In the world of music, especially within the rap industry, rivalries aren’t uncommon. They’ve fueled some of the most legendary diss tracks, beefs, and viral moments over the decades. However, when two of the biggest names in modern hip-hop clash — Drake and Kendrick Lamar — the stakes are sky-high. With Kendrick Lamar recently announced as the headliner for the Super Bowl 59 halftime show, it seems this feud, which many thought had quieted down, has taken a fresh and dramatic turn. Drake now finds himself in an uncomfortable position, and Kendrick isn’t holding back.
As an expert in influencer and celebrity culture, the intricacies of public personas, brand management, and beefs like this one are something I analyze regularly. Drake, the global superstar with a nearly flawless reputation for hit-making and cultural relevance, now faces a challenge from Kendrick, one of the most critically acclaimed rappers of his generation. Let’s dive into the latest chapter of their long-standing feud and what this could mean for both their careers.
Kendrick’s Super Bowl Announcement: The Beginning of the Latest Jab
On February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar will headline the Super Bowl 59 halftime show. This news, announced via a short video clip, has set the rap world ablaze. In the video, Kendrick states:
“There’s only one opportunity to win a championship, no round two.”
While this comment may seem innocuous to the untrained eye, those who’ve been following the feud between Drake and Kendrick know that it’s anything but casual. This line is seen as a direct shot at Drake, who just weeks prior had been cryptically referencing a “round two” of their beef, posting on his Finsta (private Instagram) that he would win this next phase of their ongoing rivalry.
In Drake’s post, he confidently stated:
“I’ll put it in the front page, Back Page, Middle page… wherever. We will win game two.”
The timing of Kendrick’s Super Bowl announcement feels deliberate. Kendrick’s subtle swipe during one of the biggest announcements of his career was not lost on fans. The line about “no round two” is both a declaration of Kendrick’s dominance and a reminder to Drake that there will be no rematch — at least not on Kendrick’s terms.
The Origins of the Feud: A Brief Recap
The Drake-Kendrick beef didn’t start overnight. The two have been competitors for years, vying for the top spot in the rap game, often labeled as part of the “Big Three” alongside J. Cole. Their initial rivalry started around 2013 after Kendrick’s now-iconic verse on Big Sean’s track “Control,” where he called out his peers, including Drake, and positioned himself as the new king of the genre.
While Drake initially brushed off Kendrick’s provocations, over the years, tensions have simmered beneath the surface. Fans and analysts alike have pointed out countless subliminal shots in their music, and while the two have never engaged in a full-blown diss track battle, the tension has been palpable.
The First Strike: “First Person Shooter”
Fast forward to 2023, and the feud escalated with the release of Drake’s album For All the Dogs. One of the tracks, “First Person Shooter,” featuring J. Cole, reignited the rivalry. Drake’s lyrics, which many believe were aimed at Kendrick, include the now-notorious line where he refers to himself, J. Cole, and Kendrick as the “Big Three.” Drake rapped:
“We are the Big Three like we started a league, but right now I feel like Muhammad Ali.”
While J. Cole appeared to play along, Kendrick was noticeably absent from the track, and according to reports, Drake had indeed reached out to Kendrick to join the song. Kendrick, however, refused, and his refusal only added fuel to the fire. When the track dropped, Kendrick didn’t stay silent. He responded through his music, making it clear that in his view, the “Big Three” wasn’t a trio, but a solo act — himself.
On his own track “Not Like Us,” Kendrick responded:
“The Big Three is just Big Me.”
This line further solidified Kendrick’s stance: He sees himself as the sole contender for the throne, dismissing Drake and J. Cole as mere challengers.
J. Cole’s Retreat: The Third Player Steps Aside
Interestingly, J. Cole has opted to stay out of the direct line of fire. Despite collaborating with Drake on “First Person Shooter,” J. Cole has made peace with Kendrick in recent years. In 2022, during one of his concerts, Cole took a moment to praise Kendrick’s greatness, stating:
“How many people think Kendrick Lamar is one of the greatest [expletive] to ever touch a microphone?”
Cole’s diplomatic approach likely saved him from getting caught in the crossfire, allowing Kendrick and Drake to continue their beef without a third player. This move by Cole was strategic, and in many ways, it mirrored his decision to avoid the aggressive competition between Drake and Kendrick. For Cole, a focus on music over beef seems to be the winning strategy.
The Super Bowl and the Power Play
The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most prestigious stages in the world, offering unparalleled visibility. For Kendrick, this opportunity represents not only a career milestone but a platform to assert his dominance in front of millions. And make no mistake — Kendrick will likely use this stage to troll Drake even further.
Some fans have speculated that Kendrick might go as far as to orchestrate an entire crowd chant during his performance aimed at Drake. While this is pure speculation, Kendrick has proven himself to be a master of subtle jabs, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he made more veiled references to their feud during his set.
What makes this even more potent is that Drake has been vocal about his desire to win round two of their beef, yet Kendrick is seizing one of the biggest stages in the world, potentially dealing a knockout blow before Drake even gets a chance to respond.
Lil Wayne’s Role: A Wild Card
Another angle to this feud is the potential involvement of Lil Wayne, Drake’s mentor and the man who helped launch his career. Fans were upset that Wayne wasn’t announced as the Super Bowl headliner, given that the event will be held in his hometown of New Orleans. However, many believe that Kendrick might bring Wayne out during his performance as a guest.
Such a move would be significant, not only because it would honor Wayne’s legacy but also because of the complicated relationship between Wayne, Drake, and Kendrick. In 2022, Kendrick referenced rumors that Drake had an affair with one of Wayne’s ex-girlfriends while Wayne was in prison. This tension between Drake and Wayne over the incident has never fully dissipated, and bringing Wayne out during the halftime show could be seen as another calculated move by Kendrick to undermine Drake.
What This Means for Drake’s Career
Drake is no stranger to beef. Over the years, he’s gone head-to-head with artists like Meek Mill and Pusha T and come out on top. However, Kendrick represents a different kind of rival. Whereas Drake has often excelled in crafting catchy, chart-topping hits, Kendrick is widely regarded as one of the most talented lyricists of his generation. Their styles, fanbases, and approaches to music are fundamentally different.
For Drake, this feud poses a unique challenge. Kendrick has never been one to engage in a public back-and-forth diss battle in the same way other rappers have. Instead, Kendrick’s jabs are calculated, often woven into his art and public appearances. Drake, who thrives on his ability to control public perception, may find it difficult to regain the upper hand in a battle where Kendrick controls the narrative.
The Super Bowl announcement is a massive power play, and it puts pressure on Drake to respond in some way. However, given the nature of the beef and Kendrick’s masterful trolling, it’s unclear how Drake can come out on top without engaging in an all-out lyrical war — something Kendrick has clearly been preparing for.
Conclusion: Drake’s Nightmare
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl announcement is more than just a career milestone; it’s a strategic move in his ongoing rivalry with Drake. By headlining one of the most-watched events in the world, Kendrick is asserting his dominance and reminding Drake that there will be no round two — at least not on Kendrick’s terms.
As fans, we can only watch and wait to see how this feud plays out. One thing is certain: Kendrick has positioned himself as the victor in this ongoing battle, and Drake, despite his many successes, now faces one of the toughest challenges of his career.
In the world of influencers and celebrities, rivalries can make or break careers. This feud will likely shape both Drake and Kendrick’s legacies for years to come, and it’s a front-row seat that none of us want to miss.
