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The Super Bowl halftime show is supposed to be about unity, fireworks, and unforgettable performances. But in 2025, it became the stage for one of the most explosive rap feuds in history. When Kendrick Lamar performed his diss track *Not Like Us*, the world watched as hip-hop’s biggest rivalry spilled onto football’s grandest stage. Now, with Universal Music Group (UMG) slamming Drake’s legal team over “wild conspiracies,” the drama has reached a new level. This isn’t just about music anymore—it’s about artistic freedom, defamation, and whether rap battles should ever end up in court.
The Super Bowl Performance That Shook the World
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show wasn’t just another performance—it was a cultural earthquake. Millions tuned in expecting the usual spectacle, but what they got was a direct shot at Drake. Lamar’s rendition of *Not Like Us* was bold, unapologetic, and loaded with lyrical jabs. Fans erupted online, memes flooded social media, and suddenly, the feud was all anyone could talk about. The NFL might not have anticipated such a polarizing moment, but hip-hop history was made that night. Even casual viewers felt the tension, proving that rap battles aren’t just for the underground anymore.
Drake’s Legal Battle Takes Center Stage
Drake didn’t take Lamar’s Super Bowl moment lightly. His lawyers quickly amended their defamation lawsuit, claiming the performance crossed a line. They argue that *Not Like Us* isn’t just lyrical sparring—it’s a malicious attack that’s put Drake at risk. From alleged death threats to online harassment, the lawsuit paints a grim picture of the fallout. But critics say Drake is trying to rewrite the rules of rap battles after losing the war of words. After all, diss tracks have always been brutal—why sue now?
UMG Fires Back With a Scathing Motion
Universal Music Group isn’t backing down. Their legal team called Drake’s lawsuit “astonishing” and accused his lawyers of spinning “wild conspiracies.” UMG insists that Lamar’s lyrics are protected artistic expression, not factual claims meant to defame. They even threw Drake’s own words back at him, pointing out his history of provocative lyrics aimed at other artists. The message is clear: if Drake can dish it out, he should be able to take it. The question now is whether a judge will agree—or if this case will redefine rap’s legal boundaries.
The Feud That Defined a Generation
This isn’t just about one Super Bowl or one lawsuit. Drake and Kendrick’s feud has been brewing for years, with each track escalating the tension. From subliminal disses to full-blown lyrical warfare, their rivalry has captivated hip-hop fans worldwide. *Not Like Us* was the knockout punch, but Drake’s legal move suggests he’s not ready to tap out. It’s a clash of egos, artistry, and now, legal strategies. And with UMG caught in the middle, the stakes have never been higher for everyone involved.
Why This Case Matters Beyond Hip-Hop
This lawsuit isn’t just a celebrity spat—it could set a precedent for how courts treat rap lyrics. UMG argues that diss tracks are hyperbolic art, not literal accusations. But if Drake wins, could artists start suing over every harsh verse? The irony? Drake once signed a petition *against* using rap lyrics as legal evidence. Now, he’s doing the opposite. The outcome could shape creative freedom in hip-hop for years to come.
The Grammy-Winning Track at the Heart of the Storm
*Not Like Us* wasn’t just a diss track—it was a global phenomenon. The song dominated charts, won five Grammys, and became Lamar’s signature anthem. Its success only fueled Drake’s frustration, making the Super Bowl performance even more explosive. UMG’s legal filing highlights the song’s impact, arguing its popularity proves it resonated as art, not defamation. But for Drake, that success might be the hardest pill to swallow.
What’s Next in the UMG vs. Drake Showdown?
With UMG pushing to dismiss the case, the ball is now in the court’s hands. If the lawsuit proceeds, depositions and evidence could drag this feud into even messier territory. If it’s thrown out, Drake faces a major public defeat. Either way, the hip-hop world is watching closely. Will this legal battle end the feud—or pour gasoline on the fire?
Source: Music Business Worldwide
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
