Full Breakdown
Drake vs. Kendrick: Two Years After “Not Like Us,” the Feud Persists
5/5/2026, 12:07:11 PM
Flashpoint: “Not Like Us” and Drake’s Lawsuit
Kendrick Lamar released the diss track “Not Like Us” in 2022, accusing Drake of moral failings and calling for his death. Drake filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group, alleging the claims were false and defamatory; he is now seeking to revive the case.
Context: Internet Amplification and Historical Parallels
Commentators note the internet turned the dispute into a continuous spectacle, likening it to the Jay-Z versus Nas rivalry but with “the internet just makes it a little too wild now.” The feud forced fans to choose sides, echoing earlier hip-hop battles.
Key Players
The primary figures are Kendrick Lamar, Drake (Aubrey Graham), producer Metro Boomin, rapper Future, rappers J. Cole and A$AP Rocky, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who used the song to taunt Drake’s fans.
Timeline
- 2022 – “Not Like Us” released.
- 2023 – Drake sues Universal Music Group.
- May 3 2024 – Cavaliers defeat Raptors 114-102; arena DJ spins “Not Like Us.”
- May 15 2024 – Drake’s album *Iceman* scheduled for release.
Impact and Numbers
“Not Like Us” won five Grammy awards in 2025, and Kendrick’s Super Bowl halftime show set a viewership record. The Cavaliers’ Game 7 win came by a 16-point margin, and Drake’s single “What Did I Miss?” was the last rap track to reach the Billboard Top 10 before *Iceman*.
Official Response from the Cavaliers
The team posted a “DEFROSTED” graphic that altered the Iceman ice sculpture with a “W” and captioned “Turned the 6 upside down,” directly referencing Drake’s upcoming album.
Critics and Fan Reaction
J. Cole warned, “You either Kendrick, or you Drake, and you got to pick a side.” A$AP Rocky cited Drake’s alleged remarks about Rihanna as his grievance. Fans called the Cavaliers’ arena play “cold-blooded,” a reminder the feud endures.
On-Court Play
During the final minute of Game 7, the arena DJ spun “Not Like Us,” prompting memes and X posts that mocked Drake’s upcoming *Iceman* release.
Conflicting Accounts
Rolling Stone notes the lawsuit remains unresolved, while Sporting News highlights the song’s five Grammy wins and Kendrick’s Super Bowl show—details absent from the former. Neither Drake nor Kendrick has issued a recent statement.
Verbatim Quotes
“Back in the day, Jay-Z and Nas went at it, but I was a fan of both of ‘em,” — Metro Boomin, producer
“The internet just makes it a little too wild now.” — Metro Boomin, producer
“There was a beef?” — Future, rapper
“Not like us is the energy of who I am, the type of man I represent,” he said, describing that man as someone with “morals,” “values,” and the willingness to recognize his mistakes.” — Kendrick Lamar, rapper
“You either Kendrick, or you Drake, and you got to pick a side.” — J. Cole, rapper
Looking Ahead
*Iceman* drops on May 15, giving Drake a chance to address the controversy. The Cavaliers move on to face the Detroit Pistons on May 5, likely keeping the “Not Like Us” taunt in the public conversation.
