In a dramatic turn of events, Drake has reclaimed his position atop Spotify’s global Top Artists chart, surpassing Kendrick Lamar for the first time in 2025.
This milestone comes on the heels of a heated rivalry between the two rap titans, recently amplified by Lamar’s provocative Super Bowl LIX halftime performance and a series of diss tracks exchanged between the artists.
The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Controversy
On February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar headlined the Super Bowl LIX halftime show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. His performance featured the contentious track “Not Like Us,” widely interpreted as a direct attack on Drake. The show included notable appearances by SZA and Serena Williams, both of whom have past associations with Drake, adding layers of intrigue to the performance. Lamar’s choice of a diamond-studded “a” chain was a subtle jab, referencing a line from “Not Like Us”: “Trying to strike a chord and it’s probably A minor.” The performance sparked mixed reactions, with some fans praising its boldness while others, including NFL officials, expressed regret over the selection, suggesting that local artist Lil Wayne would have been a more fitting choice.
Drake’s Countermove
In response to Lamar’s Super Bowl spectacle, Drake released a collaborative album with PARTYNEXTDOOR titled “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” on February 14, 2025. The track “Gimme a Hug” stands out, with Drake seemingly addressing the feud: “F**k all rap beef, I’m here for the vibes.” This line suggests a desire to move past the rivalry, yet the album contains subtle digs, indicating the tension is far from resolved. Concurrently, Drake has initiated legal action against Universal Music Group, alleging defamation related to Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” which insinuates inappropriate behavior on Drake’s part.
Streaming Wars: The Battle for Supremacy
The rivalry has significantly impacted streaming metrics. Following the Super Bowl, “Not Like Us” experienced a staggering 430% surge in Spotify streams, propelling Lamar to over 88.8 million monthly listeners and temporarily positioning him as the platform’s most-streamed rapper. However, Drake’s consistent output and global fanbase have enabled him to reclaim the top spot on Spotify’s global Top Artists chart, underscoring the dynamic and competitive nature of their feud.
The public remains captivated by this unfolding drama. Social media platforms are abuzz with debates, memes, and discussions dissecting every move made by both artists. Industry analysts suggest that this high-profile feud could influence future collaborations, endorsements, and the broader hip-hop landscape. As both artists continue to push creative boundaries, their rivalry not only fuels public interest but also shapes the evolving narrative of contemporary hip-hop.
Looking Ahead
As tensions continue to simmer, the music world watches closely. Will Drake and Kendrick Lamar find a path to reconciliation, or is this just the beginning of a prolonged battle? One thing is certain: the narrative of their rivalry is far from over, promising more twists in the chapters to come.
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Nah this is fake news, I just checked Spotify. Drake only has 76.8M monthly listeners and is ranked 13th in the world. Kendrick has way more, with 96.9M listeners while ranking #5. Kendrick is the better rapper, there’s no point in trying to debate this when the facts speak for themselves. Drake had plenty of time in the lime light. It’s about time he got overthrown