Kendrick Lamar dominated the 2025 Grammy Awards, making history as “Not Like Us”—his explosive diss track aimed at Drake—earned five major wins. In a rare moment for hip-hop, Lamar’s victory cemented the track as the first diss record to take home a Grammy in over 30 years, following LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” in 1992.
The atmosphere at Crypto.com Arena was electrifying as Miley Cyrus announced his name, sending the crowd into an eruption of cheers. Even Taylor Swift and Beyoncé were spotted on their feet as Lamar’s viral anthem blasted through the venue.
As the audience rapped along to the now-iconic line:
“You’re tryin’ to strike a chord and it’s probably A minor,”
fans couldn’t ignore the deeper implications—a lyrical jab that now carries the weight of Grammy recognition.
Kendrick vs. Drake: A Decade-Long Feud Reaches New Heights
The Drake vs. Kendrick rivalry has been brewing for over a decade, with tensions escalating since Kendrick’s now-legendary verse on Big Sean’s “Control” (2013). While the two rap titans have exchanged subliminal shots for years, their beef hit a boiling point in 2024, when Lamar unleashed “Not Like Us”, a scathing takedown of Drake’s credibility, influence, and legacy.
Drake retaliated swiftly, releasing “The Heart Part 6”, a direct response to Kendrick’s allegations and lyrical attacks. But despite the Toronto rapper’s counterstrike, Kendrick’s track proved to have undeniable cultural impact, ultimately earning Grammy gold—a move that solidified Lamar’s dominance in the ongoing battle.
Drake Faces Pressure as Kendrick’s Super Bowl Stage Expands
Drake, currently on his Anita Win Max Tour, now finds himself in an uncomfortable position. His highly anticipated Super Bowl LIX performance is just days away, yet the narrative is now firmly in Lamar’s favor.
And the pressure just intensified.
In a bombshell announcement, Apple Music confirmed that Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show just got even bigger—SZA is officially joining him on stage.
A teaser video released Thursday shows Lamar on a call discussing his setlist, only to be ambushed by SZA, who douses him in blue liquid—a cryptic yet playful nod that fans believe hints at their performance’s explosive energy.
Kendrick & SZA: A Super Bowl Power Duo in the Making
Their Super Bowl pairing makes perfect sense. As labelmates on Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), Kendrick and SZA have delivered chart-topping collaborations, including their latest hits “Luther” and “Gloria” from Lamar’s GNX album.
With Drake’s reputation on the line, Lamar’s Grammy-winning moment and now-expanded Super Bowl presence could make for one of the most talked-about moments in hip-hop history.
One thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar isn’t just winning awards—he’s owning the moment.
And Drake? He’s got one chance to shift the conversation back in his favor.
Super Bowl LIX can’t come soon enough. 🎤🔥
