Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Sparks Major Drake Controversy
Kendrick Lamar’s Blockbuster Year
Kendrick Lamar has been the undisputed heavyweight champ of hip-hop this past year, delivering a blockbuster run that rivals any summer blockbuster movie. Starting with the explosive Fourth of July drop of “Not Like Us, ” a fiery diss aimed at Drake, Lamar ignited a cultural firestorm that sent shockwaves through the rap world. His Super Bowl performance alone captivated millions, while his Grammy sweep and a staggering 13-week reign atop the Hot 100 with “Luther” proved he’s not just playing the game—he’s rewriting the rules. His Grand National Stadium Tour with SZA has been a mega event, packing arenas and solidifying TDE’s dominance much like a Marvel movie’s box office smash.
Drake’s Indie
Drake’s Indie-Style Comeback Strategy. Drake’s approach this year feels more like a clever indie film surprise hit rather than a big-budget blockbuster. After a quieter period, he launched “What Did I Miss?” on this year’s Fourth of July, signaling a ruthless comeback. Unlike Lamar’s high-profile blitz, Drake’s strategy has been slow-building, with his album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U featuring PARTYNEXTDOOR steadily climbing charts. His single “NOKIA” flirted with the Hot 100’s upper echelons, peaking at number 2, demonstrating that even without the usual hype machine, Drizzy’s still a cultural force. His rollout tactics—like blasting snippets from an Iceman rig truck across Toronto—evoke an indie guerrilla marketing vibe, turning heads in unexpected ways.
Hip Hop’s
Hip-Hop’s Chart Battles Are Blockbuster vs Indie. If the rap game was a movie box office showdown, Lamar’s blockbuster dominance is matched by Drake’s indie charm. Lamar’s “Luther” ran the Hot 100 for an unprecedented 13 weeks, a feat that echoes blockbuster franchises breaking records year after year. Meanwhile, Drake’s “NOKIA” and “Somebody Loves Me” have kept the indie spirit alive, climbing and re-climbing the charts through social media virality and club spins rather than immediate chart-topping debuts. While Travis Scott’s “4X4” and Playboi Carti’s album had moments in the spotlight, none matched the sustained attention Lamar and Drake command, highlighting the genre’s reliance on these two stars for both commercial and cultural momentum. ## Drake’s Upcoming Tour Is His Indie Breakout Moment. Drake’s gearing up for a major live event at the Wireless Festival starting July 11, a three-day extravaganza that could be his indie breakout moment on a blockbuster scale. This festival run, paired with his UK Tour alongside PARTYNEXTDOOR and the looming OVO Fest, is reminiscent of indie band tours that suddenly explode into mainstream fame. His new single “What Did I Miss?” soared to the top of Spotify and Apple Music charts immediately upon release, proving his ability to mobilize fans even without the full blitz of a blockbuster campaign. Will this translate into a Billboard chart-topper?
Time will tell, but the momentum is unmistakable. ## Lamar vs Drake Is The Summer Blockbuster Showdown. The question on everyone’s lips: can Drake dethrone Kendrick Lamar’s god-tier reign?
Lamar’s year-long domination is like the Avengers of hip-hop—hard to topple once assembled and firing on all cylinders. Yet Drake’s hitmaking savvy and cultural sway, evidenced by viral hits and steady chart climbs, make him a formidable challenger. Think of it as the indie darling taking on the studio juggernaut, where creativity and grassroots energy meet massive production and star power. Fans want introspective Drake, but also crave the party-starting bangers that made him a summer staple back in
2018. The rap game’s summer season just got a lot more exciting.
Why Hip
Why Hip-Hop Needs Both Blockbusters And Indies. Hip-hop thrives on this blockbuster-versus – indie energy. Kendrick Lamar’s cinematic, Grammy-winning dominance pushes the genre forward with grand narratives and cultural weight, while Drake’s more guerrilla-style releases keep the streets buzzing and the clubs alive. Lamar’s “Luther” held the Hot 100 top spot for 13 weeks, while Drake’s “NOKIA” and “Somebody Loves Me” have enjoyed longevity through social media and nightlife, proving different paths to success. Together, they keep the genre vibrant like a film festival crowd-pleaser alongside a summer blockbuster hit. In 2025, hip-hop’s box office is wide open—and the battle between these two giants is the main event.
