Kendrick Lamar's Diss Track 'Not Like Us' Sparks Feud and Legal Battle with Drake

2025-03-01

Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” aimed at fellow rapper Drake, has become one of the most controversial and talked-about songs in recent hip-hop history. Released in May 2024, the track escalated the long-standing feud between the two artists, with Lamar accusing Drake of pedophilia and other serious allegations. The song’s lyrics include lines such as, “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young / You better not ever go to cell block one,” and “Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles,” referencing Drake’s 2021 album. The cover art of the single further emphasized the accusations, depicting an aerial view of Drake’s Toronto estate altered to resemble a sex offender registry map.

The feud between Lamar and Drake dates back to earlier collaborations in the 2010s, but tensions grew as both artists vied for dominance in the rap industry. Lamar has criticized Drake for lacking authenticity and exploiting Black artists from Atlanta for “street credibility.” The release of “Not Like Us” marked a turning point in their rivalry, with fans and critics alike declaring Lamar the victor. The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Lamar multiple Grammy awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

In response, Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), the record label shared by both artists, alleging that UMG failed to prevent the release of the song, which he claimed contained defamatory content. Drake argued that the accusations in the song not only damaged his reputation but also endangered his personal safety, citing incidents such as attempted break-ins at his home. UMG countered that Drake was attempting to silence Lamar’s creative expression and “weaponize” the legal process. As of February 2025, the lawsuit remains ongoing, with potential implications for how record labels handle disputes between artists.

Lamar performed “Not Like Us” during his headline set at Super Bowl 59 in February 2025, further solidifying the track’s cultural impact. Despite skipping some of the more explicit lyrics during the performance, the message was clear: Lamar had no intention of backing down. The feud, marked by a series of diss tracks and legal battles, has become one of the most significant moments in modern hip-hop, with “Not Like Us” serving as its defining anthem.