The recent Grammy Awards held on February 2, 2025, showcased a fierce rivalry that has simmered between two of hip-hop’s biggest names: Kendrick Lamar and Drake. While Lamar basked in the glory of his significant wins, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year for his track “Not Like Us,” the reaction from Drake’s father, Dennis Graham, has drawn attention for its bluntness and indifference.
Dennis Graham, 70, was approached by TikTok user Joy of Everything and asked about Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy achievements. His response was unapologetically dismissive: “I don’t care enough about that s—.” He further elaborated, “That ain’t got nothing to do with me. All the best to him, man. I don’t do that bulls—.” This candid remark highlights a generational divide and a stark contrast in how the two artists’ families perceive the ongoing feud.
Kendrick Lamar’s triumph at the Grammys was not just a personal victory; it also served as a pointed commentary on his long-standing rivalry with Drake. The track “Not Like Us” is laden with barbs directed at Drake, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by fans and critics alike. Lamar’s five Grammy wins, including Best Rap Song and Best Music Video, solidified his status as a leading figure in contemporary hip-hop, while simultaneously reigniting discussions about the animosity between him and Drake.
The roots of this rivalry can be traced back to 2013 when Kendrick famously called out several rappers, including Drake, in his verse on Big Sean’s track “Control.” At the time, Drake responded with a measured tone, suggesting that Kendrick’s claims were ambitious but not a threat. “I didn’t really have anything to say about it,” he told Billboard, asserting that he was confident in his position within the industry. However, as the years have progressed, the tension has only intensified, with both artists occasionally taking jabs at each other through their music.
In recent months, the feud has escalated beyond lyrical exchanges. Drake has made headlines for his legal battles with Universal Music Group (UMG), which is also Kendrick’s label. In November 2024, he filed a complaint alleging that UMG conspired to “artificially inflate” the buzz surrounding “Not Like Us.” UMG responded vehemently, denying any wrongdoing and asserting that their marketing practices adhere to the highest ethical standards. The label’s rebuttal emphasized that the success of an artist should be determined by the fans, not by any alleged manipulations.
Drake’s legal troubles did not end there. He recently dropped a federal lawsuit against UMG, accusing them of defamation and claiming that the label promoted a “false and malicious narrative” regarding his rivalry with Kendrick. UMG’s response was equally firm, labeling Drake’s claims as “untrue” and “illogical.” The label expressed its commitment to defending its reputation and the integrity of its artists against what it described as frivolous litigation.
Throughout this ongoing saga, both artists have maintained a level of professionalism in their public statements, often choosing to keep their disputes within the realm of music. Drake has previously stated, “I have no ill feelings toward that guy,” indicating a desire to rise above the rivalry. However, the tension remains palpable, with both artists seemingly unwilling to fully reconcile their differences.
As Kendrick Lamar continues to receive accolades for his work, including his recent Grammy wins, the question remains: how will this rivalry evolve? With both artists at the top of their game, the hip-hop community is left to speculate whether their feud will lead to more explosive tracks or if a resolution is on the horizon. For now, the Grammy Awards have only served to highlight the complexities of their relationship, with Dennis Graham’s dismissive comments adding an unexpected twist to an already intricate narrative.
