Kendrick Lamar painfully slaps Drake in the face while dominating Grammys 2025 with “Not Like Us”

A Historic Night for Kendrick Lamar

The 2025 Grammy Awards will forever be remembered as the night Kendrick Lamar solidified his place as one of the greatest artists of his generation. His hit song “Not Like Us” swept through the competition, taking home a staggering five major awards:

• Song of the Year
• Record of the Year
• Best Rap Performance
• Best Rap Song
• Best Music Video

This incredible achievement not only cements Lamar’s dominance in the rap industry but also serves as a cultural statement, reflecting the song’s deep impact on hip-hop and the music industry as a whole.

More Than Just a Diss Track

From the moment “Not Like Us” was released, it was clear that it was not just another rap song. The track, filled with sharp lyricism, hard-hitting beats, and a defiant tone, was widely perceived as a direct attack on fellow rapper Drake, escalating their long-standing feud.

The song resonated deeply with audiences, racking up millions of streams within hours of its release and dominating social media conversations. It became an anthem, not just for Kendrick’s fans but for many in the hip-hop community who saw it as a defining moment in the genre’s modern landscape.

The Grammy Sweep: A Statement from the Academy?

Kendrick Lamar winning five Grammys for “Not Like Us” wasn’t just a personal victory; it also sparked discussions about the Recording Academy’s stance on hip-hop and artist rivalries.

In Drake’s song Family Matters, he mockingly rapped:

“Kendrick just opened his mouth, somebody hand him a Grammy right now.”

Ironically, that’s exactly what happened. The Academy didn’t just hand Kendrick one Grammy; they gave him five.

This has fueled speculation that the industry sided with Lamar in his ongoing battle with Drake. Some believe this signals a shift in how the Recording Academy perceives lyrical rap beefs, especially when backed by overwhelming cultural support.

Kendrick vs. Drake: A Rivalry That Defined 2024

The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been one of the most explosive rivalries in modern hip-hop. While their tensions date back over a decade, things reached a boiling point in 2024, culminating in a back-and-forth diss track war that kept fans and media glued to every lyric.

How It Started: The Callout That Sparked Everything

Although Lamar and Drake have traded subtle jabs for years, the real battle started when Kendrick released “Euphoria,” a scathing lyrical assault on Drake’s credibility, lifestyle, and alleged personal scandals.

Drake fired back with “Family Matters,” addressing various accusations and attempting to turn the narrative against Lamar. However, Kendrick was ready with his knockout blow—“Not Like Us.”

“Not Like Us”—The Song That Ended It All

While “Euphoria” showcased Lamar’s lyrical complexity, “Not Like Us” took a different approach:

• A club-ready beat that made it a mainstream hit
• Direct, cutting bars aimed squarely at Drake
• A confident, almost celebratory tone, making it an instant crowd favorite

Rather than just a diss track, “Not Like Us” became an anthem of victory, solidifying Lamar’s dominance. The song’s massive success ultimately pushed the feud in his favor, leaving little room for a proper comeback from Drake.

The Cultural Impact of “Not Like Us”

Beyond the Grammy recognition, “Not Like Us” had a wider cultural impact, influencing everything from memes to NBA locker room celebrations. The song became an unofficial theme for hip-hop fans who saw it as a moment where “lyrical rap” triumphed over the mainstream pop-rap that Drake often represents.

Even outside the rap world, “Not Like Us” found its way into viral TikTok trends, YouTube breakdowns, and celebrity endorsements. LeBron James, one of hip-hop’s biggest cultural influencers, was seen vibing to the track multiple times, further cementing its dominance.

Drake’s Response to Kendrick’s Grammy Sweep

Following the Grammys, Drake—who has long been vocal about his issues with the Recording Academy—did not take the loss lightly.

• He immediately released a new track, subtly mocking Kendrick’s height and calling him “Nemo.”
• On social media, he posted cryptic messages suggesting the industry was unfairly supporting Lamar.
• Fans noticed that Drake unfollowed multiple Grammy-winning artists on Instagram after the ceremony.

While his reaction wasn’t entirely unexpected, it raised questions:

• Will Drake launch another comeback attempt?
• Or will he step away from the feud, accepting Lamar’s dominance in this round?

What’s Next for Kendrick Lamar?

With five Grammys in hand and an undefeated track record in rap beefs, Kendrick Lamar is at a career high.

However, fans are now wondering: What’s next?

A New Album?

Many speculate that Lamar may capitalize on this momentum by dropping a new album soon. Given his history of using real-life events as inspiration, it wouldn’t be surprising if his next project reflects the drama of the past year.

More collaborations?

With “Not Like Us” proving that Lamar can create commercially successful anthems, will he lean into that sound? A potential club banger featuring artists like J. Cole, Travis Scott, or Metro Boomin could further cement his mainstream appeal.

Expanding Beyond Music?

Lamar has already ventured into film, fashion, and business, but with his influence at an all-time high, 2025 might be the year he takes a more global approach to his brand.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Grammy Awards were more than just a celebration of music—they were a cultural shift.

Kendrick Lamar’s victory with “Not Like Us” was more than just about awards. It was about respect, dominance, and setting a new standard for rap excellence.

With Drake on the defensive and the hip-hop community rallying behind Lamar, it’s clear that we’re witnessing one of the greatest artistic rivalries in modern history.

Will Drake rise again? Or has Kendrick closed the chapter for good?

One thing is for sure: Hip-hop hasn’t been this exciting in years.