Kendrick Lamar and Canadian rapper Drake’s decade-long feud needs no introduction. Both artists exchange barbs through diss tracks and public statements. Even the fans have chosen their teams, and social media is divided about this infamous beef. However, spotlights were focused on Lamar when he performed in Drake’s hometown, Toronto, on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Lamar took the stage at the Rogers Centre for the first time since tensions between the two artists escalated last year. While fans were biased and approached the concert with a fiery confrontation, Kendrick Lamar focused on delivering an energetic and wholesome set for the crowd.
The highlight of the evening was Lamar’s rendition of “Not Like Us,” a track that has become the defining moment of the feud between the two rappers.
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As per The Rocky Mountain Outlook, when Lamar performed, people grooved to his lyrics and took out their phones to record and preserve the amazing moment. After the song, Lamar stood in the spotlight, allowing the applause to wash over him for two full minutes, a witness to the song’s impact and the crowd’s appreciation. Other songs from his set include his latest hits from the album GNX, including “Squabble Up” and “TV Off,” as well as classics like “Humble” and “All the Stars.”
Although Toronto is Drake’s hometown, his musician father, originally from Memphis, Tennessee, met his mother, an English teacher, at a performance in Toronto. Lamar’s recent performance in Toronto appeared less about being bothered by the rivalry and more about captivating people with his smooth rap verses.
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While the crowd knew the drama, most fans came for the music. Some sided with Kendrick Lamar; others stayed neutral, merely enjoying the work of two influential figures in hip-hop. The energy inside the Rogers Centre was undeniable as Lamar held the audience’s attention with a powerful, tightly delivered set.
Ultimately, the Toronto show served as a reminder of Kendrick Lamar’s talent and stage presence. Even with the Drake feud threatening in the background, Lamar clarified that his priority lies in his music and connecting with fans. The night stood as a celebration of performance, creativity, and the impact of live music. Fans were excited to see Kendrick perform and wondered if he would make bold statements.
As per the outlet, Anthony Tran and Krisha Mae waited hours in line to buy matching SZA shirts, showing support for Lamar’s tourmate. “Everyone’s talking about it. We had to be here,” said Tran. He admitted the buzz around the beef was part of the appeal but added, “They’re both amazing songwriters.
I don’t care much about the drama.” Then, with a smile, he confessed, “Honestly? I like Drake more. I’m from Toronto—we have to rep him.” Drake and Kendrick’s feud began in 2013 when the latter’s verse of Big Sean’s (another dominating rapper and record producer) Control called out several rappers, including Drake, mocking them to improve their skill.
As the beef remained, it reignited in 2023 when popular artist J Cole said through his track First Person Shooter that the beef, which began with the three men (Kendrick, Drake, and J Cole), was the ‘big three.’ But Lamar disagreed with Cole, responded with his verse on the track “Like That,” and claimed he was the greatest rapper.
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Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was a highly publicized diss track aimed at his feud with Drake after Meet the Grahams. It peaked at number one in ten countries and the top ten in over twenty additional countries. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, he won Record of the Year for the album.
The moment was even more memorable as music legend Diana Ross, a 13-time GRAMMY nominee, presented him with the golden gramophone. Visibly moved, Lamar described himself as “starstruck” as he headed to the mic to deliver his speech. He paid tribute to iconic West Coast rappers like G Malone, Problem, and Maestro, as well as his longtime collaborators and ex-labelmates Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and Jay Rock.
“This is what it’s all about,” Lamar said. “At the end of the day, nothing is more powerful than rap music. We are the culture—and it will be here forever.” (via Grammy Awards).
Have you heard Drake or Kendrick Lamar’s music? If yes, who’s your favorite?
