Photo credit: www.news18.com
Last Updated: March 03, 2025, 09:31 IST
Conan O’Brien commented on the Kendrick Lamar and Drake rivalry during the 2025 Oscars.
During his hosting duties at the 2025 Academy Awards, Conan O’Brien injected humor into a heated ongoing rivalry within the hip-hop community, specifically addressing the conflict between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. With a witty remark, he said, “We’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile,” while jesting about his legal precautions with, “Don’t worry, I’m lawyered up.”
O’Brien’s quip alluded to a notable moment during Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show performance in February, where he delivered his track “Not Like Us.” This song is critical in the narrative of their feud, as Lamar provocatively called out Drake, referring to his album “Certified Lover Boy” with the line, “Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophile.” This has escalated tensions significantly, prompting Drake to pursue legal action against Universal Music Group, claiming they perpetuated a damaging narrative about him through the song.
The legal struggle reflects the intensity of their long-standing rivalry which reignited following notable diss exchanges over the years. The friction escalated early in 2024 after Kendrick’s standout verse on “Like That,” a collaboration with Future and Metro Boomin. This verse set the stage for a series of diss tracks, with “Not Like Us” emerging as a significant highlight. Notably, just before his Super Bowl performance, Lamar secured Grammy Awards for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year, solidifying his status in the industry.
Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s Rivalry
The conflict between Kendrick Lamar and Drake is heralded as one of the most significant rivalries in modern hip-hop, characterized by pointed lyrics and an undeniable competitive edge. It all began in 2013 when Kendrick famously mentioned several rappers, including Drake, in his verse on Big Sean’s track “Control.”
The rivalry further intensified in 2016 when Drake’s album “Views” contained lyrics interpreted by many as thinly veiled references to Kendrick. In 2017, Kendrick’s critically acclaimed album “DAMN.” also featured bars that seemingly called out Drake’s commercial ascent.
By early 2024, the situation became even more charged with Kendrick’s audacious verse on “Like That,” which reignited the feud, leading to multiple diss tracks, with “Not Like Us” serving as a major offensive against Drake’s earlier work, “Certified Lover Boy.”
As both artists continue to navigate their careers amidst this rivalry, the dynamics of their relationships and the industry at large will undoubtedly keep fans and critics alike engaged in the unfolding story.
Location: Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)
Source
www.news18.com