Drake Responds to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Diss

In a dramatic escalation of their ongoing feud, rapper Drake has issued a formal statement addressing Kendrick Lamar’s performance at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show.

Lamar performed his controversial diss track “Not Like Us,” which includes allegations of pedophilia against Drake. This public confrontation marks a significant moment in a rivalry that has captivated the hip-hop community and fans worldwide.

The Super Bowl Performance

On February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar headlined the Super Bowl LIX halftime show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

His performance was a tour de force, featuring a medley of his hits and culminating with “Not Like Us,” a track that has been at the center of his feud with Drake.

The song includes the provocative line, “Certified Loverboy, certified pedophile… tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor,” directly accusing Drake of inappropriate behavior.

Lamar’s performance was laden with symbolism and direct jabs at Drake. Notably, he wore a silver and diamond chain featuring a giant lowercase “a,” which fans interpreted as a reference to the “A minor” lyric in “Not Like Us.

” This subtle yet pointed accessory was seen as a “diabolical” diss aimed at Drake.

Adding to the spectacle, tennis star Serena Williams made a surprise appearance during the performance, executing a “crip walk” dance.

Williams, who hails from Compton like Lamar, was rumored to have dated Drake in the past, making her cameo a potential nod to their shared history and another layer in the ongoing feud.

Drake’s Response

In response to Lamar’s performance, Drake issued a statement through his legal representatives, condemning the allegations made in “Not Like Us.”

He stated, “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.”

Drake emphasized his commitment to exposing what he perceives as Universal Music Group’s (UMG) prioritization of corporate profits over the well-being of its artists and the truth.

This statement aligns with Drake’s ongoing legal battle against UMG, the record label representing both artists. In January 2025, Drake filed a lawsuit accusing UMG of defamation, alleging that the company not only failed to prevent the release of “Not Like Us” but also actively promoted it, despite knowing the allegations were false and damaging.

He further claimed that UMG artificially inflated the song’s popularity through deceptive practices.

The Feud’s Origins and Escalation

The rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar dates back to October 2023, when Drake and J. Cole released “First Person Shooter,” in which Cole referred to himself, Drake, and Lamar as the “big three” of hip-hop.

Lamar responded in March 2024 with a verse on Metro Boomin and Future’s song “Like That,” rejecting the “big three” label and accusing both rappers of sneak dissing. This exchange ignited a series of diss tracks and public confrontations between the two artists.

In April 2024, Drake released “Push Ups,” ridiculing Lamar’s height and his mainstream collaborations. Lamar countered with “Euphoria,” a six-minute diss track criticizing Drake’s biracial identity and questioning his abilities as a father.

The feud intensified with Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” which became a major hit, winning five Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

Public and Industry Reactions

Lamar’s Super Bowl performance and the ongoing feud have elicited strong reactions from fans, fellow artists, and industry observers. Some have praised Lamar for his boldness and lyrical prowess, while others have criticized the personal nature of the attacks.

The performance has also sparked discussions about the role of diss tracks in hip-hop culture and the ethical implications of airing such allegations on a global stage.

In the aftermath of the Super Bowl, social media platforms were abuzz with reactions. Some users lauded Lamar’s performance as a historic moment in hip-hop, while others expressed support for Drake, condemning the allegations as unfounded and harmful.

The involvement of corporate entities, such as UMG, has also come under scrutiny, with debates about the responsibilities of record labels in managing conflicts between their artists.

Legal Implications and Future Outlook

Drake’s lawsuit against UMG is ongoing, with potential implications for the music industry, particularly concerning the responsibilities of record labels in disputes between artists.

Legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent for how defamatory content in music is handled and the extent to which labels can be held accountable for the actions of their artists.

As the feud continues to unfold, both artists face challenges in balancing their creative expression with the potential legal and reputational consequences of their actions.

The situation underscores the complex interplay between artistry, personal rivalry, and corporate interests in the modern music industry.