The ongoing Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud reached a new level after the 2025 Grammys deleted a clip from their official YouTube coverage. The deleted portion showed the crowd singing along to Lamar’s “Not Like Us”, which had won Record of the Year.
Fans quickly connected the deletion to Drake’s ongoing lawsuit against UMG, where he accused the label and distributor of defamation related to the release of the song, as well as its alleged unlawful promotion. Some conspiracy theories suggest that the Grammys removed the clip to distance themselves from these accusations.
Lamar won five Grammys this year, including Song of the Year, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video for “Not Like Us,” which also played at events like the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show and an Amazon concert. His triumphs and Drake’s lawsuit are fueling speculation about how large institutions are reacting to their rivalry.
Despite the controversy, both artists are thriving in their careers. Lamar may even return to the Billboard 200’s No. 1 spot with his latest album, GNX, while Drake remains unshaken in his lawsuit battle.