The Genealogy of Rap Rivalries, 2023 – 2025

2. Main Event — Kendrick Lamar ↔ Drake

Kendrick’s verse on “Like That” detonated in March 2024; Drake fired back with “Push Ups” (leaked Apr 13, official Apr 19) and the volley hasn’t stopped. Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” became the fastest rap song to 100 M Spotify streams (9 days) and the quickest solo rap song to hit one billion (250 days). HotNewHipHopReddit

Oct 6, 2023

First Person Shooter

“First Person Shooter” claims “Big Three.” The FADER
Sets stage

Mar 22, 2024

Like That Artwork

“Like That”: “…it’s just big me.” Wikipedia
Sparks open war

Apr 13/19, 2024

Push Ups

Leak & release of Drake’s “Push Ups.” Wikipedia
Targets Kendrick, Metro, Ross

Apr 30, 2024

Euphoria

Kendrick’s “Euphoria.” Wikipedia
Deepens personal jabs

May 5, 2024

Family Matters vs Kendrick

Drake’s “Family Matters” vs Kendrick’s “Meet the Grahams” (3-hr window).
Peak lyrical cross-fire

May 11, 2024

Not Like Us

“Not Like Us” drops — 81.2 M first-week streams, 5 Grammys in ’25. HotNewHipHopGRAMMY.com

Apr 5, 2024

J. Cole

J. Cole side-note: “7 Minute Drill” retracted & apologized: “Didn’t sit right with my spirit.” TikTok

Feb 9, 2025

Super Bowl LIX

Kendrick headlines Super Bowl LIX, performs censored “Not Like Us.” The Times of India

Jul 12, 2025

Drake Wireless Festival 2025 Crowd

Drake toasts “F*** Kendrick” chant at Wireless. The Sun