More celebrities are weighing in on the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar drama—and they are not on the Lover Boy’s side. In case you need a reminder, Drake and Kendrick have been at each other’s throats since the summer of 2024. They’ve engaged in a lethal rap battle, releasing diss track after diss track. Kendrick, however, was named the victor in their rivalry after releasing “Not Like Us.” The latter shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a global hit. The success even landed him the Super Bowl halftime show.
“Not Like Us” featured some firey lyrics, one of which referred to Drake as an alleged pedophile. Following the track’s release, the “Find Your Love” performer went ghost. He hasn’t released new music and hasn’t been in the forefront like fans are used to. In November 2024, Drake initiated legal action against Universal Music Group, claiming they sabotaged him in order to make Kendrick’s track a success. His team of lawyers also claims UMG paid companies to play the scathing diss track more frequently.
When the news broke, social media gawkers weren’t buying Drake’s claims. According to many, Kendrick’s single went Triple Platinum in their house. Plus, Drake’s closest pals, including LeBron James and DeMar DeRozan, were also seen jamming to it. People have remained silent about the lawsuit, but now some celebrities are talking. So, what did they have to say?
Stephen A. Smith Seemingly Calls Drake Soft During Podcast
During an episode of his podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show, the entertainment personality shared his thoughts about the Drake vs. Kendrick situation. Before he got into his segment, it seemed like the commentator had already begun throwing shots. His rant started with a message to Drake, calling him “a bit sensitive” and “in his feelings.”
He continued, saying he was aware that Drake had seen his show. “I did not say or echo a single negative thing about you. You’re a phenomenal artist. You’re big time,” he said. “What I said was—fact—’Not Like Us’ got you.” As Stephen continued, he called Drake out for teaming up with lawyers over a rap battle. According to him, that’s not something you do in hip-hop. “You take it to the studio. You take it to the streets,” he said.
Smith went on, repeating what the masses have said. “The point is Kendrick got you with that song,” he said. However, he urged Drake to use his voice to fight back rather than going the legal route. “This is what you do. You can come back with yours, or you say, ‘Damn, he got me.'”
As he finished, Stephen reminded Drake that he’s an icon in the music industry but that what he’s doing is “not a good look.” According to him, “That ain’t what hip-hop is.”
“And if that’s how you feel, then they’re right when they say, ‘Not like us.'”
