Apple Music has named Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us as its Global Song of the Year, adding fuel to the ongoing feud between Kendrick and Drake.
The song has broken streaming records and earned five Grammy nominations, solidifying its impact in the music industry.
History of the Rivalry
The Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud began in 2013 and has grown over the years. Kendrick’s tracks like Euphoria and Meet the Grahams have taken direct shots at Drake, while Drake has responded with songs like First Person Shooter and Taylor Made Freestyle. The rivalry has kept fans engaged and divided over the years.
Drake Sues Universal Music Group
Drake has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), claiming the label inflated Not Like Us’s streaming numbers through bots and pay-to-play schemes. UMG denied the allegations, calling them baseless and affirming its ethical practices.
Unmatched Success of Not Like Us
Kendrick’s track has been a massive success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying on the Rap Songs chart for 21 weeks. The song has over 900 million Spotify streams and was named the top song of 2024 by Pitchfork, further cementing Kendrick’s dominance.
Drake’s Recent Performance
Drake’s Rich Baby Daddy, featuring SZA and Sexyy Red, reached number 26 on Spotify’s global charts. While still a major figure in music, Drake’s latest efforts haven’t matched the impact of Kendrick’s record-breaking track.
Fans and Industry Reactions
The public and industry are buzzing about Kendrick’s success and Drake’s allegations. Apple Music’s recognition of Not Like Us highlights Kendrick’s dominance, while Drake’s legal actions raise questions about the ethics of streaming platforms.
The Kendrick-Drake rivalry continues to shape the rap world, keeping fans eager for the next move.