicts in the history of hip-hop.
Now, in 2025, with explosive diss tracks, headline-dominating performances, and even legal disputes, fans are asking the same question: Can this ever be repaired?
The Verse That Sparked a Fire: Control (2013)
In the summer of 2013, Kendrick Lamar shook the entire rap game with his explosive guest verse on Big Sean’s Control. In a move that was both shocking and strategic, he called out his peers by name—J. Cole, Meek Mill, A$AP Rocky, and most notably, Drake. His message was crystal clear: he wasn’t here to make friends—he was here to out-rap everyone and claim the crown.
Drake, known for his smooth delivery and commercial dominance, responded with calm interviews and carefully measured words. But behind the scenes, industry insiders could sense the shift—his ego had taken a hit. In the years that followed, subtle jabs surfaced in songs like The Language and 4PM in Calabasas, revealing a tension that was never officially acknowledged but always present.
That one verse didn’t just ignite headlines—it planted the seed for a rivalry that would simmer for over a decade, between two of hip-hop’s most influential forces
Subtle Shots and Growing Tension
From 2014 to 2023, Kendrick and Drake exchanged jabs through music, interviews, and social media. Kendrick’s 2015 track King Kunta emphasized the importance of writing your own lyrics—a clear swipe at Drake, who had faced allegations of using ghostwriters.
Meanwhile, Drake’s lyrics began targeting Kendrick’s public image, labeling him as a performer who claimed authenticity while operating like every other mainstream male rapper.
By 2023, the situation was no longer under the surface—it was boiling, and both artists knew it.
The Conflict Erupts: 2024 and “Like That”
In March 2024, Kendrick Lamar reignited the feud with a guest verse on Like That by Future and Metro Boomin. His message was sharp: “Forget the so-called ‘Big Three’—I stand alone.”
The line was widely interpreted as dismissing the trio of Kendrick, Drake, and J. Cole as equals, and positioning Kendrick as the only one deserving of legendary status.
Drake responded swiftly, releasing two diss tracks:
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“Push Ups” – mocking Kendrick’s physical stature and style.
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“Taylor Made Freestyle” – which controversially used AI-generated voices of iconic male rappers Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg, leading to criticism and a legal warning from Tupac’s estate.
The gloves were now completely off.
Kendrick’s Counterattack: The Art of Precision
Rather than replying with brute force, Kendrick delivered a series of calculated responses:
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“Euphoria” – emotionally intense, layered with criticism about Drake’s persona and influence.
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“6:16 in LA” – dissecting Drake’s image and loyalty.
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“Meet the Grahams” – a song structured as a letter to Drake’s family members, particularly his mother, father, and son.
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“Not Like Us” – a crowd anthem that dominated airwaves and made Kendrick’s message resonate beyond hip-hop circles.
The tone of Kendrick’s music shifted from battle to character exposure, painting Drake as someone who manipulates relationships and power dynamics, both professionally and personally.
The Accusations That Rocked Drake’s Reputation
While Kendrick did not explicitly make legal accusations, several lines in his diss tracks sparked public controversy. One of the most debated lyrics implied that Drake, a male artist over 35, had a history of interacting with much younger women, possibly teenagers.
Lines like: “I hear you like them young…”
“Trying to play a chord and it’s probably A minor…”
— were interpreted by critics as suggesting inappropriate behavior. While these were never confirmed or backed by legal evidence, the implications had real consequences. Social media turned on Drake, and online debates spiraled.
No formal charges were made, but Drake’s team quickly entered crisis mode.
Legal Retaliation and The Super Bowl Incident
In early 2025, Kendrick Lamar performed at Super Bowl LIX, where he included “Not Like Us” in his halftime show set. The performance, filled with theatrical symbolism, was viewed as a direct challenge to Drake’s status.
According to several sources, Drake’s legal team considered legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing them of encouraging a narrative that painted him in a negative light—especially through their marketing of Kendrick’s music.
While a lawsuit was rumored, no official documents have been made public as of August 2025. Still, the spectacle made one thing clear: Kendrick had won the moment.
Chart Victories and Cultural Impact
“Not Like Us” didn’t just trend—it became a cultural moment.
The song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, remained on top for multiple weeks, and became the most streamed diss track in hip-hop history.
TikTok was flooded with dance challenges, YouTube reactors praised its structure, and even political commentators weighed in on its social commentary.
Meanwhile, Drake’s response tracks faded, and his public appearances decreased. While he maintains a loyal fanbase, the momentum clearly shifted toward Kendrick.
Final Thoughts: Will This Ever End?
This wasn’t just a disagreement between two male artists—it became a generational debate about artistry, power, accountability, and authenticity.
Kendrick stood for lyricism and integrity. Drake symbolized mainstream dominance and adaptability. But in this case, adaptability wasn’t enough.
This battle may go quiet, but its impact will echo through rap history. It will be studied, dissected, and remembered—not just for the music, but for how it exposed the personal risks behind public fame.
