Today, Explained: Super Bowl GNX – A Deep Dive into the Kendrick Lamar and Drake Feud

In the February 7, 2025 episode of Today, Explained, Vox delves into the escalating rap beef between two of hip-hop’s titans: Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Hosted by Sydney Madden, alongside contributors Peter Kafka, Charles, Stephen Thompson, and Patty Diaz, the episode meticulously unpacks the origins, developments, and broader implications of this high-profile conflict, set against the backdrop of Kendrick’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance.

The Genesis of the Beef

The saga began in May when Sydney Madden recounts that "Today explained is not bringing you the story of Not Like Us today. We did that back in May when it was the biggest story in music..." [00:00]. The tension intensified when Kendrick Lamar performed Drake’s diss track six times in a row at a Juneteenth concert, signaling a direct challenge between the two artists. By September, it was announced that Kendrick would headline the Super Bowl halftime show, turning the diss track into a cultural phenomenon.

Legal Warfare: Drake vs. Universal Music Group (UMG)

In November, the rivalry took a legal turn. Charles explains, "Drake filed a legal action alleging that his label, his parent company Universal Music Group, colluded with the streaming giant Spotify in order to boost 'Not Like Us' to become this streaming darling" [02:26]. This lawsuit marked a unprecedented move in rap beefs, traditionally confined to lyrical exchanges. Drake's litigation aimed to challenge UMG’s promotion strategies, asserting that the label's actions were detrimental to his career and reputation.

Drake alleges that UMG used its industry clout to elevate Kendrick’s track, positioning it as one of the most streamed songs of 2024. He contends, "UMG went after Drake by way of promoting this song so heavily in order for him to be in a weaker position, for his character to be defamed and his brand to be so tarnished" [05:14]. This claim is supported by instances where Kendrick's song was omnipresent—from high school graduations to political rallies—raising questions about the song's pervasive influence.

The Impact on Drake

The lawsuit highlights significant personal and professional repercussions for Drake. Charles details the severity of the situation: "The lawsuit names vloggers, YouTubers, Twitch streamers, and even established news outlets as sources that... ran with the narrative and the accusation of him being a pedophile and really defamed him and his life and livelihood" [06:59]. Drake faces not only defamation but also tangible threats, including break-ins at his residence and the need to remove his child from school for safety reasons.

Kendrick Lamar’s Ascendancy

While Drake grapples with legal battles, Kendrick Lamar continues to dominate the music industry. His song "Not Like Us" achieved five Grammy nominations and secured wins in all categories, a historic feat [00:54]. Charles emphasizes, "It's Lamar's first ever number one on the year-end global songs chart and really became this undeniable hit and propelled it to be such a cultural force" [03:02]. This success has positioned Kendrick as a central figure in hip-hop, culminating in his selection as the Super Bowl halftime performer.

The Super Bowl Halftime Show: Evolution and Significance

A substantial portion of the episode explores the Super Bowl halftime show's transformation from modest beginnings to a cultural spectacle. Stephen Thompson provides historical context: "There was a very pivotal moment in Super Bowl halftime history when the Super Bowl halftime show was performed by Michael Jackson" [20:39]. This performance set the stage for future halftime shows to feature monumental artists.

Charles and Stephen Thompson discuss the role of Jay Z in modernizing the halftime show. "Jay Z's history with the NFL really is a history of him figuring out how to kind of barge into the boardroom and make some of these decisions," Stephen explains [23:44]. Under Jay Z’s influence, the halftime show has embraced more contemporary and diverse musical acts, aligning with current cultural trends.

Kendrick Lamar’s Upcoming Performance

With Kendrick Lamar set to perform “Not Like Us” at the Super Bowl, speculation abounds regarding the nature of his performance. Stephen Thompson predicts, "If people are expecting this to be some big moment for Kendrick to dunk on Drake, I think it's very unlikely" [16:08]. Instead, he anticipates a medley of Kendrick’s greatest hits, integrating "Not Like Us" in a manner that celebrates his achievements rather than reigniting the feud.

Sydney Madden adds her perspective, noting the cultural reach of Kendrick's music: "One effort that has really been made in recent years is to make the Super Bowl halftime show a big collective cultural experience where everyone's kind of talking about it" [17:57]. This inclusive approach ensures that even casual listeners can engage with Kendrick’s performance, reinforcing the song’s widespread recognition.

Cultural and Industry Implications

The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake extends beyond personal animosity, highlighting significant dynamics within the music industry. Charles articulates the broader implications: "Kendrick and Drake are part of the Mount Rushmore of hip hop, and that comes with setting new precedents in hip hop and taking hip hop to new levels. And that includes, monetarily speaking" [10:33]. The legal battle underscores the intricate relationships between artists and their labels, emphasizing the power struggles that can shape careers and influence industry standards.

Predictions and Closing Thoughts

As the Super Bowl approaches, the episode concludes with forward-looking predictions. Stephen Thompson forecasts a Kansas City victory in the game, intertwining sports enthusiasm with the cultural narrative. Regarding the halftime show, he remains optimistic that Kendrick will focus on celebrating his success rather than delving into past conflicts: "I'm somewhat skeptical that this performance is going to be anything beyond a victory lap for Kendrick Lamar and SZA" [24:43].

Sydney Madden reflects on Kendrick’s legacy and the potential impact of his Super Bowl performance: "I've seen him live several times. I realize this is the culmination of a decade-plus effort on his part" [17:21]. This performance is poised to not only showcase Kendrick’s musical prowess but also solidify his place in hip-hop history.

Conclusion

The Today, Explained episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex relationship between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, set against the high-stakes environment of the Super Bowl. By examining the legal disputes, industry dynamics, and cultural milestones, the podcast provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of one of hip-hop’s most significant feuds and its implications for the future of music and entertainment.

Notable Quotes:

• Sydney Madden [00:00]: “Shortly after our episode aired, Kendrick Lamar closed out a Juneteenth concert by playing the Drake diss track six consecutive times.”

• Charles [02:26]: “Drake filed a legal action alleging that his label, his parent company Universal Music Group, colluded with the streaming giant Spotify in order to boost 'Not Like Us' to become this streaming darling.”

• Stephen Thompson [16:08]: “If people are expecting this to be some big moment for Kendrick to dunk on Drake, I think it's very unlikely.”

• Charles [10:33]: “Kendrick and Drake are part of the Mount Rushmore of hip hop, and that comes with setting new precedents in hip hop and taking hip hop to new levels.”

• Sydney Madden [17:21]: “I realize this is the culmination of a decade-plus effort on his part.”