The beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has become legendary, echoing the tales of epic battles from history. As we delve into 2025, it’s clear that the Canadian rapper is facing a challenging chapter. Starting the year embroiled in a lawsuit against his own label, Universal Music, Drake asserts that Lamar’s latest hit, Not Like Us, which claimed five Grammy awards, is a defamatory characterization, accusing him of serious crimes including pedophilia. This song marks yet another chapter in their ongoing feud, resembling more a dramatic soap opera than a straightforward musical rivalry, especially as Universal sides with Lamar, labeling Drake’s claims as a “frivolous litigation.”
As Kendrick commands sold-out arenas, including a sensational performance in Barcelona during his Grand National Tour, Drake faces further setbacks. He has officially canceled part of his ambitious tour, including his much-anticipated stops in Australia and New Zealand. Initially postponed indefinitely in February due to “scheduling conflicts”—despite several sold-out shows—the announcement of cancellations has reignited criticism from his fans. While Drake built an empire with numerous chart-topping records, Lamar stands out as the first non-classical or jazz artist to win a Pulitzer Prize for the depth and artistry of his lyrics.
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Kendrick Lamar Stirs Controversy with Not Like Us at Super Bowl Halftime Show
With Lamar now celebrated as the king of modern hip hop, following the massive success of his Super Bowl halftime show, which attracted an astounding 133.5 million viewers, the dynamics of this rivalry have shifted. He performed the contentious track Not Like Us, which only fueled the flames of their feud.
On the other hand, July marked Drake’s attempt to reclaim his throne with the release of a new single, What Did I Miss? Here, he laments the betrayals of former friends, with Lamar being a key figure. Their past collaborations, like Buried Alive Interlude and Poetic Justice, feel distant now.
In this new track, Drake subtly targets another former friend, basketball star LeBron James. Once close, tensions escalated when LeBron attended a Kendrick concert in Los Angeles, which Drake perceived as a betrayal. This fallout led Drake to cover up his tattoo of LeBron’s jersey number, switching it for a new tribute to NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Despite a rocky beginning to the year, July promised a resurgence for Drake. With plans for his $ome $pecial $hows 4 U tour alongside PartyNextDoor, Drake kicked off his set at London’s iconic Wireless Festival, surrounded by a lineup of renowned R&B artists. However, critical reception was less than glowing, with The Guardian summoning an unflattering review, beginning with the line, “Drake’s chaotic three-night show reeks of desperation.”
After London, concerts in Birmingham and Manchester loomed. Yet, just before the scheduled performance in Manchester, Drake postponed it, citing “unexpected ferry timings” and logistical issues, frustrating fans who had already made travel plans. This led to disappointment, particularly as fans awaited his final appearance in Manchester, the concert was moved to August.
As Kendrick basked in success in Barcelona with a crowd of 48,000, Drake performed at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome while wrestling with personal reflections. “I didn’t arrive here as a jerk. I didn’t arrive here being deceitful. I came here being good to people, and my karma is clean.” He closed out his series of performances in Amsterdam as Lamar prepared to pack the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
With a whirlwind summer on the horizon, Drake is set for an extensive European tour featuring 37 shows across various countries, including Germany, Italy, and Denmark. While anticipation builds, fans can only hope none of his concerts are canceled, as it’s been a turbulent ride thus far.